Cape Town Yellowfin Tuna: Your Hout Bay Survival Guide
Off Cape Point, yellowfin tuna over 100kg are landed every season — and FishTrack reports the second annual run from October to December produces fish averaging 40 to 60kg, with many over 90kg. Cape Town's tuna fishery sits at the meeting point of two oceans, and 2026 has two confirmed national tournaments. Here's how to fish it, when to go, and what to wear when the southeaster blows hard.
When are the two Cape Town tuna seasons in 2026?
Cape Town's yellowfin year splits into two distinct runs. The first runs from mid-March to the end of June — settled weather, fish averaging 35 to 50kg. The second runs from October to December — bigger fish, harder weather. Hooked On Africa Fishing Charters, reporting from Hout Bay in April 2026, called it "an epic season" with yellowfin showing in numbers not seen for years.
Two SADSAA tournaments anchor the autumn run:
- SADSAA Tuna Nationals — Hout Bay, 12–17 April 2026
- SADSAA Tuna Internationals — Atlantic Boat Club, 12–17 April 2026
- Tuna Masters Cape Town — Hout Bay, 19–23 May 2026
The 2026 Two Oceans Tuna Derby (Tuckers Tackle Tuna Derby) historically runs in October or November out of Atlantic Boat Club. Specific 2026 dates to be confirmed by the organiser.
What should you wear on a Hout Bay tuna trip?
You need a foul-weather shell, an Exo-Tech hooded long-sleeve, polarised lenses and a beanie — not because of sun alone, but because the run out to Cape Point can drop water temperature by 8°C in 20 minutes. The Tuna Masters Cape Town runs 80 to 120 nautical miles round-trip from Hout Bay, and the southeaster can hit gale force without much warning.
Pack like a guide:
- Foul-weather shell over an AquaTek long-sleeve for the run out.
- Exo-Tech hooded shirt with gaiter once the sun comes up over Karbonkelberg.
- Sun gloves — yellowfin fight long and hard on heavy tackle, and braid burns hands.
- Beanie for the pre-dawn launch.
- Polarised optics to read current lines and spot bird work.
Here's what matters: cotton soaks through and chills you. Synthetic UPF fabric stays warm wet and dry.
How big do Hout Bay yellowfin actually get?
Hout Bay yellowfin average 35 to 60kg with 90kg-plus specimens landed annually. Hooked On Africa has weighed guest fish of 105kg yellowfin and 122kg bigeye over the last two seasons. Cape Town Fishing Charters reports yellowfin to 130kg+ as the realistic upper end.
But here's the catch: when fish are this size, gear matters. Most Cape Town skippers fish 80lb (37kg) class tackle on Tiagra 30W or 50W reels. Atlantic Boat Club tournaments require a 60kg minimum weigh-in on yellowfin, bigeye and bluefin.
Book your 2026 Hout Bay tuna trip
Atlantic Boat Club, Hooked On Africa and the Sportquest-CapTuna operation all book out fast around the SADSAA tournament weeks in April and the Tuna Masters in May. Lock your charter, your accommodation in Hout Bay and your apparel well in advance. A botched first day from sunburn, wind chill or seasickness wastes serious money. Kit out with Pelagic Gear SA foul-weather shells, Exo-Tech hooded shirts and polarised sunglasses before your Cape Town season.
