The annual sardine run appears to be edging closer to local shores, with reports of bird and dolphin activity around Mazeppa Bay and Haga Haga in the Eastern Cape last week.

While sea temperatures remained around 23°C for much of the week, slightly warmer than ideal for sardines, similar conditions preceded the first nettings off the South Coast last year.
For now, the shoals remain offshore, but anticipation is building.

Meanwhile, shad fishing has been mixed after an encouraging start on the lower South Coast. Catches slowed as fish appeared to follow widespread shoals of red-eye sardines. The upper South Coast has produced better numbers, although many fish remain undersized. Anglers are reminded to return undersized shad and respect daily bag limits.

Garrick are beginning to show in local waters, with a handful caught around Blue Lagoon and sightings reported off Umhlanga. The abundance of baitfish has made targeting these prized fish more challenging, but current surf conditions remain favourable.

Offshore anglers enjoyed excellent sea conditions throughout the week. Baitfish such as mackerel, red-eye sardines and maasbanker have been plentiful, attracting a range of gamefish.

Trophy-sized couta have been reported off Umdloti, Westbrook and Ballito, although sharks continue to frustrate anglers by claiming hooked fish. Snoek, dorado, bonito, yellowfin tuna and giant kingfish, which were released, have also featured in catches.

Night anglers enjoyed productive sessions targeting geelbek salmon, while daga salmon are becoming increasingly common. The Tugela Mouth remains a hotspot for salmon, while anglers fishing the bottom reported good catches of half-kob, soldiers, rockcod and amberjack.

Along the South Coast’s rocky gullies, copper bream have been plentiful, although many bronze bream were undersized and released. Sea temperatures have begun dropping, a trend that should improve prospects for rock and surf anglers in the weeks ahead. Big blacktail are also starting to make a welcome appearance.