Fishing conditions improved last week, despite some wind and fluctuating temperatures.

Hot, humid days alternated with cooler conditions, but generally angler-friendly weather remained until the end of the working week. Offshore anglers encountered discoloured water and unstable temperatures, with warm water one day and cold the next.

Kayak anglers targeting giant trevally (G.T.) at Stud Rock, Westbrook, have enjoyed excellent sport. Several big kingies have been caught and safely released. In December, a surf angler at the Tongaat river mouth landed a G.T. estimated at 30kg, also released unharmed. Another kingfish was recently caught at Westbrook beach.

Zambezi sharks have become a real menace at Stud Rock, often attacking hooked fish before they can be landed. Several large kingies were brought ashore half-eaten. This predator activity is common during summer and often results in lost catches.

Shoal couta have arrived in good numbers, providing exciting action along the coast. While Umdloti saw plenty of bent rods, anglers from Umdloti to Tinley Manor also reported good catches, including larger barracouta. Murky water and shifting temperatures affected consistency, forcing anglers to travel to find fish.

Snoek remained plentiful along the backline and inshore anglers landed good-sized specimens. Offshore, dorado continue to be the main drawcard, with yellowfin tuna also producing fast-paced action. Bonito schools are spread out and marlin have been spotted chasing baitfish. Reefs are holding live bait, and bottom fishing has delivered large Englishman, John dory and the ever-reliable rockcod. However, tricky surf launches have challenged ski-boat skippers.Rock and

surf anglers enjoyed productive early morning sessions, especially in calm conditions. The summer flatfish season continues, with several large sand sharks and diamond rays landed. Grey sharks were active, particularly in the afternoons, sometimes interfering with shad anglers.

Anglers targeting edibles had mixed success. Large shad were still being caught along the coast – unusual for this time of year, as warmer water typically pushes them south. However, recent summers have seen more big shad caught locally, suggesting changing habits.

Last week, pompano catches dropped off in the Durban North area, but anglers using sealice bait landed stumpnose instead, including one of about 1kg. A local also reported catching three grunter between 2-3kg during a night session, although peckers were a constant nuisance.

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