Algoa Bay to the Wild Coast

Eastern Cape

Rugged coast, big surf and plenty of kob.

The water

Warmer Agulhas influence with strong currents and a rugged shoreline.

The shore

Remote beaches and river mouths. Some stretches need a 4x4 or a long walk.

Gear note

Strong, reliable drag and plenty of line capacity matter when you fish remote beaches.

Check a setup in the builder

Season

Kob and elf are often mentioned from spring through the summer, depending on the water temperature.

The fish

Often targeted here

Kob
The surf angler's prize: a strong, silver bottom fish that feeds in the gullies at dusk and after dark.
Leervis
A powerful, silver predator that will take a live bait or a lure in the surf and run hard.
Elf
A fast, aggressive predator that chases baitfish in the surf and loves a spoon or a fresh sardine.
Spotted grunter
A strong, spotted fish of estuaries and calm beaches, taking prawn and worm.
Bronze whaler
A strong shark that patrols the surf at night and takes big baits.

Also mentioned: Garrick, Natal stumpnose, Rockcod.

Season at a glance

Compare with similar regions

Months that are usually good for the main target fish in each region
Region	January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October	November	December
West Coast	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Quieter
Cape Peninsula and False Bay	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good
Overberg and Garden Route	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good
Eastern Cape	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good
KwaZulu-Natal South Coast and Durban	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter
Zululand and the North Coast	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good

Dark circles are the months anglers usually rate highest. This is general guidance, not a forecast: seasons shift with the water temperature and the weather.

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.