Leisure Boating chats to Rob Naysmith, owner of Offshore Sportfishing Charters about the different types of fishing he offers to clients from his world-renowned charter operation.
DO YOU OFFER REEF FISHING TO CLIENTS WHO SPECIFICALLY REQUEST IT?
Yes I do. It takes a quick run to the fishing grounds in False Bay, off Cape Point or along the Atlantic seaboard with each venue offering a variety of different species of fish to catch. In False Bay one can expect to find Kabeljou which average from two to 20kg but can grow to over 50kg, Cape Salmon (Geelbek) up to 12kg, the usual White and Red Stumpnose, Red Roman, Elf (Shad, Bluefish), Mackerel, Maasbanker, Sharks, Rays, Skates and even the occasional White Steenbras. Off Cape Point and along the Atlantic coast you will find Red Roman, Silverfish, Hottentot, Fransmadam, Steentjies, Hake, Jakopever and Galjoen. With high-powered echo-sounders (sonar) connected to a Global Positioning System (GPS) we are able to locate the productive reefs with pin-point accuracy giving clients the ultimate opportunity to catch the target species.
DO YOU OFFER INSHORE GAME FISHING TO CUSTOMERS?
Yes, the warmer waters in False Bay are home to shoals of hard-fighting Southern Yellowtail, which average in size from two to 15 kilograms, though these fish grow to over 40Kg. Regular concentrations are found at Cape Point and along the Western Seaboard of False Bay where these stubborn fighters tax even the most experienced angler to the limit. Striking fast on the trolled lures, fly, jigs and spoons, they are quick to dive deep in search of an underwater obstacle to sever the line. Yellowtail fishing is part finesse and part brute strength but thrilling for every second. This exciting form of fishing takes anglers close to the foaming white waters of Bellows Rock, along South West Reefs, out to Rocky Bank and up against the cliffs of the Point. Expected catches can range from a couple of fish to well over 100 in a day, caught mainly by trolling, casting a fly, jigging, popping and spinning. Yellowtail offer great sport for both the light tackle and saltwater fly enthusiast.
During the cooler months, July to November, the Cape Snoek run takes place, when the sea literally comes alive with writhing silver fish that strike as fast as you can put a line in the water and this lends itself to some of the fastest and hardest fly fishing action you will ever find in the world. You can choose to fish with a rod and reel or with the traditional Cape hand-line as both options offer you a truly great fishing experience. With the commercial Snoek fleet packed tightly over the shoals, fishing becomes hectic as the fish rise to the surface grabbing baits and lures right next to the boat. Ranging in size from two to 8kg, the Snoek gives a good account of itself on any tackle. Light tackle angling for these fish is a must for the experienced angler where their skill can be honed on the fast multitude of strikes.
DO YOU OFFER BIG GAME FISHING TO CLIENTS?
We definitely offer big game fishing trips which range from 20 to 40 nautical miles off Cape Point and is concentrated mainly on Yellowfin, Albacore (Longfin), Bigeye Tuna and Bluefin Tuna. From December through to April the Marlin move through the area so there’s a very good chance of hooking up with a Black, Blue or Striped Marlin, we no longer target Swordfish. Yellowfin, Bigeye and Bluefin Tuna range in size from 40 to 100+kg with the Albacore (Longfin) Tuna usually weighing in at around eight to 35kg. Also present are Dorado (Dolphin, Mahi Mahi), Skipjack Tuna, Yellowtail and the occasional Wahoo and Spearfish. The shoals of game fish are found in the warmer currents off the Atlantic coast where they feed on an abundance of pilchard, anchovies, flying fish and Saury.
DO YOU OFFER SALTWATER FLY FISHING?
Oh yes, Rob Naysmith and Offshore Sportfishing Charters were among the early pioneers of boat based saltwater fly fishing in the Cape and developed many of the techniques and flies in use today. It’s some of the hardest and fastest saltwater fly fishing action you’ll find anywhere in the world. We tend to focus on tuna species and yellowtail during summer and Cape Snoek in the cooler months. The Cape offers great sport for the fly enthusiast throughout the year
