Fishing in Vleesbaai

Vleesbaai is a sheltered, west-facing bay tucked between Gouritsmond and Mossel Bay, prized by anglers who want productive water without the crowds. Its long crescent of sand offers classic surf fishing — kob at night, shad in the early mornings, and steady action on blacktail, steenbras and stumpnose through the day. The rocky corners at Fransmanshoek produce excellent galjoen in winter and musselcracker for those prepared to fish heavy tackle in the washes.

The Fransmanshoek peninsula also gives protection in most winds, meaning Vleesbaai almost always has a fishable corner — a huge advantage on this coast. Paddle-ski and small-boat anglers work the inshore reefs for silverfish and roman.

Best seasons: galjoen June to September, kob October to March, shad runs in autumn. Combine it with Gouritsmond for a full weekend of contrasting fishing.