Inshore Snoek & Yellowtail Fishing

Cape Town Fishing Charters Inshore Tips

About inshore snoek, katonkel & yellowtail fishing in Cape Town

Cape Town has one of the world’s healthiest inshore fisheries with massive numbers of baitfish, predatory fish, dolphins, seals, penguins and many species of birds frequenting the water, feeding and reproducing.

The Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet nearby and this creates a melting pot of nutrients, currents and weather patterns all contributing to the health of the fish stocks. As with the offshore fishing for tuna, unpredicatble and extreme weather in Cape Town prevents fishermen from plundering every day. This means whenever the weather allows, fishermen are welcomed by huge numbers of predatory fish eager to take a lure.

Inshore fishing species in Cape Town

Cape Snoek: Fishing for Cape snoek is a popular activity in Cape Town, South Africa, where these predatory fish are found in abundance. Also known as “krokodil” due to their long mouth filled with sharp teeth, Cape snoek is a long, slender fish with a dark, greenish-grey skin. They are known to swim in deep waters close to the shore, making them accessible to anglers fishing even from very small boats. Anglers often use artificial lures such as spoons or leads to attract Cape snoek, or  bait such as pilchards or sardines. They are also known to be caught using spinning or trolling methods. Cape snoek is a popular fish to catch not only for its fighting strength but also for its delicious, flaky white flesh that is often smoked or grilled and is somewhat of a delicacy in Cape Town.

Yellowtail Kingfish: Going yellowtail fishing in Cape Town, South Africa is an exciting adventure for any angler. These predatory fish are often found feeding under hovering birds, floating objects, and kelp fields, which make them easier to locate. Anglers will often look for schools of birds hovering over the water as an indication of yellowtail kingfish feeding below. Floating objects such as buoys or floating debris also attract these fish, as they provide shelter and attract smaller baitfish. Kelp fields are another popular spot to find yellowtail kingfish, as they offer cover and a place for the fish to feed on small crustaceans and other prey. Once located, anglers can use lures like spinners and plugs to attract these powerful fish, and they can be caught using various methods, including trolling, spinning, jigging and bait fishing. Yellowtail kingfish are prized for their firm, flavourful flesh and are a favourite among local fishermen and seafood lovers.

Katonkel: These fish, sometimes incorrectly identified as bonito or skipjack, are small but speedy, and are often found shoaling together with yellowtail kingfish. Both fish compete for the same food sources, including smaller baitfish and squid, making them fun and challenging to catch. Anglers often use lures to attract katonkel, and they can be caught using various methods, including spinning, trolling, and fly fishing. They are known for their acrobatic jumps and are a fun catch for both novice and experienced anglers. Once caught, katonkel can be grilled, smoked, or used in sushi, and their firm, pink flesh is both delicious and nutritious

Best spots for inshore fishing in Cape Town

In Cape Town, South Africa, there is an abundance of inshore fishing spots that offer not only great fishing but also incredible sights of marine wildlife. Cape Point, located at the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula, is a popular spot for shore anglers to go Cape snoek, katonkel and yellowtail fishing. It also offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the possibility of spotting whales and dolphins. False Bay, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula, is another popular fishing spot that offers anglers a chance to catch a variety of fish including yellowtail, snoek, and katonkel. False Bay is also home to a large population of seals, and on rare occasions, Great White sharks can be spotted. Robben Island, located just off the coast of Cape Town, is not only a historic site but also a great place for anglers to catch fish such as yellowtail, katonkel and snoek. It is also home to a colony of African penguins and offers stunning views of Table Mountain and the city skyline. Overall, these inshore fishing spots in Cape Town offer a fantastic combination of great fishing and unforgettable marine wildlife sightings.