THIS weekend marks the beginning of the competition year for the Zululand Shore Angling Association (ZSAA).
While competition is an exciting part of the sport, club angling is about far more than just points and trophies.
It’s about community, learning, and sharing your passion for fishing with others who feel the same.
Members share their experiences, swap tips, and support one another both on and off the beach.

ALSO READ: Searing spring Thursday ahead of cool Friday in Zululand region

Joining a club opens the door to
• Meeting new fishing partners and building friendships
• Reducing costs through group travel
• Increasing safety, especially during night sessions
• Discovering new spots and learning valuable tricks of the trade

ZSAA is made up of six clubs, each with its own character and home base
• Umfolozi Angling Club – Richards Bay
• Port Natal Angling Club – North Coast
• Tugela Angling Club – Richards Bay
• KwaMbonambi Angling Club – Kwambo and St Lucia
• Inkwazi Angling Club – Richards Bay
• Mtunzini Angling Club – Mtunzini

ALSO READ: Yellow-billed kite rescued from coal pit in Richards Bay

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.

The competitive side
ZSAA hosts 10 interclub competitions each year. Each team is captained by an experienced angler who ensures members are fishing smart and giving their best.
Scoring: Points are awarded based on the weight of fish caught.
Ethos: All competitions follow a strict catch-and-release policy – fish not released don’t count for points.
Prizes: At the end of the year, the top club earns a coveted trophy at the annual prize-giving.
Beyond competition, these events are an excellent opportunity to learn new techniques, explore fresh fishing grounds, and build relationships with anglers across Zululand.

Recent fishing highlights
The changeover from winter to summer has made fishing conditions somewhat unpredictable, but some excellent catches have still come through.
Barry Tedder landed an impressive 40kg giant kingfish, safely released to ensure future generations of this powerful species.
Young kob have been showing along the Richards Bay beaches, with night fishing proving most productive.

Important regulations
Shad season: Open until the end of September, closed for October and November, and reopens in December.
Bag and size limits: Maximum of four shad per person per day, minimum size 30cm total length.

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

HAVE YOUR SAY