Big John Fishing Charters

Big John Fishing Charters is a well established Deep Sea Fishing and wildlife watching charter offering fun filled and exciting deep sea fishing and wildlife watching trips for people of all ages. Based in Port Elizabeth Harbour the boat leaves from the Port Elizabeth Deep Sea Angling Club. The boat you will go in is a 27ft Butt Cat (2011 model) and has 2 powerful 140 HP 4 Stroke Suzuki engines and has all the necessary safety equipment.

Explore this beautiful stretch of South Africa’s coastline and take to the open seas to experience deep sea fishing at its best. A day out with Big John Fishing Charters is great fun regardless of your experience level. Whether you are a complete beginner or an expert at fishing, the team at Big John’s will be on hand to offer helpful tips and share their expert knowledge of the waters around Port Elizabeth and Nelson Mandela Bay. They will even do their best to ensure you catch that ‘big one’ you are looking for.

What to expect

Big John’s Fishing Charters trips last up to 6 hours and as long as the sea conditions are safe you will be on your way. The waters of Algoa Bay and around this beautiful region of the Eastern Cape are abundant with marine life and when fishing with Big Johns you can hope to catch a range of exciting fish including Cob, Geelbek, Yellowtail and a variety of red fish.

John is adaptable and if you discuss with him what you have in mind he will let you know what options he recommends.

Prices

The following are price guides and should be confirmed when booking.

Bottom Fishing Trip – The length of this trip is approximately 6 hours and you will leave at first light. There are stunning sunrise views so make sure you take your camera. All tackle, bait and fuel is included and there should be a minimum of 4 people (maximum 6 people.) The cost is R650 per person (John has fishing permits aboard.) If you are not part of a group phone John a few days ahead of time and he will try to make up the extra numbers required for each trip. Anglers to provide their own food. John will provide limited refreshments.

You will have the choice of keeping your catch or using the ‘catch and release’ option. For a memorable treat ask John to arrange for the chef at the Boat Club to prepare and cook your fish for you on your return. This needs to be arranged ahead of time and be prepared for a mouth watering treat!

Sunset Cruises – a 2 ½ hour evening cruise is available. This magnificent cruise will give you the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely trip while enjoying the sites of Port Elizabeth as the evening draws in. You will be able to see the Cape Recife Light House, magnificent birdlife and the endearing Cape fur Seals. Guests are invited to bring their own favourite drinks or champagne to enjoy during the cruise. The cost for this cruise is R2000 for the boat hire and John will take a maximum of 6 passengers.

Whale Watching Cruises – speak to John about his whale watching cruises which take approximately 4 hours. The chance of seeing whales cannot be guaranteed and depends on the season but John will be able to let you know if your chances of seeing them will be good. The cost for the hire of the boat is R3250 (maximum of 6 passengers) If whales are not in the area you will be taken out past St Croix Island where there are penguins to be seen.

Meals

If you would like to arrange to have a meal waiting for you when you return from any of the boat trips let John know when you book and he will arrange with the caterer to have it ready as you step off the jetty! You can enjoy this meal on the lawns, under the thatched lapa or in the club house overlooking the harbor.