There seems to be no end to this year’s incredible sardine run, with yet more shoals successfully netted along the South Coast last week.

After first being spotted at Port Shepstone, netters reported good hauls near Umkomaas, Karridene and Illovo towards the end of the week. Plenty of baitfish activity was also observed at the same time, with Natal sardines, red-eye sardines and mackerel identified, while diving birds had their fill.

South Coast surf anglers found plenty of garrick, helped by the abundance of baitfish, while shad also continue to show. Margate pier was particularly popular.

Local conditions were less friendly, with big surf proving an obstacle to otherwise calm mornings from a wind perspective. Early-morning anglers did catch some shad and garrick, though not as many as their South Coast counterparts. Those fishing the backline at Umdloti managed the best local garrick returns.

Meanwhile, the Kingfisher shad competition is well underway (running until August 31), with the last reported leading fish weighing around 2kg. A larger specimen of about 5kg was landed by a local angler, but the angler was not registered for the competition (visit your local store or their Facebook page for details).

Sea water temperatures are currently ideal for targeting brusher, although most catches so far have come from the Bluff and upper South Coast. Anglers should persevere at local brusher spots north of Westbrook Beach, in Ballito and in the rocky Salt Rock fishing grounds. These areas are also producing stumpnose, with several recently caught.

Salmon (kob) can be found along the entire coastline at present. Recent catches have included dagas, shoal kob and some snapper salmon near river mouths. The Tugela area continues to be productive for salmon, as well as shad and garrick.

Anglers are reminded to pick their fishing spots carefully to avoid criminal elements, particularly at night.

Offshore anglers enjoyed favourable conditions at sea during the week, with bottom reefs producing good-sized fish. Daga salmon, half-kob and the usual redfish and rockcod species continue to be caught.

After a week of excellent weather and fishable seas, moderate to fresh north and south winds have been forecast, which will likely reduce fishing opportunities. Offshore anglers in particular can expect rougher conditions.

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