Dorado, yellowfin tuna and the first signs of barracouta point to a promising summer fishing season.

Despite a week of challenging conditions, with southerly winds, thunderstorms and rain limiting fishing opportunities, anglers are beginning to see improvements as sea temperatures slowly rise.

Offshore anglers found warmer water, around 24°C, in deeper areas, where some impressive dorado were caught. As temperatures rise, these fish should move into shallower waters.

Yellowfin tuna are widespread along the coastline, while garrick remain in local waters, with several good-sized fish caught recently. Live bait remains the preferred method for garrick, although lures are also producing results. Reports of the odd barracouta have raised hopes of another good couta season.

Bottom fishing continues to produce excellent catches when conditions allow. Yellowtail and amberjack numbers appear to be increasing, while daga salmon, half kob, soldiers, Englishman, rock cod and the occasional musselcracker have also featured in boat catches.

Rock and surf anglers faced similarly difficult conditions, but catches of inedible species are slowly improving. Anglers fortunate enough to secure quality live mullet have been rewarded with some good garrick. Sand sharks, diamond rays, honeycomb rays and brown skates have also been caught, with larger specimens expected as the water warms.

Anglers are reminded that the shad season remains closed for another month (reopening December 1). Shad are currently spawning and every fish kept during this period means thousands of potential offspring lost.

Fisheries officials take violations seriously, with prosecutions resulting in criminal records. Anglers are urged to respect the closure and release all shad caught.

The O.E.T. Bill and Game Fish Tournament is underway at Sodwana Bay and ends on Friday. The popular competition targets marlin and sailfish, with an impressive first prize of a fully equipped Mallards 630 forward-console boat powered by twin Suzuki DF140 outboards. Organisers and competitors will be hoping for favourable weather and full days of fishing.