Target Species

Some of our favourite species you may encounter on a charter off Plettenberg Bay β€” you never know what's going to take the bait.

What Swims Off Plett

The Species You'll Target

Plettenberg Bay's unique position on the Agulhas Bank means a remarkable variety of fish year-round.

Yellow Belly Rock Cod
Yellow Belly Rock Cod
Epinephelus marginatus
Red Steenbras
Red Steenbras
Petrus rupestris
Red Stumpnose (Miss Lucy)
Red Stumpnose (Miss Lucy)
Chrysoblephus gibbiceps
Yellowtail
Yellowtail
Seriola lalandi
Cape Snoek
Cape Snoek
Thyrsites atun
Katonkel (Atlantic Bonito)
Katonkel (Atlantic Bonito)
Sarda sarda
Gurnard
Gurnard
Chelidonichthys capensis
Hake
Hake
Merluccius capensis
Cob (Kabeljou)
Cob (Kabeljou)
Argyrosomus japonicus
Garrick / Leervis
Garrick / Leervis
Lichia amia
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Thunnus albacares
Geelbeck
Geelbeck
Atractoscion aequidens
Red Roman
Red Roman
Chrysoblephus laticeps
Squid / Chokka
Squid / Chokka
Loligo reynaudii
Mackerel
Mackerel
Scomber japonicus
Species Guide

Our Favourite Catches

Yellow Belly Rock Cod

Yellow Belly Rock Cod

Epinephelus marginatus

A powerful reef predator found on rocky substrates. Prized for their size and the fight they put up on bottom fishing charters.

πŸ“… Year Round🎣 Bottom fishing
Red Steenbras

Red Steenbras

Petrus rupestris

One of the most sought-after reef fish along the South African coast. A beautiful red fish with outstanding eating quality.

πŸ“… Year Round🎣 Bottom fishing
Red Stumpnose (Miss Lucy)

Red Stumpnose (Miss Lucy)

Chrysoblephus gibbiceps

Affectionately known as Miss Lucy. A fan favourite β€” distinctive red colouring, sweet white flesh and a willingness to bite.

πŸ“… Year Round🎣 Bottom fishing, Scarborough reels
Yellowtail

Yellowtail

Seriola lalandi

One of the most prized sport fish off Plettenberg Bay. Known for explosive runs and hard-pulling fights β€” a thrill on light tackle.

πŸ“… Summer (Nov–Mar)🎣 Live bait, plugging
Cape Snoek

Cape Snoek

Thyrsites atun

The Cape Snoek is a winter staple. Aggressive, voracious and great eating β€” one of the most exciting charters we run.

πŸ“… Winter (Jun–Sep)🎣 Jigging
Katonkel (Atlantic Bonito)

Katonkel (Atlantic Bonito)

Sarda sarda

A fast, schooling pelagic that provides non-stop action when they push into the bay. Makes excellent sushi and smoked fish.

πŸ“… Summer🎣 Trolling, casting, plugging
Gurnard

Gurnard

Chelidonichthys capensis

A striking bottom-dwelling fish with beautiful wing-like pectoral fins. Often caught as a bonus species on bottom fishing charters.

πŸ“… Year Round🎣 Bottom fishing
Hake

Hake

Merluccius capensis

South Africa's favourite eating fish. Soft, white, delicate flesh that is hard to beat on the braai.

πŸ“… Year Round🎣 Deep bottom fishing
Cob (Kabeljou)

Cob (Kabeljou)

Argyrosomus japonicus

The biggest inshore fish in South African waters. A true trophy catch β€” they can grow to enormous sizes.

πŸ“… Year Round🎣 Bottom fishing
Garrick / Leervis

Garrick / Leervis

Lichia amia

One of the most electrifying game fish on the South African coast. Hard-running, acrobatic and powerful.

πŸ“… Year Round🎣 Live bait, trolling, plugging
Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna

Thunnus albacares

The holy grail for offshore anglers. When the warm Agulhas current pushes close, yellowfin tuna provide heart-stopping action.

πŸ“… Summer (Dec–Feb)🎣 Trolling, popping, jigging
Geelbeck

Geelbeck

Atractoscion aequidens

A feisty species that is one of the most delicious fish you can catch in these waters. Great fun on light tackle.

πŸ“… Year Round🎣 Bottom fishing
Red Roman

Red Roman

Chrysoblephus laticeps

A striking crimson reef fish and one of the most beautiful catches in Plettenberg Bay. Hardy fighters that love rocky reef structure.

πŸ“… Year Round🎣 Bottom fishing, reef fishing
Squid / Chokka

Squid / Chokka

Loligo reynaudii

Fresh calamari caught right off Plett. Our dedicated squid trips are hugely popular β€” great fun for all ages.

πŸ“… Year Round🎣 Specialised squid jigs
Mackerel

Mackerel

Scomber japonicus

Schooling pelagics that are abundant off Plett and great fun to catch. Often used as live bait for larger predators.

πŸ“… Year Round🎣 Feathers, small jigs, bait

Go Catch One

Book your charter and see what Plettenberg Bay has in store for you. Every trip is different β€” that's the magic of fishing.

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