South Africa's Saltwater Fishing Hub

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Valuable intel on species, locations, seasons, and tackle — everything you need to land the fish of a lifetime, wherever the ocean takes you.

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3,000km
Coastline
2
Oceans
40
Target Species
Year-Round
Fishing

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Whether you're chasing garrick in the Cape surf or bull sharks on the KwaZulu-Natal coast — DeepDrift gives you knowledge.

South Africa's surf, estuary and nearshore environments hold some of the most powerful and prized species on earth. Click any species to read the full profile.

What should I aim to catch?

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From the Water

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Every trace has its place. Click any trace to see how it is built, what it is for, and which species it is designed to land.

Angler Catch Logbook

Recorded Catches

Browse catches shared by anglers from around the coast, or share your own.

My name is Rousseau Theron.

I first got into fishing through freshwater specimen and fly fishing through one of my friends. I had fished saltwater here and there. One day I got a message to meet a fellow coach known as Coenie Groenewald. He taught me many valuable lessons and tips. From there I was hooked, with him introducing me to surf fishing.

Getting into more competitive fishing was fun but hard as I had very few people to learn from. I was new to the game and nobody I knew besides my coach and his son fished the surf. But I watched numerous videos, read books and articles and tested myself to go further through raw learning. I still had a lot to learn. I kept trying and learning.

About 2 years down the line I was at my 2nd nationals. I realised I had such a passion for surf fishing, I knew I had to take it as far as I can. I wasn’t just any keen fisherman, it was all I could think about all day at this point.

So I made contact with a well experienced guide by the name of Duvan Van Breda. He was one of my biggest inspirations at the time. The gate to go to the next level was to learn from fishermen such as himself and others like Michael Parris. I was blessed with an opportunity to learn from him and guide with his team. I can truly say it was the best time of my life. It was exhausting at times, but it was all worth it.

The valuable lessons that I learnt regarding water reading, weather build up, conditions, currents, swells, bait and life itself were an eye-opener. I pushed myself as far as I could with everything from becoming the “KAYAK GUY” that took all the beatings on the reefs and the rough weather to taking stupid risks to get things to work. I’m glad I got to leave my mark over the months I was there.

I decided I had to help educate others that needed help like myself or are just keen to learn. It is my passion, I would love to see others perform. Fishing is fun but when it matters put your game face on.

The knowledge on the web page is completely written by myself. The knowledge came from various experienced guides, fishermen, books, tagging organisations and personal experience. It is here for your benefit at no cost. Enjoy!

Tackle Database

Lures & tackle

The lure types that work for South African surf, rock and boat fishing, and the species each one is best for.

Speed Jig

Slim and dense so it drops fast and comes back quickly. Built for working deep water and drop-offs where a slower lure never reaches the fish.

YellowtailBonitoBlacktip Kingfish

Butterfly Jig

Flutters wide on the drop rather than dropping straight. Most takes come as it falls, so stay in contact on the way down.

YellowtailRed RomanCatface Rock Cod

Slow Pitch Jig

Short, wide body that flashes and flutters at low speed. Suited to reef and rocky ground where fish are holding tight and not chasing.

Red RomanYellowbelly Rock CodScotsman

Paddle Tail Swimbait

The wide tail thumps on a slow, steady retrieve. Rigged on a jig head it covers sand gutters and drop-offs, and fish hold on to the soft body longer than hard plastic.

KobGarrickSpotted Grunter

Soft Shrimp

Fished slow along the bottom on a light jig head, hopped and left to settle. Works well in estuaries and clean shallow water where fish are picky.

Spotted GrunterKobBlacktail

Casting Spoon

Heavy metal spoon that casts a long way into a headwind. The wobble throws flash on the drop and on a steady retrieve — a surf and ledge standard.

Shad / ElfGarrickKob

Slice / Blade Spoon

Narrow, dense profile built for speed. Retrieved fast and high in the water it imitates a fleeing baitfish.

Shad / ElfYellowtailBonito

Sinking Plug

Counts down to depth before you start the retrieve. Useful in deeper water, off ledges and in strong current where a floater will not get down.

GarrickYellowtailKob

Surface Plug

Worked across the top with a steady wobble or a walked action. Best in the low light of early morning and late afternoon.

GarrickShad / Elf

Suspending Jerk Bait

Hangs in the water column on the pause. That pause is where most of the takes come — it gives a following fish time to commit.

GarrickKob

Sinking Jerk Bait

Sinks on the pause instead of holding, letting you fish deeper water and hold position in current and side wash.

GarrickKobYellowtail

Soft Plastic Jerk Bait

Rigged weedless or on a jig head. The soft body gives an erratic darting action and fish hold on to it longer than hard plastic.

KobGarrickSpotted Grunter

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