Saltwater Shore Angling

TightLines recently took their sleeping bags and set off to Namibia of all places for a week or two of absolute awesome shore angling. We were greeted by hundreds of anglers, and soon got used to the way things work around there. Even the commercial fishing is done from the shore in Namibia. Huge trucks drop off anglers all along the shoreline, only to pick them up again late in the afternoon.

You will definitely have to know you’re casting if you want to stand shoulder to shoulder with these guys. Novices and experienced anglers alike have one thing in common. To get that big one. When night falls tales are shared amongst new and old friends around the campfire, while sipping on a well deserved refreshment. Jackals visit the camping areas on a regular basis and it is advisable to keep your shoes and all food inside the tents or vehicle.

Another noticeable structure found in almost every town is the “Car washes” or lets rather call them “suspension cleaners”. Huge concrete ramps on which you pull your 4x4 and get it cleaned. Needless to say that before you even leave the town it is just as dirty again, because almost none of the towns have tar roads.

Fishing is great and one can expect to catch absolutely everything imaginable. From Galjoen to Steenbras, Cob and even the odd Mussel Cracker. Bag limits are strictly controlled and harsh fines are the result should you not obey.

There are people specializing in organizing these trips on a regular basis. We recommend that you either consult one of these agencies, or go with someone familiar with the Namibian Desert. Alternatively you can fly to Windhoek and then take a guided tour down to the waters. We would not suggest taking the Family car, or your dad’s front wheel drive Bakkie… Rater stick with a decent 4x4 or stay at home.

A full series of pictures of our trip to Namibia can be found in our Picture Gallery.