Fishing at Mtentu River, and Giant Trevally

Fishing at Mtentu River is different from tossing a line off a city pier. You can even watch giant kingfish gather about 3 kilometers upstream from the Mtentu River mouth if you're lucky. Here they stop and circle, as Uncle Richard will show you in the video below. Mtentu also sits inside the Pondoland Marine Protected Area (MPA), which means there are clear rules on where you can fish and what you can keep. No Ski boats are allowed offshore from the Sikombe Estuary to the Msikaba Estuary, a distance of approximately 25 kilometers. No beach fishing at all along the Mkambati Reserve coastline, except for a demarcated area at the luxurious Gwe Gwe Beach Resort. This brand new venture assists the many locals who donated land to the reserve.

This guide covers the spots, the species, the seasons, and the rules, so you can enjoy a proper Wild Coast session without crossing any lines.

Mtentu River, Featured on BBC Africa

Where You Can and Can't Fish

• Mtentu & Msikaba Estuaries: Strictly no-fishing. These estuaries are designated restricted zones, which means no rods, no bait collection, and no spearing inside.
• Shoreline: Fishing is allowed only in a specific controlled stretch in the Mkambati Reserve. One is allowed to fish from the Mtentu River right up to the Mzamba River. You are required to have the correct permit and must adhere to bag and size limits.
• Offshore: A central section of the MPA is a no-take zone. No boat, kayak, or ski-boat fishing is allowed there. If you're paddling offshore, check the map carefully first.
• Permits: You need a South African recreational sea angling permit, available at any Post Office. Always carry it with you.

Common Fish Species Around Mtentu

The Wild Coast lies at the meeting point of warm and cool currents, which means the line-up of species changes with the seasons.

Winter (June-August):

• Elf/Shad: Thick during the sardine run. Explosive on spoons. Closed season from 1 October to 30 November. Bag limit: 4. Minimum size: 30 cm.

Elf caught on a fly rod

• Garrick/Leervis: Migrating adults follow bait up the coast. Great fun on surface plugs and live baits.

A fine garrick caught on the Wild Coast

• Kob/Kabeljou: Best at night or in rougher surf. Minimum size: 60 cm east of Cape Agulhas. Bag limit: 1.

Close-up of a kob caught at Mtentu

Spring & Summer (September-February):

• Giant Kingfish (GTs): Known to shoal near Mtentu mouth in summer. Best targeted outside restricted zones on heavy tackle.
• Bronze Bream & Blacktail: Reliable on prawn or red-bait.

Bronze bream

Blacktail

• Stumpnose & Stone Bream: Common catches on the reefs.

Stumpnose caught on the rocks

• Galjoen: Closed from 15 October to the end of February. Bag limit: 2. Minimum size: 35 cm.

Galjoen caught on the beach

Gear and Tactics

• Rods and Reels: A 10-12 ft spinning rod with a 6000-8000 reel covers most surf fishing here. Load with 30-40 lb braid and a heavy leader.
• Lures: Spoons and plugs for shad, garrick, and kingfish.
• Baits: Chokka, sardine, kob, and reef species.
• Tips: Work the white water seams for kob, wobble tail lures are very effective for Kob, and the clean shoulders for shad. Keep barbs crushed if you plan to release the fish.

Conservation and Ethics

The Pondoland MPA is there for a reason. Research shows bigger and more abundant fish inside its protected zones, which means better fishing just outside. That spillover is what keeps Wild Coast angling alive.

Keep only what you can eat. Release the rest carefully. Respect the closed zones and seasons. Every responsible angler here helps ensure the next sardine run is just as exciting.

Large kingfish caught by Orgy, a Mtentu local

How We Help at Mtentu Ramble

Fishing around Mtentu can be confusing due to insufficient knowledge of the area, we will assist you in this regard.

We will show you the favourite spots.

We will help you understand the current seasons and size limits.

We will even let you dive for Crayfish if you desire, obviously weather permitting. We can even show you how we catch Crayfish on bright full moon nights.

A WORD OF WARNING: We would strongly advise you to only drive on the existing tracks around our area. There are wonderfully concealed marshes lurking innocently off the beaten track. They will suck your vehicle down to the chassis, and the only way to remove it would be the local tractor towing service, which will charge you a hefty fee.

Permits are your responsibility, but we will ensure you are fishing the right way, in the right place, at the right time.

Quick FAQ

Can I fish inside the Mtentu estuary?

No, it's a restricted zone.

Best time for shad?

Winter, especially during the sardine run.

Do I need a permit?

Yes. A recreational fishing permit is required by law.

Can I target giant kingfish?

Yes, but only outside restricted zones. Summer is the best time.

Ready to Explore?

Fishing at Mtentu is just one of the ways you can explore the Wild Coast.

Book with us today for a 4-day adventure on the wild side!