The past two weeks have delivered some of the most exciting fishing seen in False Bay for many years, with reports that more yellowfin tuna have been landed off Strand, Five Houses and Hangklip in this short spell than many seasoned anglers can remember over the past 30 to 40 years.
Yellowfin tuna are not regular visitors so close inshore, which has made the recent run particularly special. Their arrival, together with heavy concentrations of baitfish, has transformed the bay into a moving theatre of feeding birds, boiling water and screaming drags.
Adding to the excitement on the tuna front has been a standout moment for local fishing. Ten-year-old DeWet van der Walt from Gordon’s Bay landed a monster yellowfin tuna off Strand while fishing with his father, Dirk, from a rubber duck. The catch delivered an unforgettable moment and has quickly become the talk of the coastline.
Well done to the young angler for a truly remarkable achievement.
Large shoals of bonito, elf and yellowtail have also been feeding hard among sardines and anchovy sprats, creating fast-paced action for anglers fishing offshore and from the shore.
Boat anglers have been making the most of the opportunity with a mix of spinning tackle and traditional trolling methods.
Many crews have been running to working birds and surface shoals, casting plugs and spoons on spinning outfits into the shoals of baitfish, often referred to as bust-ups, where fish are actively smashing bait at the surface.
Others have been running Rapalas and similar diving lures while trolling through the shoals, a highly effective approach when fish sound or move quickly between patches of bait.
Along the shoreline, anglers stationed on the mountainside stretch between Gordon’s Bay and Hangklip have also been in the game. Dedicated rock and surf fishermen are using specialised 10 to 12-foot spinning rods, matched with quality multiplier reels, all loaded with strong braid to maximise casting distance, hook penetration and control in strong currents.
It is not every season that shore anglers get a genuine chance at tuna-class fish and the current run has created plenty of excitement right across the coast. Anyone heading out should watch bird movement, bait concentrations and sudden changes in water colour closely, as feeding windows can open and close in minutes.
Alongside the pelagic frenzy, winter edible species have also become the focus for rock and surf anglers.
Galjoen are now showing up in their classic winter spots – Betty’s Bay, Macassar and Strandfontein – especially along white water reefs and sandy reef breaks.
These fish respond best to natural presentations. Traditional baits such as red bait, prawn, white mussel and worm remain top choices. On tackle, a simple but effective setup works best: a 12 to 13-foot rod, a small multiplier loaded with strong braid or nylon, and a light to medium sinker – my favourite being a 3oz weight to keep bait in the strike zone without deadening its natural movement.
White steenbras are also beginning to make a strong seasonal appearance. These fish require a more finessed approach, especially in clearer water.
Fresh bloodworm and prawns are the standout baits, often fished on a running sinker or light sliding trace to allow a natural drift in the current.
Belman have also been making an appearance in False Bay and further up the coast. Prawns, mussels and worms are the best baits.
Light to medium tackle is ideal here, with anglers scaling down hook sizes and leader strength to match their more cautious feeding behaviour.
Together, these winter species mark a seasonal shift that experienced anglers look forward to every year. The mix of hard-fighting pelagics and quality edible fish makes this one of the most diverse and exciting periods on the local fishing calendar.
It is truly one of the best times of the year to be on the water or on the rocks.
Anglers are encouraged to visit Fishing Republic in Strand or follow @fishingrepublicstore on Instagram and Facebook for advice, bait and local fishing intelligence. The team is always ready with practical tips, quality bait and expert advice.
You must be logged in to post a comment.