Cape Town has a particularly rich subsistence fishing history. Watching the nets being pulled in on Fish Hoek beach, buying fresh ‘snoek’ straight off the boats at Kalk Bay harbour and experiencing the awesome sight of the winter sardine run on the West Coast are all part of our national cultural heritage.



FISHING AS SPORT AND RECREATION

With around 3000km of coastline offering two oceans, and numerous rivers and estuaries, South Africa is an angler’s paradise. The warm East Coast offers greater variety of fish while the colder waters of the Eastern and Western Cape offer fewer species in larger numbers.

Over 50 species of fish are caught regularly along our coasts while many more are caught in smaller numbers.

Freshwater fishing, especially fly-fishing, has a huge following in South Africa. Opportunities for recreational fishing are abundant throughout the country.

POPULAR RECREATIONAL FISHING

The following are some of the most popular types of recreational fishing to be enjoyed in South Africa’s waters.

FRESH WATER – Rivers, dams, estuaries

?Rod and reel fishing

?Fly fishing

?Bass

?Trout

?Carp

SALT WATER FISHING and BIG GAME FISHING

?ROCK/ SHORE:

The most accessible and therefore most popular form of saltwater fishing in SA.

?BOAT / DEEP SEA

For the more adventurous!

?SALTWATER FLY FISHING

Relatively new to South Africa, this aspect of saltwater fishing is by far the fastest growing facet of recreational angling, both in SA and abroad, and many freshwater fly-fishermen are changing over to this addictive alternative.

TOUR AGENTS AND CHARTERS

With around a million anglers living in South Africa, and numerous tourists visiting the country to enjoy fishing in our waters, it is not surprising that a great number of tour companies have designed packages based on recreational fishing.

ACCOMMODATION FOR FISHING VACATIONS

When travelling around South Africa in search of the perfect catch, tourists and locals have a wide range of accommodations from which to choose. If you want luxury accommodation, many popular fishing spots are located close to a town with 4 or 5 star hotels and up-market guesthouses.

Cape Town is a arguably South Africa’s greatest tourist destination, so if you’re wanting to combine a fishing vacation with other great site-seeing and adventure opportunities you can’t go wrong with the Mother City.

For Cape Town luxury self-catering accommodation you’re spoiled for choice.

Further off the beaten track you may discover fabulous hunting lodges close to rivers and shores, or if you are on a tighter budget there are numerous B&Bs and backpackers.

Some accommodation however is geared more specifically to the travelling angler.