Hook, line and sinker

THE north coast has been the hot spot for landing snoek catches with reports from last weekend showing record numbers and sizes of Natal snoek.

Numbers have been upward of 20 fish caught in a single morning, while some lucky or skilled (or both) anglers have managed double digit monsters.

The biggest fish reported was a giant of 10.5kg.

The tuna have still been feeding well along the north coast and up to Sodwana.

Trolled, lipped lures pulled at speed have triggered the most bites but the bigger tuna have definitely favoured a frisky live bait.

Pinning a mackerel or mozzie with a 6/0 tuna circle (either through the top lip or utilising a cable tie bridle) will guarantee a solid hook-up.

Use a short leader of fluorocarbon to add invisibility and abrasion resistance and make sure to use a rod with enough backbone to pull that tuna in, before the grey suit tax collector claims his share.

The Mtunzini area has been producing diamonds and countless zambezi hook-ups (but very few being landed).

The diamonds have favoured mackerel and have taken plain mackerel baits while guys with fresh bonnies have stood holding pole.

The Richards Bay area has been the hotspot for sandies and these have been the dominant species coming out (ranging from 30 – 65kg).

The pompano have been feeding well in the early mornings and the guys who have been successful said that sea lice have been the most productive bait.

Remember these fish feed on the edges of sandbanks and right behind the shore break. Often making the change from a full throw to a lob over the shore break can produce a pull.

Prevention is far better than a cure and often a lot cheaper too when it comes to fishing, and this can range from medical to tackle.

When the weather is a little foul it is your perfect chance to do some maintenance or cleaning up.

Make sure your traces are neatly packed and that the rusted versions are thrown away. Retie all your leaders.

Fix the electrics on your boat’s trailer, that you have been meaning to do since last season.

Give your rods and reels a good clean and go through your tackle box and first aid kit and make sure you have everything you may need.

This can range from emergency numbers to antihistamine ointment.

Doing the prep during your down time, will make the time you spend doing what you love so much more enjoyable, and it will also save you plenty of money in the long run.