Get Hooked... on the Cape Point Route!

A day on the water and you’ll fall for fishing in the Cape – hook, line and sinker...

Fishing isn’t everyone’s forte. There are always tall stories of the one that got away, tales of warriors battling giant fish, and size scandals. But fishing is one of the most popular activities on the Cape Point Route, and with good reason.

The scenic stretch of the Peninsula from Hout Bay to Cape Point and up the False Bay coastline to Muizenberg has several good fishing spots. Kalk Bay is a fishing village with a quaint but contemporary atmosphere and an operational harbour where you can bait up and cast out.

If you want to drop anchor a little further from the shore, Hout Bay is the place to visit. An early start in the Hout Bay mist will see you setting off to sea with Captain Sean of Hooked on Africa. The company operates fishing charters from the harbour and will take you on an unforgettable in-shore fishing experience. In-shore means that you can still see the shore and aren’t drifting far out at sea. Deep sea fishing means, well, that you’re in really deep water and can’t see the shore.

As you’ll find out on the trip, there’s a lot to learn about the science of fishing – what fish are running and where, the correct rods and lures to use and how to pick a spot in the fishing grounds, just for a start. There’s also the technique of getting a fish off the hook, which you’ll find out when you land a snoek that’s bigger than you. Good thing the locals are there to help out.

It doesn’t matter if the only experience you’ve had with fish involves your pet goldfish. The Captain will show you the ropes and you’ll drop your lines on his orders (and you’ll learn how to do that too). You’ll be taught the technique of releasing the line and reeling it back in. As you get confident you’ll begin to enjoy the calm repetitive motion … until there is a sudden violent yank on your rod and an eruption of excitement on the boat. There’s no gentle nibbling to warn you that a fish is ready for the fight – he’s on the end of your line in a flash.

Adrenaline flows, you pull, he pulls, you reel, he reels, you fight, he fights right back but gradually (with some guidance) you reel in the shiny silver beast. There is more action on board a fishing boat than in a high-speed Hollywood car chase. The Captain and his crew will help get the fish off the line, which is no mean feat as the silvery creatures are about a metre long and weigh about 8 – 9kg. Not to mention their huge jaws and ferocious teeth.

Once you’ve been out on the waters, you’ll understand why fishermen keep going back for more. The adrenaline and challenge with each catch is a conquest. Soon you’ll be tempted to head out into deeper waters to bag that 70kg yellowtail.

As you cook your snoek over the braai with a smug sense of satisfaction, you’ll be the one talking about the size of the fish that was stolen from your line by a Cape Fur Seal and telling the tales about the dolphins and the view of the mountains from the sea.

For more information on fishing charters, places to eat or stay on the Cape Point Route please visit: www.capepointroute.co.za.
Tel: 021 782 9346

TOP AQUA ACTIVITIES ON THE CAPE POINT ROUTE:
Fishing Charters: Hooked on Africa Fishing Charters, Hout Bay
Big Blue Fishing Charters, Simon's Town
Seal Island Cruises: Drumbeat Charters, Hout Bay
High speed boat trips: Simon’s Town Boat Company
Shark Eco-tours: Apex Shark Expeditions