Some of the best fishing in Southern Africa is due to the cold Benguela current that constantly feeds the ocean with excellent opportunities.

Spotted Gully and Bronzed Whaler sharks are but two of the species that are caught when surf fishing. This promises for some exciting times! 330 Pound sharks are regularly landed and bigger caches are just as common for even the most expert. But for those who want to eat what they catch, there are species such as Kabeljou and Steenbras to look forward to and from sea, Tuna will be your next proposition.

Swakopmund will provide excellent accommodation and also plays host to a number of other non-fishing activities, ranging from quad biking to parachuting.

Copper Shark (Bronzy):

An excellent sport fish, in the dangerous shark classification. Created World Wide Tourist Angling attraction. Specialised Equipment to catch these magnificent fish is essential.

Colour: Bronze top with white underside

Habit: Feeds even in very shallow water virtually on the beach. Very strong shark, due to it's size. Care should be taken when handling, due to it's razor sharp teeth, that can inflict serious injuries.

Bait: Mackerel, Small sharks, Mullet

Size: 15kg - 190kg

Namibian Record: 192kg

Cow Shark

An excellent sport fish, in the dangerous shark classification. The shark is regularly caught by edible fish Anglers as well. Not a very strong fighting fish.

Colour: Greyish with small black spots. No Dorsal fin and long thin tail.

Habit: Feeds also in shallow waters close to the beach. Care should be taken of it's razor sharp teeth when handling. Bait:

Bait: Mackerel, Small sharks, Mullet

Size: 10kg - 80kg

Spotted Gully Shark (Spotty)

An excellent sport Angling fish caught in abundance on the Namibian Coast. Un-used fish, should be returned to water alive.

Colour: Grey/Brownish with spots

Habit: Feeds in shallow waters, close to the coastline. No dangerous teeth.

Bait: Mullet, Pilchard, Mackerel

Size: 2kg - 40kg

Barbel

Caught in abundance on the Namibian Coast. Great care should be taken with the dangerous spines in the front three fins. A Barbel sting must be treated immediately with a heat pad. (Rag or sock with hot water or coffee - keep it on the wound for 20 minutes)

Colour: Dusky Brown

Bait: Anything

Size: Up to 1kg

West Coast Steenbras

Easily distinguished from the Witsteenbras found elsewhere. It is only found at the west coast at one time. This fish made up the bulk of most catches but numbers have declined considerably.

Colour: Green silver with varying numbers of darker vertical stripes

Habit: Often feeds on the turbulence of the shallows no more than 50 feet from the shore. Landing one fish is a good indication of more fish to come.

Bait: Mussel, Prawn, Pilchard

Size: Up to one meter. No legal size limit.

Kob, Kabeljou

Now the most frequently caught species also considered the easiest to catch although numbers have declined.

Colour: Silver with a pinkish to purple shine

Habit: Vigorous feeder with a hard bite normally found with a long cast

Bait: Pilchard, Prawn or Squid

Size: Average size 50cm, can grow up to 90kg.

Galjoen

Generally a shy feeder and hard to catch. Most active at high tide. Normally found amongst rocks.

Colour: Varying shades of brown

Habit: Small mouthed rock feeder. Puts up a good fight. Best grilled over an open flame.

Bait: Mussel, Redbait, Crayfish

Size: Average size 35cm

Blacktail, Dassie, Kolstert

Inhabits shallower rocky areas with high turbulence. Has prominent, human-like teeth

Colour: Silver-grey with darker vertical stripes and a dark, circular saddle on the tail.

Habit: A persistent feeder but hard to catch. (Bring lots of bait)

Bait: Mussels, Redbait, Pilchards

Size: Average size 30cm