getting HOOKED

THE summer fish have come to the party in a big way with the traditional summer hotspots firing on all cylinders. Skates, sharks, sand sharks and kingfish being caught literally from Kosi Bay deep into the Eastern Cape.

The very warm weather and lack of wind has made fishing conditions superb and an extra stocking filler is the water is cleaning up nicely. The Kingfisher wishes everyone tight lines and a prosperous new year.

KOSI BAY – This “tropical paradise” has seemed more like a sauna over the past few days and this has done nothing to stop bonefish, kingfish and the flatties from eating. A wide brimmed hat, sun tan lotion is a definite must for this time of the year.

The early morning sessions and late evening into the dark being your preferred catch times.

CAPE VIDAL – Some pan size shad as well as a few kingfish species have been caught on the low tide off the reefs with a few anglers fishing light tackle getting a good stretch. Lots of smaller reef species such as rockcod and some speckled snappers.

ST LUCIA/MAPELANE – Still producing some nice sand sharks and skates with the water cleaning up nicely if you are on holiday in this area, Santa might excuse your absence while the rest of the family does the early morning present opening regimen.

MTUNZINI – My pick of the week, this area has been literally the frying pan. No fire needed! Every throw has been an on, skates, sand sharks, raggies, you name it; they seem to have convened on this area. The Daiwa Windcast Reel packed with 600m of 48 pound Gator braid on the Poseidon 3M Rod has proven to be the nemesis for the Diamonds in and around the banks. If you are on leave – leave a note on the fridge, bring the cat in, put the dog out and tell your wife you will be home later.

ZINKWAZI – Also a good spot for this time of the year, especially with this warmer weather. For the non-edibles – sharks and skates are the norm for those planning a Christmas fish braai some stumpies, shad and an occasional rockcod are in the area.

BALLITO – Due to this being a popular swimming beach especially during the holiday seasons – early morning and late evening after 5pm will probably crack the nod from the life guards in order to allow you to fish. As this time of day is usually cooler, one can expect shad, smaller grey sharks and on a low tide maybe a nice skate sitting in the warmer shallow water.

UMHLOTI – During the week lots of bait fish were noted in the area and this brought in some of the skate species, predominately brown skates and a number of kingfish.

Kingfisher bullet spoons on anything from a 9 to 12 feet rod have been getting some of these fish.

UMHLANGA – Predominantly late evening into the night has seen a number of skates and one or two giant guitar fish as well.

VIRGINIA –This recently popular spot has also had favourable winds and cleaned up nicely.

The big shad have been caught at first light on S-bend spoons and whole Redeye throw baits. This popular and busy spot boasts a wide beach which allows for many an angler to find his just spot.

SUNKIST BEACH – Near the pier seems to be out of bounds during the holiday season, yet a sneaky throw before sun up could possibly see a nice grunter or stumpnose before the authorities are active.

DURBAN PIERS – Have been more productive with the cleaner water, some nice shad and lots of smaller species coming out. Sardine and Redeye working very well with those in the know using a Redeye head and 1.0 Mustad Kendall round hook to great effect for stumpnose and a few snapper salmon.

BEACHFRONT – One of the more protected areas has seen many bathers which have reduced fishing to only the late evening and night sessions. These have not been without their reward with some skates, a stumpnose of just over 5 kilos and grey sharks between 3 and 8 kilos.

BLUFF – On the low tide when the water has warmed up – juvenile skates and small sand sharks were targeted on light tackle using prawn and Chokka baits. With the higher water a live bait on a slide could possibly catch a passing pelagic fish.

AMANZIM TOTI / WARNER BEACH/WINKLESPRUIT – With lots of weed these areas have not produced many fish although anglers are reporting the bite, but winding in a ball of weed. With favourable weather expected for the next few days the weed should clear and these popular holiday destinations could produce some nice edibles especially off the deeper points.

UMKOMAAS – Previously a no go zone, it is amazing what some nice weather can do. The ledges have produced a number of skates and bigger sand sharks. While the river mouth area a few grunter and hopefully some bigger ones to come.

SCOTTBURGH – Like most of the spots further south close to rivers, the better weather has improved the fishing. Some blue skates as well as grey sharks have been caught in the past week during either early morning or late afternoon sessions. A definite plus for the holiday anglers.

Any info about fishing, fish caught or competitions in your area send to mike.pereira@kingfisher.co.za or fax 031368 4007, attention, Mike.

For the latest KZN fishing news presented by OJ, tune into East Coast Radio at 5.40am Monday - Friday.