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Fishing in South Africa's Waters

Fishing may have originated as a way to provide food for the dinner table but today it is also regarded by many to be a worthwhile and enjoyable pastime. Of course, in many coastal towns and cities fishing is still a means of providing food and to make a living, but more and more people are heading out with rod and reel to enjoy the challenge of reeling in their own catch. South Africa is no different and fishing in South Africa takes on many different forms with KwaZulu Natal being one of the country's most popular fishing destinations.

Fishing in South Africa is generally dictated by location. Inland fishing enthusiasts generally make use of large lakes and dams, some of which are regularly stocked with a variety of indigenous fish to ensure that there is always something to catch. Others may try their hand at trout fishing, which is particularly popular in the rivers of the Mpumalanga area. If you are looking for the best fishing in the country, however, it is generally agreed that you need to head to the coast where a variety of fishing methods are practised and bigger, tastier fish are found.

Shore Angling in South Africa is probably the most popular form of coastal fishing. A fisherman may take his place on a rocky shoreline or knee deep in sandy water before casting out his reel. Depending on where he is stationed and how deep he casts his line, he can catch fish such as black and striped marlin, kawakawa, king mackerel, yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, queen and kingfish, wahoo and dorado. An increasingly popular alternative to shore angling is saltwater fly-fishing in South Africa. Though somewhat more costly, it can provide hours of great fishing to the experienced fly-fisherman. If you enjoy the final battle between fish and fisherman as the hunter reels in his catch, then deep-sea fishing is a must. There are a number of spectacularly large fish which can be caught from the back of a boat in South Africa’s deeper waters.

It is a good thing to remember that many of South Africa’s marine animals (and sometimes the freshwater fish too) are protected. This means you have to acquire the relevant permit to catch fish or remove crayfish, mussels, oysters, mussels, octopus and mud prawns. Also, the catch and release method of fishing is preferable to removing and killing the fish. You can find out more from the relevant wildlife authorities.