The stage is set for the summer fish invasion now that humidity levels are running high and water temperatures are on the increase.

This past weekend saw a surge in activity, with hard-fighting dorado arriving in impressive numbers, thrilling anglers from Sodwana Bay to the South Coast. Other offshore catches included sizeable yellowfin tuna, wahoo, barracouta and billfish up north. This suggests that this year’s summer game fish season is now well underway. and the inshore game fish grounds will soon resemble a busy street with craft moving up and down trolling baits.

Fishing the bottom reefs is still producing decent catches, with various rockcod and red fish species such as soldiers, slinger and the odd Englishman and Scotsman making up many of the catches. Daga salmon are still to be found on the shallower reefs. Recently a few big musselcracker were caught, with the rare jobfish also keeping bottom anglers in business.

Inshore reefs have plenty of baitfish, so it seems the offshore guys are in for some productive fishing in the near future. Surf anglers have found summer flatfish moving along the entire coastline, and locally diamond rays have become plentiful. Most of the diamonds are small, but big enough to provide excellent sport. Sand sharks and the odd honeycombe ray have also been caught.

The edible species are not as numerous as they were recently, but the odd garrick can still be found, plus a few decent stumpies and small salmon. Copper bream numbers are declining.
Light tackle anglers can expect to catch some wave garrick or three spot pompano in the shore break, with mullet also present. Anglers using the drop shot method should begin to have some excellent sport with wave garrick and small pompano, but discoloured water may keep the fish off the bite.

Best fishing times should be before first light and late afternoons. Shad have been caught during the early morning periods but the season remains closed and will reopen in one week’s time. There have been some big shad in local waters weighing between 5 and 6kg and I believe a shad weighing 7kg was caught by a local angler. Fortunately some fish have been returned to the water, but not all – which is regrettable.

Along the N2 on the South Coast, illegal crayfish and shad are being openly sold. Purchasing these black-market catches directly undermines conservation efforts, as it severely impacts the species’ ability to breed during their protected season. Support sustainable fishing practices by saying no to these unlawful sales.

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