A powerful cold front brought much of the KwaZulu-Natal coast’s fishing activity to a halt last week, with swells at sea peaking above 4.5m and heavy surf making conditions dangerous for shore and offshore anglers.

Before the weather deteriorated, however, those who made the most of the limited fishing window recorded a mixed but encouraging range of catches.

Shad have been the standout species, particularly along the South Coast, where anglers reported regular full-quota catches. The lower South Coast produced the strongest results, although the upper coast also delivered good fishing.

Many of the fish were caught on sardine bait, while spoons also proved effective. In some areas, the shad began feeding at first light and remained active for much of the day.

Shad were also caught from local beaches, with the early morning period producing the best results. Most were well above the legal minimum size and in excellent condition. Anglers casting before sunrise also improved their chances of hooking stumpnose or salmon, which are being caught more regularly.

Brusher, however, have been noticeably absent. During July and August last year, anglers consistently reported catches weighing between 4kg and 5kg, but no similar reports have emerged this season. Despite the rough surf they favour, water temperatures of about 22°C to 23°C may still be too warm.

Anglers working rocky outcrops have also targeted copper bream, although catches have been scarce. Smaller species, including karanteen and blacktail, are becoming more widespread, while stone bream, lantern bream and the occasional rubberlips have also been landed.

Kob weighing between 5kg and 7kg are appearing more frequently at several local spots. Night fishing in groups has proved effective, particularly when anglers use different baits and tactics to establish which species are feeding.

Offshore anglers faced difficult launches because of the large surf. Before the front arrived, ski-boat and kayak anglers caught daga salmon, large rockcod, Englishman and other reef species. Half-kob were also reported over a wide area.

Garrick continue to attract inshore anglers, while some snoek were caught early in the week. The sardine run now appears to be over, with no recent reports of dolphin or bird activity off the Eastern Cape.