#FishEagle: Sardines still playing hide-and-seek
Sardine spotters down south said the water is dirty because of the recent heavy rains and evidence of sardine activity is impossible at this stage.
Last week gave a taste of what is likely to be the norm this winter, beginning with a chilly, wet Monday, followed by a couple of mild days then ending the working week with a cold and wet Friday.
Temperatures are lower at night and early morning periods, but the sea water temperature remains static at around 24 degrees, which is ideal for the game fish anglers but not for those waiting for the winter species to arrive – including the sardines.
Anglers are already watching out for these small fish but the sighting a week ago at Port Alfred was the last.
Sardine spotters down south said the water is dirty because of the recent heavy rains and evidence of sardine activity is impossible at this stage.
Looking south where the action really begins at this time of the year, the fishing was reported to be slow.
Durban surf anglers also struggled last week with the bay anglers doing best of all with some big grunter and a number of snapper salmon making up catch bags.
Off-shore game fish anglers found big barracouta on the bite from Durban all the way to Tindley Manor. Some anglers say it has been the best couta season for some time.
Local areas that produced good catches were Umdloti, Stud Rock off Westbrook and the Ballito reefs. Many catches weighed in over 25kg and live and dead baits and lures all produced results.
As long as the sea water remains as warm as it is, couta will remain on the bite.
Yellowfin tuna were also on the move again and a couple of real “gas bottles” provided some excellent fights. Plenty of bonito were also reported.
Bottom anglers also boasted of some excellent catches last week. A number of half-kob were caught in some areas along with big rock cod that included Captain Fine.
The much sought after reds such as slinger and soldiers also made up catches but much tackle was destroyed by sharks that are thick in some areas.
Apparently there was some swell to contend with but not much wind, which is a great for bottom fish anglers.
Out in the deep water geelbek salmon have kept anglers occupied.
Weather reports predict ideal fishing conditions for the week ahead with just light winds forecast and no rain, so the off-shore anglers should be in for more excellent fishing again.
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