Getting HOOKED
THE weather has not been kind recently. The sea has been warm, the winds have been blowing and the sea has been grumpy. This, along with the colder air temperatures, has caused many to pack the tackle away and stay indoors with a cup of hot chocolate.
Those who have made the effort to go out and target the fish that are around have been reaping the rewards.
One of the most overlooked aspects of planning a fishing trip is the packing of enough food and water. It is essential to pack enough water to keep yourself hydrated for the duration of your trip.
Note that it says water and not alcohol. Alcohol only further dehydrates you, so it is not a good idea for a fishing trip, not to mention being dangerous. Trying to walk on the rocks after one or two beers is going to end in disaster.
Even though we are moving into a colder time of the year, hydration is still as important as it is at the height of summer chasing diamonds. Make sure to pack at least one litre of water in your bag.
History was made when Mike Wheeler became the first kayak fisherman to be crowned “King of the Sea”. Well done to him for winning this title after he landed a 32.35kg couta during the Saffire King Of The Sea Competition at Pumula, which saw ski boat, jet ski and kayak fishermen pit their skills against one another.
The uMhlanga Ski Boat Competition is also nearing. This is another competition that sees ski boats, jet skis and paddle skis pitted against one another. Visit www.ursc.co.za to enter and see the prizes they have in store.
The bottom-fishing guys are reporting good catches off the Durban wrecks and reefs.
There have been daga, geelbek and a whole host of reds coming out at all the main spots. Pota squid and sardine are the way to go for all these species. The game fish guys have been doing well when they have been able to launch.
The tuna are still obliging and the guys have been catching them in every way possible, but with the popper still proving to be the most successful.
The couta are around, but not in great numbers. Putting a live bait down at any of the popular bait spots is a good way to see if they are in the area.
For the inshore guys, the snoek are keeping them busy from Limestone reef all the way to Jex Estate.
The south zone of KZN saw the King Of The Sea Competition last weekend and there were plenty of decent fish caught in all facets. Best of the catches and King Of The Sea was that kayak fisherman with his monster of a couta, but well done to all the competitors and the sponsors on another great event.
In the south zone launch sites have been buzzing. There have been some decent tuna coming out and a proper-size prodigal son was landed by an angler launching out of Umkomaas. Congrats, Sarah-lee, on your beautiful catch and showing the boys how it’s done (#GirlPower).
Also in this area, there have been some massive wahoo off Aliwal. These monstrous fish require stout tackle and heavy wire to land.
Mackerel! This has been the only bait that the late-season summer fish have considered eating over the past week.
Guys have been throwing freshly-caught redeye sardine into the same areas, but the mackerel baits have been getting the pulls.
This may be because of the specific smell or the slightly hardier bait that remains intact even when the peckers are around.
No matter the reason, if you are after one last summer fish before winter, you better have some mackerel in your bait box!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up to date with all our new video releases and to brush up on your species knowledge, tactics and tips/ tricks (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8f8U0GjLGWFaEiUjs-n01w). ■ Send info about fishing, fish caught or competitions in your area to mike. pereira@kingfisher.co.za