Fishing Along the Garden Route

The Garden Route in the Western Cape is a dream destination for anyone who loves fishing. It has many great spots for both beginners and experienced anglers. Some of the best places to cast your line are Mossel Bay, Knysna, Victoria Bay, and Wilderness.

Mossel Bay has many popular fishing areas stretching from the Point to Hartenbos. Near the Point, you can spin for Bonito and Elf, while Kob and Elf are common closer to Hartenbos. Favourite baits here include pilchards, squid, and octopus.

Closer to George, Victoria Bay and Wilderness are local favourites. The pier at Victoria Bay is a fun and busy spot where you can catch Elf, Kob, and sometimes even a Musselcracker. In Wilderness, stronger waves make for exciting fishing — you might even hook a Bronze Whaler for a real challenge!

If you prefer calm waters, the inland lakes and rivers are also perfect for fishing. The Knysna estuary, Island Lake, Swartvlei, and Touw River are great places to catch Grunter, Leervis, Steenbras, Kob, and Mullet.

The best times to fish are early in the morning or at sunset. Don’t forget your fishing license, and always keep safety first — have emergency numbers handy before you head out.