When is snoek season in Kommetjie?

Snoek season officially runs from May to August (South African winter). Conditions peak when the cold Benguela current pushes large schools into the bays off Kommetjie and Hout Bay. Occasional snoek runs continue into September.

Which other fish bite year-round?

Yellowfin and longfin tuna are caught year-round, peaking November to April on the Cape Point Banks. Yellowtail bites best from September to May. From shore, galjoen and kob can be targeted at Slangkop Point throughout the year.

When are conditions best for SUP and kayak in Kommetjie?

Between 06:00 and 10:00 the sea is calmest, before the typical south-easter ("Cape Doctor") picks up. Kommetjie Bay between Slangkop and Long Beach is sheltered by kelp forests. Water sits at 12–18 °C — a wetsuit is mandatory, along with a leash and a phone in a dry pouch.

Do I need a fishing licence in South Africa?

Yes, a Recreational Fishing Permit is mandatory — including from a charter boat. It costs around R110 per month and is sold at any South African Post Office branch. Charter operators arrange the permit at the harbour on request. Closed seasons, minimum sizes and daily bag limits are set by the DFFE and posted at the harbour.

Do I need a licence for SUP or kayak?

No licence is required for private SUP or kayak. As soon as you bring fishing gear aboard, the Recreational Fishing Permit applies. Guided tours through certified operators require no additional paperwork. A life jacket is strongly recommended — mandatory on charter trips.

How early should I book a charter?

1–2 weeks ahead is enough in low season. In peak season (December–February and the June/July snoek run) we recommend booking 3–4 weeks in advance. Bad-weather days are rescheduled at no cost — skippers decide 24 h ahead based on the wind forecast.

Fishing & Watersports Kommetjie – Hout Bay Charters

The Atlantic coast off Kommetjie is one of South Africa's finest fishing grounds — kelp forests, the cold Benguela current and abundant fish. Snoek, yellowtail and tuna feed within sight of the shore, while sheltered Kommetjie Bay is ideal for SUP and kayak. This guide brings together seasons, spots and trusted charter operators in Hout Bay (15 minutes from Villa Austral).

Snoek season & grounds

Snoek season officially runs from May to August (South African winter). The cold, clear Benguela waters push large snoek schools into the bays off Kommetjie, Hout Bay and Kalk Bay. Tuna (yellowfin and longfin) is caught year-round, peaking November to April. Yellowtail bites best from September to May.

Kommetjie Reef — right off Long Beach, top spot for yellowtail and snoek.

Cape Point Banks — 30-40 km offshore, tuna hotspot from December to March.

Vulcan Rock — off Hout Bay, legendary snoek grounds in winter.

Slangkop Point — shore angling at the lighthouse for galjoen and kob.

Charter operators in Hout Bay

Hout Bay sits 15 minutes over Chapman's Peak and is the charter harbour of the peninsula. Every operator listed below is long-established, SAMSA-certified and provides tackle, licence and catering. Book 1–2 weeks ahead, earlier in peak season.

Hooked on Africa Fishing Charters

Harbour Road, Hout Bay Harbour, 7806

Snoek, Yellowtail, Tuna — Boote am Jetty vor dem Lookout Deck.

Website Email Call +27 21 790 5332

Fish Tales Charters

Hout Bay Harbour

Offshore Tuna, Cape Point, Inshore Bottom Fishing.

Website Email Call +27 83 277 1602

Cape Town Fishing Charters

Berth No. 1, Hout Bay Marina

Tuna, Yellowtail, Snoek, Marlin — Skipper Steve Potter, 30+ Jahre Erfahrung.

Website Call +27 82 690 4502

Salt Safari

Hout Bay Harbour

Private Deep-Sea-Charter mit gehobener Ausstattung.

Website Email Call +27 76 891 1789

Deep Sea Fishing Cape Town

65 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay

Tagesausfahrten, Snoek-Spezialist in der Saison.

Website Call +27 21 790 0578

Map · Hout Bay Harbour

SUP & kayak in Kommetjie

Sheltered Kommetjie Bay between Slangkop and Long Beach offers calm conditions for SUP and kayak — especially in the early morning before the south-easterly picks up. Kelp forests, curious seals and the occasional dolphin make every session memorable. Rentals in Kommetjie are seasonal; a more reliable option is Kayak Cape Town in Three Anchor Bay (Sea Point) for guided coastal tours.

Best time: 06:00–10:00 (calm sea, offshore wind).

Kommetjie Tidal Pool — perfect for families with children.

Long Beach North — SUP surfing on small swell.

Safety: always wear a leash, wetsuit (water 12–18 °C) and carry a phone.

Licences & rules

A Recreational Fishing Permit is mandatory — available at any Post Office branch (around R110/month). Charter operators arrange licences on request. Closed seasons, minimum sizes and daily bag limits are set by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE); current values are posted at the harbour.

Up for a day on the water or a SUP session out front? Check availability — or read more about surfing in Kommetjie and the Cape Peninsula beaches.

Frequently asked questions about fishing & watersports

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Fishing & Watersports in Kommetjie — Snoek, SUP & Hout Bay Charters

Snoek season & grounds

Charter operators in Hout Bay

SUP & kayak in Kommetjie

Licences & rules

Frequently asked questions about fishing & watersports

Surfing Kommetjie — From the Outer Kom to Long Beach

Hidden Coves Along the Atlantic Coast