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Tuna Fishing Durban

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Leaderr approved Tuna Fishing Durban - anglers fishing from a white charter boat off Durban with the Moses Mabhida Stadium arch and the beachfront skyline behind, a deckhand in yellow waders gaffing a fish at the stern

Tuna fishing Durban trips run offshore from Durban harbour to deeper water where the warm Agulhas Current brings yellowfin tuna, dorado, wahoo and billfish. They are long days, usually 8 to 12 hours, and boats normally leave around 05:00.

Give your date and group size to check tuna boat availability.

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Tuna and Big Game Off Durban

  • Yellowfin tuna. The main tuna target. Present all year, with larger fish from about October.
  • Skipjack and bonito. Smaller and common, often caught while looking for bigger fish.
  • Dorado and wahoo. Summer fish that often turn up on the same trips.
  • Sailfish and marlin. Possible on big game days, mainly November to April. See marlin and sailfish.

What to Expect on the Day

  1. Early start. Most deep sea boats leave the harbour around 05:00.
  2. Run out. Published examples put 10-hour trips about 35 km offshore.
  3. Fishing. The crew troll lures or fish live bait once fish are found, and anglers take turns on the rods.
  4. The fight. A big yellowfin can take a long time to land. The crew coach you through it.
  5. Return. One operator's full-day trip is back at about 14:00. Longer trips return mid to late afternoon.

Tuna Season

Club and operator guides say yellowfin are present off Durban all year, with bigger fish from about October. Some operators run dedicated big game trips only from September to March. Ask what recent trips have caught.

Who Tuna Trips Suit

  • No experience is needed. The crew rig the tackle and coach you through a fight.
  • You need reasonable fitness and a good stomach. If you get seasick easily, consider a harbour trip instead.
  • Published deep sea boats take 6 to 10 people. Fewer anglers means more time on the rods.
  • It is a long day for children. One operator takes children from age 3. Check with yours first.

Included and What to Bring

  • Usually included: rods, reels, tackle, live bait and lures, a skipper and deckhand. Some boats add drinks and fish cleaning.
  • Bring: your fishing permit, food, a hat, sunscreen, polarised sunglasses, rubber-soled shoes and a large cooler box with ice.

Tuna Fishing Prices

TripBallpark price
Deep sea or big game trip, 8 hours, whole boatR9,000 - R15,600
Big game trip, 10 - 12 hours, whole boatR10,800 - R22,000

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
  • Lynski Deep Sea Fishing Charters, Durban harbour - 3, 5 and 10 hour 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)
  • Simply The Best Fishing Charters, Wilson's Wharf - harbour, half-day, big game and deep drop rates (FishingBooker)
  • Hooked Again Fishing Charters, Maritime Place - harbour, garrick and deep sea rates (FishingBooker)
  • Master M Fishing Charters, Maritime Place - harbour and 12-hour deep sea rates (FishingBooker)

Split between 7 anglers, an 8-hour boat at R9,000 is under R1,300 each. Bigger boats and longer days cost more.

Weather and Cancellations

Offshore trips are the first to be called off in strong wind or big swell. The skipper decides, often the evening before or on the morning. Give a backup date if you can.

Compare tuna with other trips on the Durban fishing charters page, or request tuna prices through Deep Sea Fishing Durban.

Tuna Fishing Durban FAQs

When is tuna season in Durban?

Yellowfin are present all year according to the Durban Ski-Boat Club, with larger fish from about October. Some operators only run big game trips from September to March.

How far offshore do tuna boats go?

A published example puts 10-hour trips about 35 km offshore. It depends on where the fish and the current are on the day.

Is a tuna catch guaranteed?

No. Tuna move with water temperature and bait. A good operator will tell you honestly how recent trips have gone.

Can I take my tuna home?

Usually, within legal limits. Bring a large cooler box with ice and confirm the catch and cleaning policy with your quote.

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

Full day fishing chartersLong days offshoreMarlin and sailfishBillfish on big game daysCouta fishingCloser in, January to JunePrivate fishing chartersA boat for your group

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.

Tuna Fishing Durban. Request availability and prices for a tuna trip.

Request Availability & Prices

Request Availability & Prices

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