#FishEagle: Where to fish? That is the question
Weather conditions along the North Coast last week provided suitable conditions for surf anglers, this after a south-westerly buster pushed through on Friday, moderating nicely by the next morning.
Ocean water remained discoloured, frustrating anglers who have seen another long weekend of good fishing disrupted.
But while anglers battle to find suitable fishing, not all have been left unable to fish.
Surf anglers welcomed the winds owing to the current carrying dirty water north of river mouths. Fishing areas south of river mouths during the week were cleaner, allowing some anglers to cast their lines.
Some salmon and kob were caught and seem to be becoming more plentiful. A couple of nice grunter were also caught during the evening.
Fishermen reported decent shad catches in some areas but overall these were not on the bite each morning at first light. It seems as though it could be an early shad season this year.
With dirty water remaining plentiful, pompano have steered clear, opting instead for cleaner, calmer waters.
Anglers on the hunt for edibles should turn their gaze toward stumpnose, salmon and kob. Consider using chokka, fresh fillets, crab or crayfish as bait.
As expected, non-edibles like summer flatfish and shark continue to provide for some exciting action.
Long-range weather reports show favorable conditions for rock and surf anglers who should plan their fishing trips accordingly.
Early mornings before first light could be the best bet, but late afternoons could work just as well. At present, surf remains small and very favourable.
Consider Selection at Umdloti and south of the Umgeni River mouth as areas to fish. Sharks remain a problem for snoek-targeting anglers who use fillet baits.
Meanwhile, deep sea anglers have had to compete with debris while benefitting from clearer than in-shore waters.
Last weekend the Durban Ski Boat Club held its annual festival competition, attracting 197 boats. Unfortunately, the weather proved to be against anglers on Saturday resulting in few catches.
Conditions improved on Sunday with better catches.
Offshore angling remains quiet, but I believe bottom fishing has been productive.
Those who ventured out deep returned with nice geelbek salmon and the usual big rock cod, soldiers and slingers.
Tuna remain on the bite for offshore anglers, while barracouta have seemingly taken a break, likely owing to the dirty waters along the coast.
Water temperatures remain high, so expect couta to still be around.
Big interest remains in charter fishing, with charters reporting an excellent fishing season so far.
Anglers should be wary and do their research when choosing skippers however.
Deep sea fishing remains dangerous, as illustrated by a ski boat capsizing off Sodwana Bay.
No injuries were reported and the skipper and crew swam safely back to shore.
