FISHING SAFARIS
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Port Alfred in South Africa’s Eastern Cape boasts more days of sunshine per year than any other area in South Africa. The "Sunshine Coast" is known for its pristine beaches, surfing and exceptional deep sea, river, rock and surf angling.
The coastline between Port Alfred and north to East London consists of heavily wooded sand dunes and long stretches of beach broken by numerous salt and fresh water estuaries rarely more than 8 to 10 km apart. Despite the fact that some of these tidal estuaries are only open to the sea for short periods in the rainy season they, nevertheless, harbour many species of saltwater fish and invertebrates.
The main target specie for offshore reef fishermen on this stretch of coast is the red or copper steenbras, a giant endemic snapper-type fish that grows to 60 kg (130 lb). A strict management quota limits catches of these magnificent fish. Other reef fish that abound are yellowtail, elf and kob and Cape Salmon.
The Agulhas current provides the shore fishermen with a variety of warm water fish interspersed with cooler water fish when the current meanders offshore. Garrick are prized targets at some of the deep water shore spots, whilst a variety of bream-like fish that make excellent table fare are still abundant, as are sharks and rays.
The Kowie River which meanders through Port Alfred is navigable upstream from the mouth for 22kms and supports a whole host of salt and freshwater species. Light tackle estuarine fishing is productive and kob which grow up to 45 kg (100 pounds), spotted grunter, river snapper, garrick and small kingfis are all caught in its waters. The skipjack/ladyfish that is related to the tarpon is a popular light-tackle/fly-rod fish which provides spectacular aerobatics when hooked.
On a windy day a population of large mouth bass that lives in the "brak" waters of the upper reaches of the Kowie can be targeted.
