Get ready for an Easter weekend Fishing Extravaganza!

With the long Easter weekend finally here, anglers across the coast are in for an absolute feast of fishing action! From the kob runs lighting up the North Coast, to stumpies, shad, and snoek firing up the central beaches, and monster rockcod and bronze bream showing off down south — it’s all happening, and it’s happening now! Whether you’re chasing that perfect paddle-tail kob bite, hooking into grey sharks and rays for some fun, or scratching the rocks for karenteen and blacktail, this weekend is lining up to be one for the books.

Rain or shine, the fish are feeding, and the coastline is alive with energy. So dust off your tackle, stock up on bait, and clear your schedule — because this Easter weekend is all about tight lines, bent rods, and unforgettable catches!

Rock & Surf:

This Easter weekend promises non-stop coastal chaos — and we mean that in the best way possible! With fish on the chew from north to south and every beach, pier, and point in between lighting up, anglers are in for an unforgettable few days. So pack your bait, grab your gear, and get ready for some rod-bending action, because this is your ultimate rock and surf fishing breakdown for the long weekend.

North Coast – has been absolutely firing with solid kob action reported from all the usual hotspots. Whether you’re presenting chokka baits, live bait, or casting paddle tails, the kob are hitting hard. Paddle tail anglers, take note: slow retrieves close to the bottom are producing the best results — kob love an easy, wobbling meal.
For even more success, opt for longer, slender baits. These provide that extra bit of enticing movement, triggering those subtle predatory strikes from the kob that are just too tempting to resist.

Central Coast – has been a treat for all types of anglers. With stumpies, shad, and even snoek in the mix, it’s a buffet of bites for anyone wetting a line from the beach or the piers.
Bait of choice? Cracker shrimp and prawn are leading the charge, with chokka not far behind. And the bonus tip? Soft baits like prawn can be rigged straight onto circle hooks, keeping your presentation natural while still getting solid hookups.
For those who love a little tug-of-war, the grey sharks and smaller rays have been making regular appearances. Sure, they might not be the biggest bruisers, but they’ll give your tackle a proper workout — and let’s be honest, they’re a whole lot of fun!

South Coast – has turned into an angler’s paradise lately, offering everything from delicious edibles to hard-fighting non-eds. The real headline-makers, though, have been the rock-dwelling legends — monster rockcod, bronze bream, and a flood of karenteen and blacktail lighting up the ledgers.
Heavy rain this week may have dirtied the water in some areas, but that’s no reason to hang up your rods. In fact, it’s time to think bigger and bolder. If you’re scratching for bronze bream and only getting timid bites, it might be time to scale up — two prawns instead of one, or thicker bait combos, can turn nibbles into knockdowns.
Just remember: while bulkier baits work wonders in murky water, they’re not as aerodynamic. If a long cast is needed, stick with a more streamlined setup for the best of both worlds.

This Easter weekend is primed for unforgettable fishing. Whether you’re a die-hard surf angler, a weekend warrior, or just looking to break in a new setup, this is the time to hit the beach and go all in.
So here’s the deal: don’t miss this bite. The tides are turning, the fish are biting, and your next trophy could be just one cast away.
See you on the sand — tight lines and screaming drags!

Offshore:

As one of the most anticipated long weekends of the year rolls in, anglers across the country are gearing up for what promises to be a cracker of a few days on the water. Easter weekend isn’t just about time off — it’s about getting out there, chasing fish, soaking up the sun, and reconnecting with the incredible coastal playground we call home.

But while the tackle is ready and the bait is prepped, it’s also a good time for a small reminder that carries a big impact: Leave the area you fish in better than you found it. Whether you’re casting from the shore or heading out on the boat, take a moment to pick up any litter you see and dispose of it properly. A little effort goes a long way in preserving the beauty of our coastline for future generations.

Summer is still showing off, and the sun is not messing around. Whether you’re covered up in UV-resistant gear or prefer to rely on sunscreen, skin protection is non-negotiable.
If you prefer to cover up, make sure your kit includes a long-sleeved UV shirt, long pants, a buff, a hat, and maybe even sun gloves. For those who like fishing in a tee and shorts, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen regularly – especially on your ears, neck, and hands. Whichever way you go, just protect your birthday suit – you only get one!

It’s not just the weather that’s hot – the fishing has been equally exciting! Offshore anglers have been treated to some fantastic catches lately, with couta, tuna, dorado, and the occasional snoek keeping rods bent and reels screaming. Conditions have been variable, so picking your day is key, but those who’ve gone out have been well rewarded.

North Coast – has seen consistent snoek activity, especially during early mornings. Bigger fish are sitting slightly deeper, with the smaller ones staying close to shore. Trolling fillet baits has delivered the best results. Hook choice is personal, but a sharp, thin gauge non-offset hook is the go-to. Alternatively, bass worm hooks are proving surprisingly effective – strong, sharp, and perfect for rigging fillets.
For lure enthusiasts, you can’t go wrong with the Strike Pro Magic Minnow or the KingFisher Rattler – both deadly in the right conditions.

Central Coast – Alive with energy. While the bait shoals are on the smaller side, there’s been enough around to keep the couta bite hot. Some serious fish have been lost, and a few absolute beauties landed. Live bait remains the top producer, and using a pelagic live bait clip makes the whole setup smoother and more effective.

South Coast – it’s been a dorado season to remember. Trolling skirted lures along the depth changes has yielded the most consistent action. Colour choice comes down to personal preference, but black/red, fruit salad, and pink/white have been standout performers. Couta have been a bit quiet in these waters, but as always – there’s hope for a last-minute surprise!
This Easter, we hope you find yourself surrounded by good friends, bent rods, and a deep appreciation for the waters we’re lucky to fish. Respect the ocean, protect yourself, and go make some memories.

Freshwater:

News in from Jan Korrubel, The Kingfisher in PMB.
After the hearty Welcome of last week, Autumn was well and truly here, and the fishing was just getting off the ground with some action seen on a number of fronts.  WAS that is … as then it seems that the Weather Gods took umbrage at the exuberant Welcome, and decided to throw a bucket of spanners, aka put a damper, on proceedings.  Now this is usually a great time for some late river and early stillwater action, but the 100+mm recorded across The Midlands early this week will unfortunately not be of much help to any current fishing plans.  The lower stretches of the rivers will see the greatest impact, and probably not look like anything to throw into, so head on up as high as possible.  
 
That being said, the weather system has brought the first snows of the season in the Sky Kingdom of Lesotho … so brace yourself, we might simply head on past Autumn and straight onto Winter.  But that’s actually also fine … as long as the rain comes to an end.  So a Final Plea to the Weather Gods … please turn off the taps now so that we can get to see out the final weeks of the river season without the need for water wings or a tyre tube raft … pretty please.
 
Last week’s decent spell of weather saw both The Mooi and Bushman’s Rivers receiving some attention from the Natal Fly Fishers Club river anglers, but with the trout streams still up and pushing hard, too quick out the starting blocks, and the anglers received no attention from the trout they were after.  The rivers had just started to settle, and levels were dropping, but the rains of this week will have put the rivers back a good couple steps once again.
 
Even with a couple of outings on the books, the NFFC stillwater anglers fared no better apart from a single “wee troot” of around 4 inches / 10cm! … then again, ANY fish is better than NO fish!  No reports on water temperature, but with the cooler nights, water temperatures should be cooling nicely.
Some local private waters, and further afield, the stillwaters of Underberg, came into play, with some good fish being reported from the last week.
 
With dam levels on a high, the bass fishing should be off the charts in the flooded margins … but from all reports, fishing remains very quiet.  Albert Falls Dam is currently under the spotlight due to poor water quality; current opinion being that that the present influx of freshwater should improve the water quality however.
Midmar Dam is the fishing venue of choice at present, with some fish still coming to hand.  Carp are also making an appearance at Midmar.
There has also been a surge of gill-netting taking place at both Albert Falls and Midmar Dams – Msinsi Rangers and EKZN Wildlife Honorary Officers, along with local concerned anglers, have stepped up patrols in search of nets.  If nets are seen, please note the locality and report to the Local Officers concerned.
 
With last week’s spell of good weather, the famed yellowfish of Sterkfontein were also back on the board … sight-fishing with dry fly was the name of the game. Mark Yelland notes that the best sight fishing is still to be had, as the fish leave the spawning beds and target food off the surface … hoppers and the Good Dr’s Beetle, along with smaller dry flies like ants and emerger patterns are his recommendations.
From all of us at The Kingfisher – tight lines, screaming reels, and a safe, sun-smart Easter on the water!
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 public holidays, Saturdays and Sundays. 
 
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Please send any info about fishing or fish caught in your area to Vinesh Soogreem – vineshs@kingfisher.co.za