Namibia is a country in Southern Africa that shares land borders with Zambia, Angola, Botswana and South Africa. It also has a monumental coastline of over 1,570km, known as the skeleton coast, which faces the Atlantic Ocean. Spanning over 16,000 square kilometres, Namibia has declared this part of the country as the Skeleton Coast National Park. The coast has been the subject of several wildlife documentaries, and the land is some of the most remarkable you will ever see.
Namibia’s Coastal Desert is one of the oldest deserts globally, and its dunes, created by the strong onshore winds, are the highest in the world. Despite being known as “The Land God Made in Anger” and being relatively inhospitable, the country is home to diverse wildlife, including a significant cheetah population. In the north, Etosha National Park’s salt pan draws game, including rhinos and giraffes.
Even though the desert and land are relatively barren, the waters around its coastline are anything but, as they are rich with marine life and offer some fantastic shore fishing opportunities. Thousands of anglers head for the Namibian coast each year in search of the ‘big one’.
The nutrient-rich Benguela current of the Southern Atlantic is the perfect habitat for the Bronze Whaler Sharks, and the coastline boasts one of the world’s largest populations. These hard fighting sharks are what Nambia fishing holidays are famous for, and they grow to epic proportions, with fish of over 400lb landed every year.
The Namibian coast boasts one of the largest populations of Bronze Whaler Sharks in the world. These huge sharks can reach well over 400lbs. You will be targeting them from the shore on heavy surfcasting tackle and bait. The Bronze Whaler is immensely strong and puts up one of the best shore fights you will ever have.
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The most popular species targeted by travelling saltwater anglers on Namibia fishing holidays is the giant Bronze Whaler Sharks; these fish are mighty powerful and will put up one of the best shore fishing fights you’ve ever experienced. Other shark species such as the prehistoric-looking Seven-Gilled Cow Shark, Spotted Gully Shark and huge Smoothhounds are all catchable, along with the Lesser Guitar Fish, various Rays, Kabeljou, Steenbras and other smaller species.
The beaches are long, sandy and virtually snag-free. They’re home to some massive fish that patrol up and down the coastline, searching for food. The tackle for targeting these fish has to be super strong and up to the job; the rods used are typically 14’’one piece and fitted with large multipliers that hold plenty of line. The baits for the Bronze Whalers are big and bloody and are either cast out or flown out by drone to distances over 250m. For the smaller species like the Rays and Kabeljou, you can have some fun with lighter setups.
One of the great things about Namibia fishing holidays is that all the tackle and bait is supplied.
The fishing isn’t too demanding as access to the fishing marks is via our 4X4’s, and then once the baits are out, it’s a waiting game. However, this can all change when one of the rods rip off, as the apex predators in these waters can test your tackle and ability to the limit, with fights of 2 hours or more not uncommon; this is probably as hard as it gets from the shore.
Temperatures in the mid 30’s add to the fatigue, but luckily on the coast, the upwelling of the cooler Benguela current gives rise to dense ocean fog, which often helps keep the temperature down to a comfortable level.
If you’re travelling to target the big Bronze Whalers, why not read our blog on Preparing For Shark fishing In Namibia.
The season runs from October to April, with January to March being peak time and most rewarding for anglers. Although you can catch all species throughout the year, the summer months, when the water is at it’s warmest, tend to produce the best results.
During the winter months from June to September, there is a tendency for high seas with rough water caused by cold fronts and storms out to sea. There’s also a general opinion that the big Bronze Whalers move out into deeper water during these months.
Flights leave the UK from Heathrow and stop off in Johannesburg before heading on to Rooikop airport Namibia. There, you will be picked up by the guide and transferred to your accommodation, which is a journey of approximately one hour.
