Wild Coast Rock & Surf Fishing
World-Class Fishing at
Hole in the Wall
The Wild Coast of South Africa's Eastern Cape is legendary among serious rock and surf anglers. Hole in the Wall sits at the heart of some of the most productive fishing grounds in southern Africa.
Book Your Fishing TripWhy Hole in the Wall
The Wild Coast's Best Kept Fishing Secret
Hole in the Wall is one of South Africa's premier rock and surf fishing destinations. The unique geography of this section of the Eastern Cape coastline — deep rocky gullies, powerful surf, nutrient-rich currents, and a variety of habitat types — creates ideal conditions for an extraordinary diversity of fish species.
Unlike the more developed fishing spots further along the coast, Hole in the Wall remains relatively uncrowded, meaning you can fish productive water without the pressure of competing with dozens of other anglers. The local knowledge built up over decades by visiting fishermen is extraordinary.
Our self-catering cottages are the ideal base for fishing holidays — within the secure gated complex, just minutes from the rocks, with braai facilities for cooking your catch.
Fish Species
What You Can Catch
The waters around Hole in the Wall support an exceptional diversity of prized gamefish. Here are the key target species throughout the year.
Kob (Kabeljou)
Argyrosomus japonicus
The king of the Wild Coast. Kob are the most prized catch in the region — powerful, hard-fighting fish that are superb eating. The rocky coastline around Hole in the Wall is legendary kob territory.
Bronze Bream
Pachymetopon grande
A Wild Coast speciality that puts up a tremendous fight for its size. Bronze Bream thrive in the rocky gullies and reef structures around Hole in the Wall.
Blacktail (Dassie)
Diplodus sargus
One of the most reliable catches on the Wild Coast. Blacktail are prolific around the rocky reef and provide excellent sport on light tackle.
Shad (Elf)
Pomatomus saltatrix
Fast, aggressive and highly prized by surf anglers. The annual shad run along the Eastern Cape is one of the great fishing events in South Africa.
Garrick (Leervis)
Lichia amia
One of the most exciting gamefish you can catch from the rocks. Garrick are ferocious predators that launch acrobatic jumps when hooked. A bucket-list catch.
Musselcracker
Sparodon durbanensis
The Holy Grail for many Wild Coast rock anglers. These powerful fish with their distinctive pinkish hue are legendary fighters and can reach impressive weights.
Kingfish (GT)
Caranx ignobilis
Giant Trevally are caught off the Wild Coast and will absolutely destroy your tackle. Pure adrenaline fishing for those wanting a challenge.
Rock Salmon
Lutjanus sanguineus
A reliable catch around the deep rocky gullies. Rock salmon are excellent eating and provide good sport on medium tackle.
Essential Tips
Fishing the Wild Coast
Timing is Everything
Fish during the 2 hours either side of the tide change for maximum results. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times, especially for kob.
Read the Water
Target gullies, deep rock pools, and the edges where currents converge. Kob and bream love the eddy currents behind large rocks.
Fresh Bait Always Wins
Fresh chokka (squid), mullet, and bloodworm consistently outperform frozen bait on the Wild Coast. Arrange bait from local suppliers.
Get Your Licence
A valid South African recreational fishing licence is required. Easy to obtain online from SANParks or at local licencing offices.
Rock Safety First
Always fish in pairs, wear non-slip shoes, and never turn your back to the sea. The Wild Coast rocks can be slippery and the waves unpredictable.
Size & Bag Limits
Observe all size and bag limits — they exist to protect the fishery for future generations. Catch & release is encouraged for breeding-age kob.
Book Your Wild Coast Fishing Trip
Stay in one of our four self-catering cottages, right within the gated Hole in the Wall complex. Wake up at dawn, walk to the rocks, and fish some of the best water in South Africa.