#FishEagle: Quiet times as shad remain shy

Fishing was quiet along the coast last week and surprisingly shad remain scarce. It seems as if the annual migration north has not yet begun.

Shad are normally caught during the early morning hours at this time of year down south. This has not been the case, except for when sardines were around.

The small green shad run was a disappointment too, but can be attributed to the floods around the same time these fish began to arrive in their numbers.

It is still too early for the blue shad to arrive at local angling spots. Historically, these fish arrive in their numbers in October and November.

Some nice sized brusher were caught at upper South Coast beaches and I believe a couple of big brusher were hooked and lost when tackle failed amongst the rocks.

Some of these fish were caught by anglers trying for copper bream, so while fishing rocky Ballito, Sheffield and Salt Rock areas, you could catch either.

Remember that stumpies enjoy rough sea conditions. The water is starting to warm up now, so fishing could change soon with the arrival of the first summer flat fish.

Northern anglers had some luck with big rays and skates, one of the busy areas being Mtunzini and further north.

Anglers fishing for big rays must ensure they are released unharmed. Non-edible fish should always be returned to the water unharmed.

Offshore anglers have reeled in some nice garrick at the backline with snoek making occasional appearances. Live bait is best when fishing for garrick but there are some excellent lures on the market.

Garrick angling spots include Ballito, Tongaat River mouth and the Chaka’s Rock and Salt Rock backlines.

Bottom fish were quiet last week owing to adverse sea and weather conditions, but those who persevered at the reefs found some nice rock cod and reds. Once weather conditions improve, catches should pick up.

Keep an eye out for the arrival of dorado.

Owing to ongoing crime at popular fishing spots, anglers are warned to continue avoiding fishing in areas from the La Mercy mouth of the Umdloti River, along the length of South Beach Road and up to the Tongaat River mouth.

Further north, Casuarina Beach is another problem area.

But no matter where you fish, be especially careful after dark and preferably go in a group.

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