WHERE TO FISH Part 16

By Ewald Crause  and Connie Garstman

(Originally published in the November 2024 issue of SKI-BOAT magazine)

KNYSNA, a gem of the southern Cape coast, is a destination that offers anglers an unparalleled variety of fishing experiences. From the serene, sheltered waters of the Knysna estuary (perfect for light tackle enthusiasts), to the thrilling challenge of navigating the iconic Knysna Heads, this region is a paradise for those seeking diverse fishing adventures. Whether you choose to fish the estuary’s abundant channels, venture offshore towards Plettenberg Bay, or head west towards Walker Point, Knysna serves as a gateway to an array of species and fishing techniques, catering to both novice and experienced anglers alike.

KNYSNA ESTUARY
A haven for light tackle fishing and family fun
For those seeking a relaxed and accessible fishing experience, the Knysna estuary is an excellent location. Its calm waters make it ideal for light tackle fishing, with species such as leervis (garrick) and spotted grunter being common targets. Early mornings and late afternoons are productive times to fish, and livebait like prawns or small mullet work well.
The estuary is also a great place for families to enjoy fishing together. Children can easily catch baitfish and gorries (pinkies), providing an engaging introduction to the sport. The area is also frequented by skates and smooth-hound sharks, which offer a fun challenge for young anglers without being too difficult to handle. For those interested in flyfishing, the estuary’s waters provide the right conditions, with leervis often going for surface poppers and clousers.
The combination of productive fishing, ease of access and family-friendly appeal makes the Knysna Estuary an ideal destination for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

THROUGH THE KNYSNA HEADS
Navigating between the Knysna Heads – two towering cliffs that frame a narrow channel between the estuary and the open ocean – presents a serious challenge due to the unpredictable nature of the conditions.
Skippering through this passage requires skill and a solid understanding of local sea conditions. Many local skippers regard successfully passing through the Knysna Heads as a mark of experience and boating proficiency – essentially a rite of passage. It’s not a route recommended for novice boaters, but for those who manage it, the waters beyond offer rewarding fishing opportunities.
The tidal currents between the Heads are strong and fast, funnelling through the narrow gap and creating turbulent waters, especially during the outgoing tide. For boaters, timing is critical. Passing through the Heads at slack tide, when the current is at its weakest, is strongly recommended to ensure a safe journey.
In addition to the strong currents, waves at the Heads can become unpredictable, with larger swells pushing into the channel and creating rough conditions, even when the sea appears calm from inside the estuary. Skippers must be aware of both the tide and the swell size when planning to exit or enter through the Heads.
Once they’re out on the ocean, anglers gain access to a variety of fishing options, with the choice of location often depending on the type of fishing they prefer.

DALGLEISH BANK
Key features:
Dalgleish is an offshore fishing ground where the depth rises sharply from around 65m to 30m. This depth change attracts both pelagic species near the surface and reef species near the bottom. Trolling along the edge of the bank often produces good results.
GPS Coordinates:
S 34°11.662’ E 22°57.403’
This mark is pretty central to the reef, and there are plenty of beautiful pinnacles here.
Target species:
Pelagic: Yellowtail, bonito.
Bottoms: Carpenter, red Roman, rockcod, geelbek, kob.
Best time to fish:
Pelagic species like yellowtail and bonito are most active from October to March. Bottomfishing is productive year-round, with the cooler months from April to August offering good chances for carpenter and other reef species.
Preferred fishing methods:
Trolling along the edge of the bank is effective for yellowtail and bonito. For bottomfishing, targeting the deeper areas (back of the bank) yields carpenter and typical reef species. Drifting near the rise or anchoring near the reef can be effective, depending on conditions.

HAKE GROUNDS
Key features:
The Hake/Stokvis Grounds are a prime area for targeting this delicious table fish, particularly during the winter months when hake and other species like gurnard move into the region. When water temperatures drop, hake can be found as shallow as 50m, though the most productive depths are typically between 70m and 80m.
GPS Coordinates:
S 34°10.652’ E 23°03.394’
This mark serves as a good reference point, and fishing within a 3- to 4-nautical-mile radius around it is productive for hake in the colder months.
Target species:
Hake and gurnard
Best time to fish:
The winter months (April to August) are best for Cape hake, particularly when water temperatures drop. Early mornings and late afternoons are productive times, with the best catches coming from the 70m to 80m depths.
Preferred fishing methods:
Bottomfishing is the most effective method here. Drifting allows you to cover some ground, and you may cross paths with the hake, but anchoring up and ensuring sufficient bait reaches the bottom will bring the fish into your patch, producing more consistent results.
Bait and tackle:
Pilchards are the go-to bait for hake and gurnard. You have to keep your bait on or near the bottom, so ensure you have plenty of weight and a healthy supply of patience.

PLATBANK INSHORE
Key features:
Platbank Inshore is characterised by shallow reef structures. These reefs are productive year-round, attracting a variety of bottom-dwelling species that frequent rocky environments.
Target species:
Miss Lucy, geelbek, santer
Best time to fish:
Miss Lucy can be targeted throughout the year, with summer months being particularly productive. Geelbek fishing (drift fishing) is best from February to May, typically early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they are most active.
Preferred fishing methods:
Anchoring near the reef structures is the preferred method for targeting bottom species like Miss Lucy and other reef species. Drifting can also be effective, though care must be taken around the rocky terrain to avoid losing tackle.
Bait and tackle:
Medium tackle with strong leaders is recommended to avoid getting snagged on the reef. Use pilchards, mackerel or chokka for bottomfishing. For geelbek, live bait or pilchard baits on drift rigs are effective, especially during their active months.

PLATBANK DROPOFF
Key features:
The Platbank Dropoff is a well-known fishing area located where the reef drops sharply from shallow waters into deeper areas of about 40m. The key feature of this spot is the dropoff, which is easily visible on your plotter. Fish often gather near this underwater structure, making it a great spot for targeting kabeljou and other species.The sandy bottom near the edge of the reef is especially productive for kob.
Target species:
Kabeljou (kob)
Best time to fish:
The best fishing at Platbank Dropoff is typically from December to May. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially productive times.
Preferred fishing methods:
Drifting or anchoring close to the drop-off while working bait or lures along the reef edge is effective. Trolling along the drop-off can also yield good results, particularly for pelagic species. For bottomfishing, focus on positioning near the sandy bottom and reef edge to target species like kabeljou.
Bait and tackle:
Pilchards and chokka are the preferred baits. Dropshots can also be used for kabeljou and other bottom-dwelling species. For pelagic species, trolling with live bait can also be effective. Medium-heavy tackle is recommended, with a strong leader for larger fish.

BLACKROCK
Key features:
Blackrock is easily recognisable by the prominent rock structure on the beachfront. It is a versatile fishing area with depths ranging from 8m to 35m, making it suitable for a variety of species. The area is known for its many pinnacles, and targeting smaller pinnacles that hold fish is key to a successful trip. Due to the rough terrain, it is not advisable to drift fish here, as tackle loss is likely. Instead, anchoring is recommended to keep you in the productive areas. Ensure you have a steady supply of burley (chum) to attract fish.
GPS Coordinates:
S 34°03.748’ E 22°49.827’
Target species:
Kabeljou: Common around the pinnacles, particularly in deeper sections. Geelbek: Often found around the pinnacles, especially during their active months. Santer: Found year-round, particularly near the smaller pinnacles. Red Roman: Common in rocky environments. Rockcod: Yellowbelly and cat-eye rockcod are frequently caught here.
Best time to fish:
Fishing at Blackrock is productive year-round, with peak activity in the summer months for species like Santer and red roman. Geelbek is more active from February to May.
Preferred fishing methods:
Anchoring is essential when fishing at Blackrock due to the rough terrain. Use burley to attract fish to the area, and focus on bottom fishing near the pinnacles. Tackle should be prepared for the rocky environment to minimize losses. Avoid drifting, as the risk of getting snagged on the pinnacles is high.
Bait and Tackle:
Pilchards, squid, and chokka are effective baits. Use medium-heavy tackle with strong leaders to withstand the rocky environment. Be prepared for hard fights from species like kabeljou and geelbek.

KOLKGATE
Key features:
Kolkgate is characterised by numerous dropoffs and deeper holes that attract a variety of bottom-dwelling species. Anglers should use their plotter to locate these dropoffs and the area’s pinnacles as they are prime areas for catching multiple species.
GPS Coordinates:
Between S 34°03.259’ and 34°02.644’ Between E 22°49.052’ and 22°46.959’
Target species:
Poensies: Found in the deeper holes near the dropoffs. Red steenbras: Common in the deeper sections, particularly in rocky areas. Groot santer: Often found year-round in deeper waters. Yellowbelly rockcod: Favour the rougher terrain around the pinnacles. Geelbek: Frequently found near the pinnacles, especially from February to May.
Best time to fish:
Kolkgate is productive throughout the year, with the best results seen during the cooler months for species like steenbras and poensies. Geelbek are most active in the late summer and early autumn months.
Preferred fishing methods:
Bottomfishing near the dropoffs and around the pinnacles is the most productive method at Kolkgate. Anchoring is recommended to effectively work the deeper holes and pinnacles. Keep a steady supply of burley/chum to attract fish, and be patient as the fish often hold close to the structure.
Bait and tackle:
Pilchards, squid, and chokka are effective baits for bottomfishing. Medium-heavy tackle with strong leaders is necessary due to the rocky terrain and the size of the fish typically caught here. For geelbek, livebait or pilchards on drift rigs are effective around the pinnacles.

PLANTASIE
Key features:
Plantasie is a sand-bottomed area interspersed with small rocky outcrops, which is exactly what anglers should focus on. These outcrops are prime spots for finding larger kob, particularly in the 25m to 40m depth range. The sandy bottom combined with rocky patches creates an ideal habitat for bottom-dwelling species.
GPS Coordinates:
S 34°04.601’ E 22°45.917’
Target species:
Kob: Large kob frequent the area, particularly around the rocky outcrops in the 25m to 40m range. Geelbek: Can be found occasionally in deeper sections of the area. Carpenter: Often caught near the rocks, especially in slightly deeper water.
Best time to fish:
The area is productive year-round, but kob fishing is especially good from late summer to early winter. They’re most active in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Preferred fishing methods:
Bottomfishing is the go-to method at Plantasie, particularly around the small rocky outcrops. Anchoring near these outcrops and working the bait close to the bottom is effective for attracting kob and other species. Drifting is also an option in this area, especially in deeper water where kob tend to be more active.
Bait and tackle:
Use live bait, pilchards, or squid for bottomfishing. Medium-heavy tackle with strong leaders is ideal, as kob can be large and will fight hard. Be sure to position your bait near the rocky outcrops for the best chances of success.

MARINE PROTECTED AREA (MPA)
The Goukamma MPA stretches from Walker Point to Buffels Bay and up to Groenvlei carpark, is designated as an MPA. The protected zone extends 1.8km (1nm) offshore, aimed at preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring sustainable use of the resources. The MPA plays a crucial role in protecting fish species, especially those that breed and feed in the area, contributing to healthier fish populations both within and beyond the protected boundaries.

LAUNCHING OPTIONS
The Knysna area provides several launching points for anglers, ranging from club launches to public access sites. Each has its own requirements and facilities, so it’s important to know the details before heading out.
1. Gerrickes – Beach launch
Description:
Gerrickes offers a beach launch facility, but access is limited to members of George’s Ski-boat Club. This launch site is located in a spot with direct access to productive fishing grounds, but launching from the beach requires experience, as the surf conditions can sometimes be challenging. This launch site is popular among local anglers due to its proximity to key fishing spots.
Key considerations: Only club members can use this facility. The beach launch means you need to handle your boat through surf, which can be difficult in rough conditions, so it is best suited for experienced skippers.
2. Buffalo Bay – Open Public Launch
Description: Buffalo Bay provides an open public launch, making it accessible to all anglers. This launch site is a popular choice for recreational fishers as it offers relatively easy access to the surrounding coastal waters, including the popular fishing grounds around the Knysna area. It is less restrictive than club-based launches and doesn’t require membership.
Key considerations: As a public facility, it’s open to anyone, but the beach launch requires careful navigation because of local tide and surf conditions. Early arrivals are advised during busy periods, particularly in peak fishing seasons or weekends, to avoid congestion.
3. Knysna Lagoon – KADA
The Knysna Angling and Diving Association (KADA) launch point is available for anyone to use, but a public launching fee is charged. KADA offers access to the Knysna Lagoon, which is ideal for anglers targeting estuary species or for those looking for a calmer launching point before heading offshore. The safe, sheltered nature of the lagoon with easier access for small boats or beginners makes it a good option for those looking to avoid surf launches.
Knysna Lagoon – Leisure Isle Boat Club
For those looking to launch in more controlled conditions in the lagoon, Leisure Isle offers a more comfortable launch experience compared to beach launches. However, this facility is private, and more details about access requirements should be obtained directly from the club.

RESCUE SERVICES
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) branch in Knysna plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of those venturing out to sea along this section of coastline. Operating as part of South Africa’s national volunteer sea rescue service, the Knysna NSRI is on standby 24/7 to respond to emergencies and provide assistance to boaters, anglers, and the broader maritime community. Many skippers rely on the NSRI for updates on weather and sea conditions before attempting to pass through the Heads or head offshore.
For emergencies or assistance, boaters can reach the Knysna NSRI directly on 082 990 5956. I recommended that all skippers keep this number on hand if they’re heading out to sea, particularly when navigating the challenging waters around the Knysna Heads.
Happy fishing.