Autumn Knocks Hard, But KZN Anglers Still Deliver

Breaking News: Spinner Tackle is now Kingfisher Richards Bay
Richards Bay anglers have something big to celebrate as South Africa’s fishing tackle giant, The Kingfisher, officially opens its doors in the city. Taking over the well‑known old Spinner Tackle location, the new Kingfisher store brings a refreshed energy to the local fishing community with its extensive range of quality tackle, rods, reels, bait, and accessories trusted by anglers across the country. The move marks an exciting milestone for Richards Bay, giving both recreational and competitive fishermen access to one of the nation’s most respected brands right on their doorstep.

Rock & Surf:

With autumn kicking the front door down, the fishing conditions this week were always going to test anglers. Reports were fewer and the seas often looked unfriendly, but in KZN, anglers always seem to find a way to make things happen.

Forecasts pointed to rougher water and unsettled weather, and while the ocean certainly tried to make life difficult, those who adapted still managed to turn the odds in their favour. It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t predictable, but it was rewarding. Success came down to short fishing windows, smart positioning, and reading what the water was offering on the day. Anglers who timed it right were rewarded with bent rods, strong fights, and that quiet satisfaction that comes from truly earning your catch.

Up north, Tugela and Mtunzini once again showed why persistence pays off. Even with heavier water movement, the inedibles stayed active on mackerel and chokka, while anglers hunting edibles still found action in the more sheltered pockets.

Along the central coast, Durban’s reliable spots such as Glen Ashley, Blue Lagoon, and the Basin continued to deliver in patches. Between the tougher spells, anglers still managed to find shad, grunter, and stumpnose willing to play.

Further south, it was very much a scratch fishing game, but the effort still paid off for those willing to work for it. Stumpnose, grunter, the odd kob, and flatfish came through, especially where anglers focused on cleaner water and adjusted their bait approach.

Looking ahead, the conditions are set to change again. After a few calmer spells, the coast is bracing for strong winds on Saturday and rain moving in on Sunday. It won’t be the easiest weekend to plan around, but if the past week proved anything, it’s that the fish don’t simply disappear.

For anglers willing to watch the conditions, pick their moments, and stay patient, there’s always a chance of being rewarded. Tight lines and fish safely out there.

Offshore:

Last weekend reminded us exactly why KZN offshore is a playground only for the sharp, the alert, and the properly fish‑crazy. The forecasts screamed “stay home” with rough seas and heavy current… but the anglers who trusted their eyes, watched the water, and slipped out during those magic little windows? They cleaned up.

It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t predictable, but damn — it was rewarding. Teams who kept mobile, changed depth, shifted trolling spreads, and refused to fish blind found themselves sitting on some serious action. The coast was alive with life for those willing to put in the brainwork.

And the gamefish? They came to play. Dorado smashed baits on the colour lines and temperature breaks like they owned the ocean. Couta hung around the inshore stable water, ambushing anything that shimmered. Wahoo lit up the clean, fast water — the kind that makes your heart rate spike before you’ve even set lines.
When things slowed up top, the bottom fishing stepped in with proper reef species to keep rods bent and spirits high.

AND NOW FOR THIS WEEKEND…

The conditions have finally lined up. Clean pushes of water, improving currents, and temperature lines settling exactly where our favourite predators love to hunt. This is the kind of setup that gets Couta sliding in early, Dorado going aerial, and Wahoo turning spread patterns into chaos.

Yes, we’ll still have mixed weather, and yes, the ocean will demand respect — but this time, she’s offering premium opportunities to anyone fishing smart.

This is a weekend for: Early launches, punchy, focused sessions, quick decisions, reading the water, not the forecast

Those who drag things out or push beyond their comfort zone will watch the window close fast. Those who move with the ocean’s rhythm? You’re about to cash in.

Last weekend rewarded the prepared. This weekend will reward the HUNGRY.

If you bring the focus, pick your moments, and put baits in the right water, there’s every chance you’ll be tangling with Couta, Dorado, and Wahoo that have been waiting for conditions just like these.

Freshwater:

With the current spell of cooler weather settling in and the arrival of Daylight Savings Time in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s safe to say that autumn has officially arrived. Rainfall has also eased off, with only light single-figure totals appearing in the forecast for the next week to ten days. River levels are gradually dropping and water temperatures are starting to cool, all positive signs that point toward some excellent autumn fishing across the region.

Natal Fly Fishers Club river anglers wasted no time taking advantage of the improving conditions, and reports of some excellent fish well into the “teens” in length have already come through. Both nymph and dry fly patterns are producing well, particularly Pheasant Tail and Stonefly nymphs, along with hopper patterns. Research shows that hopper activity peaks from late summer into early autumn as grasshoppers begin mating and become more active, often finding themselves blown or jumping into the water. With aquatic food sources becoming less abundant as temperatures cool, trout increasingly turn their attention to these terrestrial offerings. In short, it’s prime time to be on the river.

The South African Fly Fishing Association (SAFFA) Ladies Open was held last weekend on the Bushman’s River, bringing together anglers from five provinces for a weekend of fishing and learning. Local representation included Roxanne Stegen and Sindi Beach from Pietermaritzburg, as well as Tameryne Price from Nottingham Road. Some excellent fish were brought to the net throughout the event. Congratulations to all the ladies who took part.

Stillwater activity has been relatively quiet over the past week, with no official returns submitted by NFFC anglers. However, this is likely to change as water temperatures continue to drop and trout begin feeding more actively ahead of the colder winter months. The stillwater calendar is already filling up, with entries open for several upcoming events including the TOPS Corporate Challenge running from May to August, the Kamberg Trout Festival from 4–6 June, and the Boston Fly Fishing Festival on 19–20 June. The frosty early-morning starts are not far away now, so anglers looking to take part should secure their spots sooner rather than later.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) remains a concern across the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. Biosecurity continues to be an important part of controlling the spread, and anglers are urged to take note of the newly erected RED ALERT signage on district roads. Please comply with all movement regulations and assist where possible with hygiene and risk-reduction measures to protect local livestock.

From a bass perspective, Albert Falls Dam remains very quiet. Carp and tilapia continue to be the most reliable species for anglers targeting that water. Midmar Dam, however, continues to produce good numbers of bass, mostly smaller fish with the occasional quality fish among them, along with bluegill activity. Event 7 of the Bass Warehouse Tournament Trail is scheduled for March 28 at Midmar, and we look forward to reporting on what should be a competitive event with some solid fish expected.

Sterkfontein Dam, better known simply as Sterkies, continues to deliver an exceptional season. According to Jeremy Rochester from Escape Fly Fishing, the dam is producing truly world-class dry-fly sight fishing. For anglers still hoping to tick the legendary “bar of gold” yellowfish off their list this season, now would be a great time to head north. Jeremy recommends foam hopper patterns in black, brown and olive, along with the well-known Good Dr’s Beetle in black, bronze and purple. For smaller hatches, flies such as Elk-hair Caddis, Klinkhamers, F-Fly dries and Balbyter Ants should cover most situations, especially during flying ant hatches.
For the best in tackle and advice, pop into any of the seven Kingfisher stores, they are open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, 8am-1pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

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