Fishing Seasons in Gansbaai with Oubaas Lesch

What was once a sleepy fishing village with a few hundred residents has grown to become a thriving tourist hotspot that attracts thousands of local, and international, visitors from all over the world. Each year, many of these visitors to Gansbaai are recreational fishermen who are eager to spend time in, on or next to the ocean. Each fishing season has something special going on for both boat and shore anglers, spearfishermen and snorkel divers.

 

Winter

Fishing in Gansbaai in the winter months is mostly limited to rock and shore angling. The days after the south westerly storms and turbulent sea are a joyous time for dedicated recreational fishermen because Galjoen and musselcracker are at their most abundant. Collecting rooi-ass has never been easier and it washes out on most of the beaches. Trawlers make their way to sea, weather permitting.

 

Spring

As the seasons change in Gansbaai, winter fish stop eating, get thin and spawn. Those who enjoy the more exotic seafood will tell you that fish roe is tasteless in spring. As the south easterly winds begin to blow, summer fish start making an appearance.

 

Summer

Summer angling in Gansbaai is all about getting to your favorite fishing spot as early as possible so that you can secure the best spot before the kabeljou-crazy crowds arrive. Peak months see people bringing their boats and anything else that can float for days out at sea. Crayfish season is also a drawcard although limited fishing and diving days are allocated. Trawlers get brought into the dock to get cleaned, repaired and painted. Net maintenance takes place and the local Gansbaai fishermen congregate at a yearly church service in the harbour where they give thanks for another year on the ocean.

Autumn

Trawling is at its peak until the first winter storms arrive bringing Geelbek and Geelstert, when the weather eases up.

• Read more who Oubaas Lesch is in the introduction here.

• Advice from Oubaas on how to be an eco-friendly fisherman and fish the right way.

• Oubaas Lesch’s best fish to catch around Gansbaai’s coastline.

• Oubaas Lesch’s top angling bait to catch fish around Gansbaai.