Getting HOOKED
THE sea has not been the kindest of late. We have seen big seas and large swell periods making the sea surgy.
The north side of KwaZuluNatal has not seen much of a change over the past week. The bottom fishing has been kind to the charter and recreational guys. The main catches have been focused around mixed reds and rockcod. Kingfisher has great Pota squid in stock that is ideal for all bottom-fishing needs.
Closer to Durban there has been a lot of tuna action but the bigger sea has put many off.
The battle of the barges – a kayak fishing competition – took place this weekend but only a few brave souls managed to launch. The winning fish came to Rinalen Naidoo. This was an 8.5kg snoek. Well done, Rinalen!
The rest of Durban has been rather quiet, but the tuna have been saving the day for the guys launching. Trolling lures have been the best way to find these fish. A Kingfisher Rattler is the ideal lure to troll and, colour wise, sardine is the winner.
The South Coast has still got sardines in good numbers. This, coupled with quite a few other species of baitfish, has given the gamefish more than enough to choose from and has led to poor fishing. The bottom fishing has been superb and a few great catches have been had. There have been some great Red Steenbras caught, with some 30kg beasts being landed. There have also been some good rockcod coming out on both the shallow and deeper spots.
Rock and surf, the North Coast has been kind to artificial lure anglers. Garrick loves a plug, kingies love a soft plastic and snoek love a small spoon.
With the bigger seas the central coast has been the only fishable spot. Unfortunately, this has not resulted in large catches. The shad have been a nuisance as they have been around in great numbers but have all but a few been undersize. There have been some good blacktail and stumpies caught on the piers. These fish have fallen for cracker shrimp fished in the deeper water. There have been some bigger inedibles caught, mainly grey sharks and rays.
The South has seen the best edible fishing. There have been garrick at most of the usual spots, going for live baits.
The lure anglers have tried but the bait guys have been far more successful. There have also been some good kob snatched at night on chokka and live baits.
The scratching guys have also had a good run of fish in the gullies and rocks. Baardman, kob, bronze bream and stonebream have been the top performers.
In the deeper water you can fish a double hook trace, but the shallower water will mean you have to fish a single hook. Bait-wise you will need chokka, prawns and cracker shrimp.
Please send any info about fishing, fish caught or competitions in your area to mike. pereira@kingfisher.co.za