Spearfishing Cape Vidal

Cape Vidal is one of South Africa's top gamefish spearfishing destinations. 'Vidal' is on the north eastern coast on what is known as  Zululand, it forms part of the St Lucia Wetland Park a World Heritage Site. This means that you dive in a Marine Protected Area which is beautiful and has abundant sea life. Because of this there are strict regulations on what fish can be taken, ensuring the sustainability of fishing in the area.

Leven Point is famous for its big Couta, Wahoo and Sailfish, and is the focal point of most the action.

However what is not known is that there is more to Cape Vidal than just Leven point. There are a host of other spots along the 25km of untouched coastline between the bay at Cape vidal and Leven point.

There are the shallow 'secret' ledges that become a high way for the shoaling Queen Mackerel. And the on the other end of the scale is the deep water reefs of Deep Oscar that are home to some of the 'Kings' of the sea like the massive Black Marlin and Sailfish.

This makes Cape Vidal an ideal location for the seasoned spearfisherman looking the once in a life time trophy fish, and at the same time perfect for the novice wanting to experience the thrill of shooting gamefish for the first time.

Cape Vidal is great for weekends away as it is only 3 hours from King Shaka International Airport. I even cater for one day trips and charters with one person to 3 persons. Like all my spearfishing trips I dont like to take more than 3 persons. The idea is dive effectively and this becomes difficult in large groups.

Like all spots around the world Cape Vidal has its seasons, with the only really quiet one being late December and early January. February and March are high summer and there is an abundance of game fish of all descriptions. The shoaling Queen Mackerel on the inside ledges have to be highlight, and I have had some of my most memorable days in the water then.

As winter approaches the Wahoo become more predominant and although the numbers of Couta decrease the size of the fish increases. Spring - September and October is a fantastic time of the year for trophy fish, with big Couta and Wahoo being the order of the day.

This however is the windy season and booking for more than 3-4 days is advised to ensure a couple days on the water. With only a 50% chance of getting on the water in spring you might not think its worth the risk. But this is the time of the year you find all the seasoned Vidal divers camping out there waiting for the big Couta, now fat from the Sardine run down on the South Coast and on their return journey north.

Gear Needed:

The gear you will need here is going to be 1300 - 1400 speargun anything shorter and you will be doing a lot of 'tag and release'. Even when the vis down you might encounter very big fish and need the penetration power. I suggest 30m buoy lines with at least 2 meters of bungee cord attached to a solid 11 liter float.

Reelguns are fine but only for the experienced spearfisherman, who have used a reelgun on large pelagic fish before. The problem is that big fish like Marlin are often encountered and land this fish on a reelgun is difficult.

Like with all the spots I go to I will help you with your gear and techniques that work in that area. Cape Vidal is one of the places I grew up at. This means that I have spent countless days working out what gear works and what is the best way to dive the place.

Cape Vidal Packages for 2 divers

Here are 5 options for 2 divers at Cape Vidal sleeping in log cabins near the beach.

1: A Cape Vidal 1 Night 1 Day Spearing for 2 Pax - R5 900.00

On this option you arrive the day before, sleep that night and get up very early (launch before sunrise) and dive that full day at sea.

2: A Cape Vidal 1 Night 2 Day Spearing for 2 Pax - R9 000.00

On this option you arrive that morning early at the gate at St Lucia and Launch (as the gate only opens between 5-6am the launch is a little late and we only get on the sea an hour after going through the gate) dive that whole day. Then sleep that night and get up very early (launch before sunrise) and dive that full day at sea.

3:A Cape Vidal 2 Night 2 Day Spearing for 2 Pax - R10 600.00

Arrive that after noon before sleep that night and have sunrise launches both days.

4:A Cape Vidal 2 Night 3 Day Spearing for 2 Pax - R13 700.00

On this option you arrive that morning early at the gate at St Lucia and Launch (as the gate only opens between 5-6am the launch is a little late and we only get on the sea an hour after going through the gate) dive that whole day. Then sleep 2 nights and have sunrise launches the next 2 days.

5:A Cape Vidal 3 Night 3 Day Spearing for 2 Pax - R15 300.00

Arrive that after noon before  sleep 3 nights and have sunrise launches all 3 days.

Costs include: Boat and fuel, boat snacks and refreshments. Accommodation in the beach log cabins (low season). Basic meals and refreshments (excludes alcohol) 
Boat skipper and guide who will be in the water with you, and professional underwater pics of your catch.

Cost exclude: Spearfishing permits, transport to Cape Vidal, special food requirements, alcohol, spearfishing gear.

These are just some examples please contact me for more options.

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