Nothing like hooking a fish you have targeted
“FISHING is only an addiction if you are trying to quit,” according to Eastern Cape angling veteran Al Spaeth!
It is important to plan around local weather conditions when setting out in the hopes of a catch, but just as important is targeting the specific species you would like to catch. Hook selection and considering your leader or trace options are just as vital.
Some species of fish are rather sensitive feeders and don’t like too much steel in the bait.
Many a good fish has been lost because it was not the target species and hence the wrong combination of hook and leader was used. A perfect example is where grunter was being targeted and a large kob was hooked.
Only a very skilled angler can win such a duel. There are often cases where the hook is too small and simply pulls out or does not set properly with the strike.
Some fish have teeth and if the choice of leader is not correct, the end result is that thousand-yard stare and a few strong adjectives by the broadminded among us!
Just as club selection is important to the golfer, so too fishing tackle choice is important to the angler. Identification of your species needs to be done and you have to rig accordingly.
Many anglers have their rod, reel and line selections for this purpose. A live bait rig will differ largely from that of a drop shot outfit, for example. Preparation breeds success.
The sardine landings look promising of late, with two boats operating in the bay at present.
The sardines always deliver the promise of a good season ahead. They are at the beginning of the food chain that supports most of the marine life in the pristine environment with which we are blessed. Our Hope Spot is a world-class recognised area and brings all life forms together.
The launch of the Fish Force project also brings much-needed support to the environmental law enforcement needs of our area and is headed up by a unit under Nelson Mandela University.
I see a substantial amount of capital has been ploughed into this effort that is mostly funded by the Norwegian government.
A similar project was launched at the Swartkops River 10 years or so ago, but today nothing can be accounted for. I sincerely hope a similar thing does not happen with this new initiative.
On the angling scene, the pignose grunter have exceeded expectation these past few months, with some catches.
Many species are being caught at present in all the popular venues as conditions prevail.
It is certainly the time of the year to focus on target species.
There is nothing more satisfying than catching a fish you have targeted. I am not talking about common species such a grunter. Try a white musselcracker or bellman, for example!
Weather wise, the sea temperature has increased by little more than a degree. This seems a small amount but does influence the environment somewhat, stimulating more activity and hence improving angling prospects.
The migratory species pay the bay an annual visit, which is exciting in its own right.
Today we experience the last quarter as we move towards a new moon spring (dark moon) tide next Saturday. The east wind prevails today and tomorrow, rather strongly, becoming southerly by midday on Sunday. High tide is at 9.41am tomorrow.