The last week of summer was one to forget from an angling perspective.

After a windy start to the week, the heavens opened and caused flooding in many areas along the coast. High swells of around three metres and waves of between two-and-a-half and three metres made fishing difficult. This was compounded by flooding rivers pouring dirty water and debris into the sea.

Dirty water mainly affected rock and surf anglers who caught little more than a few shad, but discolouration and debris were also found some way out to sea. South Coast surf anglers had equally bad luck and only some inedible species like grey sharks, sandies and the odd diamond ray were on the bite. A few small shad, salmon and blacktail were caught among the rocks.

It is not currently worth travelling south as clean water will be hard to come by, plus some roads are damaged and closed.

Offshore anglers fared slightly better and found some decent dorado patrolling the dirty water line. A few good couta and snoek were also caught on lures early last week before the rain arrived.

The biggest issue facing offshore anglers was the big surf, which meant few skippers launched. Those that persevered found the sea to be very bumpy, with underwater currents making bottom fishing difficult. Still, some good rockcod, soldiers and slinger were pulled in.

The water temperature has also dropped slightly, to around 26°C at the weekend.

Fishing in the Durban bay was the best option last week, with the usual kingfish, snapper salmon and grunter on the bite, plus a few big mullet and the odd springer. Predicted rain on Sunday might bring dirty water into the bay, but it remains a good option for anglers desperate to catch something for the table.

There were two cyclones in the Indian Ocean last week, over the island of Reunion and in the Mozambique channel – an unusual weather occurance. By Sunday, these storms were moving south east. This could result in big swell moving down the coast.

North easterly winds are forecast for almost this entire week, so choppy seas and an unpredictable surf are expected. So it could be another lean week.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.