It was another challenging week for anglers, with strong winds and large swells reducing both onshore and offshore fishing opportunities.

Early in the week, wave heights of over two metres were recorded at Westbrook Beach, while shifting north and south winds battered the coastline. With October marking the start of the rainy season, forecasts of heavy rain could soon bring murky waters, further complicating conditions for local fishermen.

Despite the rough seas, a few determined anglers still found success on the rocky outcrops. Catches included brusher, bronze bream, stone bream, blacktail, karranteen and even a pair of silver bream landed in Salt Rock. One brusher was caught at La Mercy and another at Tongaat north, while there were also unconfirmed reports of rockcod being hooked at Tinley Manor.

Night anglers fared slightly better last week, landing daga salmon and stumpnose, with several sizeable fish reported. Snapper salmon were active near river mouths and should continue biting, as the ginger beer coloured water currently favours species like kob.

It’s still early days, but with the shad ban in place, most local sandy beaches have quietened.

As the winter fishing season winds down, attention is turning northwards towards St Lucia and Mapelane. Anglers are in search of the grunter that begin gathering for spawning, as well as the arrival of large summer flatfish such as rays and sand sharks along the Zululand beaches.

Offshore, few boats managed to launch due to the rough conditions. Those that did reported the usual bottom reef species such as soldiers, slinger and rockcod, along with some daga salmon.

The Umgeni area saw a bit more action, with snoek caught and Garrick feeding close to shore.

Further out, charter boats reported sightings of sailfish and a few early-season dorado being landed up north. Yellowfin tuna are plentiful, and with sea temperatures just under 22°C, prospects look promising for an early start to the summer game fish season.

This week’s forecast predicts moderate north-easterly winds, meaning choppy seas and unpredictable surf are likely to persist, along with discoloured waters.

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