News of dorado being caught among anchored ships last week has ski boat anglers excited for the upcoming season.

Dorado are prized by those fishing offshore and, although it is still a bit early for them to arrive in numbers, sightings of the species are always welcomed in the angling community. Commonly called the ‘green fish’ by local anglers because of their shimmering green colouring in the water, dorado are also known as mahi mahi in other parts of the world.

Those fishing the O.E.T game and billfish tournament in Sodwana Bay this weekend will be hoping to cash in on early summer gamefish visitors, although the larger shoals will not be in local waters as yet. First prize is a fully equipped boat and trailer valued at R1.25-million and the catches should prove instructive of what to expect in local fishing grounds soon.

Anglers fishing the bottom reefs last week enjoyed some reasonable action, despite uncomfortable conditions at times. The typical red fish and rockcod species continue to be caught with regularity, while daga and geelbek salmon numbers also remain good. A few sizeable catches have been hauled in over the past few weeks.

Rock and surf anglers had a tougher time last week, as north easterly winds brought choppy and discoloured seas. Nevertheless, some nice-sized salmon were caught at night, while stumpies continued to thrive in rough surf conditions, offering great sport.

As the water temperature begins to rise, species such as pompano, mullet and springer should arrive locally. A few small pompano have already been caught in Durban North by anglers using sealice baits, which have also proved effective with some grunter in the early mornings. Sweet waters, just south of Salmon Bay, and the Zimbali stretch of beach will be ideal for targeting pompano locally.

At present, most local anglers are targeting the rocky outcrops in search of brusher and copper bream, both of which enjoy rough water. A few have been recently hooked at Umhlanga, Umdloti and La Mercy, while blacktail and rockcod were reported further north at Tinley Manor.

More wind is forecast for this week and is likely to make for tricky conditions. Tight lines.

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