Port St Johns is home to John Costello, who is widely regarded as the pioneer of salt-water fly fishing in South Africa. Many of the spots here have become famous because of their extraordinary catches in this relatively new fishing discipline.
The Mzimvubu River mouth is home to some fine fishing spots and the main catches here are kob and spotted grunter. The spot near the lighthouse known as Lighthouse Rocks has been a very productive spot over the years for its catches of shad, kob and garrick. The rocks are easy to fish from and the big fish can be caught on live bait, spinners, rapallas and flies. It is useful to note that Octopus is a particularly effective bait for kob on the Wild Coast.
A good deep water spot here is a spot called the Gap, which cannot be missed as the hill immediately behind this point has been split in two.It is a particularly dangerous spot and should not be fished without the company of a local angler. It is a big game spot, and is known for its catches of garrick and large sharks. Fish with a grapple hook or a very long gaff in order to land your catches here.
Poenskop is one of the best-known spots here. It is only accessible by dirt road. It is an excellent spot for garrick and black musselcracker, and is best fished with a local angler who knows about the differing conditions here.
Getting there: from East London, take the N2 going to Umtata. Here, take the R61 going towards the coastline to The Gates. Follow the signs to Port St Johns from here.
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