Everything You Need to Know Before You Hit the Water
The West Coast Rock Lobster season is finally here — and that familiar buzz has already hit Cape Town’s coastline. Despite the Department releasing dates a little later than usual, divers and shore anglers are gearing up for another season of chasing our favourite “crawlies.”
Whether you’re a veteran freediver or someone itching to try crayfishing for the first time, knowing the rules isn’t optional — it’s essential. Here’s your complete guide to diving (or netting) into the 2025/2026 season safely, legally, and successfully.
2025 Crayfishing Dates
The dates are outlined in the Government Gazette and signed by the minister of forestry and fisheries. You can obtain a copy of the gazette here: Marine Living Resources Act: Regulations: West Coast Rock Lobster Fishing Season: Amendment we have however summarized it for you in this blog post.
These dates, stick them on the fridge, your phone, or your dive slate — these are the only days you may catch West Coast Rock Lobster:
December
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20, 21, 27, 28
January
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3, 4, 24, 25, 31
February
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1
March
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21, 22
Allowed Times:
You may only catch between 08:00 and 16:00, and you must be out of the water by 16:00 — no exceptions.
Size and Catch Limits
Before anything ends up in your net, make sure it’s legal:
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Minimum Size:
80 mm carapace length
(Measured from the tip of the horns between the eyes to the start of the tail.) -
Daily Limit:
4 crayfish per person per day -
Possession Limit:
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Maximum of 20 crayfish per day may be transported,
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Only if everyone who caught them is present with valid permits
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You may keep no more than 20 crayfish at your home
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How You’re Allowed to Catch Them
Recreational crayfishing is limited to these methods:
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A ring or scoop net from a licensed boat
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A ring or scoop net from the shore
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Freediving from the shore (snorkels only — no scuba gear!)
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Baited lines with a scoop net
Absolutely Not Allowed:
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Scuba gear for crayfishing
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Boat-based diving for crayfish
(Using a net from a boat is fine — diving from it is not)
Important Rules Every Crayfisher Must Know
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Crayfish carrying berry (eggs) must be released immediately
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You must transport them whole — no cutting or cleaning on the beach
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Selling your catch is illegal — recreational lobster is for personal use only
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Only individuals 12 years and older can get a permit
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Crayfishing in no-take Marine Protected Areas is prohibited
If you’re unsure about restricted zones, check the Marine Recreational Brochure (2018).
Where We Love to Catch Crayfish
These are some of our favourite spots — accessible, productive, and offering stunning diving conditions when the weather cooperates:
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Moonlight Bay – Pringle Bay
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Cape Point Nature Reserve
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The Kom – Kommetjie
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Soetwater Resort, behind the tidal pool
As always: check weather, swell, access permissions, and MPA boundaries before you go.
Get Your Permit
A valid permit is non-negotiable.
You can buy yours online at:
www.fishing.dffe.gov.za
Cost: R94.00
(Pro tip: Use Chrome — the site behaves badly on other browsers.)
Safety First, Always
Crayfishing days can be wild — busy parking lots, excited divers, swell running, early mornings, and quick entries. Before you hit the water:
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Check your gear (nets, gauge, gloves, float lines)
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Plan your dive around the legal time window
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Know your entry and exit points
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Watch the ocean conditions — especially surge in shallow areas
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Stay clear of no-take zones (fines are steep)
Crayfishing is meant to be fun — don’t let a preventable accident or an avoidable fine ruin the day.
Enjoy the Season — and Respect the Resource
West Coast Rock Lobster is one of our most heavily pressured marine species. Following the rules doesn’t just keep you out of trouble — it protects a tradition we all want to pass down to the next generation of divers.
Stay safe, stay legal, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.
Happy crayfishing!