Fishing gear and know-how for South Africa

Surf, bass, carp and dams.

Compare rods and reels, check the pair before you buy, and learn the rigs, knots and waters. Independent, with every spec sourced.

Explore gearBuild a setup
53
Rods and reels
4
Kinds of fishing
15
Fish species
11
Regions

Popular rods and reels

Pairs that pass our checks first, then the most affordable.

See all gear
Palomar knot, finished

Palomar knot, finished. Every knot in the guide is drawn step by step.

An independent fishing guide

We list the specs, say where each number came from, and check whether a rod and reel suit each other. We do not sell tackle, and no brand pays to be rated.

How the checks work
53
Rods and reels
11
Knots, step by step
15
Rigs
15
Species guides

Check the setup before you buy it

A rod that cannot cast your weight, or a reel that cannot hold enough line, is an expensive mistake.

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Open the builder

  1. Choose a rod and reel

    Filter by species, price, length and casting weight. Each spec shows where it came from.

  2. Add line, leader and weight

    Enter the breaking strain and the weight or lure you will cast. Anything we do not know is marked, never guessed.

  3. Read the checks

    Reel type, line rating, shock leader, drag and spool capacity, each with the reason in plain words.

  4. Share it or print it

    A short link or a PDF to take to your tackle shop, with the total in rand.

Matched pairs

Pairs that work

Each pair passes the reel type and size checks. Add line and a rig in the builder to check the rest.

The fish

Start with the fish

Where it feeds, when to go, and the bait, hook and rig that suit it.

Freshwater

Saltwater

All 15 species

Where to fish

From the surf to the dam wall

Field guide

11 knots tied in stages, 15 labelled rigs and 8 hook patterns.

The whole field guide

New to this?

Your first day, sorted

What you can rely on

  • Every spec has a source

    Brand spec, sister model, product label or unverified. Each one is labelled, and we do not guess.

  • Checks that explain themselves

    Reel size, line rating, shock leader and casting weight, with the reason for every result.

  • Rand prices

    Typical South African prices, shown as R2 499. An indication, never a quote.

  • Made for our beaches

    Local species names, metric with lb and oz, and a reminder to check permits and rules.

Before you fish

Fishing in South Africa has rules: sea fishing needs a recreational permit, and dams, rivers and clubs set their own permits, bait rules and limits. Check current regulations with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment or the owner of the water before you fish. Rules change and this site is not an official source.