Another Fishing Adventure to Namibia | African Fishing Adventures

08/09/2022

Our last article featured a fishing trip to Namibia towards the end of last year into the new year and as promised, we said we will report back on our most recent trip to Namibia that took place from February through to March 2022.

As you can imagine, this was another epic trip. However, this time around it was a bigger group for much longer than our previous trip. Catering for 9 people and 14 days took some planning to get all the logistics right, which we certainly did.

We had two vehicles that drove from Cape Town to Henties Bay and back, joined by some individuals that flew in a rented an offroad vehicle for the trip in Namibia.

It was an interesting group of chaps. This is also an annual trip for these chaps to Henties Bay, organised by ex-Protea cricketer, the legendary Brian McMillan. He and his friends had one goal in mind, Catch fish and have a great time, and that is exactly what we did.

With a long journey ahead of us, we left Cape Town at midnight for good reason. Our aim was to get through the Namibian border as early as possible. As planned, we went through without hassles and made good progress. With the recent rain Namibia experienced, it was evident that there was no shortage of water, and the lush landscape was a pleasure to witness. From where you enter in the South, Vioolsdrift, we were met with this green scenery you will not normally see. We arrived at our first stop, Mariental and settled down to enjoy the Namibian hospitality.

The next morning we woke up and started our journey towards Henties Bay. As we got closer towards Windhoek, the lush bush was truly spectacular. We saw some wildlife and they were in great condition. Traditionally when you leave Windhoek the plants become less as you get closer to the coast line, well, this was the total opposite. As far as you can see, a changed landscape with fauna and flora thriving.

We made a few stops to purchase some of the biltong a droewors Namibia is so well known for. We arrived in Henties Bay as planned and met up with the rest of our crew. After setting up our tackle, a brief chat, bait and trace presentations, we went for dinner at the famous Skubbe Bar the first night and we all ordered Eishbeins. Were we in for a surprise when those plates of food arrived, Needless to say, we could not finish all that food.

The next morning excitement was high and we got up early to go hunt for those silvers. Our first stop was Horing Baai. We heard of some fish coming out there the previous days, so always a good place to start. I identified a good spot and we got our lines in the water. It was a slow start, but we managed to find some fish deeper.

As it was not the fireworks we were looking for, we decided to try a different spot I knew well and from the moment we arrived it was game on. With the smaller fish on the bite and a few bigger ones in between, I knew it was only a matter for time until we get the bigger ones.

And just like that, it happened. Des was on with our first trophy fish of the trip and on his brand new setup. I guided Des through the fight and went toward the water to land the fish. It was a bit more challenging to land this fish with the deeper gutter in front of us, but when I first laid my eyes on the fish, I knew I had to land it whatever it takes. I timed the waves and went swimming but walked out with this beautiful fish in my arms.

We worked quickly, stayed close to the water’s edge, snapped a few pics, and released this stunner. The fish swam of strong, and we were as happy as can be. The fish weighed in at 12.5kg and a personal best for Des. We were both very stoked of course and another special moment shared.

The rest of the day everyone got their fish and we headed to Skubbe Bar for a cold one after a long day. This is normally the most exiting time, with many laughs and lots of banter. We ended the evening with some fresh fish for dinner and good company.

The next morning, we were on the hunt again. The wind was up, so conditions changed a bit. We decided to go a little further North to Baklei gat. We found a hole and just like that, we were onto fish. It was a busy morning with lots of fish. Wherever you looked, someone in our group was on and it was chaos. We clearly did something right as the other around us stood there watching us smashing it hard. We did not get any double-digit fish, but still got some good size ones all safely released.

Over the next few days, it was a repeat of what we have been experiencing the past two days. With everyone having caught plenty Kabeljou and sharks, we decided the following days we will be targeting something different.

We woke up and headed North. Knowing we were going to target something different; we made a quick pit stop to get some crabs. We stopped at Cape Cross, where I know the area pretty well and I knew we will have the perfect conditions to get our crabs. I took a stocking, stuffed it with some of yesterdays leftover bait, took a rod stand and walked in onto the sand bank. I lokked right and noticed the sand bank dropping down, so I placed my rod stand in the right spot. I gave it a while minutes and went to back to have a look. Crabs everywhere! We gathered our crabs within a few minutes using a net and knew we were now equipped with the right bait for those trophy Steenbras.

We started hunting for some Steenbras, but they were nowhere to be found on this day, so we caught what the ocean gave us. With everyone happy and fish caught for the day, we planned to go to the Skeleton Coast fence the following day with our crabs towards Angola Rock and work our way down South.

With some fish coming our here and there, it was proving to be a more challenging day in general. We all managed to still get fish, but I personally lost a fish of note, that run was crazy and the fight intense from the get-go. I threw an octopus leg and suspect I got picked up by a big Kabeljou. Unfortunately, the fowl area proved to have different plans, and the fish cut me off. You win some you loose some, but this fish just did not have my name on it. If one thing fishing taught me over the years, take it on the chin a throw again for the next one.

Over the next few days, we got a mixture of different species, Galjoen, Black Tail, Shad, Kabeljou, and Steenbras. Unfortunately, no trophy Steenbras, but many other bragging rights, personal bests and few “firsts” for many anglers on the trip.

We certainly put all equipment we had through its paces over the 2 weeks. Our vehicles were well behaved and very few hassles apart from getting stuck every now and again. Luckily we managed to get out every time.

Our fishing tackle far exceeded our expectations. We had a few different setups being used, but everyone had a bigger 14ft rod and a smaller 11ft rod with them. We used the bigger rods for the bigger fish and distance, where the smaller rods were used for lure fishing and closer to shore species like Galjoen ect.

Like with our recent trip to Cape Cross, we used mainly 0.60mm line for traces, 5.0-6.0 circle hooks and grapnel sinkers. For the Kabeljou we used double hook traces. Both sliding and fixed worked well. The Steenbras we used a sliding trace. Galjoen and Black Tail was caught using double traces. Our bait was mainly consisted of squid and sardine for the Kabeljou. White mussel for Galjoen and Black Tail and lastly a variety of baits for the Steenbras like White mussel, crab and even squid. You can refer back to our last article for a more in depth look at tackle used.

A special thank you to Andre from Winch Casting Braid for the quality braid we used. Hardly any break offs which just shows the strength and abrasion capabilities. In my opinion, the best braid in SA and even better priced.

Thank you to Jacques from Jacitas Bait & Tackle for hooking me up with the Assassin rods to use on the trip. The standout for me was the 11ft Assassin Amia Zero XXH Kob Special and this is truly one of the most diverse rods I have ever had the pleasure of fishing with. I used the rod for both paddle tail and fishing for Galjoen. Light, strong and casts a mile. You can even cast a 5oz sinker with ease. A rod you need in your quiver for sure!

Thank you, Rob from Ballistic Polarized Eyewear, for sorting everyone out with you amazing sunglasses. The guys only have good things to say about Ballistics and went on about how robust, light, and comfortable the glasses are. You can literally fish with them the whole day and not even notice you wearing them.

T-Line made sure everyone got their fish using the most reliable monofilament for traces. The traces lasted and experienced very little issues.

To my clothing sponsors, Banaskinz and Quiver. Thank you for keeping us warm and dry along the Namibian coastline, we could not ask for better quality fishing apparel in the African wilderness. We were truly covered by the best.

This was an amazing trip with awesome people and one I will remember for a very long time. We got fish everyday and were truly blessed with some good weather and conditions. Some days better than others and we still had to work for our fish, but that is what the experience is all about.

Thank you Brian, Des, Len, Eddie, Glenn, Jorge, Dean and Jaco for an awesome trip and allowing me to guide you in this amazing place, I look forward to many more adventures together!

If you want to discuss your next trip to Namibia, get in touch, or even better, Join us on the next adventure.

You can enquire about our all-inclusive packages to Cape Cross or Angola. An African experience not to be missed!