Fishing Rights and Permits

Fishing is a favourite past time for many people. Whether you’re planning to go fishing along our 2 000 km of beautiful coastline or in one of our many pristine rivers and dams you’ll need to apply for a recreational fishing permit. 

To ensure that many citizens can enjoy this past time, and to ensure that our marine populations don’t become depleted, it’s important to follow these general regulations:

• The selling and trading of fish are not permitted.
• You need to use a rod, reel and line only, and follow the angling regulations when fishing.
• Your cast net must not be larger than 6 meters in diameter.
• If you are endorsed for spearfishing, you can catch fish of Class Pisces (that is bony fish, sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras) with a speargun only and,
• You can fish from a vessel (like a boat) provided that you are endorsed to fish from a vessel.

CapeNature and the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries can assist if you need more information about fishing rights and permits.

For full details of the Marine Living Resources Act (Act No. 18 of 1998) and regulations, contact your local fishery control officer.

Recreational fishing regulations

Recreational fishing includes any fishing that is done for pleasure or sport. The following general regulations apply:

• You should get a fishing permit from an office authorised by the national Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
• The selling and trading of fish is not permitted.
• You need to use a rod, reel and line only, and follow the angling regulations when fishing.
• Your cast net must not be larger than 6 meters in diameter.
• If you are endorsed for spear fishing, you can catch fish of Class Pisces (that is bony fish, sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras) with a speargun only and,
• You can fish from a vessel (like a boat) if you are endorsed to fish from a vessel.

Remember, there are specific regulations for different types of fishing. Learn about these regulations before your next fishing trip.

How to apply for a freshwater fishing permit

There are many dams and rivers in the province where you can enjoy freshwater fishing. At these fishing spots you’re able to catch alien angling fishes like Carp, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout and Mozambique Tilapia, or indigenous angling species like the Clanwilliam Yellowfish and Berg-Breede Whitefish. 

You will find a list of good, accessible angling waters within 150 km of Cape Town, and their most caught species on the CapeNature website

If you would like to get a permit to fish in the province’s rivers and dams you’ll have to contact CapeNature. CapeNature is responsible for biodiversity conservation in the Western Cape, they’ll be able to assist you with permits, as well as give you more insight with regards to freshwater fishing.

If you are interested in applying for a permit, here’s what you’ll need to do.

1. Make the payment for your permit to CapeNature:
   Account name: WCNCB
   Bank: Nedbank
   Account no: 1452048401
   Branch code: 145209
   Reference: HO1HO18

2. Fax your proof of payment and your application form to the nearest office. Your licence will be issued to you immediately at the CapeNature office. Your original licence will be posted to the address indicated on the form.

Contact the CapeNature offices if you need more assistance:

• Head Office contact numbers for permits information: 087 087 9262, or
• email Nicole Stanley at reception@capenature.co.za or info@capenature.co.za.

Find out more information about freshwater fishing permits from CapeNature. 

How to apply for a marine fishing permit

The South African coastline is rich in biodiversity, with some 10 000 species of marine plants and animals recorded.

The productive waters of the west coast support a variety of commercially exploited marine life, including hake, anchovy, sardine, horse mackerel, tuna, snoek, rock lobster and abalone. The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries is tasked with managing the development and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources.

To apply for a marine fishing permit you’ll need to pay an initial application fee and an additional fee for the issuing of your permit if your application is successful. These permits are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

For more information and details about the costs to apply for an annual permit, please contact or visit  the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries. 

Remember, there are specific regulations for different types of fishing like angling, spearfishing, the use of a cast or throw net, fishing from vessel or scuba diving. Learn about these regulations before your next fishing trip. You should get a fishing permit from an office authorised by the national Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries.