The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board conducted a sardine observation flight into the Eastern Cape on Tuesday, July 21.

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Most of the sardine/baitfish activity was situated between Umhlanga, Durban beachfront and Brighton Beach on the Bluff.

The pockets of fish in this area were mainly small thin layers which spray on the surface every time they are harassed.

There were no signs of any solid masses of sardines on the shallow lines one can see from the air.

However, there is always a chance that there is still a decent concentration of fish slightly further offshore.

The only confirmed netting of actual sardines has been along the Durban beachfront.

Most of the nets have been reasonably small which allows for very good quality sardines, ideal for anglers still looking for bait.

There were still signs of sardine related activity between the Mtentu River Mouth and Port Grosvenor, with scattered gannets and hundreds of dolphins moving north.

The area between Umngazi and Rame Heads was also very active, with over a thousand bottle nose dolphins also all moving north and scattered rafts of gannets.

The combination of a healthy biomass of sardines, a good following of associated predators and very good sea and weather conditions, has contributed to this year’s bumper season.

Due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 national lockdown and in accordance with lockdown legislation and regulations, all shark safety gear was removed on March 24.

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