If you are looking to battle some exciting pelagics like Yellowtail, and Cape Salmon, you have found the right place.
"Brought my 18-year-old son to Botswana and South Africa with me as a high school graduation present." — Chris,
Hi, I'm Matt — the guy you'll find waist-deep in the surf. I've been fishing since I was a kid.
"We had a fantastic day fishing with Matt, catching really good-sized white steenbras and Cape stumpnose." — Iain,
Ocean Life Fishing Charters is owned and operated by Donavan out of Simonstown, Cape Town. Come and spend a memorable day fishing in and around False Bay, at the meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
"Trip was great, we where kind of early in the season, but these guys really hunted fish for me !" — Jarno,
If you're planning on fishing in Cape Town, look no further than Ocean Flair. Having logged many days on these waters, Captain Donavan knows them forwards and back.
"Serious fishing at the Cape: The crew—Donavan and Mike, both true-blue South Africans—are professional tuna hunters." — Thomas,
Cape Boat Charters is based in Simonstown, South Africa. Join the crew for a fun and productive day on the waters in and around Cape Point and False Bay! Cape Boat Charters is an environmentally-sensitive company.
"I can’t say enough about this experience. Alan and Anton were knowledgeable about fishing and wildlife viewing and were very accommodating." — Sheila,
David Bruiners specializes in fishing the waters around the Eastern Cape, Southern Cape, and Western Cape and invites you along for a trip to remember.
There's a fish with your name on it in Cape Town, and Cape Tuna Bucketlist will help you catch it! With Captain Francois at the helm, you'll have a knowledgeable and experienced guide.
"thanks francoi , great memories of cape town and your charter, thanks for having me aboard, will do it again when back in beautiful capetown." — Brendan,
Head out on some of the finest fishing in the country with Vida Loca Tuna Fishing! WE NOW OFFER YOU A RODMAN 1250 41FT LUXURY SPORT FISH/CRUISER. Hout Bay boasts one of the most scenic backdrops in South Africa.
"We had a great trip with James and Tim! Our plan was to combine some fishing with sightseeing and wildlife watching, and the trip ticked all the boxes." — Jan,
If you're ready to get hooked on fishing in Knysna, look no further than Knysna Deep Sea Fishing Charter.
"Captain and mate were friendly and professional, boat and tackle were solid." — Bradley,
Private half-day (around 4 hours) fishing trips in Western Cape typically cost $418–$732, while private full-day (around 8 hours) trips run $448–$1112. Shared trips are charged per person and usually range from $90–$128 per angler. Prices vary based on factors such as the length of the trip, the type of fishing experience offered, the equipment and services included, and the overall scope of the trip. Longer trips, more specialized fishing styles, and packages that include additional services or amenities generally cost more than shorter, more straightforward outings. Multi-day trips are typically priced higher than standard day trips.
Western Cape charters focus on ocean trips targeting species like Yellowtail Amberjack and Yellowfin Tuna, with many boats also going out when tuna are jumping and keeping the action going with constant searching rather than waiting in one spot. Look for a charter with local spot knowledge and gear/tackle sorted on board, plus crew that adapts to mixed experience levels (including kids and first-timers) so you still get plenty of chances to hook up. If your goal is Tuna or Yellowtail Amberjack, book a charter that’s willing to reposition through changing conditions and can organize everything from lines to bait to filleting, so you leave with fish ready to cook.
January is a prime time for Yellowtail Amberjack in the Western Cape, with many local charters on the water chasing this fast fighter, especially in December too. Yellowfin Tuna bites best in March and April, while Snoek is a standout in August and April. Skipjack Tuna is on the menu in January and February, and Kob heats up in December and January.
Western Cape’s hottest offshore action lines up with the summer run, and January through February is when Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish and Marlin are most dependable. The bite stays strong into March and April for Yellowfin Tuna, while winter shifts the spotlight toward Bluefin Tuna and Snoek instead.
Kob fishing is in season in October in the Western Cape, and anglers target it for its hard fighting and excellent table qualities. Snoek, Yellowfin Tuna, Leerfish (Garrick), and Geelbek (Cape Salmon) are also being actively targeted this month, each putting up a strong fight and rewarding anglers who match the bait and the local water.
Families heading out for deep-sea fishing in the Western Cape often say the crews are helpful with bait and fish handling, which makes a first trip feel more manageable. Several reviewers mention that kids and first-timers can still get into the action, with successful catches during half-day trips, and some report kids reeling in Snoek.
Western Cape trips can range from windy inshore days to longer runs offshore or along the coast, so pack for changing weather and a lot of sun on the water. A light windbreaker, layered clothing, and something to cover your face or neck are smart choices, especially when the southwesterly breeze kicks up. Nearly all local charters in Western Cape provide fishing gear, and the large majority provide bait and lures, so you usually only need to bring personal essentials and anything that makes a long day more comfortable. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is worth packing medicine, since some Western Cape trips head out beyond sheltered water and can get lively.
Most of the local charters in Western Cape run trolling and deep sea fishing trips. More than half also offer jigging and bottom fishing.
Experience world-class angling adventures with Western Cape fishing charters, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet to create one of the most diverse fishing grounds on the planet. The Western Cape region of South Africa offers exceptional year-round fishing opportunities that attract anglers from across the globe.
The waters off Cape Town and surrounding areas are famous for their impressive Yellowfin Tuna populations, with specimens reaching up to 110kg. When the Sardine run begins toward Mozambique, predatory Tuna follow close behind, creating prime fishing conditions. Experienced captains will take you 20-50 miles offshore where trolling and live bait fishing prove most effective for landing these powerful fighters.
Beyond Tuna, Western Cape fishing charters target a variety of prized species including Yellowtail, ferocious Snoek, Longfin Tuna, and occasionally Black and Striped Marlin. Inshore fishing near Cape Point yields excellent catches of Yellowtail, Snoek and Katonkel, while reef fishing produces Red Roman, Geelbek (Cape Salmon), and various Snapper species.
The region offers diverse fishing styles to suit all preferences - from offshore deep sea adventures to inshore excursions, reef fishing, and even freshwater options in the area's numerous lakes, dams, and rivers. Both beginners and seasoned anglers will find suitable trips with professional captains who possess decades of local fishing knowledge.
Most Western Cape fishing charters operate from prime locations like Simon's Town in False Bay, just a short 30-minute ride from the legendary Cape Point - the southwesternmost tip of Africa. The calmer waters of False Bay provide easier access to productive fishing grounds, making the Western Cape an ideal destination for your next fishing adventure.
