ESTUARINE FISHING

When bad weather keeps the angler from the rocks, he still has the option of turning to one of the productive rivers in the Southern Cape where he can practice his hobby in safety and often be amply rewarded.

The Knysna lagoon, Gourits River and Breede River are the most popular and productive options.  Apart from these, there are the smaller rivers where similar sport on light tackle may be had:  Keurbooms River at Plettenberg Bay, Swartvlei lagoon at Sedgefield, Wilderness lagoon, Great Brak River, Little Brak River, Hartenbos River and the Goukou river at Still Bay.

Although you may fish from the river banks, it is best to make use of a boat as it is then possible to fish with the tides.

Although we are just focusing on the Knysna lagoon, Gourits River and Breede River, fishing techniques, bait and target species coincide to a great extent.

 Tackle

In the calm water of rivers, fish seems to be more sensitive and therefore you must fish with the lightest tackle possible!

A light rod (1,5-2,5 meters) with a matching reel (either fixed spool or multiplying) is needed.  The reel must have a line capacity of at least 200 meters (4-10kg).  Hook sizes vary from 1/0-6/0, depending on the fish you want to catch.  Ball sinkers (no. 1-3) are used and sometimes small sand sinkers when the currents are strong.  Also the swivels should be as light as possible, no. 8-10 being best.  (See sketch of terminal rig) 

You will also need a prawn pump to collect bloodworm, sand and mud prawns as well as a casting net to catch mullet.  Two to three buckets are needed to keep the different kinds of bait in.

When fishing from a boat, you need a scoop-net to lift the smaller fish into the boat and a gaff for the bigger ones.

A sharp knife, a small pair of scissors to cut nylon line and thin cotton to secure prawns onto the hook will round off your equipment.