Blue Water Charters - Fat Girl
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Blue Water Charters - Fat Girl

35 reviews
Wilsons Wharf, 18 Boatmans Roa…
Durban NL, South Africa

Blue Water Charters offers a variety of fishing trips out of Durban, South Africa. They are specialists in Marlin and big game fishing and have the highest catch rates in Durban.

Here, you can catch the likes of Tuna, Marlin, Trevally, Yellowtail, Mackerel, and much more. To get them, you will need an experienced crew by your side. Luckily, Blue Water Charters are fit to fish for game fish. They will assist you whichever the package you book.

Mike is the owner and a fisherman himself. He has penned articles in numerous fishing magazines and knows the local waters. Your regular skipper, Eric, is also skillful and knowledgeable. Both of them know how to go about hefty fish. Blue Water Charters are pros at going after Marlin and other big game fish, being one of the charters with the highest catch rates in Durban! The boat is fully equipped to go after the sea-spraying prestigious monster Marlin – fighting chairs, high-quality equipment and, true fisherman’s spirit are all there to help you get that dream catch.

To ensure a customized experience, the crew offers a variety of packages. They will accommodate you aboard their 34’ Silvertson Sport Fisher, named Fat Girl. The vessel features a 12’ beam, has a cabin with a lounge area, a galley, a hand wash basin, and a flush toilet. The boat is powered by two 250 HP Yamaha 4 stroke engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 30 knots.

Once onboard, you will find a spacious aft deck with padded gunnels and a fighting chair. There is a large foredeck and flybridge. The boat is rigged with Garmin GPS, and Furuno Sonar, a good sound system, and it has outriggers and downriggers. Simply put, it’s made for fishing. Whether it’s deep seas, inshore, reefs, vertical jigging, spinning or fishing on the fly, they’ve got you covered.

You will get top-notch tackle by Shimano Tiagra. Take out a fishing license in one of the tackle shops. Food and drinks are available at an extra cost.  Hop on and let Blue Water Charters take you out!

  • Live Bait
  • You Keep Catch
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks
  • Toilet
  • Child Friendly
  • Ice Box
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Fighting Chair
  • Food (Lunch & Snacks)

Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Offshore Marlin/Game Fishing 12hrs
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    12 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    $1,057
    price breakdown
    $1,057
    Our specialty trip, the trips we live for. Here we go far offshore into the deep on a long range trolling trip in search of Marlin and Big Tuna. There are 3 species of Marlin found in our waters, Black Marlin, Blue Marlin and Striped Marlin and depending on the conditions of the day will determine which species we will hunt for. , Dorado (Mahi), Wahoo, Tuna are regular catches on these trips. We provide Shimano 80lb Tiagra ackle and help from crew
  • Private trip
    Offshore Marlin/Game Fishing 10hrs
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    $925
    price breakdown
    $925
    Our specialty trip, the trips we live for. Here we go far offshore into the deep on a long range trolling trip in search of Marlin and Big Tuna. There are 3 species of Marlin found in our waters, Black Marlin, Blue Marlin and Striped Marlin and depending on the conditions of the day will determine which species we will hunt for. Dorado (Mahi), Wahoo, Tuna are regular catches on these trips. We provide Shimano 80lb Tiagra ackle and help from crew.
  • Private trip
    Deep Sea Game/Tuna/Reef Fishing 10h
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    $859
    price breakdown
    $859
    On this trip you can target Game Fish or Reef fish or a mix of both. In summer (Nov-April) trolling for game fish like Dorado (Mahi), Tuna, Bonito, Wahoo and Sailfish is the best choice, the chance of a Marlin is always a possibility whilst trolling. In the winter (May-Oct) a mix of trolling for Tuna, Bonito and Bottom fishing for reef fish is the best choice. Reef fishing is generally good all year round. All tackle and bait is provided with help from the crew.
  • Private trip
    Deep Sea Game/Tuna/Reef Fishing 8hr
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    $727
    price breakdown
    $727
    On this trip you can target Game Fish or Reef fish or a mix of both. In summer (Nov-April) trolling for game fish like Dorado (Mahi), Tuna, Bonito, Wahoo and Sailfish is the best choice, the chance of a Marlin is always a possibility whilst trolling. In the winter (May-Oct) a mix of trolling for Tuna, Bonito and Bottom fishing for reef fish is the best choice. Reef fishing is generally good all year round. All tackle and bait is provided with help from the crew.
  • Private trip
    Deep Sea Game/Tuna/Reef Fishing 5hr
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    $595
    price breakdown
    $595
    On this trip you can target Game Fish or Reef fish or a mix of both. In summer (Nov-April) trolling for game fish like Dorado (Mahi), Tuna, Bonito, Wahoo and Sailfish is the best choice, the chance of a Marlin is always a possibility whilst trolling. In the winter (May-Oct) a mix of trolling for Tuna, Bonito and Bottom fishing for reef fish is the best choice. Reef fishing is generally good all year round. All tackle and bait is provided with help from the crew.
  • Private trip
    Mid Deep Sea Fishing 5hrs
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    $529
    price breakdown
    $529
    This trip is ideal for beginners and families with children or for groups wanting a fun trip. A mix of trolling and bottom fishing is offered on this trip. We leave port and troll for game fish over the reef areas and then we stop and do bottom fishing. Here you will be fishing in 25-50m depth water 5-10km from shore at areas known as: No.1, Deep No.1 and the Flats. A wide variety of reef fish and game fish can be caught on this trip. All tackle and bait are provided with help from the crew
  • Private trip
    Inshore Fishing/Deep Backline 5hrs
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    $463
    price breakdown
    $463
    This is a fun trip for beginners, families with children and groups looking for a fun day out. A light tackle trip targeting the wide variety of smaller reef fish and game fish species as per season on an inshore reef area known as No. 1 or south of the harbour towards the Bluff, 3-7km from the harbour. Fishing will be trolling or bottom fishing or a mix of both depending on season and conditions as you prefer. All tackle and bait is provided with help from the crew
  • Private trip
    Backline/Harbour Fishing 5hrs (AM)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    $364
    price breakdown
    $364
    This is a light tackle trip backline in the sheltered waters just outside the harbour in front of uShaka or in the sheltered waters of the harbour, it is a great trip for those who enjoy fishing but don't want to go far out to sea. In general this is targeting smaller species of fish like shad and mackerel on the backline and harbour species as per season. All tackle and bait is provided.
  • Private trip
    Backline/Harbour Fishing 5hrs (Eve)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 PM
    $364
    price breakdown
    $364
    This is a light tackle trip backline in the sheltered waters just outside the harbour in front of uShaka or in the sheltered waters of the harbour, it is a great trip for those who enjoy fishing but don't want to go far out to sea. In general this is targeting smaller species of fish like shad and mackerel on the backline and harbour species as per season. All tackle and bait is provided.
  • Private trip
    Backline/Harbour Fishing 5hrs (PM)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    $364
    price breakdown
    $364
    This is a light tackle trip backline in the sheltered waters just outside the harbour in front of uShaka or in the sheltered waters of the harbour, it is a great trip for those who enjoy fishing but don't want to go far out to sea. In general this is targeting smaller species of fish like shad and mackerel on the backline and harbour species as per season. All tackle and bait is provided.
  • Private trip
    Family/Kids – Backline/Harbour 3hrs
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    $298
    price breakdown
    $298
    Fun light hearted, light tackle fishing, nothing serious specially aimed at kiddies. This is an ideal trip for families with small children or even just moms or dads who want to spend time outdoors with their children or who would like to introduce their kids to fishing. On this trip, you will fish in the sheltered area in front of Ushaka or inside the sheltered waters of harbour targeting smaller fish species as per season. All tackle and bait is provided along with help from the crew.
  • Private trip
    Family/Kids – Backline/Harbour(Eve)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 PM
    $298
    price breakdown
    $298
    Fun light hearted, light tackle fishing, nothing serious specially aimed at kiddies. This is an ideal trip for families with small children or even just moms or dads who want to spend time outdoors with their children or who would like to introduce their kids to fishing. On this trip, you will fish in the sheltered area in front of Ushaka or inside the sheltered waters of harbour targeting smaller fish species as per season. All tackle and bait is provided along with help from the crew.
There are 7 people looking at this charter.

About the Captain

Mike Laubscher
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
162 Fishing Reports
68 Customer Reviews
Response time 1 hour
Member since December 2013
I have been fishing since I was 5 years old in Durban and have fished many places around the world and in South Africa, but Durban is my home waters. I fished competitive for many years and I have been running my own charters since 2008 with 3 companies and 3 boats, fish a variety of styles and target a variety of fish species in both Salt and Fresh water, have many published articles in several magazines on fishing. Love nature and outdoors, Am very conservation minded and have a passion for birds. I am crazy about big Tuna, Marlin Fishing and Game Fishing, and also love light tackle spinning, am a total lure junkie. Represented my province in fly fishing for many years and am also pro staff for Rapala/Shimano. I want to write a book on fishing one day. 3 items left on my fishing bucket list, guess then a new bucket list will be in order. As a writer I have my own quote: "I love taking people fishing because it releases their inner child, and in doing so keeps my inner child alive."

About this listing

Targeted Species

Amberjack Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish) King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Marlin (Black) Marlin (Black)

Marlin (Blue) Marlin (Blue)
Marlin (Striped) Marlin (Striped)
Sailfish Sailfish
Spearfish (Shortbill) Spearfish (Shortbill)

Trevally (Giant) Trevally (Giant)
Tuna (Skipjack) Tuna (Skipjack)
Tuna (Yellowfin) Tuna (Yellowfin)
Wahoo Wahoo

Boat Specs

Silverton (Offshore sport fishing) originally built in 1979, and restored in 2015. Powered by 2 250HP Yamaha 4 strokes engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 30 knots.

Length
34 ft
Capacity
8 persons

Types of Fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Fishing Techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
Fighting Chair
GPS
Life Jackets
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Live Bait Well
Kitchen
Multimedia System
Outriggers
Ice Box
Toilet
Fighting Chair
GPS
Life Jackets
Fishfinder
Flybridge

Trip Includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Snacks
Drinks
First Mate
Lunch
Fly Fishing Equipment

Cancellation Policy

Deposit non-refundable

If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the dates of your booking.

Listing Policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
Catch and Release Mandatory

Payment

Book with 10% deposit
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
Pay remaining balance to captain
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
Bank Transfer

Durban Fishing Calendar

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Recent Fishing Reports

Big Wahoo, Small Marlin, Tuna and a ton
Big Wahoo, Small Marlin, Tuna and a ton
December 30, 2020
Big Wahoo, Small Marlin, Tuna and a ton of Dorado off Durban Fishing Report – Durban – 30th December Fishing has been great this season with good fish being caught on all trips, the Dorado have been thick with many being caught, there are also some nice Yellowfin Tuna about and finally the Wahoo have arrived, when the Wahoo arrive the Black Marlin are also around. Yesterday Fat Girl crew managed to land an awesome 1st Wahoo for the season weighing in at 17.5kg, and whilst they get much bigger in other parts of the world for Durban this is a good catch as they usually average 8-12Kg. With today not wanting to be outdone by yesterday the Fat Girl crew managed to hook up and release a small Black Marlin just past the south pier whilst clearing lines to enter port. This Marlin was a first for angler Giulio and so a huge congratulations to him. For Skipper Erik’s son Ruben who has been working as a deckhand for us during his school holidays it is his first interaction with a Marlin and he saw it chasing the kona whilst clearing lines and teased it to perfection to get the hook up and so a huge congratulations to him, how awesome for him and his dad to share a memory like this together. This Black Marlin is also the 4th Black that has been caught on Fat Girl in 2020 in the shallows between no.1 reef and the harbour entrance as we had 3 before the lock down in the shallows and just shows that one does not need to travel far in Durban to catch Marlin. I take this opportunity to wish all for 2021 and stay safe.

Customer Reviews

Rating Summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (68)
4.85
out of 5 stars from 35 reviews
See details
Boat
Crew
Experience
Inland harbor 5 hours
Offshore trip
Offshore trip
+65
Angler Rating
30
5
0
0
0
Anglers Claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Catch intended fish
97%
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5 of 35 reviews
Derrick B.
Dulles, VA
 5.00
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall

Inland harbor 5 hours

VERIFIED   Backline/Harbour Fishing 5hrs (AM) on October 24, 2020
Knowledgeable, professional, great conversation and relaxing trip. Will definitely do again.
Derrick B. recommends Blue Water Charters - Fat Girl
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Shawn T.
Stockbridge, ENG
 5.00
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall

Offshore trip

Offshore Marlin/Game Fishing 10hrs on February 10, 2020
First class trip with Mike,Eric and curt, had 2 days marlin fishing going 4 for 6 on blacks along with tuna and tornado and...
Shawn T. recommends Blue Water Charters - Fat Girl
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Jacques R.
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
 5.00
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall

December fishing trip

VERIFIED   Deep Sea Game/Tuna/Reef Fishing 5hr on December 14, 2020
Jacques R. recommends Blue Water Charters - Fat Girl
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Ferdie N.
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
 4.00
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall

December fishing trip

VERIFIED   NEW  Inshore Fishing/Deep Backline 5hrs on December 26, 2020
Ferdie N. recommends Blue Water Charters - Fat Girl
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Allan K.
Johannesburg, Gauteng
 5.00
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall

Captain Mike and Colleagues!

12hr Marlin/Big Game Trip on January 7, 2019
I have been looking for Black Marlin for 40years:- I jest not, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth...
Allan K. recommends Blue Water Charters - Fat Girl
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