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A first-time angler sitting at the rail with a rod in hand on a flat, blue morning.

Guide

What to bring on a Cape Town fishing charter

What should you bring on a fishing charter?

Sun protection, a warm windproof layer, soft-soled shoes, extra water, seasickness medication and a dry bag for your phone. Tackle, bait and safety equipment are supplied.

3 minute read · Updated

Bring these

Everything here earns its place. Nothing on this list is padding.

  • High-factor sunscreen and a hat with a brim. Reflected light off the water roughly doubles your exposure, and there is no shade offshore.
  • Polarised sunglasses. Comfort, but also the only way to see fish and structure through the surface.
  • A warm windproof layer. It leaves Hout Bay at 14°C, and it is colder again 30 nautical miles out with the boat making way. People consistently underdress for this.
  • Soft-soled, closed shoes. Deck shoes or trainers. No black soles — they mark the deck — and nothing open-toed.
  • Water, and more than you think. Two litres per person on an offshore day.
  • Extra snacks or dietary-specific food, if you need them. Lunch, drinks and snacks are supplied on fishing and birding trips.
  • Seasickness medication, taken the night before. See the seasickness guide.
  • A dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone, keys and wallet.

What is already on board

All rods, reels, terminal tackle, lures and bait. Fighting harnesses. Life jackets and all required safety equipment. A cooler with ice for your catch.

You are welcome to bring your own tackle if you prefer to fish it.

What to leave at home

Hard-shell suitcases and large bags — deck space is finite and everything loose becomes a hazard in a swell. Black-soled shoes. Glass bottles.

Drones are welcome on the coastal and sunset trips, weather allowing, but the skipper decides when it is safe to launch and recover.

Still unsure?

Ask directly. Garreth answers these questions every week and will tell you if a trip is wrong for you.

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Questions

Do you need to bring your own fishing gear?

No. Rods, reels, terminal tackle, lures, bait and fighting harnesses are all supplied. You may bring your own if you prefer.

What should you wear on a fishing charter in Cape Town?

Layers, including a warm windproof outer. It is significantly colder 30 nautical miles offshore than it is in the harbour. Soft-soled closed shoes, a brimmed hat and polarised sunglasses.

Is food included on a charter?

Yes. Lunch, drinks and snacks are included on fishing and birding trips, and drinks and snacks on cruises. Bring extra water if you drink a lot, and any dietary-specific food. There is a cooler with ice on board.

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