A rare catch at Umhlanga headlined an otherwise tricky week for local anglers.

The fish was initially unable to be identified but was later confirmed as a speckled snapper, which are plentiful further north from Mozambique but rare along our coastline. It is likely a symptom of higher-than-average water temperatures, which last week reached 26.5°C.

The temperatures also contribute to poor fishing conditions, as fish become lethargic and do not search for food. The sea was unsettled last week, and anglers reported little being caught, except for the odd grey and sand shark and a few diamond rays.

Swells measured two metres locally and up to three metres further north, likely caused by the storm that moved south from Madagascar to the same latitude as Richards Bay—but far out to sea. Some blacktail were caught in more sheltered areas, but there was not much news from rock anglers either.

South Coast angling was equally poor last week, with a few reports of shad but little else. It was quiet all along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.

Offshore anglers had no more luck and said trying for dorado or barracouta that have been on the bite in Umdloti proved hard work. Apparently, the guys fishing in the deeper water fared a little better, catching a few yellowfin tuna plus one or two sailfish.

Anglers mostly reverted to fishing the bottom reefs, where there seemed to be a few fish on the bite. Some nice-sized Englishman, slinger, and rockcod made up most catches, but fish seemed reluctant to feed even on the bottom.

Easterly to south-easterly winds for most of the week did not help, and that wind direction often sees quiet fishing conditions. Sometimes even the sand soldiers are scarce.

Although the long-range weather forecasts do not make encouraging reading, the neap tides of this week may be a blessing in disguise for rock and surf anglers. Moderate southerly winds could mean calmer seas, and with the warm water, anglers may just find themselves hooking into decent pompano.

They prefer calmer and clean waters, so anglers fishing with a fairly long nylon trace with a crustacean bait give themselves an excellent chance of a fish. Pompano usually feed during the mid-morning periods, so there is no rush to head to the beach.

Drop shot fishing has produced pompano in the early months in the past, although they typically move inshore in April. A whole live ghost crab will almost guarantee a pull from a pompano, but if not, a big stumpie.

By Saturday morning, the swell at sea had dropped to 1.5 metres, so offshore anglers should also find more favourable fishing conditions at sea this week.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.