Angling Report – 25 March 2016

Surf conditions were not ideal last week with the waves pounding on the sandbanks across most of the beaches and creating walls of white water running through to the shore. For most of the week there was a swell running out at sea but on Friday morning it moderated a bit although the sea was still quite bumpy.
It was not surprising that there was very little news of any substantial catches locally because of the conditions but anglers that persevered managed to catch a few small fish on light tackle. It was mainly blacktail with some decent wave garrick that were bagged. Hopefully the weather will play along over the coming long weekend and we can see some good fish landed.
Those anglers down on holiday for the weekend, it has been reported lately that spinning off the rocks from the deep water points in the Ballito area have yielded some notable success on spoon – specifically with snoek and kingfish. The trick is to cast out the spoon as far as possible (which is quite easy with some of the equipment available today) and retrieve it rapidly – this is especially true if kingfish are in the area. One has to be a little more careful if hooking a snoek because these fish have very soft mouths but possess razor sharp teeth. There have been some shad about as well but these fish have mainly been on the small side, ideal for a live bait if you are looking to catch sharks.
A few decent pompano have been landed so far this season but fishing for this species requires a different strategy. Pompano prefer a calm clean surf and these fish tend to feed during the mid-morning period. A lot of of patience is required by the angler when targeting them. Salmon Bay is the ideal fishing spot for pompano with the rocks on either side of the bay. Preferably use a long nylon trace and baits such as crayfish, whole crab, mussels and even sealice produce the most pulls. There is always a chance of catching a decent stumpnose and there have been some big stumpies landed recently. Another method of fishing for pompano is by using the drop shot method next to the rocks. Anglers not familiar with the drop shot method can ask at any of the local tackle shops and these guys will gladly help in kitting you out with tackle and explaining how it works.
Naturally there will be those guys looking to catch the big flatfish about at present. Here a fresh fillet bait or a head will be the way to go but it is advisable to use a bit of wire because of the sharks that are around at present. Heavier tackle is also needed as these big fish really give an angler a workout. Sandy beaches are normally preferred but there have been some big flatties hooked off the deep water rocky points as well – the problem is landing these fish from the rocks, however.
Anglers looking for deep sea action will be happy to learn that there have been some big yellowfin tuna boated recently. These fish have been caught on both live baits and lures and have been found at several of the local deep sea angling spots. There has been the odd nice couta and big wahoo, mainly in the Durban area, but the dorado seem to have moved off with just the odd fish being caught. The couta season hasn’t taken off as yet but I bet that skippers are already looking to see where these fish may be caught in preparation of Durban’s festival competition to be held in April. I hear that there are R1 500 000 worth of prizes up for grabs. Anglers have caught some really decent bottom fish on the deep sea reefs when conditions have allowed so hopefully the weather plays ball over the weekend.
Holidaymakers that have a crayfish licence will be happy to learn that divers have caught some big crays when they dived when conditions have allowed. I hope that everyone has a happy long weekend and be careful, we are living in trying times at present.
Sealice