Offshore anglers enjoyed fantastic returns in favourable weather last week, only losing out to the occasional hungry shark.

Many bonito were caught by those targeting yellowfin tuna, while the odd dorado was hooked in deep water, although it is a bit late in the season to target this species. Up north at Sodwana Bay, the excellent billfish has continued and there were reports of some big marlin caught last week.

Anglers targeting the bottom reefs also enjoyed success, catching big red fish species such as Englishmen, soldiers and slinger, alongside rockcod, half-kob and the odd daga salmon. Geelbek salmon are starting to become more numerous in deeper water and there were reports of a big copper steenbras and yellowbelly rockcod caught down south. All good signs for productive fishing to continue.

The only major obstacle has been the scarcity of live bait, which posed a challenge for anglers targeting big couta. While live bait has proven effective recently, properly presented dead bait – such as decent-sized mackerel or sardines – can still produce excellent results when trolled at the correct speed.

Sharks have also started to play a bigger role once again, with many anglers reporting big fish being chopped by sharks before being hauled in.

Settled seas have helped rock and surf anglers too and a few copper and lantern bream were caught, as well as the odd elusive brusher. The usual blacktail and smaller species were on the bite as well, but there is still no news of karranteen. Last week’s water temperature of 23.7°C is perfect for these fish so they may soon arrive.

Likewise there were a few shad hooked, but the big shoals have not yet moved north. These fish traditionally arrive just before the sardines in south coast waters.

Fishing at night has historically produced the best results for those targeting salmon (kob) at this time of year, while the river mouths are prime areas. There have been a few more Garrick caught locally, but it is still quiet down south. The scarcity of baitfish is probably one reason and it is still early days yet.

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