January has been an eventful month for the Cape Town kayak fishing community. The weather gave us some much-needed windows, and when it did, the Yellowtail came on hard. Kayakers all around Cape Town made the most of the gaps, with some fantastic catches and plenty of tight lines to go around.
But what really stole the spotlight this month was something truly special.
Two absolute legends of the sport — Guy Balme and August Lohann — surprised everyone by landing Yellowfin Tuna towards the end of the month.
Catching Yellowfin inside False Bay is not a common occurrence. When they do show up, the window is usually small, and the opportunity short-lived. A handful of elite paddlers — including these two — are willing to go the extra distance in pursuit of these highly sought-after monsters.
Let’s be clear though: this is no casual paddle.
Venturing far offshore into open ocean in search of Yellowfin is something we do not recommend, especially if you’re new to kayaking or not a very strong paddler. Conditions can change rapidly, and the distances are almost always much longer than they look. Paddling for two hours while Bellows still seems far off in the distance can seriously mess with your head. Add swell, wind, and fatigue — and suddenly it’s a very real test of both physical and mental strength.
Safety always comes first.
Now, back to the legends…
Guy managed to land his Yellowfin at Struisbaai, right amongst the boats. Absolute madman — but also an extremely experienced, fit, and capable paddler. This is the kind of result that only comes from years on the water and serious dedication.
August, on the other hand, heard about the tail in False Bay and decided that a little 17 km/h wind wasn’t going to keep him off the water. He pushed out and managed to land this tasty monster just a few kilometres off Bellows. Another seasoned surfski paddler with loads of experience — and clearly the grit to match.
Massive respect to both these anglers. These kinds of catches remind us why kayak fishing is so addictive — and why preparation, experience, and respect for the ocean are non-negotiable.
Tight lines, and here’s to more epic sessions ahead! 🤙🎣