Only the hardiest charter skippers braved the seas last week.

Most began by targeting the bottom reefs, but strong reverse currents forced them into deeper water in search of more stable conditions. Out there, they picked up a few dorado and hefty rockcod, but for the most part, the fleet opted to bide their time and wait for this week’s more favourable forecast.

Conditions along the coast were not much kinder to rock and surf anglers either.

Large swells – with waves reaching over two metres – made things especially tricky during the first half of the week. Finding clean water and calm pockets proved difficult, and many anglers came up short.

Those who stuck it out in the rocky gullies managed to scratch out the odd blacktail and stone bream, but there wasn’t much else to show for their efforts.

A few river mouths did produce small salmon, though the action was patchy at best.

Unfortunately, grey sharks were a regular nuisance, giving hopeful anglers a proper workout – and not in the good way.

Still, the weekend brought a small silver lining: cooler water temperatures dropping below 23°C. That drop usually signals the start of more consistent salmon activity in the early evenings, and there’s also a decent chance of picking up a stumpie or two. For those giving it a go, chokka or octopus leg remains a tough, reliable bait choice.

Offshore fishing stayed quiet for the most part. The murky water and strong currents made targeting game fish a frutrating affair. One kayak angler off Umdloti landed a hefty 23kg crocodile barracouta – proof that persistence can still pay off, even when the odds aren’t great.

Surf launches were affected throughout the week and there were a few videos going around of big craft being tossed around during a competition at Sodwana Bay. The competition did produce some nice fish, including marlin, sailfish, tuna and big barracouta.

Ski boat anglers in nearby St Lucia also caught some big barracouta and snoek. The cleaner water up north means that areas like Cape Vidal will become popular, but unfortunately the north easterly winds have a tendency to blow really hard at this time of year and spoil the fishing.

Drop shot for the win

The secret for success when fishing the surf at this time of year is perseverance.

The drop shot method can result in some pleasant surprises and there are a large selection of soft plastics available in the local tackle shops. I also recommend chatting to staff who often have valuable insight and advice.

Rocky gullies are generally the preferred area for drop shot fishing and there are favourable locations in Tongaat, Ballito, Salt Rock, Sheffield and Tinley Manor. Light tackle is preferred.

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