Inshore fishing Durban trips stay close to shore, behind the surf line and over the inshore reefs. They are shorter and calmer than offshore trips, and suit first-timers, families and anyone who would rather not spend 10 hours at sea.
Give your date and group size to check inshore trips.
Request Availability & PricesInshore Trips
| Trip | Published details |
|---|---|
| Backline | About 5 hours within about 1 km of shore. One operator starts at 18:00 |
| Reef or bottom fishing | 5, 8 or 10 hours over the reefs |
| Deep drop | 8 hours of bottom fishing in deeper water |
| Garrick | About 6 hours, a small boat for up to 3 anglers |
Target Species
- Reef fish all year. Slinger, soldiers, rockcod, englishman, scotsman and musselcracker.
- Backline. Natal snoek, couta, bonito and garrick.
- Winter. Garrick and steenbras from about June to October.
- Night trips. One operator runs geelbek trips from July to December.
Closed seasons apply to some species, for example elf (shad) from September to November. The crew know the rules.
Inshore Fishing Prices
| Trip | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Backline trip, 5 hours, whole boat (up to 10) | R2,500 - R4,500 |
| Garrick trip, 6 hours, whole boat (up to 3) | R7,000 |
| Reef or deep sea trip, 5 hours, whole boat | R5,000 - R10,000 |
| Deep drop bottom fishing, 8 hours, whole boat | R20,000 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Ballpark figures taken from rates published by Durban and KwaZulu-Natal 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:
- Just Fishing Durban, Durban harbour - harbour, backline and deep sea boat rates
- Hookup Fishing Charters, Wilson's Wharf - bay, backline and deep sea rates (FishingBooker)
- Aqua Nautical Adventures, Wilson's Wharf - harbour, deep sea and big game rates (FishingBooker)
- Hooked Again Fishing Charters, Maritime Place - harbour, garrick and deep sea rates (FishingBooker)
- Simply The Best Fishing Charters, Wilson's Wharf - harbour, half-day, big game and deep drop rates (FishingBooker)
Included and What to Bring
- Usually included: rods, reels, tackle and bait. On one boat, harbour and backline trips are boat only, with rod hire extra.
- Bring: your fishing permit, a hat, sunscreen, rubber-soled shoes and a cooler box with ice.
Weather and Cancellations
Inshore trips go out in more weather than offshore trips, but the skipper still decides on the day.
Compare every trip on the Durban fishing charters page.
Inshore Fishing Durban FAQs
Is inshore fishing good for beginners?
Yes. Trips are shorter, closer to shore and the crew bait hooks and set up rods.
What is backline fishing?
Fishing just behind the breaking waves, usually within about 1 km of the beach, for snoek, couta, bonito and garrick.
Can I keep reef fish?
Yes, within bag and size limits. Some species have closed seasons.
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.
Inshore Fishing Durban. Request availability and prices for an inshore trip.
Request Availability & PricesRequest Availability & Prices
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