The Margate Pier
The perfect spot for Margate Fishing
Visiting the Margate Pier is a must when you are on a Margate holiday on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal. Why? Besides being a long time cherished landmark along this part of the coastline and being a firm favorite amongst fishing enthusiasts, it is a one of those spots you will return to time after time for the gorgeous sea views. It is exhilarating to stand on the pier with the waves churning below you while looking out over the sea. Need I say that this is a great spot for the romantic at heart?
The drive along Marine Drive, where the Margate Pier is located, offers a scenic coastal journey with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, passing by a variety of shops and restaurants. It is a bustling route that captures the vibrant seaside atmosphere of the KZN South Coast’s most popular holiday town.
The Pier was built in 1963 but declared unsafe for public use after being badly damaged during the spring equinox storms in 2007. There were fears that the structure itself was unstable and demolition was on the cards.
A huge outcry from the public, who didn’t want to lose this popular tourism attraction, led to the reconsideration of the intended demolition, and plans to renovate were set in place.
Fishing at the Pier
Since the Pier is a hugely popular fishing spot, the local fishing community was consulted during the planning stages, resulting in a much improved and fisherman-friendly Pier:
- The railings were set at a perfect height for casting off while still being safe.
- The placing of the balustrades was to ensure that baiting only takes place at the baiting tables instead of on the Pier.
- The baiting tables had to be able to accommodate 200 fishermen.
- The gutting table was to allow easy flow of fishermen, but also to allow entrails to flow back into the sea, attracting more fish.
Margate Pier - an excellent fishing spot on the South Coast
Today, the Pier offers an excellent fishing experience, and the handy cleaning stations, taps at hand, and garbage bins make for an enjoyable day of fishing. You can expect to catch Shad, Garrick, Salmon, Blacktail, Rock Cod, Yellowfin, Yellowtail, Bronze Bream, and Stone Bream. A smallish Marlin has also been caught from this great fishing spot.
There is plenty of safe parking in front of the Pier and also a viewing deck if you don’t feel brave enough to take the tidal waves that sometimes splash over the Pier. Use the side entrance and keep your eyes on the waves if you want to stay dry.
Just note that the toilets are closed (or unusable) at times due to misuse and vandalism.
Looking for more great fishing spots on the KZN South Coast? Try Port Shepstone – the Block at the uMzimkhulu River Mouth or the Sandspit, Uvongo Beach Pier, Southport Beach, or Amanzimtoti off the the rocks near the pools.
Shelly Beach: While known more for its ski-boat club and deep-sea fishing charters, the area around Shelly Beach also offers good rock and surf fishing, and is a popular launch site for fishing trips to the renowned Protea Banks. If you would like a deep-sea fishing adventure, check out our page, Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club Page, where we have a list of available deep-sea charters.
Do you need a Fishing Permit to fish on Margate Pier?
Yes, a fishing license is required for any recreational marine fishing on the KZN South Coast and throughout South Africa. This includes fishing from a pier, the shore, or a boat. The permit is governed by the Marine Living Resources Act.
Your permit helps regulate fishing to ensure the sustainability of marine species and ecosystems. It is important to know that different permits are required for specific activities, such as angling, spearfishing, or collecting bait.
You can now easily obtain a recreational fishing permit online:
Online: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has an online portal where you can apply for, pay for, and download your permit. The official website is https://www.fishing.dffe.gov.za
Where is the Margate Pier?
From Margate Beach, continue for approximately 800 meters along Finnis Road (Panorama Parade) while keeping the ocean to your left. There is a large parking area in front of the Pier that offers safe parking.