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Fishing that the locals love
Fishing in Hermanus
Fishing at sunset in Hermanus
Did you know?
A permit is needed to catch crayfish or rock lobster, and there’s a bag limit of 4 crayfish per person or 16 per boat.
Rock and surf angling in Hermanus is a popular pastime with locals. A number of rewarding recreational fishing spots are favoured by those in the know.
Fish species sought after in these waters include yellowtail, geelbek, red steenbras, red stumpnose, red roman, elf, garrick, John Brown, silverfish, shad, cob, white steenbras and galjoen. Winter brings the snoek closer to the shore; a bonus for shore anglers as they put up a good fight.
Bait up and head for New Harbour, from where the local fishing industry boats operate. Boats and rubber ducks may be hired for offshore angling. There’s also Die Plaat, the sandy shore between Hermanus and Gansbaai, where fishing is rewarding and facilities may be hired.
If boat angling is more your thing, there are a number of fishing charters offering yellowfin and longfin tuna fishing, great white shark watching, crayfishing and diving. Groups of anglers are taken out for half-day or full-day fishing trips. Tackle, lunch, refreshments and bait are all provided.
Note that to allow fish stocks to replenish, fishing bans apply to certain species during the year. Permits are required for fishing and bag limits are strictly enforced. Enquire at the Windsor Hotel and the local tourism office.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Cuda 2 Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Tel: +27 (0)28 284 9809 / +27 (0)82 511 6763
Email: info@southafricafishing.co.za
South Sea Safaris
Tel: +27 (0)21 853 3532 / +27 (0)83 453 2808 / +27 (0)82 658 5742
Email: alan@southseasafaris.co.za
Shark Lady Adventures
Tel: +27 (0)28 312 3287 / +27 (0)83 746 8985
Email: sharklady@hermanus.co.za
Windsor Hotel
Tel: +27 (0)28 312 3727
Email: info@windsorhotel.co.za
Around the area
Hermanus is an excellent birdwatching destination due to a diversity of habitats that attract different bird species, from terns to osprey to sunbirds. Activities like quad biking, hiking, paragliding and horse riding are also offered.
What will it cost
Fishing charters are charged per boat. Bank on approx
R12 000 for a full day out on a 9-metre craft that accommodates 6 anglers, or approx R10 000 for a full day’s marlin fishing. Estuary fishing costs around R1 000 per person per day.
Organised rock and shore angling costs around R1250 per person per day, including a guide.
Where to stay
The Windsor Hotel prides itself on organising fishing trips from A to Z. Otherwise you can choose from about 70 hotels, guest houses, cottages and B&Bs. Hermanus is geared up for travellers all year round.
What to eat
There are more than 100 steakhouses, restaurants, pizzerias, cappuccino bars, bistros and cafés in Hermanus.