SALT WATER FISHING

Go Big Game Fishing in the Indian Ocean

From warmer Indian Ocean species on the east coast to the cold-water fish of the Atlantic Ocean west coast, deep sea fishing in South Africa is not just about a trophy on your wall – it’s about being out there on the African waters, tasting the moment, in the company of friends and a responsible skipper, enjoying the chase and fight of something like a good yellowfin tuna out of Hout Bay.

The Mozambique coastline offers some of the most spectacular sport fishing in the world. Here, the Indian Ocean is a marine reserve, unspoiled and largely unexplored, with the deep Mozambique Channel fed by the strong north to south Mozambican current, harbouring some of the world’s most exciting sport fishing destinations, the Bazaruto and the Quirimbas Archipelagos.

Mauritius offers superb deep sea fishing, with perfect conditions prevailing throughout the year. Mauritius holds several world fishing records (IGFA), including that of the Mako Shark of 1115 pounds, the Blue Shark of 400 pounds, a Bonito of 41.5 pounds, a white tuna of 224 pounds and a ‘bécune’ of 125 pounds. The famous Blue Marlin’s enormous size and legendary fighting ability makes it one of the most highly targeted game fish in the world.

And the most exclusive fishing destination? What truly distinguishes Desroches Island in The Seychelles as one of the most desirable fishing destinations in the world is the combination of abundant marine life and luxurious island accommodation alongside this aqua marine adventure. Desroches Island is the perfect destination for fishermen travelling with non-fishing partners and families – offering that exquisite contrast of exclusive comforts coupled with spectacular fishing on and around the Amiranties Islands. 

Baits from Shore Fishing

Best Baits For Saltwater Fish From The Shore In South Africa – G. Roocroft

Over the years many techniques have been tried and tested and so too have many baits during saltwater angling in South Africa… At the end of the day certain baits constantly produce good catches of fish in South Africa’s deep blue ocean. Seasonality, in my opinion, is very important when deciding on a bait to target certain fish species.

For example during the Summer months in the Eastern Cape, Chokka (Squid) is a deadly bait for any fish as there is such an abundance of Squid from October to March. Listed below are the best baits, in our opinion, for certain species of fish! These have normally produced great results…There are some other baits that work just as well as the sea baits mentioned below but these are great all year round angling baits…

  1. Squid (Chokka) – This is the best all round bait and if you are looking to only have one bait in your cooler box, this would have to be the bait! Anything can be caught on Chokka from small fish to decent edibles to big sharks and flatfish. It is expensive to purchase, but generally worth it!
  2. Sardine (Pilchard) – This is probably the most available bait and is very good once again for any fish species…
  3. Red Eye Sardine – Red-Eye Sardine will often work for edibles such as Kob when normal Sardine (Pilchard) does not work. It is however, not readily available all the time…
  4. Mullet – Live or dead, mullet are great bait for species like Garrick, Kob, Springer, Kingfish and other predatory fish as well as Rays and Sharks.
  5. Yellowtail – Yellowtail is a great bait to use for big sharks and flatfish. It has a strong smell which attracts the sharks from long distances away.
  6. Bloodworm – Bloodworm is a deadly bait to use when fishing off the rocks. Any edible fish will pick this bait up. It is good for Galjoen, Kob, Bream, and other edible fish.
  7. Rock Worm – Hard to collect but a very good natural bait. Big Blacktail, Bream and Zebra can be caught with this great bait!
  8. Black Mussel – A general good bait for fishing off the rocks… It can be used in its shell or without its shell. Good for Musselcracker.
  9. White Mussel – This is another bait which is great for edibles, but hard to collect. Musselcracker, Bream, Zebra, Kob, Blacktail and occasionally Galjoen can be caught on this bait to name a few.
  10. Sand & Mud Prawn – Good baits for estuary fishing and occasionally surf fishing. Steenbras, Grunter, Kob and Stumpnose readily take these baits!
  11. Red Bait – The number one bait for Galjoen and other hard to catch edibles.
  12. Sea Louse (Sea Lice) – A great bait when you can find it… Any edible will eat this tantalizing bait!

Great White Sharks Seal Island

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Salt Water Species

SALTWATER SPECIES

Southern Africa, blessed with a coastline that includes two oceans, has a great diversity of saltwater fish species.

ATLANTIC OCEAN – WEST COAST

The West Coast has an Atlantic Ocean coastline where the cold Benguella Current flows sluggishly northwards.The west coast offers some of the richest fishing opportunities in the world and thanks to the cold water, fishing is the primary tourist attraction all along this coast.     

INDIAN OCEAN – EAST COAST

The East Coast is warmed by the warm Mozambique current. Here you will find a greater variety of of fish species, which are more ornate. The warmer water means the predation levels are increased, so most of the fish species here would have evolved accordingly. This coast has a predominance of large, fast predatory fish and smaller fish which have advanced defence mechanisms.     

SOUTH AFRICA’S SALTWATER FISH SPECIES LIST

  • Elephantfish
  • Silvertip Shark
  • Bronze Whaler
  • Spinner Shark
  • Bull (Zambezi) Shark
  • Blacktip Shark
  • Dusky Shark
  • Sandbar Shark
  • Blackspot Shark
  • Tiger Shark
  • Soupfin Shark
  • Hardnose Shark
  • Houndshark
  • Spotted Gullyshark
  • Milkshark
  • Blue Stingray
  • Butterflyray
  • Honeycomb Stingray
  • Sharpnose Stingray
  • Bluespotted Ribbontail
  • Round Ribbontail
  • Cowshark
  • Whitespotted Shark
  • Great White Shark
  • Devilray
  • Spotted Eagleray
  • Eagleray
  • Bullray
  • Flapnose Ray
  • Ragged Tooth Shark
  • Leopard Shark
  • Largetooth Sawfish
  • Spearnose Skate
  • Lesser Guitarfish
  • Greyspot Guitarfish
  • Giant Guitarfish
  • Banded Catshark
  • Tiger Catshark
  • Puffadder Shyshark
  • Striped Catshark
  • Blackspotted Catshark
  • Leopard Catshark
  • Smooth Hammerhead Shark
  • Spotted Spiny Dogfish
  • Bluntnose Spiny Dogfish
  • African Angelshark
  • Marbled Electric Ray
  • Painted Surgeon
  • Convict Surgeon
  • Yellowfin Surgeon
  • Longhorn Unicorn
  • Bonefish
  • Slender Glassy
  • Longspine Glassy
  • Masked Cardinal
  • White Seacatfish
  • Cape Silverside
  • Hardyhead Silverside
  • Clown Triggerfish
  • Rectangular Triggerfish
  • Bridle Triggerfish
  • Barred Needlefish
  • Yellowfin Needlefish
  • Maned Blenny
  • Largetooth Flounder
  • Shrimp Scad
  • Threadfin Mirrorfish
  • Indian Mirrorfish
  • Longfin Kingfish
  • Shortfin Kingfish
  • Longnose Kingfish
  • Blue Kingfish
  • Yellowspotted Kingfish
  • Bludger
  • Bumpnose Kingfish
  • Malabar Kingfish
  • Giant Kingfish
  • Bluefin Kingfish
  • Brassy Kingfish
  • Blacktip Kingfish
  • Bigeye Kingfish
  • Slender Scad
  • Rainbow Runner
  • Golden Kingfish
  • Garrick (Leervis)
  • Torpedo Scad
  • Largemouth Queenfish
  • Needlescaled Queenfish
  • Cape Yellowtail
  • Longfin Yellowtail
  • Black Banded Yellowtail
  • African Pompano
  • Snubnose Pompano
  • Largespot Pompano (Wave Garrick)
  • Horse Mackerel
  • Razorfish
  • Threadfin Butterflyfish
  • Brown Butterflyfish
  • Spotted Butterflyfish
  • Whitespotted Butterflyfish
  • Halfmoon Butterflyfish
  • Pearly Butterflyfish
  • Doublesash Butterflyfish
  • Maypole Butterflyfish
  • Rightangle Butterflyfish
  • Limespot Butterflyfish
  • Vagabond Butterflyfish
  • Longnose Butterflyfish
  • Coachman
  • Milkfish
  • Butterfish
  • Natal Fingerfin
  • Wolfherring
  • Spotted Hawkfish
  • Grass Klipfish
  • East Coast Roundherring
  • Estuarine Roundherring
  • Kelee Shad
  • Pilchard
  • Galjoen
  • Banded Galjoen
  • Dorado
  • Fringelip Tonguesole
  • Cave Bass
  • Sickle Fish
  • Remora Shark
  • Springer
  • Cape Anchovy
  • Glassnose
  • Longfin Batfish
  • Spadefish
  • Snoek (Barracouta)
  • Smallscale Pursemouth
  • Threadfin Pursemouth
  • Tank Goby
  • African Mudhopper
  • Sixstripe Soapfish
  • Sailfin Rubberlip
  • Dusky Rubberlip
  • Lemonfish
  • Whitebarred Rubberlip
  • Minstrel
  • Spotted Grunter
  • Grey Grunter
  • Javelin Grunter
  • Saddle Grunter
  • Cock Grunter
  • Pinky (Olive) Grunter
  • Strepie
  • Striped Grunter
  • White Musselcracker
  • Streentjie
  • Great Barracuda
  • Pickhandle Barracuda
  • Evileyed Puffer
  • Milkspotted Puffer
  • Cuttlefish
  • Moorish Idol
  • Spotted Halfbeak
  • Crimson Squirrelfish
  • Crown Squirrelfish
  • Sailfish
  • Black Marlin
  • Indo-Pacific Blue Marlin
  • Striped Marlin
  • Barred Flagtail
  • Grey Chub
  • Natal Wrasse
  • Saddleback Hogfish
  • Diana’s Hogfish
  • Lined Hogfish
  • Goldsaddle Hogfish
  • Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse
  • Goldbar Wrasse
  • Rainbow Wrasse
  • Ladder Wrasse
  • Toothed Soapy
  • Soapy
  • Slender Deep-Sea Soapy
  • Grey Barenose
  • Yellowfin Emperor
  • Longnose Emperor
  • Blue Emperor
  • Tripletail
  • Streaker
  • River Snapper
  • Twinspot Snapper
  • Spotsnapper
  • Humpback Snapper
  • Bluebanded Snapper
  • Speckled Snapper
  • One-Spot Snapper
  • Bloodsnapper
  • Emperor Snapper
  • Rosy Jobfish
  • Oxeye Tarpon
  • Moonfish
  • Hake
  • Cape Moony
  • Southern Mullet
  • Striped Mullet
  • Flathead Mullet
  • Longarm Mullet
  • Indian Goatfish
  • Banddot Goatfish
  • Backsaddle Goatfish
  • Yellowbanded Goatfish
  • Pike Conger
  • Honeycomb Moray Eel
  • Yellowedged Moray Eel
  • Slender Giant Moray Eel
  • Silverflash Spinecheek
  • Kingklip
  • Cape Knifejaw
  • Natal Knifejaw
  • Longhorn Cowfish
  • Dusky Sweeper
  • Bartail Flathead
  • Striped Barbel
  • Eel Barbel
  • Striped Threadfin
  • Emperor Angelfish
  • Semicircle Angelfish
  • Old Woman
  • Fourbar Damsel
  • Spot Damsel
  • Sergeant Major
  • Clownfish
  • Shad Elf
  • Cobia
  • Kob (Daga, Kabeljou)
  • King Kob
  • Cape Salmon
  • Longfin Kob
  • Mini Kob
  • Snapper Kob
  • Baardman
  • Saury
  • Wahoo
  • Frigate Tuna
  • Eastern Little Tuna
  • Oceanic Bonito (Skipjack)
  • Indian Mackerel
  • Striped Bonito
  • Chub Mackerel
  • Couta
  • Queen Mackerel
  • Longfin tuna
  • Yellowfin Tuna
  • Bigeye Tuna
  • Jacopever
  • Devil Firefish
  • Bigscale Scorpionfish
  • False Jacopever
  • Stonefish
  • Stonebream
  • Sea Goldfish
  • Peacock Rockcod
  • Coral Rockcod
  • Tomato Rockcod
  • White Edged Rockcod
  • Spotted Rockcod
  • Brownspotted Rockcod
  • Redbarred Rockcod
  • Yellowtail Rockcod
  • Yellowbelly Rockcod
  • Brindle Bass
  • Malabar Rockcod
  • Halfmoon Rockcod
  • Potato Bass
  • Swallowtail Rockcod
  • Whitespotted Rabbitfish
  • Silver Sillago
  • East Coast Sole
  • Blackhand Sole
  • River Bream
  • Soldierbream
  • King Soldierbream
  • Carpenter
  • Fransmaddam
  • Santer
  • Englishman
  • Dageraad
  • Red Stumpnose
  • Roman
  • False Englishman
  • Slinger
  • White Karanteen
  • Black Musselcracker
  • Zebra Fish
  • Blacktail (Dassie)
  • John Brown
  • West Coast Steenbras
  • White Steenbras
  • Sand Steenbras
  • Blue Hottentot
  • Hottentot
  • Bronze Bream
  • Natal Sandbream
  • Red Steenbras
  • German
  • Blueskin
  • Scotsman
  • Seventyfour
  • Dane
  • Panga
  • Cape Stumpnose
  • White Stumpnose
  • Natal Stumpnose
  • Bigeye Stumpnose
  • Largescale Lizardfish
  • Thornfish
  • Blackback
  • Cape Gurnard
  • Target John Dory
Cape Town Fishing

Africa Expectation Fishing Safaris purpose is to offer the very best fishing experience, coupled with spectacular spots & marine life, exceptional service and excellent bang for your buck.

The Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, has earned a reputation for being a hotspot in the world for the excellent year round Game and Deep Sea Fishing and scenic viewing by Commercial and Sports fishermen, Photographers and bird watchers.

Several of the finest game angling locations in Africa is discovered across the Cape Peninsula. Around the False Bay side of Cape Point boasts the Bluefin and Yellowfin tuna, while Rooikrans, on the Cape of Good Hope portion of the Table Mountain National Park, which has been ranked as among the best fishing areas on earth. Bordjiesrif and Buffels Bay are likewise renowned fishing locations within the sportfishing fraternity. These two places also provide tidal swimming pools, picnic spots, barbeque facilities and exquisite nature paths and treks. White colour Steenbras, Stumpnose as well as Galjoen are found in the rocks at Kommetjie and even more across the coast.

In the course of the winter season, the Cape Snoek run and Kommetjie Bay finds a seagoing craft assembling to have short work of the abundant fish. For fishers who like to battle fish, an adventure to sea around 30 nautical miles off Kommetjie brings you into the deep-sea fishing grounds which you can find Albacore, Tuna, Black Marlin as well as the fighting Mako Shark.

When you feel the attraction of the deep ocean and big game fish is enticing, then Africa Expectation Fishing Charters is simply best for you. This charter firm specializes in finding and catching Tuna fish, huge Yellowfin, Big-eye or Longfin, as well as other varieties of game fish. Additionally, it is the home of the Yellowtail, Snoek, Geelbek, Kabeljou as well as reef fish.

The waters which Africa Expectation Fishing Safaris are operating in, have gained a popularity for deep-sea and huge game fishing. On the way to deeper waters, you might even see a lot of varieties of Albatross, Killer Whales as well as Dusky Dolphins. The fishing day normally consists of a few Crayfishing for West Coast lobster to get a self-indulgent Crayfish lunch aboard.

Numerous fishing choices are offered, such as inshore and fly-fishing tours, extraordinary fly-fishing and offshore tours. Full-day trips leave around 7:00 AM and go back to around 4:00 PM. Rates include things like all tackle, bait, lunch meal (on full-day trips) as well as drinks.

For any freshwater lover, there are many dams near to and farther from Cape Town, in which bass, salmon, as well as carp, will get your attraction.

Our mooring in Simons Town is easily accessible from Cape Point on a short scenic drive. It is well situated to set off on a Deep sea, Inshore, Reef fishing charter or viewing adventure. These waters provide prolific catches of Yellow fin Tuna and Longfin Tuna as well as Yellowtail, Dorado and Atlantic Big Eye Tuna. Our waters are also blessed with an abundance of Broadbill Swordfish, “the gladiator of the deep”.

Although the Cape of Good Hope is not known for Marlin, some numbers have been caught. They are occasionally sighted and lucky is the angler who may have the good fortune to hook one of these exotic tropical billfish.

The reefs of Rocky Bank, some six miles south of Cape Point, as well as Whittle Rock situated almost in the centre of False Bay, together with the shoreline off Strandfontein, offer good catches of Cape Salmon, Yellowtail, Elf (Shad / Bluefish), Snapper, White and Red Stump nose as well as Red Roman and Snoek, which in appearance is very similar to the Barracuda.  Also in abundance, are Squid.   Kob, Yellowtail and Cape Salmon are generally in the 5 to 16kg class, while Cape Snoek can reach up to 8kgs and provide excellent sport on light tackle

Most times, when our charter boat is operating out of Simon’s Town, we catch Crayfish en route, offering the anglers, in season, a complimentary scrumptious crayfish meal in the deep!

The season of the year determines the species fished for or type of viewing trip:

  • Yellow, Blue and Long fin Tuna     –           All year round
  • Yellowtail                                       –           All year round
  • Cape Salmon                                 –           All year round
  • Kob; Cape Snoek and Dorado        –           Seasonal

Viewing of Dolphin, White Shark, Seals and Penguin is available all year around. Some three miles off Strandfontein, lays Seal Island, which has the largest concentration of Cape Fur Seals south of Namibia. Great White Shark is often sighted but can be a nuisance by snatching the fish hooked by anglers operating in that area.

During the months of September to November, Southern Right Whales are ever present in False Bay, when they arrive in the bay to calve.

There is a large variety of birdlife including Sea birds such as Albatross, Cormorants, Gannets, Petrels, Terns and Gulls

Daily Rates:

OFFSHORE (Simonstown – Cape Point) – Game fishing ranges from 15 to 40 nautical miles with game fish such as YELLOWFIN TUNA, LONG FIN TUNA, DORADO & SHARKS being caught. $1900 – 6 people, per day.

IN-SHORE (from Cape Point) – Game fishing ranges from 1 to 15 nautical miles depending on where the fish are feeding with game fish such as YELLOWTAIL, SNOOK & BONITA being caught. $1800 – 6 people, per day

Rates Include:

  • Skipper
  • Equipment
  • Snacks
  • Soft Drinks
  • Boat

Please keep in mind that fishing is weather permitting.  Make sure to add a couple of additional days.

Last year Tuna season lasted to July.  Though it is the best time to fish for Tuna from September to June, I’ll suggest booking the fishing trip in advance!

Please let us know if you have any questions regarding the fishing trip.

Mozambique Fishing

With its expansive white sandy beaches, nature at its best, Mozambique and its surrounding islands have been an attraction for the typical sun worshiper as well as the water sports enthusiast. From the holidaymaker down to competitive sports, Mozambique calls out in its own unique voice.

With this in mind, it should be mentioned that the words “Big Game Fishing” and Mozambique are almost synonymous with each other. For close to 50 years, Big Game Fishing has been a major attraction in Mozambique and consistently draws the die-hard fisherman back, year after year. The variety and abundance of species in this area is out of this world leaving the big game and fly fisherman in awe of this beautiful place and since fishing is excellent all year round it may become difficult to find a reason to leave.

In addition to the wonder of Mozambique itself there are its 5 islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Maraque, Banque and Santa Carolina which lie along the historical Moçambican channel. Bazaruto is the premier fishing destination in Mozambique and offers Big Game Fishing on a world class level. Mid September until the end of December is the best time for Marlin fishing while Sailfish abound from April to August. Other smaller game fish such as the King Mackerel, Bonito, Travelli, and Queen Mackerel are available all year around. The “Tag and Release” principle is typical in these parts due to an ongoing Conservation project.

The Water Lodge : This lodge is situated in the pristine tidal bay of Inhambane 485km north of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. The lodge is situated on stilts on the crystal clear waters of the warm Indian Ocean. This eco-paradise is home to flocks of flamingos, tropical fish and the very rare dugong and the sunsets are nothing less than breathtaking. 

  • Water Chalets: The luxury rooms are spacious and well appointed with balcony, wide opening sliding doors and air-conditioning. The chalets and furniture are constructed from beautiful local hardwoods from Mozambique. Each chalet is situated on stilts in the crystal clear tidal waters of Inhambane Bay. Sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling and boating may be enjoyed directly from each chalet.
  • Exclusivity: This lodge is unique and the only one of it’s kind in Africa. The bay prides itself in having an undisturbed eco-setting that is peaceful and pristine and we endeavour to keep it that way. Because of the setting and exclusivity they do not allow children under the age of 12 years at the lodge allowing guests to appreciate the peacefulness, elegance and romance of this tropical getaway. (If you have kids under the age of 12 years and you would like to do something similar please contact an Africa Expectation Representative for more information.)
  • Honeymoon Destination: This water lodge is the ultimate honeymoon destination. The chalets are situated away from the main building, adding to the experience of tranquillity and serenity.
  • Activities: All activities are operated from the main lodge witch is situated a few minutes form the water lodge. If you wish to participate in the activities, an Africa Expectation Guide will transfer and accommodate you on all activities, making sure you have an unforgettable experience. 
  • Charter Boat Fishing: An Africa Expectation Guide as well as an experienced resident fisherman is on hand to introduce you to the excellent fishing waters. A large number of game fish abound in these waters including sailfish and pelagic species. This makes this area a prime destination for fishing competitions. 
  • The ski boats offer the latest equipment and tackle to give you the edge on catching the big one. They do encourage tag and release.
  • Catamaran Yacht: The luxury 33foot live-a-board catamaran offers unforgettable day trips from the secluded bay. The yacht moors alongside coral reefs for snorkeling and diving. It cruises the flat waters of the estuary stopping for a picnic on a secluded beach before gently heading for home.
  • Scuba Diving: There is a fully equipped dive centre with all the necessary facilities including kitting-up rooms, filling station, rest areas, kit storage, lecture and first-aid areas. Please contact an Africa Expectation representative for further information.
  • These are but three of the many activities offered on this idyllic getaway, not even mentioning the spa.  Please contact an Africa Expectation for more info and prices.

Yellowfin Tuna

The yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) is one of the largest species of tuna, and can reach a weight of over 400 lb. Yellowfin tuna have muscular, torpedo-shaped bodies that are dark metallic blue on top and silver underneath. The power and stamina of this species are not to be underestimated, and amazingly, when hooked, they can maintain the intensity of a full-blown sprint for far longer than most other species. Although less well known than other species of top game fish around the world, pound-for-pound the yellowfin tuna is arguably one of the best-fighting fish on earth, and has the added bonus of being an excellent eating fish as well.

Behaviour: Yellowfin tuna have a preference for warm, clear water, and although they often venture close to the shore, they are generally most abundant where continental shelves drop off into areas of deeper ocean. They are powerful predators that usually hunt in groups of like-sized individuals of the same species in the surface waters (usually the top 100 m) on top of deep oceans. Interestingly they often school alongside other large fish species and are frequently seen swimming alongside large marine mammals such as dolphins, whales and whale sharks.

Feeding: They are opportunistic predators that prey on pelagic organisms like small fish and squid. Their torpedo-shaped bodies and large, powerful fins enable them to pursue and capture fast-moving prey fish like mackerel and flying fish, but schooling species like anchovy and sardine are also frequently consumed. Yellowfin themselves are in turn preyed upon by large marine predators like sharks and killer whales, but are often able out-swim their predators owing to their unparalleled swimming speed over short distances. Interestingly, unlike most fish which are cold-blooded, tuna are warm blooded and are thus capable of generating speeds of up to 80 kph, which is far quicker than the maximum for most species.

Other species of fish caught out here where we fish in the tuna grounds include Dorado, Skipjack and Yellowtail – These smaller fish are caught on lighter tackle. Occasionally, Marlin are caught in the same area.

During the months of October to July, we run deep sea fishing charters specifically targeting the large yellowfin and longfin tuna – these fish are regularly caught from the boat and the yellowfin tuna can exceed 100kgs in size, making for some good memories! These fish are highly sort after by serious fishermen all over the world and the Cape waters produce some of the biggest records!The smaller longfin tuna range in size from 10kgs to 30kgs.

For 9 months of the year Africa Expectations Boat Charters will take you out into the deep oceanic waters off Cape Point – As a result of the mixing of two large ocean currents (Benguela and Agulhas currents), as well as the prevailing winds, nutrient rich water is found at a place know to locals as the “Canyon” – this area is found close to the continental shelf, and it is here that we target the large Yellowfin tuna. These sought after fish reach sizes in excess of 100kgs and make for an unforgettable experience for any fisherman, beginners and experienced alike! One can expect to take anything from 1 to 4 hours  to land these incredibly strong fish. Africa Expectation’s Boat Charters have just the right equipment needed to land these fish – this includes “Black magic”harnesses which are a necessary part of the equipment.

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Fly Fishing for Yellowfin tuna: Although traditionally fished for by trolling large lures with conventional tackle, targeting yellowfin is fast becoming a popular pursuit among fly fishermen. Yellowfin tuna has now joined the ranks of species like tarpon, sailfish and giant trevally as one of the premier saltwater fly fishing targets in the planet. In fact, the fly fishermen well versed in fishing for top saltwater game fish the world over are consistently blown away by the tenacity and endurance of the yellowfin tuna.

  • Shoals of feeding fish can be located by following foraging seabirds, or long-line boats. Yellowfin are then attracted to the boat using lures, spinning and/or chumming.
  • Takes can be induced by casting large squid or baitfish imitations into the chum line and then stripping the fly back toward the boat in short, frantic jerks. The take of a yellowfin is nothing short of brutal, and once hooked, they frequently strip several hundreds of meters of line from the reel on the initial run, but the fun doesn’t stop there. These fish seem never to tire, with larger specimens taking in excess of four hours to land.
    • Single and double-handed rods in the 10-14 wt range, matched with shooting head floating or intermediate lines, and at least 400 m of backing loaded onto large, quality arbor reels are required.
    • Colourful baitfish or squid imitations tied on large, sharp 2-0 to 6-0 hooks, and joined to the fly line by 100 lb monofilament will do the job. It is absolutely essential that all tackle be kept in top working order, since even the smallest glitch will no doubt result in a lost fish.

Conventional Yellowfin tuna fishing: Yellowfin tuna can be effectively targeted with conventional tackle using lures and spinners, or by casting rigged baits directly into the chum line.

  • Rods should be 6-7ft in length and fitted with top quality reels loaded with 400 m of 20-30 lb monofilament and shock leaders of 60-80 lb breaking strain.

Distribution: They are found in tropical and subtropical seas the world over, but are absent from the Mediterranean Sea.
Recommended Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Destinations: Cape Town ǀ South Africa