Fishing in South Africa

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Blessed with a coastline almost 3 000 kilometres long, and numerous dams, lakes, rivers and streams, South Africa has plenty to offer the fishing enthusiast. From game fish in two oceans to trout in mountain streams, there is something to challenge and entertain everyone.

Many of South Africa’s prime fishing spots offer not only good fishing, but also include some of the most beautiful places in a country blessed by Mother Nature.

Blessed with a coastline almost 3 000 kilometres long, and numerous dams, lakes, rivers and streams, South Africa has plenty to offer the fishing enthusiast. From game fish in two oceans to trout in mountain streams, there is something to challenge and entertain everyone.

Many of South Africa’s prime fishing spots offer not only good fishing, but also include some of the most beautiful places in a country blessed by Mother Nature.

Deep sea charters

Deep sea charters are available from ports along the coastline, which is shared by both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, as well as the cold Benguela and warm Agulhas currents, bringing with them a wide variety of species.

Almost 15 percent of all known coastal marine species are found on the South African coast.

Big fish that one will encounter at sea include barracuda, sailfish and tuna. Take note that permits are required for ocean fishing.

Mountains and dams

The gentle art of fly fishing is popular in South Africa, with three areas especially recognised for their bountiful offerings: the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Mpumulanga province, and the Eastern Cape. All three regions boast sizeable mountain ranges; it is in their mountain streams that trout flourish.

Some of these areas can be accessed only with 4×4 vehicles. The up-side of this is that they retain their natural beauty, being somewhat isolated.

For those that find fishing in rivers or off river banks too difficult, there are plenty of well-stocked dams to offer an enjoyable challenge.

Both brown and rainbow trout are to be found, though seldom together.

The South African trout season starts in September and finishes at the end of May. The best times for fly-fishing are in September and October, and then in April and May. However, many of the country’s dams and lakes have no closed season.

Bass and carp

For some, bass fishing is the way to go. The bass is an intelligent and thus challenging fish, while being hardy too. This makes it a very adaptable fish, to be found far and wide, and partial to a wide variety of bait.

Carp fishing also has its supporters. Like bass, carp were originally imported into South Africa, and offer an excellent challenge. They also grow to some pretty amazing sizes.

Catch and release is encouraged for both bass and carp fishing.

Blessed with a coastline almost 3 000 kilometres long, and numerous dams, lakes, rivers and streams, South Africa has plenty to offer the fishing enthusiast.

SOUTH AFRICAN FISHING QUICK LINKS

GENERAL

DEEP SEA CHARTERS

Eastern Cape

KwaZulu-Natal

Western Cape

FISHING TOUR OPERATORS

FLYFISHING

General

Eastern Cape

Free State

Gauteng Province

KwaZulu-Natal

Mpumalanga province

North West province

Western Cape

BASS FISHING

KAYAK FISHING

SPEARFISHING

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