FISHING REPORT 29TH AUGUST 2009

Anglers
Weather patterns of late are spot on for this time of the year. Big Easterlies followed almost immediately by strong South Westerly winds accompanied with rain, however fish are still being caught in these conditions but overall things seem to be slowing down a bit.
In the Durban area fish were scarce and only a few lucky anglers managed to find some shad. The odd garrick came out along the South Coast as well as some good size shad. Garrick are still being caught all along the coastline but now the Zululand beaches are coming into their own, where good numbers of garrick have been reported recently. Amongst the garrick, anglers at these beaches have also landed some good size kob as well as the odd big grunter.

The Richards Bay area has also produced some fine catches of garrick and shad. In the middle South Coast area, anglers who are targeting brusher have had some good catches recently. Some good specimens in the 6 kg mark have been reported, so get out the big tackle for these strong fighting fish. The Umkomaas stretch is now producing a variety of good edible fish. Some fair size yellowtail kingfish and queen fish have been caught during the past week. Kob and grunter are feeding well for anglers who are willing to fish during the night.

According to Terry Nel from Port Edward, most of the fishing has come to a standstill there and even the estuaries have produced few fish. Bad weather and the rough sea that it has brought has killed surf fishing and most of the river estuaries have not broken through and are very full of fresh water. As they go into September, the rainy month, hopes are that the fishing down there will improve this sorry situation.

Biggest Shad Competition
The Kingfisher has started their “Biggest Shad Competition”. This year it will be   run over a two month period, August and September, with three prizes each month. The heaviest shad  for each month will receive a 14’ Kingfisher Poseidon 5pc Graphite Rod, valued at R1, 925.00, the second heaviest shad will receive a Daiwa SL 50SHK Reel, valued at R1,189.00 and third heaviest shad will receive a Daiwa Opus Plus 6000 Reel valued a t R567.00. Please note that all shad (fresh) must be weighed at The Kingfisher, 53 Hunter Street, Durban during trading hours and please remember there is a bag limit of four and the minimum size is 30cm.
So far the winning shad for the month of August is a fish of 3.1kg’s caught by Silvalinjn Pillay while fishing at Green Point. Second prize so far goes to Jason Naidoo with a shad of .616kg’s that was also caught at Green Point. There has been no fished weighed in for the third prizes, so guys make sure you bring your fish in to be weighed at The Kingfisher, you could be missing out on a very nice prize.

ESA Saltwater
Catch the ESA team doing battle on ESA Saltwater at 7:30pm on Thursday and don’t miss the bass show at 7:00pm every Tuesday on Super sport 1 (unless mentioned otherwise – check your DSTV guide for details).

ESA magazine
The latest ESA magazine is out and on sale at The Kingfisher for R 19.95. This issue it is jammed packed with great features.

Angling competition
If you’re keen on an angling competition, deep-sea style with a bunch of great Zimbo’s gathered in Northern Mozambique its almost time for the Johnny Harel Billfish International! CADSA is organizing this event and entry is open to all. There are only a few spaces left so if you’re interested waste not another minute. It’s to be Held in Inhassoro from the 8th to the 14th of November 2009. For more info and entry forms get in touch with the organizers via email: CADSAS@mweb.co.za

Kingfisher’s trading hours
The Kingfisher’s trading hours are Monday, Wednesday to Friday 8:00 to 17:00, Tuesday 8:30 to 17:00 and Saturday 8:00 to 13:00.
Shane from Freedivers is holding a clinic on diving (spear fishing and cray fishing) at The Kingfisher, 53 Hunter Street Durban on the 24th October 2009. This clinic is free and like all of the clinics, booking is a must.