Fishermen eagerly await Sardine Run
The water temperatures needs to be much cooler and clearer for the sardines to make an appearance.
The Sardine Run usually takes place from May to July along the south eastern coast of South Africa, particularly in the waters of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
South Coasters eagerly await this natural phenomenon that does not happen every year, but for the past several years the sardines have come close to shore and created huge excitement. The Sardine Run attracts a wide variety of predators, including sharks, marine mammals, game fish, birds, and dolphins.
Stompie Koekemoer from KZN Fishing Guides said he received reports of a small shoal spotted off Port St Johns. “For the sardines to come to our shoreline, we need our water temperature to be about 17°C and 18 °C. Weekend fishing should be good on the South Coast, so tight lines to everyone.”
Amanda Els caught a stone bream using chicken liver at Margate Pier at the weekend. Chicken liver is a popular and effective bait, particularly for catfish due to its strong scent and soft texture. However, it can be challenging to keep on the hook due to its softness, requiring techniques to prevent it from tearing off.
Tide times:
Friday, May 9: Low 08:11, High 14:15, Low 20:14, High 02:00, best fishing 14:47 to 15:49.
Saturday, May 10: High 02:26, Low 08:40, High 14:43, Low 20:43, best fishing 15:15 to 16:17.
Sunday, May 11: High 02:54, Low 09:07, High 15:11, Low 21:12, best fishing 14:39 to 15:43.
Monday, May 12: High 03:22, Low 09:35, High 15:39, Low 21:41, best fishing 15:07 to 16:11.
Tuesday, May 13: High 03:50, Low 10:03, High 16:08, Low 22:10, best fishing 15:36 to 16:40.
Wednesday, May 14: High 04:19, Low 10:31, High 16:38, Low 22:40, best fishing 15:04 to 16:06.
Remember, responsible fishing is keeping the shoreline as clean as possible and abiding by the bag limits.
Send news or photos to sugann@dbn.caxton.co.za.
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