Low visibility of fisheries officers deceptive

WEEKLY I speak to our local fisheries office and “fish” for information on current trends and happenings pertaining to our sport in general.

I am told that signage is going up in the Swartkops estuary to keep the public and, more so, the angling fraternity better informed.

Let’s hope these signs are not vandalised, as is the current trend in our country by those who are opposed to the regulations.

While we don’t often see the work being performed by the fishery control officers, they are indeed active and once again the offshore unit has taken a foreign vessel to task about entering our economic exclusive zone without authorisation.

Investigations have revealed this vessel had no paperwork to allow it access to the EEZ; however the species on board appear not to be local species.

Penalties for this transgression have nevertheless been levelled and the boat is to be detained until payment is made.

These cases are sometimes hard to prosecute as the vessel can claim other urgent needs to enter these zones, such as an illness. To legally do this a permit must be requested and a declaration made of all equipment on board as well as details of the catch. You be the judge!

On to another matter – a number of shad have been caught along our coast, with the closed season (October 1 to November 30) now approaching.

Pig-nosed grunter and a few galjoen (this season closes on October 15 and lasts to the last day in February) have also taken the hook.

The non-edible season is also on our doorstep and these are adrenaline-pumping catches for those who enjoy the toil of the line.

The luring and landing of white sharks seems to be the in thing now as the bay has a number of juveniles. It is not illegal to land such a fish, but it must not be harmed.

These are turbulent waters and care must be taken as the species is under pressure and a lot of public interest will result in the angler coming under the heat of the spotlight.

Many folk fish for their fry and an increasing number enjoy the extreme thrill of endurance with the opponent on the other end. This is the difference between fishing and angling!

The catch of the week must surely be Shaun Master’s duck bill ray of around 70kg caught in the East London area. The fish was landed during a competition last weekend and then released.

Today’s fresh westerly moderates and becomes southerly tomorrow, turning easterly for Sunday.

Morning rain is expected tomorrow with low tide at 9.50am. A pushing tide at noon and moderating wind conditions should make for a good opportunity for a catch in the afternoon.

The full moon increases the odds. Conditions are conducive for night angling, especially on the estuaries where a live bait might tip the scales.