What you can catch
Game fish include yellowfin tuna, dorado, king mackerel (couta), queen mackerel (Natal snoek), wahoo and, further out, marlin and sailfish. On the reefs, skippers target rockcod, slinger, englishman, musselcracker and other bottom fish.
Between Umkomaas and Pennington there are four launch sites, each run by an established ski-boat club, and charter operators work from the bigger launches along the coast. Trips usually launch at first light and are back by midday.
Before you go
Every angler needs a recreational fishing permit, sold at the Post Office. Charters cancel in rough seas and the surf launch is bumpy, so take seasickness tablets if you need them. Read our deep-sea fishing guide for how the moon and tides affect the bite.
Good to know
- Example charter
- Awesome Charters, Shelly Beach (about 1 hour 15 minutes south)
- Bring
- Permit, hat, sunscreen, food and drink, a cooler for your catch
- Tip
- Leave a spare day in your stay for weather
Questions
Do I need a fishing licence for a charter?
Yes. Each angler needs their own recreational fishing permit from the Post Office.
Does the moon affect deep-sea fishing?
Through the tides, yes: our deep-sea fishing guide has a moon-phase and spring-tide table for the next twelve months.
Sources: Awesome Charters · SA Angler: where to fish. Checked October 2026; prices and hours change, so confirm with Deep-sea fishing charters before you go.
