From a 54kg kob to a late sardine revival, there was plenty of action before rough seas sent anglers ashore last week.

The 2026 sardine run made a surprise return last Monday when pockets of fish were spotted being harassed by predators off Margate. A large net was brought ashore at Glenmore Beach. Several full nets followed at Port Edward the next morning, although this was thought to be the last of the sardines that had moved up the coast earlier in the year.

Offshore, garrick were plentiful and some specimens topped 15kg. Good-sized snoek were also caught close inshore, while the occasional barracouta was reported from the northern gamefish grounds.

Most bottom-fishing action centred on the reefs, where daga salmon remain a prime target. Smaller half-kob, slinger, soldiers and various rockcod species were also caught.

Water temperatures remained around 21°C, with deeper reefs producing geelbek when conditions allowed.

Kob are creating plenty of excitement along the coastline, particularly for anglers using live bait. The standout catch was a monster 54kg fish landed at the Tugela Mouth. The South Coast also produced some big kob, particularly during the calmer first half of the week.

Surf anglers, meanwhile, continue to enjoy an excellent shad run, with some fish weighing between 3kg and 4kg. At times the action has been fast and furious, with anglers catching fish cast after cast, although there have also been quieter periods. Early mornings remain the most productive.

Garrick have also provided excellent sport for surf anglers this winter. While live bait has not always been readily available, modern spoons and artificial lures have been producing good results.

River mouths remain the prime garrick fishing areas, although some deep-water rocky outcrops are also producing fish.

A strong southerly wind on Saturday afternoon brought difficult conditions for ski-boat anglers competing in the Umhlanga Interclub and NDSAA bottom fishing tournament.

The tournament was cancelled on Sunday because of bad weather and rough seas, while Umhlanga Interclub anglers who launched found fishing difficult. Monthly mug competitions scheduled for the weekend were also cancelled.