Tuna Fishing Cape Town

Tuna fishing Cape Town trips head offshore from Hout Bay and False Bay to deep water beyond Cape Point, where warm and cold currents meet. They are full-day trips, and part of the day is spent travelling.

Tuna Species Off Cape Town

• Yellowfin tuna. The main target and a hard fighter, mostly caught in the warmer months.
• Longfin tuna (albacore). Often found in schools and caught in numbers when they are on.
• Skipjack. Smaller and common, often caught while looking for bigger fish.
• Bigeye and southern bluefin. Caught occasionally. Not a realistic target for most trips.

What to Expect on the Day

1. Early start. A published example: meet at 06:00 and leave at 06:30.
2. Run out. 1 to 2 hours to the grounds, depending on sea state and where the fish are.
3. Fishing. The crew troll lures or fish with bait once fish are found. Some boats set six lines and anglers take turns on the rods.
4. The fight. A big tuna can take from 30 minutes to several hours to land.
5. Return. Fishing usually stops mid-afternoon, with boats back around 16:00 to 17:00.

Tuna Season

Operators publish a tuna season of roughly September to June, with yellowfin mainly from November to June. Few offshore trips run from July to September. Seasons can start early or late, so ask what recent trips have caught.

Who Tuna Trips Suit

• No experience is needed. The crew rig the tackle and coach you through a fight.
• You need reasonable fitness. Some boats supply harnesses or fighting belts.
• Offshore swell is real. If you get seasick easily, consider an inshore trip instead.
• Shared boats need a minimum number of bookings. Private boats usually take up to 6 anglers.
• It is a long day for children. Check with the operator first.

Departure Points

Tuna boats leave from Hout Bay Harbour, Simon's Town, Millers Point and Gordon's Bay, and some from the V&A Waterfront. Simon's Town is about 30 minutes by boat from Cape Point. Your departure point is confirmed with the quote.

Included and What to Bring

• Usually included: rods, reels, tackle, bait or lures, snacks and drinks. Some trips include breakfast items and lunch.
• Bring: warm windproof layers, closed rubber-soled shoes, polarised sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and a large cooler box with ice.

Tuna Fishing Prices

Shared or private, boat size, distance to the fish, catering and demand in peak season set the final price.

Weather and Cancellations

Offshore trips are the first to be called off in strong wind or big swell. The skipper decides, often the evening before or on the morning. Give a backup date if you can. Rescheduling and refunds follow the operator's policy.

Shorter on time? Compare tuna with other trips on the Cape Town fishing charters page, or request tuna prices through Deep Sea Fishing Cape Town.

Tuna Fishing Cape Town FAQs

When is tuna season in Cape Town?

Operators publish a season of roughly September to June, with yellowfin mainly from November to June. Offshore trips are rare from July to September.

How far offshore do tuna boats go?

Usually about 10 to 40 nautical miles off Cape Point, depending on where the fish are. From Hout Bay that is 1 to 2 hours each way.

Is a tuna catch guaranteed?

No. Tuna move with water temperature and bait. A good operator will tell you honestly how recent trips have gone.

Can non-anglers come along?

Some operators allow non-fishing passengers for a fee. One publishes R1,000 per person. Ask when you request prices.

Can I take my tuna home?

Usually, within legal limits, and some crews cut the fish for you. Bring a large cooler box with ice and confirm the catch policy with your quote.

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