#FishEagle: Cyclone spoils the party
Offshore attempts on the bottom reefs last week saw traces return to anglers cold as ice, signaling cooler waters.
The saying ‘you could hear a pin drop’ was applicable to anglers along much of the KZN coastline as they cast their lines out to the water in vain last week.
Fishing was dead to say the least, most likely owing to cyclone Cheneso that saw the preventative closure of several beaches on local shores, leaving anglers wanting.
Historically, fishing has often been quiet during February.
One would arrive at the beach before first light and find good conditions, but the fish refused to bite.
Offshore attempts on the bottom reefs last week saw traces return to anglers cold as ice, signaling cooler waters.
Most launches were at Durban, and although some fish were caught, it was slow.
A couple of dorado and some decent sized couta were taken around Umdloti but the success rate was low.
It is still early in the game fishing season though, especially for barracouta and species such as wahoo.
Larger commercial craft operating off Durban found some tuna, Kawa Kawa and rock cod on the bottom.
It is hoped conditions will improve this week.
Rock and surf anglers also had to scratch around, many returning home empty handed.
Guys fishing the rocky gullies faired better than those fishing the surf, and while not a lot of fish were caught, unbelievably some copper rbeam can still be found.
The odd small stumpie and shad have also been hooked.
I heard a couple of big spade fish were landed around upper La Mercy but anglers said not much else was happening.
Edible fish remained scarce and the light tackle guys didn’t have too many opportunities to catch wave garrick and moonies which have been plentiful recently.
These fish should be back along the Zimbali stretch this week.
If you persevere you may even catch a few small pompano.
Durban Bay last week recorded some good catches, and the guys fishing the banks continue to catch big grunter, mainly at night. Some kingfish weighing between four to eight kilos were also on the bite.
Expect mixed weather again, so plan your fishing trips accordingly.
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