A large swell briefly paused sardine run activity last week, but netters were back in action by the weekend, hauling in impressive catches once again.

Netters in Winklespruit, Karridene, Umkomaas and Margate all reported good conditions later in the week, while sardines were sighted as far north as Richards Bay.

There were also reports of more sardines moving up the coast from the Transkei, along with mackerel and shad, promising plenty of angling action ahead. Mackerel are expected to become abundant along the inshore reefs, alongside small shad and massbanker (mossies), welcome news for anglers seeking fresh bait.

Surf fishing was described as “off the charts” on the South Coast last week, with large shad and a wide variety of edible species caught on almost anything cast into the surf. Conditions were so favourable it was nearly impossible not to catch a shad.

Lower South Coast anglers landed big rockcod, brusher, kingfish and even a musselcracker, while further north, catches included garrick, bronze bream and grunter, some exceeding 6kg. Salmon were also reported among the grunter, with Umkomaas proving a particular hotspot.

Local anglers saw some success with copper bream, stumpies, small salmon and shad, although fishing proved more challenging. Current top spots include Umdloti, Machaortwa (near the Tongaat River mouth) and Chakas High Rock in Ballito.

In Durban North, fishing was fair – particularly at first light – but did not match the fireworks of the South Coast.

Offshore, big couta and snoek are still being landed, although these species are expected to start chasing sardine shoals further north. Blue Lagoon produced some excellent snoek catches recently.

Musselcracker are increasing in numbers on the bottom reefs, while geelbek salmon, the red fish species and rockcod continue to be plentiful. Half-kob and daga salmon are also being hooked regularly, along with rubber lips and lantern bream on the shallower reefs.

As baitfish begin to arrive in full swing, great bottom fishing should continue.

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