ANGLER’S ANGLES FROM THE BAY: Richards Bay harbour is a wonderful alternative

Over the past few weeks, the weather hasn’t been ideal for rock and surf angling.

With the sardine run now pretty much done and dusted, there’s been little to report on that front.

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When sea and weather conditions aren’t playing along, Richards Bay harbour, commonly referred to as ‘the Bay’, offers a fantastic alternative.

Deep waters and strong tidal flow make it one of the healthiest and most productive light tackle fishing spots in Zululand.

Species you might encounter include spotted grunter, rock salmon, Natal stumpnose, shad, various kingfish and rockcod species, and many others.

For this kind of fishing, a 2 to 3 metre rod capable of casting a 1 to 3oz weight, paired with 2 to 4kg line and a selection of hooks ranging from #2 to 2/0, is ideal.

With this setup, you can effectively target species such as spotted grunter, Natal stumpnose and rockcod.

Top bait choices include cracker prawn, baby squid, pink prawn, ginger shrimp, or sardine.

ALSO READ: Merry month for shore anglers as fish take the bait

Alternatively, small spoons and artificial lures work well for targeting shad, kingfish, garrick, and rock salmon.

Keep in mind, the Bay also harbours some larger, more powerful fish such as brindle bass, Zambezi and dusky sharks, and sizable rays. So don’t be surprised if you hook into something beyond your tackle’s limit.

For the competitive angler, the 2025/26 competition calendar has been released, with the first postal round scheduled for the weekend of 12 to 14 September.

If you’re interested in getting involved with the Zululand Shore Angling Association, we encourage you to reach out. You’ll be warmly welcomed and can come along to see what it’s all about.

For those looking to refine their skills and connect with fellow anglers, consider joining one of the clubs affiliated with the Zululand Shore Angling Association.

More information is available on their Facebook page.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

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