#FishEagle: 18kg dorado caught off Salmon Bay

Those who got to enjoy some good angling last week were the early birds, as winds again plagued the coast during the afternoons.

The holiday season is on our doorstep and although North Coast beaches are as environmentally safe as can be, the same cannot be said for several beaches within the jurisdiction of eThekwini Metro.

There have been conflicting reports on E. coli levels in these areas, with the Umhlanga River said to still contain sewage spilling out to sea.

I believe there have already been extensive enquiries made as to the availability of charter bookings for offshore angling.

Offshore anglers are enjoying the increase in game fish, but the weather dictates how much time can be spent out at sea.

First light is normally prime launch time, allowing anglers about four or five hours of fishing. At present dorado are being caught almost everywhere, with a phenomenal catch of 18kg recorded on Saturday at Salmon Bay by Pedre Dippenaar.

His catch secured him first place in the Ballito Ski Boat Club’s King of Salmon offshore fishing competition.

A small marlin was also caught in the area recently, along with a few couta. One can only hope that the couta season is as good as last year.

Already several big yellowfin tuna have been caught and shoals of bonito can be seen offshore.

Fishing on the bottom has produced good results with some amberjacks and half kob, as well as the usual big rock cods and red fish, providing for some good fun.

Unfortunately, there appears to be a sudden boom in the number of hammerhead sharks on the reef. They destroy bottom traces when hooked, and some skippers have been travelling from reef to reef trying to avoid them.

Decent sized yellowtail have been caught at some reefs. Surf-ski guys have found some snoek along the backline, but garrick have been quiet. Backline areas off the deep rocky outcrops have seen some decent kingfish on the bite and the odd big shad had been boated.

Surf anglers remain hampered by some South Coast beaches being closed.

Catches of shad and copper bream are decreasing, as can be expected for this time of the year.

Inedible species such as big rays and sand sharks, are moving inshore along almost the entire coastline. Grey sharks have also become more plentiful, and if caught, should be returned to the water unharmed.

The shore break of sandy beaches have proven effective for light tackle anglers, with catches of mullet, wave garrick and moonfish recorded. Small pompano have also been caught at times.

Umkomaas appears to be producing decent sized grunter, but shad numbers here are decreasing.

Durban Bay continues to be fished well, with plenty of grunter caught. There have also been catches of big snapper salmon and one or two big skates.

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