Summer Drags Screaming as South Coast Delivers the Goods

Rock & Surf:

Summer fishing is in full swing along the KZN coastline, and shore anglers are feeling it in their drags. From edibles to serious pullers, the coast is producing exciting action, with plenty of variety on offer for those putting in the time.

Up north, the action has been steady and physical, with inedibles dominating the catches around Tugela and Mtunzini. These areas continue to deliver powerful fish for anglers looking for a proper workout, with bloody baits like mackerel and bonito producing the best results. Edibles are also showing in sheltered bays and gullies, adding welcome variety to sessions. As always in this stretch, anglers are advised to fish in groups and prioritise safety.

The central coast has seen more mixed reports, but Durban’s reliable spots have come through. Areas like Glen Ashley, Blue Lagoon and the Basin have produced consistent edible action, with shad, kob and stumpnose making up the bulk of catches. For anglers wanting heavier pulls, grey sharks and skates have been active, with sand sharks in particular putting gear to the test when conditions line up.

The standout this week, however, has been the South Coast. Scratch anglers have been rewarded with quality edibles, including stumpnose, bream, pompano and solid shad. Deeper points have also produced serious inedibles, with honeycomb rays bending rods and exposing weak tackle. Octopus bait has been effective for the rays, while redeye sardine combinations have tempted the honeycombs. Local knowledge has been key, and anglers tapping into the daily chatter are finding the best results.
With the fishing this good, a reminder to look after your gear goes a long way. A freshwater rinse after every session, attention to reel rollers and rod guides, and basic maintenance will keep tackle ready for the next screaming run. The season is building, and the South Coast in particular is shaping up as the place to be.

Offshore:

Offshore conditions off Durban have been testing but rewarding, with fluctuating water temperatures and shifting water colour keeping anglers on their toes. Despite the changes, reef fishing has delivered solid results, with quality Englishman and some impressive John Dory landed during the week. Gamefish activity has been steady in the shallower zones, where Dorado, Snoek and Couta have all featured. While most Couta have been on the smaller side, their presence close in is an encouraging sign as the season gains momentum. Anglers pushing deeper to find clean, warm water have continued to find Dorado, showing that patience is paying off.

The North Coast has produced some of the most consistent action, particularly in the shallows, where Dorado remain active and aggressive. Snoek and Couta have been widespread, with good numbers reported from areas holding cleaner water. Although water conditions have been patchy at times, crews locating the right temperature breaks have been rewarded with steady bites. Reef fishing has also held up well.

Further south, offshore fishing has mirrored the rest of the coastline, with improving signs despite unsettled water. Dorado continue to show, particularly in deeper water where cleaner conditions are holding. Snoek remain in the mix, and Couta activity is expected to improve as conditions stabilise. Bottom fishing has been reliable, with reef species providing consistent action. With water quality showing gradual improvement, the South Coast is shaping up for a strong run as summer edges closer.

Freshwater:

News from Jan: The weather over the last week has been pretty stable … so much so that it leaves one wondering what’s coming!?!  The Norwegians of YR seem confident that the status quo remains for the week ahead, that is partly cloudy conditions with a spit and a spot here and there.  The lack of any major precipitation over the couple of weeks, has the overflow of Midmar Dam reduced to all but a trickle … and with no big rains in the forecast, the wall will be dry again soon.  Time to take advantage of the moderation in the weather, and get outside and throw that line!

Reports from the trout rivers/streams are varied – ranging from “fishable” to “higher than expected” – but all were in agreement that it’s not yet quite dry fly water, and that some form of “heavy metal” is required, especially for the deeper pocket water.  Cabin Fever is running high within the ranks of the Natal Fly Fishers Club river anglers however … one intrepid member finding that treacherous wading and hard work was worth the effort to report fish up to the 13-15 inch / 33-38cm bracket. 
The KZN Fly Fishing Association (KZNFFA) Senior League officially kicked off this last weekend, with a river session on the Lotheni – closer to The ‘Berg, the water was still on the high side, but some good fish were recorded.

Another week or so of little to no (major) rainfall, and conditions should improve that much more … watch this space!

The NFFC stillwaters were a little less tolerant of the anglers affections, with only a single return reporting fish in the 3-5 inch / 8-13cm “fingerling” class … but a reminder that “a fish, is a fish!”.  There were some fish reported from a private water … the water being coloured up, a Black Woolly Bugger did the business.
The Foot and Mouth epidemic has come to a point where much of The Midlands has been shut down to limited / essential travel.  In a notice released this week, the uMngeni Local Municipality called on all businesses and service providers to take reasonable and proactive precautions to reduce risk of further spread of FMD, to mitigate the devastating consequences for local agriculture, food security and livelihoods, and the impact to the broader rural community.  It is requested that basic biosecurity practices are implemented (vehicles, tyres, tools, and equipment to be cleaned/disinfected), and unauthorized access to farms, livestock and grazing areas are discouraged/restricted.

To this end, the NFFC has issued notice requesting that Members go above and beyond to assist riparian landowners to help them stop the spread of the disease.
Word from the bass anglers is that there have been some small bass (aka “dinks”) coming to hand at Albert Falls (but sadly nothing near anything that this water has produced previously), as well as at Midmar.  Good numbers of Bluegill, Carp and Tilapia have also been reported from Alberts.
The Gold Miners of Sterkfontein continue to get rich!  Some excellent small- and largemouth yellowfish have been reported, in what continues to be a cracker of season.
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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