Angling
Rock and surf angling is still the most popular sport along the West Coast and thousands of angler's from all over Southern Africa visit the tourist recreational are between Walvis Bay and Henties Bay every year from February to April to partake in this popular sport. Although anglers are nowadays limited to fixed quotas, angling fish species such as Kabeljou, Steenbras, Galjoen and Blacktail can be caught along the easily accessible angling spots, some with unusual names such as Sarah se gat, (Sarah's hole) or Skilpadgat (Tortoise's hole).
Shark angling
Shark angling is fast becoming a popular sport along the Namibian beaches. Namibia is one of the few countries in the world following a national action plan for the conservation of shark species. No shark may be taken for trophy, or be left on the beach. All sharks should be returned live to the sea. It is for this reason that intending shark anglers are advised to contact a registered angling tour guide who will supply the appropriate equipment and bait whilst ensuring the best possible adventure for the experienced or novice angler.
The season for shark angling is from November to May.
The much sought-after Coppershark or Bronzy, Carcharhrinus brachyurus, weighs between 50 kg and 190 kg and offers a real challenge for the keen angler. It prefers cooler waters and inhabits the continental shelf from the surfline to a depth of 100 m. It feeds on bony fishes such as Cape gurnard and sole. Shore anglers along the Namibian coast often catch it and the Namibian record for a copper shark is 176 kg.
Shark angling requires specific angling equipment and the following are recommended: Purglass 400/4 rod, Daiwa 450 reel, 17 kg breaking strain, 130 pd steel trace and 2x 10/0 hooks. Bait normally used is mullet and mackerel. All of these can be obtained from local shops where prospective anglers will be assisted by angling specialists. The best area for shark angling stretches from Jakkalsputz to Mile 100. Tour guides in Coastal Towns are excellently equipped to take groups of anglers on excursions to the best spots for shark angling
courtsey Namibia Tourism Board
