South Africa is the southernmost country in Africa, covering 1,221,037 square kilometres, making it the 24th-largest country in the world. It shares land borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and surrounds Lesotho. The land consists of bushveld, grasslands, forests, deserts and majestic mountain peaks, and it’s home to 290 conservation parks. Over 300 mammal species, 800 bird species and 8,000 plant species call the country home.
South Africa’s coastline is equally impressive, spanning 2,850 kilometres with a range of unspoilt beaches and coastal wetlands that border the rich waters of the South Atlantic and Indian ocean. In this area where the two famous oceans collide, there are some explosive and unforgettable fishing opportunities to be enjoyed for both big game and shore anglers.
These nutrient-rich waters are home to the most extensive annual migration of Sardines anywhere on the planet, and in turn, a whole host of predators are never too far behind. Offshore you’ll find some of the finest Tuna fishing in the world, with an abundance of monster Yellowfin Tuna, Longfin Tuna and Big Eye Tuna. From the shore, prepare to battle with some of the toothiest predators that inhabit saltwater, including the Bronze Whaler Sharks, Ragged Tooth Sharks and Bull Shark. Over the last few years, fishing holidays to South Africa have become one of the most desirable for the adventurous angler.
We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to catch some of South Africas biggest and toughest species from the shore. Here at the beautiful destination of Jeffrey's bay, you will be fishing from the shore with a very experienced guide who will aid you while on your holiday to land some of the Indian Oceans most hard fighting species.
We are incredibly pleased to be able to offer the most exceptional fishing trips Cape Town and South Africa has to offer. Team this up with the best boats, guides and tackle available and you will soon find yourself hooked up to one of the hardest and dirtiest fighting Tuna that swim in the world's oceans.
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Fishing in South Africa is known for two main disciplines: shore fishing and offshore big game fishing.
Offshore fishing is traditional big game fishing and trolling for the giant Tuna species, the Bluefin, Longfin, and Big Eye; however, you can also target the fish using poppers, jigs, and if you want a real challenge, on the fly. These supercharged fish will test you and your tackle to its limit.
Leaving Hout Bay’s harbour, not far from Cape Town, you’ll be fishing the nutrient-rich waters where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. The seas can be pretty turbulent, so you must have a good set of sea legs.
The shore fishing is from a selection of beautiful sandy beaches and rugged rock marks, where you’ll be casting your baits out into the surrounding waters of the Indian Ocean. Don’t be fooled; even though you’re fishing reasonably close to the shore, you can encounter some real monsters of the deep. Species such as the Bronze Whaler Shark, Ragged Tooth Shark, Black Stingrays and Duckbill Rays are often swimming right under your feet, ready to snaffle the bait you’ve offered to them.
You will be fishing Jeffrey’s Bay which is a small town in South Africa, located on what is known as the garden route. This beautiful destination is located 45 miles west of Port Elizabeth and is home to some of the most naturally diverse surroundings you will come across.
If you’re shore fishing in South Africa be sure to read our blog, Shark Fishing Tips When Fishing From The Shore.
There are many types of fish in South Africa, and most of them grow to monstrous proportions. All the shark species like the Bronze Whaler, Ragged Tooth and Zambezi Bull Shark all grow to over 400-500lb and have an incredible average of over 100lb. The Ray species you can encounter is no different either as the Duck Bill Ray, Butterfly Ray, and Spearnose Skate all grow to over 100lb, with an average of over 40lb. If you’re lucky enough to encounter a Black Stingray, then hold on tight, as these fish grow to a whopping 450lb with an average of nearly 100lb.
If you’re offshore fishing for Tuna, then make sure you’ve eaten your Weetabix, as these fish are some of the toughest fighters. The Yellowfin Tuna and Big Eye Tuna grow to over 200lb with an average size of around 100lb, whilst the slightly smaller Longfin still go to a very respectable 80lb.
South Africa has a lovely, comfortable climate, with plenty of dry days and sunshine, with rainfall about half of the global average. Temperatures in the summer reach around 26°C, dropping to approximately 16°C in the winter. Its Spring runs from September to November, Summer from December to February, Autumn from March to May and then Winter from June to August.
The shore fishing in South Africa runs all year round but is best between October and April, this is when the big sharks move closer to the shore, and the fishing is at its best.
The Yellowfin Tuna runs from September through until June, with many other species turning up from October. The peak months would have to be December and January, though.
The best route to get to Jeffery’s Bay from the UK is London Heathrow to Johannesburg. Once at Johannesburg, you will then take a short internal flight then to Port Elizabeth Airport.
If you’re travelling to Cape Town, then a direct flight is available from the UK to Cape Town International airport. From there, you will then be picked up and transported to your accommodation.
One of the great things about fishing holidays in South Africa, apart from fishing, is the wide range of other activities on offer. Whether you’re travelling with a non-angler or fancy a day off from fishing, there’s no shortage of extra things to do.
Two of the most popular activities we offer are wildlife safaris and shark cage diving, the latter proving extremely popular amongst visiting anglers.
If you’re Big Game fishing from Hout Bay, then the big city of Cape Town is less than half an hours drive away and offers a whole host of cultural and historical sites to visit as well as plenty of bars and restaurants.
