Fishing regulations in South Africa

Licensing:

• saltwater-recreational — residents A recreational fishing permit is LEGALLY REQUIRED to fish, spearfish, collect bait or gather shellfish in South African marine and estuarine waters. Separate permit types exist (angling, spearfishing, boat/skipper, west-coast rock lobster, etc.). Permits are sold at any South African Post Office (SAPO) and online via the DFFE e-permit portal. A permit entitles the holder to catch fish for own use only — not for sale or trade., non-residents Same permit requirement applies to visiting anglers. Buy a recreational fishing permit at any Post Office or via the DFFE online e-permit portal before fishing.

FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. South African marine fishing requires a valid recreational fishing permit (from any Post Office or the DFFE online portal). Bag limits, size limits and closed seasons are set under the Marine Living Resources Act and can change; special rules apply in Marine Protected Areas, estuaries and National Parks. There is an overall cumulative limit of 10 fish per person per day. Always verify current rules with DFFE before fishing — FishRadar is not a legal source.