Private fishing charters Cape Town

Make your stay at Plotsklaps even more memorable with a private fishing charter hosted by Dave, your skipper and Plotsklaps host.

Dave has been fishing the waters around Cape Point for more than 30 years. Guests can choose between a half-day fishing trip around Cape Point or a full-day offshore expedition targeting tuna in the deep waters beyond the Point.

The boat is reserved exclusively for your group. Plotsklaps does not combine unrelated guests or place you on board with strangers.

A Personal Fishing Experience

Small groups make these private Cape Town fishing charters personal, relaxed and flexible.

Dave selects the fishing area and target species according to the weather, sea conditions, season and recent fishing activity. Beginners are welcome, and assistance is provided with the fishing equipment and techniques used during the trip.

All trips launch from Miller’s Point, where Dave is a registered member of the Cape Boat and Ski Club.

The Boat

The fishing boat, named Therapy, is a 19-foot Benguela powered by two 70-horsepower four-stroke Yamaha engines.

The boat is equipped with the necessary fishing and safety equipment for the trip.

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Boat details

• 19-foot Benguela
• Two 70-horsepower four-stroke Yamaha engines
• Boat name: Therapy
• Launches from Miller’s Point
• Private bookings only
• No split parties or unrelated groups

Half-Day Cape Point Fishing Charter

R4,500 for the private charter

Approximate time: 07:00 to 12:30
Maximum guests: Three

The half-day charter takes place around Cape Point and the surrounding fishing areas.

These trips generally target species such as yellowtail and reef fish, depending on the season and conditions on the day.

A half-day trip is a good choice for guests who would like to experience fishing around Cape Point without spending an entire day offshore.

The R4,500 rate is for the whole boat and not per person. The charter can accommodate one, two or three guests from the same group.

Full-Day Offshore Tuna Charter

R9,500 for the private charter

Approximate time: 04:30 to 17:00
Maximum paying guests: Two

The full-day charter travels farther offshore, potentially reaching the canyon approximately 30 miles beyond Cape Point.

These longer trips primarily target yellowfin tuna and longfin tuna, depending on the season, water conditions and recent fishing activity.

Because of the distance travelled and the demands of offshore tuna fishing, an additional experienced crew member accompanies Dave on full-day trips. The maximum number of paying guests is therefore limited to two.

The R9,500 rate is for the whole boat. One guest booking alone would still pay the full charter rate, while two guests may divide the cost between themselves.

Yellowfin Tuna Fishing off Cape Point

The deep waters beyond Cape Point are well known for yellowfin and longfin tuna. These powerful fish offer an exciting challenge for experienced anglers and guests trying offshore fishing for the first time.

Tuna are targeted during the full-day charter, with the fishing area selected according to recent reports, water temperature and sea conditions. Although Dave uses more than 30 years of local fishing experience to choose the most promising area, catches cannot be guaranteed.

What Is Included?

The following is included in the charter:

• Rods and reels
• Fishing tackle
• Bait
• Lifejackets and safety equipment
• Ice for the fish
• Drinking water
• Cleaning and preparation of the retained catch

Guests must arrange their own recreational fishing permits before the trip. Permits can be obtained online or from a participating Post Office.

What Guests Should Bring

Guests should bring:

• Food and additional drinks for the day
• Warm layered clothing
• A waterproof or wind-resistant jacket
• A hat and sunscreen
• Comfortable, non-slip shoes
• Seasickness medication where necessary
• Any personal medication

Please do not wear shoes with black soles, as these can leave marks on the boat.

Even when the weather is warm on land, conditions at sea can be cold and windy. Guests should therefore bring enough warm clothing, particularly for the early-morning full-day departure.

Catch Arrangements

The first yellowfin tuna retained during a full-day trip is allocated to the boat and shared among those on board.

After the first fish, additional yellowfin will generally be released where the condition of the fish makes a safe release possible.

Applicable fishing regulations and catch limits will be explained before or during the trip. The species targeted and whether fish are retained or released will depend on the conditions and the applicable rules at the time.

More Than Just Fishing

A trip from Miller’s Point and around Cape Point offers an opportunity to experience Cape Town’s coastline from a completely different perspective.

Guests may enjoy views of Cape Point from the ocean and could encounter seabirds, seals, dolphins or other marine life along the route.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the scenery and boat journey often become an important part of the experience.

Who Can Join?

Beginners and experienced anglers are welcome.

Guests should be comfortable spending several hours on a small boat at sea. Full-day trips are particularly long and may involve travelling through rough or unpredictable offshore conditions.

Please discuss the trip with Dave beforehand if:

• Children would like to join
• A guest has limited mobility
• Someone has a medical condition that may affect the trip
• A guest has previously experienced serious seasickness
• Anyone is uncertain about spending a full day offshore

Dave will advise whether the expected trip and conditions are suitable for everyone in the group.

Weather and Sea Conditions

Fishing off Cape Point is highly dependent on the weather, wind and swell.

A reliable decision about whether the trip can proceed is generally only possible approximately 48 hours beforehand. Even after an initial confirmation, conditions can change and the charter may still need to be postponed or cancelled.

Dave makes the final decision about whether it is safe and practical to launch.

The following may change according to the conditions:

• Departure time
• Fishing location
• Distance travelled
• Target species
• Duration of the trip

Safety and suitable sea conditions always take priority.

Enquire About a Fishing Charter

Fishing charters should be arranged in advance, preferably when booking your accommodation at Plotsklaps.

When enquiring, please provide:

• Your preferred fishing date
• Whether you are interested in a half-day or full-day charter
• The number of guests
• The ages of any children
• Your level of fishing experience
• Details of any mobility or health considerations
• Any previous problems with seasickness

Dave will confirm availability and discuss the fishing possibilities, weather conditions and final arrangements with you.

Contact Dave on +27 (0)21 712 6052 to enquire about adding a private fishing charter to your stay at Plotsklaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous fishing experience?

No. Beginners are welcome, and assistance is provided during the trip.

Do I need a fishing permit?

Yes. Guests must obtain their own recreational fishing permits before the charter. Permits can be arranged online or through a participating Post Office.

Can we book specifically for yellowfin tuna?

Yellowfin tuna are primarily targeted during full-day offshore trips. Their availability depends on the season, weather, water conditions and recent fishing activity.

A yellowfin catch cannot be guaranteed.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable?

A final decision is generally made approximately 48 hours before the trip. However, conditions can change, and the trip may still need to be postponed or cancelled.

Dave makes the final decision based on the expected weather and sea conditions.

Can children join?

Children may be able to join, depending on their age, boating experience and the expected conditions. Please discuss this with Dave before booking.