Fishing is enjoyed year-round with Tuna, Yellowtail, Sharks, Reef Fish, Swordfish and the occasional Marlin from October to May and Cape Snoek, Yellowtail, Sharks and Reef Fish from June to September.    Fishing with lures, jigs or baits; trolling, drifting or on anchor, our methods have all been very successfully developed and proven over the years.

Off-shore Big Game Fishing    

Deep ocean Big-Game fishing ranges from 20 to 40 nautical miles from land and is concentrated mainly on Yellowfin, Albacore (Longfin) & Bigeye Tuna and Swordfish but can also produce a Black, Blue or Striped Marlin. Yellowfin and Bigeye Tuna range in size from 40 to 100+ Kilograms with the Albacore (Longfin) Tuna from 8 to 30 Kilograms. Also present are Dorado (Dolphin, Mahi Mahi), Yellowtail and the occasional Wahoo and Long & Shortbill Spearfish. 

The shoals of game-fish are found in the warmer currents off the Atlantic coast where they feed on the abundance of Pilchard, Anchovies and Saury. Boats depart from Hout Bay, Simonstown or Millers Point, depending on the location of the fish and warm currents at the time. With an early start the boats usually have their lines in by 8 am. which allows the charter a very full days fishing. 

During the recent 2000/1 season our boats returned with excellent catches of Tuna, with some fish in excess of 80-kg. Our best day of last season recorded 21 Yellowfin Tuna, all in excess of 50-kg - between 4 anglers. Due to the abundance of Tuna, no focused Marlin fishing was done, however our boat Jabulani raised a Marlin on the rare day that a lure was run for them.  

We have achieved numerous South African game fish records and our boat, Jabulani, still holds the World, All Africa, and South African records for the Albacore (Longfin) Tuna.     During the 1999/2000 season our boat Obelix landed a Long-bill Spearfish which broke the All-Africa and South African records for the species.       Back  

In-shore Game Fishing    

The warmer waters in False Bay are the home to shoals of hard fighting Southern Yellowtail, which average in size from 2 to 12 kilograms, though these fish grow to over 40-Kg. Regular concentrations are found at Cape Point and along the Western Seaboard of False Bay where these stubborn fighters tax even the most experienced angler to the limit. Striking fast on the trolled lures, fly, jigs & spoons they are quick to dive deep in search of an underwater obstacle to sever the line. Yellowtail fishing is part finesse and part brute strength but thrilling for every second.

 This exciting form of fishing takes anglers close to the foaming white waters of Bellows Rock, along South West Reefs and up against the cliffs of the Point. Expected catches can range from a couple of fish to well over 100 in a day. Caught mainly by trolling, casting a fly and spinning (jigging), Yellowtail offer great sport for both the light tackle and saltwater fly enthusiast. 

During the cooler months, May to October, the Cape Snoek run takes place, when the sea literally comes alive with writhing silver fish that bite as fast as you can put a line in the water. Some of the fastest and hardest fly fishing action you will ever find in the world.  Fish with a rod and reel or with the traditional Cape hand-line. A truly great Cape experience. 

With the commercial Snoek fleet packed tightly over the shoals fishing becomes hectic as the fish rise to the surface grabbing baits and lures right next to the boat. Ranging in size from 2 to 8 kg the Snoek gives a good account of itself on any tackle. Light tackle angling for these fish is a must for the experienced angler where their skill can be honed on the fast multitude of strikes.                                     Back  

Reef Fishing    

A quick run to the fishing grounds in False Bay, off Cape Point or along the Atlantic seaboard with each venue offering different species of fish to catch. In False Bay one can expect to find Kabeljou which grow to over 50kg , Cape Salmon (Geelbek) up to 12 Kg and the usual White and Red Stumpnose, Roman, Elf (Shad, Bluefish), Mackerel, Maasbanker, Sharks, Rays, Skates and even the occasional White Steenbras. Off Cape Point and along the Atlantic coast you will find Roman, Silverfish, Panga, Hottentot, Fransmadam, Steentjies, Hake, Jakopever and Galjoen. 

With high powered Echo-Sounders (sonar) connected to a Global Positioning System (GPS) we are able to locate the productive reefs with pin-point accuracy giving you the ultimate opportunity to catch the target species.  The seasons are year-round and our skippers carefully monitor conditions to ensure an accurate assessment of where to go and what fish to best expect for the day.                               Back  

Shark Fishing    

Due to the abundance of marine life off the Cape coast many species of shark are attracted to the area.  We do not target Great White Sharks as they are protected in South African waters, however if they are inadvertently  hooked while fishing for other species, we release them with the lest stress and harm possible.  

  In our waters one can expect to find over 50 species of shark including the Mako, Blue Shark, Thresher, Bronze Whaler, Ragged Tooth and Hammerhead, ranging in size from 10 to well over 500 kg. Shark fishing is done mainly in the sheltered warmer waters of False Bay around our secret reefs where the large sharks often visit. 

Shark fishing is a highly physical sport with some fights lasting an hour or more. It is therefore recommended that anyone wishing to partake be in a good physical condition.  Although you are seated in a fighting chair the only harness you wear is connected to the reel so the full impact of the fight and brute strength is felt by the angler.    

Due to the number of very large sharks hooked during the past season we have limited all tackle on Shark outings to a minimum of 80 and 130 pound line classes.  Our reasoning for this is so that we are able to bring all the fish boat-side to tag and cleanly release them - no traces trailing behind them (also so you can get some awesome photo's of your catch).

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Saltwater Fly    We are proud to have been the pioneers of boat based salt-water fly-fishing in the Cape.  

Some of the hardest and fastest saltwater Fly-fishing action you'll find anywhere in the world.   Focused on Tuna species and Yellowtail during summer and Cape Snoek in the cooler months the Cape offers great sport for the fly enthusiast throughout the year.

Our successes have made us by far the most productive saltwater fly charter operation in the Cape.    Techniques we have developed over the years enable our clients to raise and hook up on fish regularly.   Through much trial and error we have helped design specific fly patterns which are proven to increase the strike and hook-up rates on the various species, at various times of the year and even on different days.

Albacore are the more prolific tuna species and therefore the easiest to target.   The angler must not be led into believing that they are easy pickings, in fact quite the opposite.   We raise the first strikes by trolling gamefish lures close to the boat, turning hard on the shoal and then chumming them up to the surface where they swim quite visibly,  like penguins through the chum-line.   All that is then required of the fly-fisherman is to present his fly to the fish of his choice and hang on.

Yellowfin are somewhat different and we suggest you prepare well in advance if you intend to take on one of these brutes.   The shoals of Yellowfin to be targeted on the fly are found by using echo-sounding equipment and raised by drifting and chumming, sometimes over 50 pounds of sardines, over the area.   Once they appear in the chum-line the angler can almost choose which fish to target.  Only once the line goes tight on the fish will you realise the trouble you have let yourself in for.    You are more likely to hook a fish of 120 pounds than one of 60 pounds.

Yellowtail are found close to Cape Point and in False Bay which makes fishing for these, and Snoek, an ideal half day trip.   Located by watching where and how the birds dive, our tactics are to drift down onto the feeding shoals giving the angler a perfect opportunity to present his fly into the frenzy.    Although ranging in size from 5 to 25 pounds, the Yellowtail is a quick, hard and stubborn fighter, immediately diving for any underwater obstruction to sever the line.

Cape Snoek is probably the fastest ongoing action you will experience anywhere in the world.    These fast striking "silver streaks" have an awesome set of teeth similar to a Barracuda and make short work of your favorite fly design.   Of the snake-mackerel family, these fish, ranging in size from 4 to 15 pounds, appear in vast shoals to feed on the anchovies and sardines.    These fish are the most common gamefish species off our coast and are targeted by the commercial fishermen for their good eating qualities.    It is not uncommon to have three or four strikes on a single retrieve, with some fish having a go at your fly on the surface next to the boat.

Land based saltwater fly-fishing, the fastest growing and most exciting form of fly-fishing, holds many opportunities for the enthusiast.   In the surf we target the shoals of Shad (Elf, Bluefish) and Garrick (Leerfish) which are extremely hard fighters where the skill of the angler is tested to the limit.   Smaller gamefish, such as Mackerel and Maasbankers, are also prevalent and provide hectic fun on lighter tackle.   The estuaries and lagoons are the breeding ground of most coastal species.   Kob in excess of 100 pounds, Garrick, Grunter, Steenbras, Shad, and a host of other species enter these placid waters to forage on the vast amounts of food and require the angler to use stealth and skill to tempt them to the fly.

We are unique in the Cape in being the first and only service to offer saltwater fly-fishing adventures.   A four day trip starting in Cape Town and moving up the east coast fishing different waters and species each day.   The aim of these trips is to afford you, the angler, the opportunity to catch a wide variety of species while visiting and enjoying some of the more remote areas and experience the wild nature of South Africa. 

As saltwater fly fishing is a specialised sport and we carry all the equipment you'll require.   Should you have your own gear you are most welcome to bring it along (and a number of spare spools).    We have our own fly designs for sale should you require - but please let us know in advance.                     

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Trout    

A trip into the scenic, rugged valleys surrounded by the towering mountains of the Cape is an experience you'll never forget.   Setting out at day-break and working up through the clear streams with our guides will bring you some of the most spectacular Rainbow and Brown Trout action you could wish for.   Floating a nymph past the nose of a wily fish huddled in its lair, is enough to get anyone's heart racing so loud you'll believe the fish could hear it.

During the winter months our guides prefer take you out into the countryside to experience the fishing in one of the many spectacular lakes of the Cape.   Tubing or wading around these picturesque locations is a must for any fly enthusiast and it is in these lakes that the biggest fish are found.                          Back  

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Freshwater  

Carp fishing paradise is right here in Cape Town.  Fish ranging in size from a few pounds to over 40 pounds not being uncommon.    We regularly have days of over 20 fish per angler - ongoing action with very little waiting time, especially for those anglers with little patience.  Our specially manufactured ground-baits and flavours have ensured our high success rate throughout the year.   We have also specialised in the catching of Carp, some exceeding 15 kg, on the fly - a truly exciting method of sight-casting to the fish, watching them pick up the fly and striking at the right moment.  Even if you have never cast a fly before, we will have you fishing like a pro within an hour.

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Large and Small Mouth Bass are plentiful in the lakes throughout the year, though more easily caught in the Spring. Our experienced guides will take you to their secret locations for spectacular action with the trophy fish.   Either by boat or from the shores, the explosive crash of a Bass on your lure sends the adrenalin pumping through the veins of even the hardened angler. 

Also abundant are large Barbel (catfish) , Bream and Eels which ensure ongoing action throughout the day.    Special baits and rigs are the order of the day when out with our freshwater guides who regularly return with sizable catches.  Back  

Beach and Rock   

The coast line along the Cape is rugged in its beauty with a contrast from the long flat sandy beaches to the almost inaccessible rocky outcrops where the sheer cliff-face meets the sea.   The coast is scattered with bays, beaches and ledges which allow you to fish at any time in any weather.   Equipped with Land Rover 4 wheel drive vehicles we are able to take you to places you never believed existed and fish in waters seldom visited by fishermen.

The more common species you can expect includes Kob, Cape Salmon (Geelbek), Shad (Elf / Blue fish), Musselcracker, Steenbras, Garrick (Leerfish), Galjoen, Dassies, Belman, Stumpnose plus a host of Shark and Ray species.   These fish range in size from the smaller rock dwellers of a pound to the giant Sharks of a few hundred pounds plus anything in-between.

Trips to the more remote locations necessitates staying over in a camp or lodge where many a fishing tale is born around the crackling night fire.   This is a true African experience which will never be forgotten.                 Back  

Cruises    

As the guests step on-board for a Sunset cruise they are handed an ice cold "Offshore Cocktail", a champagne based drink to set the mood. We cast off from the moorings at 4:30 p.m. and begin the cruise past the Sentinel and out towards Sandy Bay where, with weather permitting, we will weigh anchor and enjoy the last rays of the sun as it sets over the ocean. The return trip takes us back to Hout Bay along Chapman's Peak with the mountains perfectly silhouetted against a dark star-lit night. During the cruise, drinks and snacks are continually served by our hostess ensuring the evening is one our guests will never forget.                      

The day cruise takes the guests to some of the Capes most scenic spots never seen from land. This is a unique opportunity to take in the true rugged beauty of the mountains, feel the pulse of the sea and get close up to the Dolphins, Seals and other marine life. This is all done in the comfort of the lounge or up on the fly-bridge where the skipper will give a guided tour of the surroundings and point out interesting marine life as it goes by. The guests will have the choice of heading North along Camps Bay towards Cape Town and Robben Island or South to Cape Point. Each direction is a very different experience. Drinks and snacks are served during the 5 to 6 hour trip.      

In ideallic and exclusive surroundings, the boat becomes the playground of the guests for functions, celebrations and exclusive entertainment. Complete with music system, bar facilities, galley and ample space our boats make that occasion truly special. Whether the trip is a luncheon, full on bash or somewhere to get away from the crowd we offer the most exclusive and exciting venues.          

Without any outside interference a seminar or business meeting can take place in a relaxed atmosphere which is proven more productive than those in the traditional, formal buildings. Inside the air-conditioned lounge the audio-visual system allows for presentations while the on-board 220-volt power accommodates the use of laptop computers. Cellular phone communications are possible up to 10 miles from land.                        Back  

Filming    

Our boats, combined with the experience of our skippers, are able to take your film crew into almost any situation to ensure you capture the ultimate in footage the first time. With a stable platform to shoot from and the height advantage of a fly-bridge your crew will not have to battle to keep their footing enabling them to concentrate on getting that perfect shot. The lounge affords relaxing comfort on the long days where, out of the sun, spray and weather, almost any amount of equipment can be carried. 

Photo Shoots The perfect venue for those nautical photo shoots. We will take you, your crew and models to secluded locations or put you in the most advantageous position inside a harbour for those unique back-ground shots. Our clean and well-maintained boats have ample space for the models and photographers on the front, at the back or up on the fly-bridge. The cabins afford ideal changing and storage facilities.                   Back  

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