Angling Report – 19 September 2014

I decided to try the Westbrook beach area early last week and was on the beach well before first light. The surf was quite big but very fishable. Unfortunately there was nothing happening except for a few blacktail on the bite before first light. The north easterly began blowing around 7.30am so the few of us who were fishing decided to call it a day.
I received a call from a contact who said that anglers fishing in the Umhlanga area just south of the lighthouse had knocked the fish just after first light. He said there were only a handful of anglers fishing and all had caught limit bags of shad. Apparently there were a couple of nice fish amongst those caught. I was on the beach at Umhlanga early and saw there were just a few anglers on the beach so I had myself organised by 4.45 am waiting for first light. The westerly began to blow just after 5am and was pushing at between 15 to 20 knots. At the same time, anglers began to swarm onto the beach and I could see the fishing was going to be very uncomfortable and decided to wait and see what happened. At first light I saw two small shad landed and then the rush began with sinkers flying through the air. I decided not to get involved in this bun fight but sit on the beach and watch instead.
The wind added to the mayhem that began to unfold and soon there were tangled traces everywhere. I watched one guy run down to the water’s edge to cast his line and he let fly from behind the anglers that already had baits in the water.This angler’s line snapped and his baited trace sailed in the air in the direction of the backline. He had the cheek to blame the anglers in front of him for his line snapping and some choice insults were hurled back and forth. I decided there and then to pack up and leave even though the scene was quite amusing.
I spent some time watching anglers fishing at the Tongaat river mouth and during that time I saw three garrick being caught. I learned that some shad had also been landed along that stretch as well. Shad were also caught at several of the local angling spots so the fishing had improved even though the winds pushed every day.
Tides will be better this week for those looking to fish the daylight hours for species such as brusher which could be a good option as I felt the water was a little cold at the times I was fishing.
I am sure that the offshore anglers will be fishing the backline at the Tongaat mouth from now onwards for the garrick because this is the time of the year that these fish begin to congregate in numbers in this area.
Sealice

NCC Orphan Fund Bass competition
Don’t forget to enter the Seeff and North Coast Courier Orphan Fund bass competition that will take place next Wednesday, September 24 (Heritage day) at Rain Farm. Amongst other great prizes you could win R5,000 if you catch the tagged bass or a bass fishing trip with Ryan Rogers (see catch of the week). Enter at Mica, Hook Line and Sinker or www.northcoastcourier.co.za to take advantage of the early bird specials (only R80 per adult and R60 per child 13 years and younger). You can also enter on the day for an additional R20 per entry. All proceeds will go towards the North Coast Courier Orphan Fund. Registration from 6.30-9am, with prize giving taking place at 11.30am. Refreshments will be available throughout as well as fun activities for the whole family!