Yellowtail fishing Cape Town trips target fast, hard-pulling yellowtail that shoal around Cape Point and in False Bay. The fish are often closer inshore than tuna, so trips can be half or full day.
Tell us your date and group size to check yellowtail trips.
Request Availability & PricesThe Yellowtail Experience
Yellowtail chase bait such as anchovy and squid. The skipper watches for working birds and bait on the sounder, then puts the boat on the shoal. Expect quiet searching followed by short bursts when several anglers hook up at once.
Techniques Used
- Jigging. Metal jigs dropped down and worked back fast.
- Surface lures. Casting poppers and stickbaits when fish feed on top.
- Bait. Live or dead bait when fish are holding deeper.
- Trolling. Dragging lures while searching for a shoal.
Trip Options
- Half day. A published example leaves Millers Point at 06:00 for about 6 hours at Cape Point, targeting yellowtail, snoek and skipjack.
- Full day. More time to find shoals, and sometimes combined with tuna.
- Private boat. Your group only, on your date. See private fishing charters.
Season
Yellowtail are mainly caught from November to April. Shoals move quickly, so good and slow days can sit side by side in the same week.
Who It Suits
Beginners are welcome, as the crew rig the tackle. Yellowtail pull hard, so expect to stand at the rail and work for each fish. Most boats take up to 6 anglers.
Departure Points
Simon's Town and Millers Point are closest to the Cape Point grounds. Hout Bay boats also target yellowtail. The departure point is confirmed with your quote.
Yellowtail Fishing Prices
| Trip | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Private 5-hour offshore charter, whole boat, Hout Bay | R13,900 |
| Private full-day deep sea charter, whole boat (up to 6 anglers) | R24,900 - R27,500 |
| Shared half-day inshore trip from Millers Point, per person | From R1,700 |
| Shared 3-hour trip from Hout Bay, per person | R2,190 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Ballpark figures taken from rates published by Cape Town charter operators and rounded. They are not our prices or quotations, and no operator is bound by them. Most operators do not say whether VAT is included, so confirm it on every quote.
Sources:
- Keep It Reel Fishing Charters, Millers Point - shared inshore, bottom fishing and tuna rates
- Cape Oceans Boat Fishing Charters - Hout Bay and V&A Waterfront private and shared rates
- Cape Point Tuna Charters, Gordon's Bay - shared and private offshore tuna rates
Included and What to Bring
- Usually included: tackle, lures, bait, snacks and drinks.
- Bring: windproof layers, closed shoes, polarised sunglasses, sunscreen and a cooler box with ice.
Weather and Cancellations
Wind direction decides where boats can fish around Cape Point. Operators may switch sides of the peninsula or cancel if it blows. The skipper makes the call, and refunds or rescheduling follow the operator's policy.
See every trip type on the Cape Town fishing trips page, or send one request through Deep Sea Fishing Cape Town.
Yellowtail Fishing Cape Town FAQs
When is yellowtail season in Cape Town?
Mainly November to April, although shoals come and go and can turn up outside those months.
Half day or full day for yellowtail?
Yellowtail are often closer inshore than tuna, so a half day can work. A full day gives the skipper more time to find moving shoals.
Do I need my own jigs or lures?
No. Operators supply tackle. Experienced anglers can ask whether they may bring their own jigs and poppers.
Can I keep yellowtail?
Yes, within the legal bag limit. Yellowtail is rated green by SASSI. Confirm the catch policy with your operator.
Can I combine yellowtail and tuna on one trip?
Sometimes, on a full day when both are around. Ask when you request prices.
Related Fishing Trips
Deep Sea Fishing Cape Town is a free quote-comparison service. We do not own or operate boats. Trips are run by independent charter operators and your booking is with the operator you choose. Ask each one for a written quote listing the boat, inclusions, departure point and cancellation terms before you pay.
Yellowtail Fishing Cape Town. Request availability and prices for yellowtail.
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