The massive storm in the Western Cape last week delivered a significant swell to local shores, but surf conditions fortunately remained manageable.

Surf of around one metre allowed offshore anglers to enjoy productive fishing throughout the week, despite the offshore swell peaking at just under five metres. Water temperatures remained steady at about 25°C.

Game fish anglers continued targeting big barracouta, with several impressive catches reported. Sharks frustrated some fishermen, stealing solid fish close to the boats and leaving behind plenty of hard-luck stories about “croc” catches that could have been.

Early mornings at first light remain the best time to target couta on local reefs and, with water temperatures still high, anglers believe the season could continue well into winter.

Jackson de la Hey (9) caught this 8kg snoek on Monday off Ballito with his dad Mark. Photo: African Fishing Outfitters.

Big snoek were also caught near the backline, while bonito and a few yellowfin tuna were landed offshore.
The Umhlanga Rocks Ski Boat Club’s offshore kayak competition, sponsored by Foton, attracted strong participation over the weekend. Barracouta dominated the weigh-in, with some fish exceeding 20kg.

Several quality snoek, dorado and yellowfin tuna were also landed, with organisers declaring the event a major success and proof the game fish season is far from over.

Bottom fishing on the reefs remains productive, with daga salmon, rockcod and red fish species providing steady catches.

Geelbek salmon numbers are improving on the deeper reefs off Durban, while Cape yellowtail are beginning to appear as winter approaches.

Rock and surf fishing has been slower locally, although a few shad have been caught at first light on some beaches.

The biggest excitement came from Port Shepstone, where anglers fishing “the block” landed decent-sized shad before the shoals disappeared – a possible sign the annual shad run is beginning further south.