dassie · Diplodus capensis

Blacktail

A common, spirited little fish of the rocks, taking worms and red bait.
Gear for blacktail

Stylised illustration, not to scale.

Baits

  • Redworm
  • Bloodworm
  • Red bait
  • Mussel
Habitat
Rocky shores and reef, often in the wash.
Season
Present through the year along much of the coast.
Best times
Early morning and late afternoon.
Tackle
A light 9 to 12 ft rod, a small spinning reel and 8 to 15 lb mono.
Hook
1/0 to 2/0 baitholder or octopus hook.

Tips

  • Fish with light line and small hooks.

  • Use fresh bait.

  • Keep the bait close to the rocks.

Rules

Blacktail have a bag limit. Check the current rules.

This site is not an official source. Check the current rules with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Recommendations are pending review by a local angler.

Rigs

Rigs that suit blacktail

Gear

Gear for blacktail

  • Ugly Stik · Rod

    GX2 Spinning 7 ft

    Suits Spotted grunter, Blacktail, White steenbras

    R899

  • Shimano · Rod

    Catana Spinning 10 ft

    Suits Blacktail, White steenbras, Spotted grunter

    R1 399

  • Shimano · Reel

    Sienna FG 4000

    Suits Spotted grunter, Blacktail, White steenbras

    R1 199

  • Penn · Reel

    Battle III 4000

    Suits Blacktail, White steenbras, Spotted grunter

    R2 099

See all gear for blacktail