(Trip Duration 5 - 9 hours)

Where we fish : When fishing offshore we travel forty to sixty kilometres out to sea from Cape Point to the blue water where the Tuna abound. The ideal for Tuna fishing is between 18-20 degrees Celsius. However we do catch fish in warmer and colder water.

Target Species : The fishing grounds we travel to offer fish such as Yellow fin, Big eye and Long fin tuna, Skip jack, Macko and Blue pointer shark and the occasional Dorado and Black Marlin. As we travel to the fishing grounds we use the sonar/fishfinder to check for shoals of large fish, and look for other indicators of Tuna such as birds diving for bait fish and boats working an area.

Tackle : When fishing in the deep, we carry tackle for both heavy and light fishing. When fishing for Tuna and large game fish we use top of the range multi speed reels loaded with 500m of 38kg line, these reels have a smooth, pre-set drag system. The rods we use have roller guides and are able to handle 50-100 lb class line. We cater for both experienced and novice anglers and ensure that the less experienced fisherman enjoy the excitement of boating “the big one. As the less experienced fisherman can take up to two hours to land a large Tuna, we don’t recommend the use of lighter tackle for the uninitiated.

The trip : Before agreeing to the date of the offshore charter we look at long range weather forecasts to ensure that we have a window of good weather for the day, consulting weather reports, deep sea wave and wind reports, and the barometer. Our boat takes up to six anglers and two crew.

We are based in Simonstown, removing the hassle of launching from a trailer. Depending on our clients requirements we normally meet between six and seven am in Simonstown and head out to sea. The trip takes us past the SA navy base, the lighthouse at Roman Rock, Boulders beach and then on to Cape point. As we pass the magnificent Cape Point, the water temperature in this area ranges from 13 to 19 degrees C. The last natural spectacle we pass f on the way out is a large reef named the Bellows, the Bellows is a large reef that is over three NM from the Point, it projects over a meter from the sea and “blows” white spray high into the air.

We then set course for the deep, our course depends on where we know Tuna are being caught. This is normally in the order of thirty to sixty kilometres off shore. When we reach deep water it turns blue and the temperature increases to 20 degrees C. Depending on the sea, weather and other conditions we may choose to trawl for game fish on the way to the fishing spot. If one trawls through a shoal at least two lures are hit and ratchets run. When fighting the fish we try to bring the shoal close to the boat by chumming. This brings the tuna to a feeding frenzy and enables more fish to be caught.

Once in the Tuna grounds we bait our hooks with Sardine and play out the line by hand, we pre set the reel tension before doing this as Tuna sometimes take the bait during this process. In a short time the reels run, the rod is placed into a fighting harness and the reel clipped on, by this time the fish has taken over 150 meters of line on its first run and the fight is on! The drag is moved to its pre-set maximum tension, despite this, the tuna continues to take line as if there is no drag on the line. After fighting the fish for some time the Tuna can be seen swimming in large circles below the boat and tiring, soon it is close enough to be brought on board. We follow the same process as we catch more of these fantastic fish.

Soon it is time to rest and allow tired muscles to recover, refreshments and snacks are taken. At around three o clock we turn for home and head back towards Cape Point. As we pass Cape Point, we stop to take in this amazing sight and our clients take photos to take back home with all the memories of the trip. We reach Simon's Town Waterfront by four o’clock it’s been a fantastic day out in the deep with some nice fish caught, meeting new people creating memories that will last a lifetime.

(Trip Duration 5 - 9 hours)

Where we fish : When fishing Inshore we focus on areas around Cape Point where large shoals of fish are to be found. As we head out to the Point we sometimes find fish in Buffels Bay but usually pass through and head out past Cape Point to sea where we fish around reefs such as:

- The Bellows : A large reef with good underwater structure that is over three nautical miles from the point, it projects over a meter from the sea and “blows” white spray high into the air, making it easy to find. The Bellows is surrounded by pinnacles and reef structures that make this a good feeding ground for Yellowtail.

- The Anvil : A number of reefs which lie three meters below the surface but can rise above the water in large swells.

- Rocky Bank : Which is almost in line with Cape Point and the Anvil is a large reef structure ten kilometres from the point. This reef is around 30 meters deep with drop off's of fifty meters.

- South West Reefs : Extend one and a half kilometres out to sea adjacent to Diaz beach. This reef has a lot of reef structure and large kelp beds.

Target Species : Depending on the season and water temperature we target different species but, by and large, we normally find Yellow tail and Geelbek all year round and Large shoals of Snoek in the winter months. When the conditions are right the occasional Yellow and Longfin Tuna are caught.

Tackle : For Spinning we use Daiwa Capricorn fixed spool reels with Shimano beast master rods rigged with 14kg line. These are rigged with 150m of at least 10 kg nylon or braided line. We also use various combinations of multiplier rods and reels.

For trolling and bait fishing we use the following rod reel combinations, Shimano speed master and Torium reels. Penn torque xxx reels, all rigged on Penn 15-45lb rods. We spool the reels with at least 150 meters of 19kg kg line.

The Trip : Before agreeing to the date of the inshore charter we look at long range weather forecasts to ensure that we have a window of good weather for the day, consulting weather reports, sea wave and wind reports, and the barometer. Our boat takes up to six anglers and two crew. We based in Simonstown, removing the hassle of launching from a trailer. Depending on our clients requirements we normally meet between six and seven am in Simonstown and head out to sea. The trip takes us past the SA navy base, the lighthouse at Roman Rock, Boulders beach and then on to Cape point. As we pass the magnificent Cape Point the water temperature in this area ranges from 13 to 19 degrees C.

On arriving at Cape Point we rig up for trawling and trawl past the Point towards the Bellows, there are a number of pinnacles and good structure that normally yield good fish as we head out.

Depending on the type and number of lures used and sea conditions. we normally trawl with four or more rods with lures ten to twenty meters behind the boat. We trawl out to the area around the Bellows, once there depending on our success on the trawl and other factors we trawl, spin or drift for our target species.

Depending on the success of the trawl, we may look in other areas for fish. We use many methods to do this such as flocks of birds diving into baitfish, activity on the fishfinder and other anglers. If we decide to fish using bait we either use Sardine or squid.

Many different species of fish may be taken on these inshore charters, but the majority of anglers prefer to catch good table fish such as Yellowtail or Snoek so we tend to look for these first.

Time passes very quickly and soon it is time to pack up the rods and tackle and head for home. As we pass Cape Point, weather permitting, we stop to take in this amazing sight and let our clients take photos and videos to take back home with all the memories of the trip. We reach Simon's Town Waterfront by four o’clock it’s been a fantastic day out in the deep with a good fishing, good company and an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.

(Trip Duration 5 - 9 hours)

Where we fish : We are able to fish successfully all year round in False Bay. This is true for both Reef and Ground fishing. This is due to the many rich kelp beds, sandy areas and reefs scattered around the Bay which provide excellent opportunities for reef fishing on light tackle or fly. There are a number of Reefs we fish over, all of which have prolific fish populations.

Target Species : The Reefs and other areas in False Bay are home to many species of marine life, including large shoals of Cape Yellowtail, Snoek, Kabeljou, Cape Salmon (Geelbek) Red Roman, Elf (Shad), White and Red Stump Nose, Galjoen, Hottentots, Mackerel, Maasbanker, Sharks, and even the occasional White and Red Steenbras.

Tackle : We use Daiwa Capricorn fixed spool reels with Shimano beast master rods rigged with 14kg line t he reels are spooled with 150m of 10 kg nylon or braided line. We also use various combinations of multiplier rods and reels.

We use the following rod reel combinations, Shimano speed master and Torium Reels. Penn torque xxx reels, all rigged on Penn 15-45lb rods. The Main line we use is 19kg and capable of holding at least 150 meters of line.

The Trip : Our Reef fishing charters offers many different opportunities, these range from fishing over reefs relatively close to Simonstown or a bit further afield for Red Roman , to fishing off Seal Island for Kob and Geelbek. Either of these charters offers an exciting day of fishing and a memorable time on the sea.

We often encounter large shoals of Yellowtail and Snoek in the bay, finding these are an added bonus to a Reef charter. In addition there are many opportunities to see Great white sharks and Whales when out on the boat in False Bay.

You customise the trip to your own requirements.

We trust that this brief overview gives you an insight into how we run our trips with Big Fisher fishing charters and we look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you on board.

We tailor charters for every trip whether offshore, inshore or reef so it is not possible to give specific rates for these charters.

It is advisable to contact us with your specific needs and we will provide you with a more accurate quote. 

These are our packages :

Offshore Game Fishing Charter - up to 25 nautical miles from Cape Point :

Full Day Group Boat charter :

• Normal - (9 hours) for 6 clients or fewer.
• Spear and flyfishing we supply the guns, boards and the  wetsuits.  For flyfishing we supply   all the tackle)
• This is for 2 clients fishing or diving and 2 observers

Half day Group :

• (5 hours) for 6 clients or fewer
• With fish such as Yellow fin tuna, big eye tuna, Long fin tuna, Skip jack, Macko shark, Blue pointers, Dorado and the occasional Marlin being caught.

Inshore Fishing Charter  - up to Cape Point or Seal Island :

Full Day Group Boat Charter :   

• Normal - (9 hours) for 6 clients or fewer.
• Spear and flyfishing we supply the guns, boards and the  wetsuits.  For flyfishing we supply   all the tackle)
• This is for 2 clients fishing or diving and 2 observers

 Half day Group :

• (5 hours) for 6 clients or fewer
• With fish such as Yellow tail, Snoek, Geelbek, Bonita and Sharks being caught.

False Bay Fishing Charter - close to the harbour area :

Full Day Group Boat Charter :  

• (9 hours) for 6 clients or fewer

Half day Group :

• (5 hours) for 6 clients or fewer
• With fish such as Red Steenbras, White Steenbras, Shad, Red Roman, Mackerel, Kob, Hottentot,Red Stumpnose,White Stumpnose and small Sharks being caught.

Scenic Tours/ Eco Tours - two options :

• We depart from Simons Town Waterfront and follow the shoreline to Seal Island which is home to many seals and also the much talked about Great White Shark can be seen feeding around Seal Island. From there we head to the majestic Cape Point with its spectacular views, marine and bird life.

OR

• The charter may be extended to include fishing (as above) with Cray fishing in season.
• Half day (5 hours) for 6 clients or fewer.

Please note....

• We provide all bait, tackle, food and refreshments.

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you on board.

We depart from Simon's Town Harbour at 06h30am and depending on the duration of the trip (5 hours half day) return 11h30pm or (9 hours full day) return 15h30pm. But we can be very flexible depending on the clients' requirements either leaving later or returning in earlier.