Sizeable shoals of sardines showed up along the South Coast and in Durban last week, thrilling anglers and visitors.

More than 200 baskets of the prized fish were reportedly hauled in per net and there are no signs of the run slowing down.

The mass of sardines that arrived at Port Edward on Thursday is believed to be the main shoal, but there were also reports of additional shoals moving north along the lower Transkei coast.

The price of sardines has already dropped, indicating a good haul and a flooded market.

Netters battled challenging surf at times and reported some damaged equipment, though no injuries were recorded.

Sharks have arrived in full force, taking advantage of the feeding frenzy alongside seabirds.

Watch this video by Juelz Visuelz of a complete netting at Umkomaas River Mouth:

There have not been many game fish spotted following the sardines yet, but this may change as they move up the coast.

Some garrick were hooked on the South Coast, along with a few GT kingfish. One unlucky angler had his GT chopped in half in the shore break – less than 20 metres from where he was standing.

Local anglers should see sardine activity soon, though the cold front and high winds could push the fish into deeper water.

Early morning anglers landed some big stumpies and kob (salmon) last week, managing to avoid sharks for the most part.

There should be more shad on the bite soon, and shoals of mullet have begun to arrive as well.

Colder water should also benefit rock anglers, as copper bream and other species become more abundant.

Watch this video by expert-tours.com on the Sardine Run in 2023:

Since 1999, Rainer from Expert-Tours has been leading Sardine Run expeditions with passion for the ocean and its wildlife. 

The outlook for shore fishing is generally more positive after a few quiet weeks.

Pockets of sardines will likely be spotted offshore soon, and a trophy fish could be hooked if a spoon is cast into the shoal.

There are still large couta and wahoo cruising the area, while kingfish, musselcracker, and the occasional daga salmon could be found feeding near the bottom of the shoal.

There is plenty of potential for game fish anglers.

Bottom fishing has also delivered good results recently, with daga salmon, half-kob and geelbek found in solid numbers, along with the usual red fish and rockcod species.

While there is a small chance the sardines may draw fish away from usual areas, they are more likely to attract species and boost catches than hinder them.

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