Couta were the standout species along the North Coast last week, with several impressive fish of above 20kg landed by offshore anglers.

This was despite mixed weather conditions until a perfect Friday morning, followed by easing winds from Saturday midday.

Snoek remained plentiful, particularly off Durban where they fed on sprat shoals. Most fish averaged 5-6kg, although kayak anglers reported some larger specimens. Fishing grounds off Ballito, Westbrook and Umdloti all produced, although sharks claimed their share of hooked fish.

Yellowfin tuna are beginning to become abundant further offshore, with the odd dorado still being caught and shoals of bonito present. Billfish remain active, with two small marlin caught and released last week.

Bottom anglers reported good catches of soldiers and rockcod, although strong currents proved challenging in some areas.

Surf anglers took advantage of early morning spring high tides over the weekend, despite strong surf. Shad were caught at first light, but inedible species dominated, including sand and grey sharks. Big rays are still present, often resulting in short-lived battles. The odd stumpnose has been caught at night and some small salmon were reported at a local river mouth.

Rock anglers have had to work hard for limited returns, with only blacktail and small stone bream coming out. One veteran angler said he had been persevering over a wide area with little luck.

He said he was now waiting for water temperatures to drop and for copper and lantern bream to return.

Further south, dirty water has slowed catches, although baitfish activity is promising. Red-eye sardines have been spotted along the South Coast, while mackerel shoals are plentiful in the Transkei.

Shad are massing near East London and should begin moving north soon, raising hopes for a strong winter season. Early sardine movement near Port Elizabeth is also drawing interest and will be closely monitored by local netters.