Fishing Seasons

Fish species which are found along the Cape coast:  (click on the name to check the seasons)

ALBACORE TUNA:  (Thunnus alalunga)               OTHER NAMES: Longfin Tuna, Germon

DESCRIPTION:  An easy Tuna species to identify by its long pectoral fins, hence the name "Longfin".  The Albacore, as with the other Tuna species, is designed for speed and power, a robust streamlined body with cavities into which the pectoral, pelvic and first dorsal fins can be laid to assist in the hydrodynamics of the body.  The top half of the Albacore is a dark metallic blue while the lower sides and belly are  a silvery-white.   An iridescent blue line separates these contrasting colours in freshly caught fish.   The flesh is the whitest of the Tuna family and make excellent eating either pan fried, grilled or on a traditional South African braai (barbeque).

RANGE: A highly migratory species assumed to be resident to the Southern Atlantic ocean.  The Albacore arrive off our coast in October and remaining until late in June.   

SIZES:  Ranging in common size from 10 to 60lb. although fish exceeding 70 lb. are caught every year.

FISHING TECHNIQUES: The shoals are located by trolling lures of various shapes, styles and sizes including diving plugs, plastic lures and metal head lures.   Once located they can often be raised to the boat by chumming and spinning.  They will take readily on drifted baits and spoons or jigs.

FIGHTING ABILITIES:  The Albacore Tuna offer some of the most exhilarating and hectic sport as they travel in shoals of many hundreds of fish.  These fish will tear line off the reels at a tremendous pace before settling down to a dogged "slug" type fight with the odd burst of speed where the angler must maintain constant pressure and vigilance at all times.  As with all Tuna species, these fish give an excellent account of themselves.

BACK

DESCRIPTION:  A Tuna species identified by its bright yellow dorsal and anal fins, hence the name "Yellowfin".  The Yellowfin, as with the other Tuna species, is designed for speed and power, a robust streamlined body with cavities into which the pectoral, pelvic and first dorsal fins can be laid to assist in the hydrodynamics of the body.  The top half of the Yellowfin is a dark metallic blue / black changing to yellow / iridescent blue stripe along the sides.  The lower sides and belly are  a silvery-white with gray lines evident in some freshly caught specimens.  The length of the leading second dorsal and anal fins increases in the older, bigger fish.  The flesh is light in comparison to other tunas and makes excellent eating either thinly sliced and eaten raw as the Japanese delicacy sashimi, pan fried, grilled or on a traditional South African braai (barbeque).

RANGE: A highly migratory species roaming the world's oceans.  Assumed to be a combination of Indian and Atlantic ocean fish, the Yellowfin arrive in abundance off our west coast in October and remaining until late in June.   

SIZES:  Shoals are generally of similar sized fish ranging in common size from 40 to 100lb. although fish exceeding 200 lb. are caught every year.

FISHING TECHNIQUES: The shoals are located by trolling lures of various shapes, styles and sizes including diving plugs, plastic lures and metal head lures.   Once located they can often be raised to the boat by chumming and spinning.  They will take readily on drifted baits and spoons or jigs.

FIGHTING ABILITIES:  The Yellowfin Tuna offer some of the most exhilarating and hectic sport as they travel in shoals often driving food-fish to the surface where they thrash and churn the ocean to a white foam.  Rated as the strongest fighting fish in the ocean, they require the angler to be in good physical condition as the fight can last many hours.   These fish will tear 100's of meters of line off the reels at a tremendous pace before settling down deep to a dogged "slug" type fight.   Just when the angler believes the fish is beat and a substantial amount of line has been retrieved, the Yellowfin will turn around and take all the line back and some. An extremely tiring fight where the angler must maintain constant pressure and vigilance at all times to finally subdue this fish.  

BACK

DESCRIPTION:  A Tuna species often difficult to differentiate immediately from the Yellowfin except by its larger eye, hence the name "Bigeye".  The Bigeye, as with the other Tuna species, is designed for speed and power, a robust streamlined body with cavities into which the pectoral, pelvic and first dorsal fins can be laid to assist in the hydrodynamics of the body.  The top half of the Bigeye is a dark metallic blue / black changing to yellow / iridescent blue stripe along the sides.  The lower sides and belly are  a silvery-white with vertical rows of white spots evident on the venter in some freshly caught specimens.  The length of the leading second dorsal and anal fins are never as long as those of the Yellowfin.  The flesh is darker than that of the Yellowfin tunas and makes excellent eating either thinly sliced and eaten raw as the Japanese delicacy sashimi, pan fried, grilled or on a traditional South African braai (barbeque).

RANGE: A migratory species roaming the depths of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans.  The Bigeye arrive  off our west coast in October and remain until late in June.   This species is generally caught deeper during daylight hours than the Yellowfin although they feed prolifically on the surface at night.

SIZES:  Shoals are generally of similar sized fish ranging in common size from 80 to 150lb. although fish exceeding 200 lb. are caught every year.

FISHING TECHNIQUES: The fish are located by trolling lures of various shapes, styles and sizes including diving plugs, plastic lures and metal head lures.  Often found feeding alongside the Yellowfin, they will readily take on drifted baits and spoons or jigs.

FIGHTING ABILITIES:  The Bigeye Tuna offer some of the most exhilarating and hectic sport especially when hooked on deep drifted baits.  Rated as one of the strongest fighting fish in the ocean, they require the angler to be in good physical condition as the fight can last many hours.   These fish will tear 100's of meters of line off the reels at a tremendous pace before settling down deep to a dogged "slug" type fight.   Just when the angler believes the fish is beat and a substantial amount of line has been retrieved, the Bigeye will turn around and take all the line back and some. An extremely tiring fight where the angler must maintain constant pressure and vigilance at all times to finally subdue this fish.  

BACK

DESCRIPTION:  A Billfish species easy to identify by the long flat sword, hence the name "Swordfish".  The Swordfish has a smooth, flattened sword that is significantly longer than the bill found on other billfish.   The back and sides of the fish range from dark brown, bronze to dark metallic purple while the underneath is a dirty white to light brown colour.   The dorsal and pectoral fins are rigid and do not fold down.    These fish usually travel alone although many individuals may be found over a relatively small canyon area to the west of the Cape Peninsula.   The flesh is excellent eating and highly sought after by the international fishing fleets.  Can be prepared in many ways including pan fried, grilled or on a traditional South African braai (barbeque).

RANGE: Found worldwide in temperate oceanic and continental shelf waters from the surface to depths of 600 meters.

SIZES:  Fish range in size from 100 to over 1000 lb

FISHING TECHNIQUES: Deep drifting rigged squid at night.   We have found the use of 80 and 50 lb. IGFA class tackle to be most suitable.

FIGHTING ABILITIES:  There is little doubt as to the fighting abilities of this "Gladiator of the Seas".   A guaranteed long hard fight in the dark of night with only the boat lights to comfort the angler.   An extremely tiring fight where the angler must be in good physical condition as it is essential to maintain constant pressure and vigilance at all times.  

BACK

DESCRIPTION:  A fish species easy to identify by the long bill, hence the general name "Billfish".  The Marlin has a rough, round sword that is used in defense and to stun or impale prey.   The back and sides of the fish range from metallic cobalt blue to black while the underneath is a silvery- white colour.   The Marlin may display bright iridescent lavender blue stripes across the body when excited although most  pronounced in the Striped Marlin.  The sickle shaped pectoral fins on the Black Marlin are rigid and do not fold down.    The Black has a steeper forehead than the Blue while the dorsal fin on the Striped is the largest of the three.   These fish usually travel alone although congregations may be found over a relatively small area when their food source is prevalent.  It has been long established by the Japanese Longline fleet that the area to the south-west of the Cape has one of the highest concentrations of Billfish in the world.   The flesh is excellent eating and highly sought after by the international fishing fleets.  Can be prepared in many ways including pan fried, grilled or on a traditional South African braai (barbeque).

RANGE: Found worldwide in tropical and warmer temperate oceanic and continental shelf waters from the surface to depths over 400 meters.  The Black, Atlantic and Pacific Blue and Striped Marlin occur off our coast which probably forms an important migratory path between the Indian and Atlantic oceans.   Found off the Cape coast from February to April when water temperatures exceed 20 degrees Celsius.

SIZES:  Regular catches by commercial vessels indicate the average size of the marlin found here are in the 500 lb to 1000lb class with few, if any, smaller fish.

FISHING TECHNIQUES: With the Tuna species being so prolific, very little attempt is made to target Billfish.    Despite this a number of Marlin are accidentally hooked every year and many more are seen.    The fish are located by trolling "Kona" type Marlin lures of various shapes, styles and sizes.  They will also take on trolled live Bonito, small Yellowfin and Albacore or Yellowtail, rigged skip baits and  drifted live or dead baits.   Lure fishing is most common off the Cape as one can cover a much greater area.

FIGHTING ABILITIES:  Marlin  offer some of the most exhilarating and hectic sport with aerobatic displays to excite even the most hardened angler.  Rated as one of the fastest fighting fish in the ocean, they require the angler to be in good physical condition as the fight can last many hours.   These fish will tear 100's of meters of line off the reels at a tremendous pace while jumping to rid itself of the lure and hooks.   Thereafter they often settle down to a dogged type fight with frequent high-speed streaks across the water and head shaking jumps.   An extremely tiring but highly entertaining fight where the angler must maintain constant pressure and vigilance at all times to finally subdue this fish.  

BACK

YELLOWTAIL Southern:  (Seriola Lalandi Lalandi)               OTHER NAMES: Cape Yellowtail, Yellowtail Kingfish, Halfkoort

DESCRIPTION:  Easily identified by its bright yellow tail and a characteristic brass coloured strips along the body.   An extremely fast swimmer which dives deep in an attempt to snag the anglers line on any submerged obstacle possible.   The strike is vicious and followed by a long determined run.   A strong fighter which makes a series of shorter runs during the fight and still shows determination alongside the boat.  The flesh is excellent eating either pan fried, grilled or on a traditional South African braai (barbeque).

RANGE: Occurs in all oceans south of the equator.  A coastal fish schooling in large numbers feeding on Anchovies, Pilchards and Squid.   Usually found close to the coast and rocky outcrops where they trap their prey.

SIZES:  Ranging in common size from 5 to 20lb. although fish exceeding 80 lb. are caught along the coast.

FISHING TECHNIQUES: The shoals are located by trolling lures of various shapes, styles and sizes including diving plugs, plastic lures and metal head lures.   Diving birds and splashing shoals readily indicate the presence of Yellowtail.   Once located they strike as single or multiple fish and once one is hooked others can often be raised to the boat and caught on live baits or spinning.  They will take readily on drifted live, whole and fillet baits and spoons or jigs.

FIGHTING ABILITIES:  The Yellowtail offer some of the most exhilarating and hectic sport as they can travel in shoals of many hundreds of fish.  These fish will tear line off the reels at a tremendous pace before going deep for a dogged type fight with a regular burst of speed where the angler must maintain constant pressure and vigilance at all times.  These fish give an excellent account of themselves on light tackle and saltwater fly.

BACK

DESCRIPTION:  A long bright silver fish with a formidable set of jaws armed with razor sharp, triangular teeth.  The back is a dark gray / blue or green colour while the underside is a bright silvery-white.    The fins are black and include a long first dorsal fin and finlets to the forked caudal fin.   The lateral line is pronounced.  The traditional fish fare of the local communities the Snoek makes excellent eating either pan fried, grilled, smoked, dried or on a traditional South African braai (barbeque).

RANGE:  Snoek prefer temperate coastal and offshore waters.   Abundant off the Cape west coast and also found off Southern Australia and New Zealand.    Predominantly a winter fish off the Cape it is readily abundant throughout the year.   The massive shoals arrive in July and remain until October.   

SIZES:  Shoals are generally of similar sized fish ranging in common size from 5 to 15lb. although fish exceeding this are caught every year.

FISHING TECHNIQUES: The shoals are located by observing the sea birds, shoals breaking the surface and monitoring the echo-sounder on the boat.  Snoek can also be located by trolling lures of various shapes, styles and sizes including diving plugs, plastic lures and metal head lures.   Once located they can be raised to the boat by chumming and spinning.  They will take readily on drifted baits, "dollies" and spoons or jigs.   Although the traditional Cape way of catching Snoek is with a heavy hand line, these fish are great fighters on a rod and reel.   Snoek make an outstanding target for fly fishermen as they will readily take the fly and action can be fast and consistant.

FIGHTING ABILITIES:  The Snoek offer some of the most exhilarating and hectic sport as they travel in vast shoals often eating baits and lures as fast as they can be thrown in the water.  A fine light tackle gamefish attacking a bait or lure with ferocious aggression and speeding off into the depths once hooked.  An extremely agile fish, the Snoek can change direction at full speed and often when it misses the lure on the first attack it will turn immediately and hit it with deadly accuracy.    On the fly these fish are outstanding sport and the angler must be vigilant to ensure the line is not snagged as it is ripped out through the guides.

BACK

DESCRIPTION:    The flesh is excellent eating and often served as Swordfish.   

RANGE: An open ocean shark ranging across the world's oceans, often found close to schools of shoaling food fish, temperature changes, canyons, reefs and current lines. 

SIZES:  Ranging in size from 50 to1000 lb.

FISHING TECHNIQUES: The Mako's are located mainly by trolling live or dead baits and lures of various shapes, styles and sizes including diving plugs, plastic lures and metal head lures.   Often seen cruising the surface where a bait can be thrown to them.   They will take readily on drifted and live baits.

FIGHTING ABILITIES:  The Mako offers some of the most exhilarating and hectic sport as they speed off.    Often jumping high out of the water followed by an aerobatic display of somersaults, these fish make for a spectacular exhibition.  Rated as the finest fighting sharks in the ocean, they require the angler to be in good physical condition as the fight can last many hours.   These fish will tear line off the reel at a tremendous pace sending a plume of spray into the air as the line scythes the surface.   Just when the angler believes the fish is beat and a substantial amount of line has been retrieved, the Mako will turn around and run the line out again. An exhilarating fight where the angler must maintain constant pressure and vigilance at all times.   This fish can prove to be a crew's nightmare as the Mako's teeth protrude out from the mouth making it difficult to remove the hook without the risk of severing a limb.

BACK

DESCRIPTION:   A beep blue colouration on the back with a white under-belly.   The sharp pointed snout and long body characterize this swift, hard fighting shark.

RANGE: An open ocean shark ranging across the world's oceans, often found close to schools of shoaling food fish, temperature changes, canyons, reefs and current lines. 

SIZES:  Ranging in size from 50 to 600 lb.

FISHING TECHNIQUES: The Blue's are located mainly by trolling live or dead baits, though will readily take lures of various shapes, styles and sizes including diving plugs, plastic lures and metal heads.   Often seen cruising the surface where a bait can be thrown to them.   Often they will appear in the chum line where they will take readily on drifted and live baits.

FIGHTING ABILITIES:  Blue Sharks offer some of the most exhilarating and hectic sport as they speed off.    Rated as one of the strongest fighting sharks in the ocean, they require the angler to be in good physical condition as the fight can last many hours.   These fish will tear line off the reel at a tremendous pace sending a plume of spray into the air as the line scythes the surface.   Just when the angler believes the fish is beat and a substantial amount of line has been retrieved, the Blue will turn around and run the line out again. An exhilarating fight where the angler must maintain constant pressure and vigilance at all times.   This fish can prove to be a crew's nightmare as the Blue tends to snap at the crew making it difficult to remove the hook without the risk of severing a limb.

BACK

| Rob Naysmith | Phone International +27 83 235 9550 | e-mail us | Add your link

    local mobile / cellular  -  083 235 9550