Alphard Banks – Offshore Paradise
The Alphard Banks, 42 nautical miles SE of Struisbaai, Cape Agulhas, is arguably the most southern fishing and scuba dive destination in Africa. The spot rises up to around 15 meters, and then drops off to around 80 meters to the west and 70 meters in the east with the surrounding waters going down to 300m. This is truly one of the most unspoiled and fish rich angling destinations in the Western Cape, and is definitely worth the time spent on traveling there.
Coordinates & Location Type
Location Type: Shoal(s)
Latitude: -35.05
Longitude: 20.88333
Latitude (DMS): 35° 2′ 60 S
Longitude (DMS): 20° 52′ 60 E
A trip to the Alphard Banks from Struisbaai harbour takes normally 120 to 190 mins, depending on the swells and sea conditions, traveling at around 35 km’s/h and therefore the weather plays an important part in determining the ideal time for such a trip. The best time of the year is from Jan through April when calmer weather and warm clear seas are the norm.
With the warm Agulhas current flowing around the Alphard Banks, and the upwelling of some colder water from the Benguella current, we see loads of nutrients in the water, and therefore lots of pelagic fish like Yellowtail, Marlin, pelagic sharks like Soupfin, Bronze Whalers, Hammerheads and Great Whites, Tuna, Dorado and King Mackerel. The Alphard Banks is an ideal spot to hunt for fast swimming Black Marlin and Striped Marlin, and is one of the spots targeted by boats during the 2 Oceans Marlin Tournament each year.
As no commercial fishing is allowed at this wonderful fishing spot there has not been any overexploitation of the fishing resources (yet). This year a few boats already ventured out there and schools of Yellowtail, with some fish estimated at between 25-30 kgs, were seen lazying about in the top water. Dorado was swimming around and a beautiful specimen of 18kgs was speared by one of the spearo’s. Marlin was also sighted, but no successful hookups were made.
The Alphard Banks is also home to monstrous Red Steenbras, some well over 30 kg in size and even fish over 50 kgs have been recorded here. The bag limit on Red Steenbras is 1 per angler per day. The favourite bait for these fish is a live 2 kg Red Roman or a Red Roman flapper bait. The ensuing battle, after a successful hookup, is bound to be legendary, as the Red Steenbras is known for it’s dirty fighting – heading for every rock and cave, using its mighty strength to tax even the experienced angler to the max.
Awesome Charters is based at Struisbaai and offers trips to the Alphard Banks (when the weather permits) on a 28 ft Buttcat to target big Yellowtail, trophy Red Steenbras, power packed Marlin and the beautiful Dorado. The cost is R7000 (USD 800) for the boat / day with a maximum of 4 anglers allowed.
