Deep sea fishing Shelly Beach trips launch off the beach at the Sonny Evans Small Craft Harbour and fish Protea Banks, a reef about 7 km offshore and about 20 minutes by boat. It is the main charter launch on the KZN South Coast, and unlike Durban, many operators sell shared seats.
Give your date and group size to check Shelly Beach fishing trips.
Request Availability & PricesShelly Beach Fishing Trips
| Trip | Published details |
|---|---|
| Shared trip | 4, 6, 7 or 8 hours, usually leaving 05:00 to 06:00. Some run in the afternoon |
| Private trip | 6 to 9 hours, boats for 8 to 12 people |
| Half-day gamefish | 05:00 to 11:30 on a private boat |
| Full-day marlin | 05:00 to 15:00 on a private boat |
Target Species
- Yellowfin tuna. All year, best in autumn and winter, often on Protea Banks.
- Couta (king mackerel). Roughly March to June, traditionally from Easter.
- Dorado. November to March, really starting mid-December.
- Billfish. Sailfish and marlin from about October or November.
- Reef fish. Musselcracker, slinger, geelbek, kob, rockcod, englishman and scotsman.
- Sardine run. Usually June or July, bringing gamefish close inshore.
Protea Banks
Protea Banks is part of a marine protected area. Recreational angling is allowed in its controlled zones but sharks are fully protected. The reef is also a famous shark dive.
Experience and Group Size
- No experience is needed. Crews rig the tackle and help land fish.
- Shared boats take up to 8 to 12 people. Some need a minimum of 2 bookings.
- Minimum ages of 6 and 9 are published by two operators.
- One operator guarantees 5 hours on the water, with a pro-rata refund if weather cuts the trip short.
Included and What to Bring
- Usually included: tackle, bait and a deckhand. Some include the fishing licence, drinks and filleting. One operator does not supply rods.
- Bring: a warm top for the early start, sunscreen, a hat, seasickness tablets and a cooler box with ice.
Shelly Beach Fishing Prices
| Trip | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Shared trip, 4 hours, per person | R1,430 - R1,450 |
| Shared trip, 6 - 8 hours, per person | R1,500 - R1,900 |
| Private half-day game fishing, whole boat (5 people included) | R8,500 |
| Private 7 - 9 hour trip, whole boat (up to 8 - 12) | R9,000 - R13,500 |
| Private full-day marlin trip, whole boat (5 people included) | R13,500 |
| Extra person above the boat's included number | R1,000 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Ballpark figures taken from rates published by Shelly Beach charter operators and rounded. They are not our prices or quotations, and no operator is bound by them. Most operators do not say whether VAT is included, so confirm it on every quote.
Sources:
- Riptide Charters, Shelly Beach - shared and private rates (FishingBooker)
- Mighty Fishing Charters, Shelly Beach - shared and private rates (FishingBooker)
- Sensational Varuna and Sensational Deep Sea Charters, Shelly Beach - shared and boat rates (FishingBooker)
- Ramrod Fishing Charters, Shelly Beach - shared rates (FishingBooker)
- Awesome Charters, Shelly Beach - shared 6-hour rate
- Pelagic Hunter Charters, Sonny Evans Small Craft Harbour - half-day, full-day and marlin boat rates
Some listings are unclear about whether a price is per person or per boat, so confirm the basis on every quote.
Weather and Cancellations
The skipper decides on the day whether it is safe to launch. Shelly Beach is a beach launch, so the shore break matters as well as the sea. Wind and swell can cancel or shorten trips. Rescheduling and refunds follow each operator's policy.
Deep Sea Fishing Shelly Beach FAQs
Where do Shelly Beach fishing trips launch?
Off the beach at the Sonny Evans Small Craft Harbour on Albert Meyer Drive.
How far is Protea Banks?
About 7 km offshore, roughly 20 minutes by boat.
Can I book a single seat?
Yes. Several Shelly Beach operators sell shared trips at about R1,430 to R1,900 per person.
Can I catch sharks on Protea Banks?
No. Sharks are protected in the Protea Banks marine protected area.
Do I need a fishing permit?
Yes. Every angler needs a recreational fishing permit, also on a charter boat, and most Durban operators say it is not included. Buy one at a Post Office or online from the DFFE before the trip.
Related Fishing Trips
Deep Sea Fishing Durban is a free quote-comparison service. We do not own or operate boats. Trips are run by independent charter operators and your booking is with the operator you choose. Ask each one for a written quote listing the boat, inclusions, departure point and cancellation terms before you pay.
Deep Sea Fishing Shelly Beach. Request availability and prices from operators serving Shelly Beach.
Request Availability & PricesRequest Availability & Prices
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