Western Cape Saltwater Fishing Report: 16 – 18 May 2025

Snoek, tunny, and a promising weekend forecast

The deep-sea tuna fishing season in South Africa continues to deliver. Boats out of Three Anchor Bay pulled in yellowfin between 70kg and 84kg mid-week at Dassengat, about 37 miles off Dassen Island. That puts it firmly among the best fishing spots Cape Town can offer right now.

Weather-wise, Friday looks good with a 4–6 knot southeaster and Sunday even better with a light north-northeaster from mid-morning. That’s your green light to launch.

Our offshore contacts report that the yellowfin are still sitting deeper later in the day. If you’re trolling with Rapalas or spreader bars, keep them at 9–12 metres. But if the sonar shows fish at 40 metres, switch to bait. As always, pink spreader bars with white squid are doing damage. You can buy them in-store or online at Jacita.co.za.

WP Offshore League Winter Finale: Ammo Dump or Canyon?

This weekend marks the final winter leg of the Western Province Offshore League. Most teams are heading to the Ammo Dump or The Canyon. With the tunny boiling close in last week, even those trying to save fuel found success. Expect half a dozen 70 kg-plus yellowfin per boat if the bite stays on.

Snoek Shoals and Atlantic Boat Club Action

Snoek are running strong up the coast from Lamberts Bay to Port Nolloth. Boats willing to trailer up the West Coast are getting rewarded. If you’re sticking to Cape Town, crews from the Atlantic Boat Club reported longfin and yellowfin caught in variable conditions out at The Canyon. It’s all about adapting.

Rock & Surf Outlook: Bloodworm and Mixed Grill

Looking closer to shore? Macassar, Broken Road, and Betty’s Bay are fishing well, especially on high tide. Water temps are cold, which puts kob on pause, but steenbras, galjoen, and kolstert are very active. Bloodworm and mixed grill baits are working best. Die Plaat in Hermanus also delivered strong results this week.

Don’t overlook live bait options if you’ve got a cast net and know where to find haarder or mullet in the surf. A slider setup can tempt a decent leervis, elf, or cob. Want to chat about your rock and surf rig? Call or WhatsApp us at Jacita and we’ll sort your gear out.

Freshwater Fishing South Africa: Mild weather, hot spots

For freshwater fans, now’s a good time to explore fishing in South African dams. Clanwilliam Dam has bass and yellowfish. Theewaterskloof remains a top carp and bass option.

Closer to home, the Hillcrest Quarry Dams in Durbanville are great for kids and beginners. Head to the top dam with a mielie pip on a side trace and you’ll almost certainly land a carp. For bass or trout, try the lower dam with spinnerbaits or soft plastics from our freshwater range.

Final Tips from Jacita

• Check sea and swell conditions early each morning before launching.
• Visit our blog weekly for the most accurate Cape Town fishing report.
• Use Jacita.co.za to shop for rods, lures, and terminal tackle with Payflex and weekly deals.
• Need gear advice? Our team knows local conditions. Call, WhatsApp or visit us in-store.

Whether you’re planning your first cast or chasing your next personal best, Jacita is your fishing home. Tight lines, South Africa.

Compiled by Chris Bateman with thanks to Warwick Forde, Arnold Swart, and Sean Mills.