At Salt Life Fishing Charters, we believe that every angler has the power to be a steward of the ocean. Catch-and-release fishing can be a conservation tool — but only when done right. Ethical handling of fish, sharks, and rays reduces stress, injury, and post-release mortality, helping ensure that these animals live to swim another day.
We also recognise that keeping fish for food, when done sustainably, is an ethical and environmentally responsible practice. We retain only those species that are abundant and fall within legal size and bag limits — because catching your dinner is far more sustainable than buying fish from unknown sources with no traceability. Choosing to eat what you catch ensures you’re sourcing local, fresh, and responsibly harvested seafood.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned fisherman, this guide is a must-read for understanding how your behaviour on deck can make a real difference for marine conservation in South Africa.
Hooking a fish is only part of the experience. What happens next can mean life or death for that animal. Poor handling — like dragging a shark over the gunwale or rocks, or lifting a ray by the spiracles or tail — can cause internal damage, scale loss, and even kill species that are legally allowed to be released.
Fish and other marine creatures have evolved to live in the water. They’re not built for human interaction. When we do engage with them, we need to respect that, especially in a country where many species are threatened by overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change.
Here’s how to give your catch the best chance of survival:
Remember: A good photo isn’t worth a dead fish. Respectful handling practices are just as much part of the experience as the catch itself.
Hammerhead sharks are some of the ocean’s most iconic predators, yet they are also some of the most vulnerable. Despite their impressive appearance, hammerheads are extremely sensitive to stress, with very high post-release mortality rates. Even when they swim away, they often don’t survive the trauma of the catch.
In South Africa, several hammerhead species — including the great hammerhead and scalloped hammerhead — are listed as Critically Endangered. Others are Endangered or Vulnerable, and deserve the same caution and respect.
If you accidentally catch a hammerhead:
We owe these magnificent animals more than just admiration — we owe them protection.
While bag and size limits are in place to regulate recreational fishing, they don’t always reflect conservation priorities. Some species are so threatened that even one removal from the ecosystem is too many. As responsible anglers, we must go beyond the law and fish with ethics in mind.
Some species may not be retained at all, regardless of condition or intent. This includes:
Holding, harming, or displaying these animals is not only unethical — it’s illegal.
Rays are often misunderstood and mistreated. Their unique physiology makes them especially vulnerable to injury when lifted improperly or dragged across rough surfaces.
Learn more in our dedicated guide to ethical handling of stingrays.
We proudly participate in South Africa’s Cooperative Fish Tagging Project (ORI-CFTP) and practice responsible tag-and-release of select species to support scientific research and stock monitoring. When permitted, we tag and release:
These tagging efforts help researchers better understand migration patterns, growth rates, and population dynamics — vital for the long-term health of our marine ecosystems.
However, we do not tag rays. The Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) has advised against tagging any ray species due to poor recapture rates and the high risk of injury from incorrect tag placement.
We fully support this position and handle all rays with extra care before release.
At Salt Life Fishing Charters, conservation isn’t just a buzzword — it’s our operating principle.
Our crew has years of experience handling sensitive species, and we’re proud to help guests walk away not only with a catch — but with knowledge and respect for the ocean.
Fishing is a privilege. And with that privilege comes responsibility. The way we handle marine life today will determine whether future generations get to experience the same magic.
Every time you fish ethically, you’re not just doing the right thing — you’re joining a growing movement of ocean guardians who understand that our seas need protection now more than ever.
Want to learn more about ethical angling or book a sustainable fishing trip with a conservation-first mindset? Get in touch with Salt Life Charters — where we fish with purpose, not just passion.
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