Zululand anglers reigned supreme after four days of SADSAA Light Tackle Billfish Tournament action in Sodwana Bay last week.

The team from up north were the only anglers to record a catch-and-release on the final day, securing their position on top of the leader board. A relatively disappointing six billfish were caught in total, namely two black marlin and four sailfish. The upcoming OET Tournament at the end of the month, also at Sodwana Bay, should be more competitive as the billfish season enters full swing.

The rising sea water temperature, which reached 22°C at the weekend, contributed to strong offshore yellowfin tuna returns, while dorado seem to be congregating near Cape Vidal.

Kayak anglers fishing local waters caught snoek along the backline at the Selection area of Umdloti and at La Mercy. A few Garrick were also hooked at the inshore bait spots, while the species was spotted further north at the Tongaat River Mouth and Zimbali too.

Most of the local offshore action remains on the bottom reefs, where red fish species such as soldiers, slinger and Englishman – plus the various rockcod species – are keeping anglers engaged.

Daga salmon, cracker and seventy-four have also been regularly found. Now is the time to rig a trap stick in case a dorado makes an appearance.

Rock and surf anglers enjoyed mostly favourable conditions during the week, before rough surf and large swells arrived at the weekend.

Bluebottles were seen in the water as far as the lower South Coast, suggesting the Mozambique current is not far away. Sand sharks and diamond rays are now being caught along most of the coastline, along with a few other inedible shark and ray species is fewer numbers.

The rocky areas proved hit or miss last week, as some anglers reported good conditions and others said it was a tough week. Copper bream remains the main target, plus brusher, stone bream and the inevitable blacktail.

Umdloti and La Mercy have been popular, as well as Salt Rock and Sheffield Beach. A big stumpie was caught at night last week, but there has been little news about salmon locally.

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