- The Hout Bay Carnival and Fish Derby are set to take place from 13 to 16 December, drawing thousands for a weekend of family-friendly events.
- The Fish Derby, a historic fishing competition, remains a main attraction.
- Visitors can enjoy food, crafts, entertainment, and boat rides, highlighting Hout Bay’s fishing heritage and community spirit.
The annual Hout Bay Carnival and Fish Derby is scheduled to take place from Friday 13 December through Monday 16 December, coinciding with Reconciliation Day.
Organised by the Hout Bay Harbour Carnival and Fish Derby (HBHC&FD), the event will feature a variety of activities aimed at engaging locals and visitors.
The Fish Derby, the event’s main attraction, will commence on Sunday 15 December, starting at 07:00, with the final boats returning at 15:00 for the weigh-in.
Participants are invited to catch the largest fish, a tradition that harkens back to the former Snoek Derby, which has a history of over 40 years in the area. If conditions on Sunday are unfavourable, the competition will be rescheduled for Monday.
In addition to the fishing competition, the carnival will include live entertainment, children’s activities, food and craft stalls, a Seafood Potjiekos Competition, fun fair rides, and boat rides. “This event is built on the legacy of past fishing derbies and aims to celebrate the local fishing community and culture,” said Roscoe Jacobs, chair of HBHC&FD.
Thousands
The carnival is expected to draw between 3 000 and 5 000 visitors. The event has historical significance for Hout Bay, as the Snoek Derby was once a prominent feature of the local sporting calendar. The new Fish Derby, organised in partnership with the Atlantic Boat Club, aims to maintain this tradition while attracting fishing enthusiasts from across the country.
Jacobs noted that the event will also feature a raffle with prizes, including a night’s stay at Tintswalo Atlantic and various vouchers. Proceeds from ticket sales and the raffle will help cover the costs associated with hosting the event.
The organisers aim to showcase Hout Bay as a destination for tourism and business, highlighting its fishing heritage and community spirit. Long-term plans for the event include promoting socio-economic initiatives aimed at supporting children, youth, women and people with disabilities in the community.
- For more information or to participate in the Fish Derby, interested individuals can contact HBHC&FD via email at fishderby@hbhcfd.co.za or WhatsApp at 072 582 9183. Tickets for the carnival will be available online, and updates can be followed on various social media platforms.
