A stiff south westerly threatened to shut down the sardine run last week, but shoals upon shoals of the fish keep arriving.

South Coast sardine netters feared the run might be over after the wind arrived on Thursday, but Saturday brought news that more fish were coming up the coast from the Transkei.

It is yet more good news for netters and this season’s sardine run has surpassed all expectations.

Although some bad weather has occasionally dampened the mood, conditions have generally been great and there have been no serious injuries reported.

The South Coast has been the most busy, with plenty of fish hauled in at Amanzimtoti and Karridene earlier in the week.

A big feeding frenzy was also spotted off the backline at Amanzimtoti, with birds, game fish and sharks all smashing their way into a big shoal offshore.

Alongside the sardines, plenty of shad and Garrick have been hooked and surf angling for edible species has generally seen a huge improvement.

A small Atlantic tarpon was even caught and released last week, which is very unusual in local waters. Some other rare surf catches included two geelbek salmon at Glenashley in Durban North, plus some Scotsman and big snoek and rockcod.

Much sought-after copper bream have also provided excellent sport in the rocky areas, while plentiful karranteen are another good sign as they have been scarce in recent seasons.

Locally, Chaka’s High Rock has been a good location for anglers using live baits, with shad being the most abundant species. Salmon and stumpies have also been found by those fishing in the dark hours, with stumpies said to be particularly prevalent further north.

The rocky outcrops should see some improvement over the next few weeks, with copper bream, lantern bream and rockcod all potentially increasing in numbers.

Offshore anglers found a variety of game fish among the sardines, including sailfish, couta, snoek, dorado and yellowfin tuna. Bottom fishing also continues to yield good results, with rockcod, soldiers and half-kob still plentiful, while rubber lips and lantern bream are popular in the shallower reefs.

Even backline anglers hooked Garrick last week, so there really is something for everyone present.

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.