A windy start to the week gave way to beautiful conditions in which anglers earned great returns.

The Umkomaas Ski Boat Club’s interclub competition produced a variety of gamefish, including good couta, while Tongaat Ski Boat Club’s monthly mug saw Kevin Tait land a winning 15.3kg tuna.

The inshore reefs off Ballito, Westbrook and Umdloti continue to produce. Snoek remain the standout species, with consistent shoals along the backline and further south towards Durban, where anglers are reporting quality-sized fish.

Couta action is also drawing attention, particularly off Umdloti, although sharks are proving a major frustration, claiming many hooked fish across several areas. Productive spots include Stud Rock off Westbrook, as well as the Ballito, Salt Rock and Tinley Manor reefs.

Bottom anglers also enjoyed success, with soldiers and a variety of decent rockcod coming off the reefs. Early mornings remain crisp, with winter offshore winds now a feature, but sea temperatures are still holding at a warm 25°C – keeping the summer gamefish bite alive.

Rock and surf anglers struggled early on due to the swell but returned mid-week as conditions improved. A few shad were taken at first light along Ballito, Umdloti and Umhlanga, while sandsharks, rays and grey sharks have featured on the beaches. Night anglers have picked up the odd stumpie and small kob, though patience has been key.

Further south, dirty water from the recent storm has slowed catches, although reports of an early garrick have sparked interest. No sardine activity yet, but baitfish movement in Transkei waters is worth watching.