SANParks.org Forums

Can anyone tell me what fish species are at Wilderness and Bontebok, I am visiting both parks next year and want to do some fishing whilst there, but am struggling to decide what tackle to take, can anyone help or suggest the right tackle? Also, how does the fishing permit system work in the parks?

Chris Allen
UK

Chris, there does not seem to be any info re fish on the main
park websites.

On the contacts site, you'll find out the name of the park managers. You are not any worse off if they fail to answer an email.

http://www.sanparks.org/about/contact/find.php#search

on the Bontebok site there is a link to Chris Patton. If he knows about birds and mamals, he might be of help about fish.

http://www.sanparks.org/about/contact/f ... s&s=patton

The bird lists include wading birds, kingfisher et al that survive on fish, sooooo.........

Was in both of these parks quite some time ago. Enjoyed them.

Have a good trip.

Daan

PS-how about a Cape Fishing website? D.

Back again, Chris.

Using the main search site for SanParks one can get the below for Bontebok:

http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&clie ... hsvw9w-y30

Not sure I've EVER seen a URL that long.

And for Wilderness:

http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&clie ... hsvw9w-y30

Have fun clicking away.

Daan

Cant Speak for Bontebok but I have caught the following in Wilderness.
Leervis (Garrick), Spotted Grunter, Kurper, Cape Stumpnose.
Enjoy, its the best part of the country.

I struggle with this one. Fishing in Bontebok.

Why not take your AK47 and mow a few bontebok down while your fishing lines are 'loose', then you can have a lekker braai.

Surely national parks are where fish are protected, unless there is a problem with invasive species.

For the record, I only fish "catch and release" and use tackle that wont foul hook the fish.

Wow! Bit of a strong statement.

Look under activities/fishing to get an idea what SANParks allow. Maybe there are others who look at fishing differently?

I always appreciate helpful posts, so thank you. Also, thanks for reminding me that not all South Africans hold extreme views on certain subjects, and am glad that people like bush baptist are a minority.

LMHO,

There is only one of me and most people are pleased about that!

I have no problem with 'catch & release' although the fish must undergo some trauma - wouldn't you if someone dragged you out by the mouth.
I also have no problem with catching invasive species, it is just that fishing in a conservation area does not gel with me.

Some parks are more aimed at recreation, like Wilderness etc, and I see no problem with fishing there.

Gotcha bob Thanks for the restraint in your reply. I could see you were bristling to give a bit (lot) more

Bontebok shows angling in the Breede river, with a permit of course, in their activities list. Maybe there are `invasive` species in the river. Trout are introduced, but I don`t think you will get them there ? Another thought, do you release an alien fish or not?

Apparently there are some Grunter and Bass in the Breede River. Hope this helps.

SANParks promote the removal of alien fish, but for expample rondevlei is protected, and fishing is not allowed, but the vlei is teeming with BASS?

Thanks to everyone (including Bush Baptist) for your advice / help on this matter. Bob

Have just returned from a weekend at Bontebok and they are currently busy with research into the fish species and their numbers in the Breede river, flowing through the Park.

They are requesting the assistance of those fishing at Bontebok to record their fishing info on forms available at reception.

The aim is to gain significant scientific insight into the status of fish in the Breede River.

Questions asked are: Date, time started fishing and time ended fishing and then area in the Park fished. Species of fish caught, estimated weight or length of fish, What you did with fish (release or retain) and lastly, type of bait used.

So to those going to Bontebok, you could help in some very interesting research by participating.

PS - We witnessed two guys retain 2 very large Carp that they had caught at the Picnic Site.

I was in Bontebok about 3 weeks ago. There were poeple fishing who caught Carp and Barber(catfish) but without any release.

I know that there are also bass, eals and more in the river.