Offshore Fly Fishing Cape Town

Offshore fly fishing Cape Town is a specialist trip for anglers who already fly fish and want to try for yellowtail, snoek or tuna on fly. Few operators list it as a trip, so it is usually arranged as a private charter.

Operator Availability

Hout Bay operators list offshore fly fishing, but none of the operators we checked publish a fixed fly fishing price or schedule. Request early, give flexible dates and say what you want to target. Your request is passed only to operators that may run fly trips, and not every request can be matched.

Target Species

• Yellowtail and snoek. Fished closer in, around False Bay and Cape Point.
• Yellowfin and longfin tuna. Further offshore. Big tuna are often too large to land on fly tackle.
• Some grounds, such as around Robben Island, need a special permit. The operator will advise.

Specialist Equipment

Bring sinking or intermediate lines, a bite tippet for snoek teeth and spare flies. Ask whether the operator has any fly gear on board.

Experience Required

• Confident casting with a heavy rod in wind, from a moving deck.
• Able to clear line quickly and fight fish off the reel.
• Comfortable with long, quiet spells between short windows of action.

What to Expect

The skipper searches for feeding fish and positions the boat so you can cast. Boats used for fly trips need clear deck space, which is another reason they are booked private.

Season

Most target species are caught in summer. Snoek peak in the cold winter months. Seasons vary from year to year.

Offshore Fly Fishing Prices

Fly trips are normally priced as a private charter, so private boat rates are the best guide.

Weather and Cancellations

Wind affects fly casting more than conventional fishing, so fly trips are more weather-sensitive. The skipper decides on the day, and rescheduling follows the operator's policy.

Not ready for fly? See conventional trips on the Cape Town fishing trips page, or send a fly fishing request through Deep Sea Fishing Cape Town.

Offshore Fly Fishing Cape Town FAQs

Do operators supply fly tackle?

Not always. Operators we checked do not say fly tackle is supplied, so plan to bring your own and confirm with the quote.

Can a beginner fly angler join?

It is not a good first fly fishing trip. You need to cast a heavy rod in wind on a moving deck. Beginners do better on an inshore trip with conventional tackle.

What rod weight do I need?

Published guidance is a 10 to 12 weight for yellowtail and snoek, and a 14 weight with at least 600 m of backing for tuna.

Can I fly fish on a shared boat?

Usually not practical, as other anglers' lines get in the way. Fly trips are normally booked as a private charter.

When is the best time?

Most target species are caught in summer, while snoek peak in winter. Seasons vary from year to year.

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