Fishing in Gansbaai

Gansbaai was practically born on the end of a fishing rod, primitive as it might have been though. The overly abundant waters of the surrounding oceans serve up some of the most sought after fishing spots in all the land. Grab your bait and your tackle and let’s head to the water.

• › View Oubaas Lesch's best angling fish around Gansbaai here.
• › Discover what bait works best when fishing around Gansbaai.
• › Explore the fishing seasons in Gansbaai.

With typically Mediterranean weather, Gansbaai holds warm dry summers and mild moist winters for the avid anglers. Winter days rarely drop below 18°C and summer days usually warm up to about 30°C. Along with the ideal weather, you also get prime views and endless stretches of sandy white beaches to enjoy while searching for that perfect spot. The warm summer days often see many a local fisherman dotted along the coastline of Gansbaai. But the fellows are friendly and always eager to share their wisdom and make a new friend.

The hottest fishing spots in Gansbaai are Die Dam, Die Plaat, the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, Franskraal and the Uilenkraalmond. Further along the coast you might strike it lucky at Pearly Beach or heading towards Hermanus at Stanford. Being situated close to the meeting point of the two powerful ocean currents the oxygen-rich depths hold a true variety of sought after fish. On the menu are Kabeljou, Steenbras, Galjoen and Cob. 

In the event of facing the waters on your own, bait and tackle can be purchased at one of the friendly fishing gear shops in Gansbaai. There are no shops close to the proper fishing spots, so it is recommended to purchase everything beforehand and go prepared. For the sake of safety, it is also recommended not to go alone as accidents do happen and it is always good to have some company.

Those with a taste of adventure can always join one of our Gansbaai fishing charters and venture out onto the big blue sea. The charters carry all the right equipment and of course, know the best spots to get you battling it out with one of the big boys. Out on the deeper waters, you will find Yellowtail, Red Stump, Elf, Silverfish and Cape Salmon, among others. 

Heading a little bit outside of Gansbaai, we find the quaint settlement of Stanford and its bountiful river, the Kleine River. The river and its many meandering streams offer a slightly different variety of freshwater fish. These waters and the surrounding fishing lodges hold scores of Blue Gill, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Bass and Tilapia.

Die Plaat and the Walker Bay Nature Reserve are perhaps the most popular spots to cast a line and accommodation is a stone’s throw away. Die Plaat ends at the beginning of De Kelders in Gansbaai and various lodgings can be found here to suit your needs. There is a selection from cosy B&Bs to fancy lodges all scattered along the coast of Walker Bay with its magnificent views. 

The small matter of fishing permits can be enquired about and acquired at the Gansbaai Post Office. So now we have all our gear, our bags are filled with snacks and drinks – we are ready to go! Let’s go fishing in Gansbaai and see what bites.