Deep-Sea Fishing Licenses in SA: Your Complete Guide (2023)
Deep sea fishing is a popular activity for many visitors to South Africa’s coastal regions. Whether it’s for recreational or commercial purposes, a valid fishing license is necessary to engage in this activity. However, obtaining a fishing license can be confusing, especially for first-time visitors. Deep-Sea Fishing Licenses in SA: Your Complete Guide
If you are planning on going deep-sea fishing in South Africa, it is important to know about the necessary fishing licenses. Here is what you need to know about deep-sea fishing licenses in South Africa:
- License requirements: A valid fishing license is required for any recreational or commercial deep-sea fishing activity in South African waters. This applies to fishing from a boat or from the shore.
- Application process: Fishing licenses can be obtained from the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) or from authorized agents such as post offices and tackle shops. The application process can also be completed online through the DEFF’s website.
- Cost: The cost of a deep-sea fishing license in South Africa varies depending on the type of license and its duration. For instance, a recreational deep-sea fishing license for a non-South African citizen costs R450 for a week, R1,080 for three months, and R2,700 for a year. Commercial fishing licenses have different fees and are issued based on the type of fishing activity.
- Regulations: There are several regulations to follow when deep sea fishing in South Africa, such as size limits for certain fish, restricted areas, and catch limits. It is important to familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations before heading out to sea.
- Safety: Deep sea fishing can be dangerous, and it is important to follow safety guidelines, such as wearing a life jacket, checking weather conditions, and having necessary safety equipment on board.
In summary, obtaining a valid deep-sea fishing license is crucial for anyone planning to engage in recreational or commercial fishing in South African waters. It is important to follow all fishing regulations and safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. In this article, we will provide an overview of what you need to know about deep-sea fishing licenses in South Africa, including who needs a license, where to get one, how much it costs, regulations to follow, and safety guidelines to keep in mind. This information will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable deep-sea fishing experience in South Africa.
In South Africa, a deep-sea fishing license is required for anyone who wishes to fish in the country’s waters. Here is everything you need to know about getting a deep-sea fishing license in South Africa.
Who needs a deep-sea fishing license in South Africa? Any person who wishes to engage in recreational or commercial fishing in South African waters must hold a valid fishing license. This includes fishing from a boat or from the shore.
Where to get a deep-sea fishing license in South Africa? Deep-sea fishing licenses can be obtained from the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) or from various authorized issuing agents such as post offices, tackle shops, and some local authorities. The application process can also be completed online through the DEFF’s website.
How much does a deep-sea fishing license cost in South Africa? The cost of a deep-sea fishing license in South Africa varies depending on the type of license and the duration. For example, a recreational deep-sea fishing license for a non-South African citizen costs R450 for a week, R1,080 for three months, and R2,700 for a year. Commercial fishing licenses have different fees and are issued based on the type of fishing activity.
If you plan on fishing in South Africa’s deep-sea waters, it is important to obtain a valid fishing license from the DEFF or an authorized agent. The cost of the license will depend on the type and duration of the license, so it is best to check the DEFF’s website for the most up-to-date information.
License Requirements for a Deep sea Fishing Licence
In South Africa, a valid fishing license is required for any recreational or commercial deep-sea fishing activity in the country’s waters. The license is necessary to ensure that fishing is conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner, as well as to regulate fishing activities and prevent illegal fishing.
Both residents and non-residents of South Africa must obtain a valid fishing license to engage in deep-sea fishing. The license is required for fishing from a boat or from the shore and applies to all types of fishing gear, including nets, lines, and traps.
Fishing licenses can be obtained from the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) or from authorized agents such as post offices and tackle shops. The application process can also be completed online through the DEFF’s website. When applying for a fishing license, you will need to provide certain personal information, such as your name, address, and identification number.
It is important to note that fishing without a valid license can result in fines or even imprisonment. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain a fishing license before engaging in deep-sea fishing activities. By obtaining a valid fishing license and following all applicable regulations, you can help ensure that South Africa’s marine resources are protected for generations to come.
The Application Process for a Deep Sea Fishing License
The application process for obtaining a deep sea fishing license in South Africa can be completed either in person or online. Fishing licenses can be obtained from the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) or from authorized agents such as post offices and tackle shops.
To apply for a fishing license in person, you can visit a post office or a tackle shop and fill out an application form. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and identification number, as well as the type of license you are applying for and the duration of the license. The fees for the license will also need to be paid at the time of application.
To apply for a fishing license online, you can visit the DEFF’s website and complete the online application form. The online application process is simple and convenient, and you can pay the license fees using a credit card or EFT. After submitting the application form, you will receive a confirmation of the application, and the license will be mailed to your registered address.
It is important to note that the processing time for fishing licenses can vary depending on the method of application and the time of year. Therefore, it is recommended that you apply for a fishing license well in advance of your planned fishing trip to ensure that you have the license in time.
The Cost of a Deep-sea Fishing License: Deep-Sea Fishing Licenses in SA: Your Complete Guide
The cost of a deep-sea fishing license in South Africa varies depending on the type of license and its duration. The fees for fishing licenses are set by the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries (DEFF), and are subject to change annually.
For non-South African citizens, the fees for a recreational deep-sea fishing license are as follows:
- R450 for a weekly license
- R1,080 for a three-month license
- R2,700 for an annual license
For South African citizens and residents, the fees for a recreational deep-sea fishing license are as follows:
- R79 for a weekly license
- R178 for a monthly license
- R427 for a three-month license
- R1,037 for an annual license
Commercial fishing licenses have different fees and are issued based on the type of fishing activity. The fees for commercial licenses can be obtained by contacting the DEFF directly.
It is important to note that fishing without a valid license can result in fines or even imprisonment, and therefore it is crucial to obtain a valid fishing license before engaging in deep sea fishing activities. By paying the appropriate fees and obtaining a valid fishing license, you can help ensure that South Africa’s marine resources are protected for future generations to enjoy.
Deep-sea Fishing Regulations: Deep-Sea Fishing Licenses in SA: Your Complete Guide
In South Africa, deep-sea fishing activities are regulated by the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries (DEFF). The regulations are in place to ensure that fishing is conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner and to protect the marine environment and its resources.
Some of the key regulations for deep-sea fishing in South Africa include:
- Catch limits: There are catch limits in place for various fish species to ensure that overfishing does not occur. These limits can vary depending on the season, the location, and the type of fish.
- Size limits: There are also size limits in place for various fish species, which aim to protect juvenile fish and ensure that they have the opportunity to reach maturity.
- Protected species: Certain fish species are protected by law and may not be caught or kept, even if they are accidentally caught. These include endangered species such as white sharks and turtles.
- Fishing gear: Fishing gear must be used in a responsible manner to avoid damage to the marine environment. For example, nets and lines must be properly disposed of to avoid harm to marine life.
- Safety: Safety is a crucial aspect of deep-sea fishing, and all vessels must have the necessary safety equipment on board. This includes life jackets, flares, and emergency communication devices.
These are the exact Fish Species Regulations:
| Fish Species Name | Scientific Name | Minimum Size | Bag Limit |
| Anchovies | Engraulidae | 0 CM | None |
| Baardman (bellman, tasselfish) | Umbrina | 40 CM | 5 |
| Banded Galjoen | Dichistius multifasciatus | 0 CM | 5 |
| Billfishes (Marlin, Sailfish) | Istiophoridae | 0 CM | None |
| Blacktail (Dassie) | Diplodus sargus capensis | 20 CM | 5 |
| Blue Hottentot | Pachymetopon aeneum | 0 CM | 5 |
| Bronze Bream (Bluefish) | Pachymetopon grande | 30 CM | 2 |
| Cape Knifejaw | Oplegnathus conwayi | 0 CM | 5 |
| Cape Stumpnose | Rhabdosargus holubi | 20 CM | 5 |
| Carpenter (Silverfish) | Argyrozona argyrozona | 35 CM | 4 |
| Catface Rockcod (Spotted Rockcod) | Epinephelus andersoni | 50 CM | 5 |
| Chub Mackerel | Scomber japonicus | 0 CM | None |
| Cutlassfish (Walla Walla) | Trichiurus lepturus | 0 CM | None |
| Dageraad | Chrysoblephus cristiceps | 40 CM | 1 |
| Dane | Porcostoma dentata | 0 CM | 5 |
| Dorado (Dolphin Fish) | Coryphaena hippurus | 0 CM | None |
| Elf (Shad) | Pomatomus saltatrix | 30 CM | 4 |
| Englishman | Chrysoblephus anglicus | 40 CM | 1 |
| Fransmadam | Boopsoidea inornata | 0 CM | 10 |
| Galjoen | Dichistius capensis | 35 CM | 2 |
| Garfishes | Belonidae | 0 CM | None |
| Garrick (Leervis) | Lichia amia | 70 CM | 2 |
| Geelbek (Cape salmon) | Atractoscion aequidens | 60 CM | 2 |
| Glassies | Ambassidae | 0 CM | None |
| Hake | Merluccius | 0 CM | None |
| Halfbeaks | Hemiramphidae | 0 CM | None |
| Horse Mackerel (Maasbanker, Mosi) | Trachurus trachurus capensis | 0 CM | None |
| Hottentot | Pachymetopon blochii | 22 CM | 10 |
| John Brown | Gymnocrotaphus curvidens | 0 CM | 5 |
| Kingfishes | Caranx | 0 CM | 5 |
| Kingklip | Genypterus capensis | 0 CM | 1 |
| King Mackerel (Couta) | Scomberomorus commerson | 0 CM | 10 |
| Kob**** | Argyrosomus | 50 CM | 1 |
| Large-Spot Pompano (Wave Garrick) | Trachinotus botla | 0 CM | 5 |
| Leopard Cat Shark | Poroderma pantherinum | 0 CM | 1 |
| Mullets (Harders) | Mugilidae | 0 CM | 50 |
| Natal Knifejaw (Cuckoo Bass) | Oplegnathus robinsoni | 0 CM | 5 |
| Natal Stumpnose | Rhabdosargus sarba | 25 CM | 5 |
| Pinky (Piggy, Olive Grunt) | Pomadasys olivaceum | 7.5 CM | 10 |
| Poenskop (Black Musselcracker) | Cymatoceps nasutus | 50 CM | 1 |
| Queen Mackerel | Scomberomorus plurilineatus | 0 CM | 10 |
| Ragged Tooth Shark | Carcharias taurus | 0 CM | 1 |
| Red Stumpnose | Chrysoblephus gibbiceps | 30 CM | 1 |
| River Bream (Perch) | Acanthopagrus berda | 25 CM | 5 |
| Rock Salmon (River Snapper) | Lutjanus argentimaculatus | 40 CM | 5 |
| Roman | Chrysoblephus laticeps | 30 CM | 2 |
| Santer (Soldier) | Cheimerius nufar | 30 CM | 5 |
| Sardine (Pilchard, Red Eye) | Clupeidae | 0 CM | None |
| Sauries | Scomberesocidae | 0 CM | None |
| Scads | Decapterus | 0 CM | None |
| Scotsman | Polysteganus praeorbitalis | 40 CM | 1 |
| Slinger | Chrysoblephus puniceus | 25 CM | 5 |
| Snoek (Cape Snoek) | Thyrsites atun | 60 CM | 10 |
| Southern Pompano | Trachinotus africanus | 0 CM | 5 |
| Spotted Grunter | Pomadasys commersonnii | 40 CM | 5 |
| Spotted Gully Shark | Triakis megalopterus | 0 CM | 1 |
| Springer | Elops machnata | 0 CM | 5 |
| Steentjie | Spondyliosoma emarginatum | 0 CM | 10 |
| Stonebream | Neoscorpis lithophilus | 0 CM | 5 |
| Strepie (Karanteen) | Sarpa salpa | 15 CM | 10 |
| Striped Cat Shark | Poroderma africanum | 0 CM | 1 |
| Swordfish (Broadbill) | Xiphias gladius | 25 KG | 5 |
| Squid (Chokka) | Loligo vulgarus reynaudii | 0 CM | 20 |
| Tuna | Thunnus | 6 KG | 10 |
| West Coast Steenbras | Lithognathus auret | 60 CM | 1 |
| White Musselcracker (Brusher) | Sparodon durbanensis | 60 CM | 2 |
| White Steenbras (Pignose Grunter) | Lithognathus lithognathus | 60 CM | 1 |
| White Stumpnose | Rhabdosargus globicebs | 25 CM | 10 |
| Wolfherring | Chirocentrus dorab | 0 CM | None |
| Yellow Belly Rock Cod | Epinephelus marginatus | 60 CM | 1 |
| Yellowtail | Seriola lalandi | 0 CM | 10 |
| Zebra | Diplodus cervinus hottentotus | 30 CM | 5 |
It is important to familiarize yourself with the applicable regulations before engaging in deep-sea fishing activities in South Africa. By following these regulations and fishing in a responsible and sustainable manner, you can help ensure that the marine environment and its resources are protected for future generations to enjoy.
Closed Seasons For South African Angling: Deep-Sea Fishing Licenses in SA: Your Complete Guide
There is an overall bag limit of 10 fish per person per day, no matter what species they are. Listed Below are the closed seasons for fishing:
- Shad closed season 1 October – 30 November (No Shad fishing to be done during this time)
- Red Steenbras closed season 1 October – 30 November (No Red Steenbras fishing to be done during this time) The Red Steenbras is currently a protected species and cannot be caught at any time.
- Galjoen closed season 15 October – the last day of February the next year (No Galjoen fishing may be done during this period)
- Chokka Squid closed seasons (There are 3) March 19 from 12h00 – April 9 19h00; 12h00 23 July – 12h00 August 13; 19 October 12h00 – November 23 12h00.
Closed Seasons For South African Angling: Deep-Sea Fishing Licenses in SA: Your Complete Guide
A cast net may not be used between sunset and sunrise or in any other dark hours. The following is a table of fish species that are the ONLY species allowed to be caught in a throw net:
| Name | Size Limit | Bag Limit |
| Anchovy | None | None |
| Chub Mackerel | None | None |
| Glassy | None | None |
| Halfbeak | None | None |
| Horse Mackerel | None | None |
| Mullet | None | 50 |
| Pinky | 7.5cm | 10 |
| Sardine | None | None |
| Saury | None | None |
| Scad | None | None |
| Strepie | 15cm | 10 |
Shellfish And Bait Organism Rules & Bag Limits
No person shall collect bait or shellfish or fish for them between sunset and sunrise. Please note that special bait collecting licenses are needed. Below are the bag limits and collection methods:
| Organism | Max Per Day | Collection Method | Other |
| Alikreukel | 5 | By Hand only | Min Size 63.5mm |
| Armadilo (Chiton) | 6 | By Hand Only | |
| Bloodworm | 5 | By Hand, Suction Pump or Wire | |
| Clam | 8 | By Hand Only | |
| Crab & Hermit Crab | 15 | By Hand, Rod & Line | Excl. Mud Crabs & Mole Crabs |
| Cuttlefish | 2 | By Hand Or Line | |
| Mole Crab | 30 | By Hand Or Triangular Trap | |
| Mud Crab | 6 | Only By Hand, Rod Or Line | |
| Octopus | 2 | By Hand, Rod, Line Or Gaff | |
| Periwinkle | 50 | By Hand Only | |
| Razor Clam (Pencil Bait) | 20 | By Hand, Suction Pump Or Wire | |
| Red Bait | 2kgs Without Shell | ||
| Rock, Black, Brown, Ribbed Mussels | 30 | ||
| Mud Prawn | 50 | Only By Hand Or Suction Pump | |
| Sand Prawn | 50 | Only By Hand Or Suction Pump | |
| Sea Worms | 10 | Only By Hand Or Suction Pump | Excludes Bloodworm, Mussel Worm, Cape Reef Worm |
| Swimming Prawns | 50 | Only By Hand Or Scoop Net | Cant Exceed More Than 50cmx50cm |
| Scallop | 50 | By Hand Only | |
| Sea Cucumbers | 10 | By Hand Only | |
| Sea Urchins | 20 | By Hand Only | |
| White Mussel | 50 | Min Size 35mm | |
| Oysters | 25 | ||
| Chokka Squid | 20 | Rod Or Line Only |
Safety Precautions to follow when going Deep-Sea Fishing
Safety is a crucial aspect of deep-sea fishing in South Africa. The ocean can be unpredictable, and it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that you and your crew remain safe during the fishing trip.
Here are some key safety measures to keep in mind when engaging in deep-sea fishing activities in South Africa:
- Wear appropriate safety gear: All passengers on board the vessel must wear properly fitting life jackets at all times. This includes when embarking and disembarking the vessel.
- Check the weather: Always check the weather forecast before heading out to sea. Avoid going out in high winds, rough seas or severe weather conditions. In addition, ensure that the vessel you are using is suitable for the conditions you will be fishing in.
- Follow safety procedures: Make sure that you are familiar with the safety procedures and equipment on board the vessel. In the event of an emergency, it is important to know what to do and where to find safety equipment.
- Stay alert: Keep a lookout for other vessels, marine life, and changes in the weather. Always maintain a safe distance from other vessels and be aware of your surroundings.
- Use the right equipment: Ensure that the fishing equipment is in good working order and is appropriate for the type of fishing that you will be doing.
- Follow regulations: Follow all safety regulations and guidelines set out by the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries (DEFF).
By following these safety measures and being prepared for any situation, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable deep-sea fishing experience in South Africa.
In Conclusion: Deep-Sea Fishing Licenses in South Africa: Your Complete Guide
Deep sea fishing is a popular and rewarding activity in South Africa, providing the opportunity to catch a wide range of fish species and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the ocean. However, it is important to obtain a valid fishing license and follow the regulations and safety measures in place to ensure that the marine environment and its resources are protected.
To obtain a deep sea fishing license in South Africa, you will need to meet the requirements set by the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries (DEFF) and apply through their online portal or in person. The fees for fishing licenses vary depending on the type of license and its duration.
Once you have obtained a valid license, it is important to follow the regulations set out by the DEFF, which include catch and size limits, protected species, and responsible fishing gear usage. Safety is also crucial, and all passengers on board the vessel must wear properly fitting life jackets at all times.
By obtaining a valid license, following the regulations, and being prepared for any situation, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable deep-sea fishing experience in South Africa.
Disclaimer LAW101: All of our posts are for research purposes only. Law 101 aims to assist its readers with useful information on the laws of our country that can guide you to make decisions in line with the South African Governmental Laws currently in place. Although our posts cite the constitution in many instances, they are intended to assist readers who are looking to expand their knowledge of the law. Should you require specific legal advice we advise you to get in touch with a qualified legal expert.
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