Fluctuating winds keep calling the shots to which anglers have to adapt when planning their fishing expeditions. Last week was a prime example, as shifting winds created inconsistent sea conditions. Fortunately, there was a break in the weather, allowing anglers to enjoy favourable conditions on Saturday morning and again on Sunday, similar to the previous weekend. During this window of calm, fishing proved to be productive.

Local anglers found success with copper bream in rocky areas, while those casting from sandy beaches encountered grey sharks, garrick, and salmon. Further north, some anglers reeled in garrick and the occasional salmon, along with a rare labote. As water temperatures rise – reported at just under 22 degrees on Saturday – sandies and rays are becoming more common.

Looking ahead, more wind is forecast for this week, though it won’t be as intense as recent conditions. In Durban, anglers targeting flatfish found a variety of small rays, sand sharks, and grey sharks. A few fortunate fishermen even landed salmon when fishing after dark. Friends managed to catch sizable grunter and a 6.5kg stumpnose during a nighttime outing, though grey sharks were a nuisance, destroying baits intended for grunter.

In the bay area, smaller kingfish, grunter, and a couple of springers were caught, further signaling warmer water. However, fishing on the South Coast has been relatively quiet, with only a few copper bream, brusher, and small salmon reported at Umkomaas. Port Shepstone is still producing the odd big daga salmon at the Sandspit but this area has proved to be a bit risky at present with a number of robberies leaving anglers traumatised.

Offshore anglers, limited by weather, still managed to catch decent soldiers and big rockcod when conditions permitted. Daga salmon continue to be a draw, with some half kob being landed. While no game fish have been reported yet, offshore fishermen up north are now catching the first yellowfin tuna of the season at St. Lucia.

Anglers will closely monitor catches from Cape Vidal, where recent results have been encouraging with barracouta, dorado, and snoek. But wind will remain angler’s greatest adversary for the moment, especially as it loves to blow at Vidal.

Looking ahead however the weather will soon be turning in favour of the anglers once again.

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