South Africa’s top fishing competitions and events in 2026
South Africa’s boating and angling community is world-class — and 2026 is shaping up to be another standout year for competitive fishing across our waters. Whether you’re into deep-sea gamefish tournaments, freshwater bass championships, or international recreational fishing forums, there’s plenty to mark in your calendar.
Here’s a guide to the most notable fishing competitions and events you can look forward to this year. Or click here to download the PDF calendar.
A packed schedule of SADSAA tournaments
The South Africa Deep Sea Angling Association (SADSAA) maintains a robust calendar of competitive events that draw anglers from across the country and beyond. These tournaments cover a range of disciplines, venues and species — a testament to South Africa’s diverse fishing culture.
Highlights in 2026 include:
February to March
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SADSAA heavy tackle billfish interprovincial – Sodwana (9–13 Feb)
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Marlin & Bottomfish Invitational – Struisbaai Deep Sea (28 Feb–6 Mar)
March
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Durban Interclub – Durban (13–15 Mar)
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Port Francis Ski Boat Club Annual Tuna Competition – Port St. Francis (16–21 Mar)
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Mapelane Billfish – Mapelane (18–21 Mar)
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Umhlanga Festival – Umhlanga (27–29 Mar)
Late March – Early April
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SADSAA junior gamefish nationals – Sodwana Bay (30 Mar–3 Apr)
April
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SSBC Gamefish Competition – Sodwana (1–4 Apr)
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Couta Classic – Umlalazi (4–6 Apr)
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SADSAA tuna internationals – Atlantic Boat Club (12–17 Apr)
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SADSAA tuna nationals – Hout Bay (12–17 Apr)
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Durban Festival – Durban (24–27 Apr)
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Offshore Classic 2026 – Gordons Bay Boat Club (24–30 Apr)
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SADSAA PWC Tournament/All Inland – Sodwana (27 Apr–1 May)
May
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Glenmore Classic Comp – Glenmore Ski Boat Club (2 May)
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Penta Invitational – Sodwana Ski Boat Club (4–8 May)
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Mapelane Trophy (Interclub) – Mapelane (14–17 May)
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SADSAA All Coastal – Port St. Francis (19–23 May)
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Tuna Masters – Hout Bay (19–23 May)
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SADSAA Gamefish Interprovincial – Zinkwazi (20–24 May)
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SADSAA Gamefish Nationals – Meerensee (14–19 Jun)
July
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Snoek Derby – St Lucia (8–10 Jul)
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SADSAA Junior Bottomfish Nationals – Port Alfred (8–12 Jul)
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Line-fishing or Spearfishing Competition – Sodwana Bay (13–17 Jul)
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SADSAA Light Tackle Billfish Nationals – Sodwana Bay (13–17 Jul)
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SADSAA Bottomfish Nationals – East London (26–31 Jul)
August
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Rod & Reel Interclub – Natal Rod & Reel (7–9 Aug)
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Queens of the Ocean – St Lucia (7–8 Aug)
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SADSAA Bottomfish Interprovincial – Umhlanga (20–23 Aug)
September – October
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Test of the Best Daga Comp – Bobbies Angling Club (5 Sep)
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12 x 12 Species – St Lucia (1–3 Oct)
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PDSAC Indian Ocean Classic – Meerensee (1–3 Oct)
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SADSAA Light Tackle Billfish Interprovincial – Sodwana (8–10 Oct)
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SADSAA Tuna Interprovincial & 53rd Tuna Invitational – Cape Boat & Ski Boat (21–24 Oct)
November – December
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EFSA Tuna International – Hout Bay (2–6 Nov)
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EFSA Bottomfish International – Struisbaai (9–14 Nov)
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SADSAA Heavy Tackle Billfish Nationals – Sodwana Bay (16–20 Nov)
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King of the Bay Comp – Bobbies Angling Club (5 Dec)
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At Nauti-Tech Suzuki, we know the demands anglers place on their boats and engines. Our range of Suzuki outboards offers the performance, reliability and economy you need to stay competitive all season — from early summer tournaments to late-year classics.
Ready to make 2026 your best fishing year yet?
Plan your competitions now, get your boat dialled in, and make sure your Suzuki outboard is serviced and ready to perform. Whether you’re chasing billfish at sea or big bass inland, dependable gear starts with expert maintenance and preparation.
👉 Contact Nauti-Tech Suzuki today for servicing, repower options, or performance upgrades that keep you on the water and ahead of the competition.