Juvenile Black Marlin – Mozambique Although they are known to be prolific in the first quarter of every year, it certainly seems, that for the past few months, the Mozambican coast is experiencing unusual numbers of exceptional small juvenile Black Marlin. This as certainly being the case off the Bazaruto Archipelago. In the last few […]
2020 Blue Marlin World Cup As most of you know, the Blue Marlin World Cup is a one-day fishing tournament held around the world on the 4th of July. Blue marlin weighing more than 500 pounds are the only eligible species and competing teams fish in their respective time zones from 8:30 am to 4:30 […]
The Bonefish of Pomene – Mozambique After the few awesome days at BD (Bartolomeo Dias), where Duarte Jnr. released his first Marlin, we came home. For one short night! Pick up Mum, groceries, drinks and more fishing tackle and, the next day we were driving 3 ½ hours south to another very secluded and special […]
First Marlin Release for Duarte Jnr. Been pretty much in house quarantine but, by mid-April, the kids homeschool holiday started. We were ready for a remote holiday. BD (Bartolomeo Diaz), an isolated place two-hour drive north, was an obvious choice. What a trip it turned out to be and, at 7 years of age, Duarte […]
Mozambique light tackle mayhem – April 2020 Although there is no official lockdown in Mozambique, we are pretty much in self-quarantine and only going out for essential stuff like food, groceries, etc., but… with flat weather, sun shining, fish biting and in dire need for some fillets for the freezer and a breath of fresh […]
Marlin quarantine – Mozambique March 2020 Besides a deep reflection on the state of the World, being bombarded by Corona news (thank God, we have no TV at home), home schooling and thoughtful thinking on how to make any kind of income in the months to come, one still has got to find things to […]
Catching your first marlin: by Doug and Ryan Catching your first marlin: by Doug and Ryan – We just ended our first group fishing for Blue Marlin in Santa Maria and although it was not fireworks, and actually the slowest we have experienced here this time of year, both anglers, Doug and Ryan managed to […]
Good stuff Sean, enjoying reading your articles rember when the print edition ran.
NOT FAIR!!!!! WAS IN GUINJATA LAST WEEK COUGHT A NICE CUTA WITH RALPH SNR. HAD A JOL! LOVE THE SITE!!
It is a Golden Kingfish…Duarte says there are many many off Inhaca too…
Yeah Sean, definitely a bluefin kingfish (caranx melampygus) – strong & beautiful litte buggers. We get them a lot up here at Baz on the shallow reefs, biggest I have caught here was about 12 kg´s. They are so aggressive they take big poppers meant for GT´s, they also love small spoons. They tend to be quiet territorial so we have a 100% release policy on them.
Nice one and good luck for the season…
It´s on fire up here, will send you some pics and reports
Cheers
nice one Shonalanga- enjoy…
Yo mate. Go catch those naughty fishies hiding in the deep blue… Only way to go from here is up! Suerte amigo.
Looks good! Hope you dudes are having fun! – Anne (the Dane)
Hi Guys
just want to say thank you a lekker morning of snorkelling, pansy shell hunting and of course fishing even tho we came back empty handed Jayden had a blast for his 6th birthday. you Guys were great had a lot of fun.
Hey there guys I just want to thank you again it was the best fishing trip I have ever been on and still talk about it shot for the memorys
Hey Sean, this looks lekker. Theo still talking about it and his incredible stay at our place
Definitely still talking about it and dying for some more fish, real fish!!!!
What an incredible time we had. Thank you everyone!!!
Those were two great days in December 2009 with the guys from Sangue Bom, Dave, Chris & Mucky who I had invited to come up to get some shark underwater footage for their ´shiver documentary on shark fining in Mozambique.
Well, we all got much more than we bargained for. We got some shark footage on the first day, on the second we got some EPIC Marlin fishing!!! Here’s an extract from my log book for that day, the 8th of December!
Calm seas with a light breeze from the NE, water color with a bit of a greenish tint and 27.8c. We got a live YFT and skipjack before putting anchor at III trees pinnacle in 29 meters of water. The skipjack was chopped by a wahoo but we put the live YFT on the rigger and started to chum. Five minutes after the guys get in the water we get a strike and hookup on 700 Black Marlin. Chaos as the fish starts to run & jump while we have 3 guys in the water and an anchor rope to deal with. Chris got the UW footage of the bite which later clearly showed the fish was wrapped around leader. Dave got in chair but we pulled after 1h45. We put lures to troll back to the pinnacle and within 15 minutes miss a strike off a 300 pound fish on the LR express and then raise a 500 pound fish on the short but get no bite out of her. Spend three hours chumming at anchor on pinnacle but no sharks – had some epic light tackle drop shoot tough, catching some great bludger kingfish. On the way back to the lodge put some lures out and after missing a strike on a fish about 200, hook a similar size for Dave which we Tag & Release.
A great day with great friends.
We wanted to film sharks and ended up raising 5 Marlin, losing one about 700 lbs after 1h45 and releasing a 200 pounder, this in no more than 3 hours of Marlin fishing.
Yup, that’s the magic of Bazaruto for you!!!
Marlin @ sunrise
26th October 2010, first of a 8 day charter with father & son, Dave and Duncan Royston.
Weather forecast predicted a 30 knot + SE winds to come in mid morning so we decided to leave very early and only do couple hours before heading for shelter.
As it happens we hooked this small acrobatic high flying Black Marlin at sunrise that Duncan released after 20 minutes. Notice the unusual big pectoral fins and tail on this fish…a sign that it will grow very big???
The wind come early and we had a hell of a rough trip to get back to the resort, but after such a successful start to the charter I heard no one complaining.
Over the next 7 days we ended up having a ball and releasing another 5 Black Marlin two of which really big mama’s, estimated at 850 lbs.
PS: A fine South African artist is currently painting this picture on oil & canvas…
Wow!
Yeah men, Theo & Leon experienced Baz @ it’s best..what an amazing two days in perfect flat calm seas.
It was awesome to hear the experience from their prespectivein this article they put together.
Yeahhhhhh, this is what dreams are made off & YES, I LOVE LIFE AND MARLIN FISHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CRACKERRRRRRR!!!!!
hey seano. shot for this really informative update on what the hell is going on there. how do you intend getting back???
It even happens to the president…
Crossing angles with Joao on the beach this morning…
He just standing there staring into the sun, apparently flummoxed. King fish…is all he can mutter….
His hand line gone.
Wish I could work at manuel’s job and leave office and paperwork behind !
hectic bru- keep up the good coverage “The haves have not a clue” Eddie Vedder
Amazing pictures Captain!
What a weekend that was, at least Dave’s new policy of catch and release seems to be working, even if it was unintentional. Maybe his 6 cases of 2M each day had a wee bit to do with it.
Dave, beers do not grow in the cooler box, when they are gone, they are gone mate.
Sean, let me know how can I post some photos (and comments on your site). Are you coming this side? One more week and I’m back…
Hoi Branco…! Best for now email them to me, and then when you get back (or I get there), I will set you up as contributor…thanks man!
yum- sards are full up this side- languid Winter weather i hope the fish are biting and the waves waving bru…
boom! Greg de Flap- Pescador el Grande like you bru…
My man ………sean my brother hope you well been a year exactly this month since our awsome trip planning to hit it again this month or next month bud been long overdue will keep you posted reading the article again just brought back such good memories
Lata bud……….
claudio
Nice photo Charl…! Keep up the uploading…
I would rather shop at this fantastic little shop than Woolworths any day !!!!!
ahoy, stop fishing and reply to our mails, you donut.Shot bru
Thats the fûnniest thing ïve seën in a long time seanie thanks for the laugh….
Thanks to the crew of Rock Bottom in Umzumbe…for a fantastic afternoon of music and good vibes…keep it cola Noel!
WEll done crew…. only sorry I couldn’t be on board too!!
Fantastic photos especially the giraffe ! Dying to get up there again
wish i waz there!
Lekker Sean, are you back in Moz?
would like to receive latest fishing news in south coast
Great to hear your news about fishing those beautiful waters. I wish I could experience a sardine run… look forward to your coverage.. Please let me know when they are first sighted?
CiaoXXXX
I am totally shocked to hear this sad news all strenght to family now
Nice one Wayne!
goood times!Ravic
brought back fantastic memories… from the sound of the motors, to the going under the bridge…. over the breakers and out to sea… with Brian, Sean and crew… The best ever…
I have fished from Etiennes lodge for a few years now and of latley have been trying my luck with fly. Just want to ask what time of year you were there. Linga Linga Point is stunning place and I pass it heading for the deep. I will have to take a few days and try around there
Hi Dave! We did that trip in April but it’s actually always on…at the right tide though. Very specific times. But if you get it all right…you will smoke those couta on a fly…thanks for the comment…Sean
I can attest to Victor as a guide – the combination of his excellent English, cool personality, knowledge of the area, is the best I’ve come across in the 3 yrs I’ve been coming to Tofo. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Great read! Expertly written! I wish you a speedy recovery Charl. I’ll remember shoes when we come for holiday in December.
Nice shonalanga, like your tag and release. Did you see the pics doing there rounds on FB of the ski boat that toppled of Panama and the marlin that got away?
Thanks Jeremy. Yes I believe the guys basically reversed the boat into and under the sea, backing down on the fish?!
http://youtu.be/ya38z61L-QM
…is a link to a wierd compilation video of a boat(s) going down. Cheers for now!
Hi
do you do international deliveries from your online store? could not see any info or int delivery costs, also could not see any other products other than the Mydo baitswimmers
cheers
Craig
DBN boy in the UK
Nice Flo! Keep it up man!
bernicb@gmail.com
Hi Sean
Thanks for these really interesting articles and photos. Mark and I snorkeled off false Bay on Saturday. Me without a wet suit. Quite awesome for these waters.
Wish we were closer,
Berni
Thank you for your kind words, and for telling other about the atrocities being done by the Faroe Island people, and also by Japanese dolphin hunters in Taiji.
JT
Founder
Protect The Ocean
I cant access avaaz to vote… says their band width is finished.
Just re read it and loved every sentence. You captured the soul of that amazing trip. And that Action Boat rules the waves!
OH my gosh… Well done Renske, what a lovely fish…
and oh my gosh, how calm the sea was after our jaunt on Saturday!!! Would so love to chat with you Sean,
Thanx for the awesome fishing bro whn I get back wanna
Do it again
Schweeeet
Wow Duarte, looking back over these posts just amps me up so for this next season…see you on that cauldron again soon!
Enjoy it while it last, awesome.
Thanks George! On it tomorrow again!
rhodes university in grahamstown have a unique programme going where they breed weevils that only eat hyacinth. they give the bugs out for free – check it out
Fantastic and thank you for helping. We are all at it again on Saturday! We will meet about it there and make a plan…
The first volunteer today here is very little Savannah amped to provide encouragement.
The ‘Indian Rope Trick’ held the aliens at bay nicely this week.
The pile is piling up…it stinks a bit but just seems to dry up in the sun.
OK, so it’s all on down on Banana Beach today… see you here!
so they not just in tins hey..? I hope not but methinks them Chinese swooped in a few years ago and netted the greatest shoal on earth long time ago! hope i’m wrong though!
Roosta did you see that wave?
Stuff the sardines, where is that place, revering to the arial pic with the perfect wave, perfect dive spot!
Yeah man! I know where it is…pretty inaccessible…doubt it has a name…but what a spot!
Maybe it’s just a mullet…that fish…but nice shooting Jay!
go surf when the river closes- Barco Onda!
Can’t wait!
small change can make a big change well done to everyone involved…
Those things look fun 🙂
Yip! Thanks Craig…going fishing with it now!
No well Lukka, check you with your cooler box and solar panel soon !!!
eish- I remember the tuna fishing in Hout bay all those magic specimens we caught in one season- a final proliferation? i hope not…
yeah Fever…
Dear friends
I am looking for information about a company called The Shepstone Whaling & Fishing Company that may have caught whales from a base at Port Shepstone between 1912 and 1915. Can anyone tell me anything about this business, where its factory was located & etc..
Many thanks
Ian Hart
Catch information finally submitted by Dane Elliott – the fish weighed in at a whopping 23kg’s – 50 lbs! It was caught on a live tilapia, in a damn in the Umzumbe area.
The best part of the story is the 7kg line on a super light outfit, making for a 45 minute fight!
The fish swam away in a perfectly happy state after being released…
true that- synchronicity can be dangerous- especially in the ‘kei… great read Shonalanga
classic old skool preaching the freedom of surfing to the groms- don’t forget Johan Bergh though too he was in the mix thick as editor too…
so hard for the people- and one less creature from the depths, excellent story Shonalanga I loved and hated reading it RIP Clive or whatever his name was…
Hi Bruno, long time no hear!! Just talking to my son about you and decided to see if I could find anything on the Internet about you. Email me, I’d love to catchup!! Angiehackett@aol.com
Love Ang xx
Ps. I’d heard from Carol years ago about your experience at Phi Phi… wondering what you’re up to. Come and see us in NY someday!!
yes man what a story thanks Sean, and of course Ouisurf you Quebecalecans are hilarious- ‘malade’
Very interesting Sean and hope people take note of your very good ideas.
The team at the Umzimkulu Marina would like to thank all those who came down to the river on Sunday – and contributed to such an awesome fun and flavour filled day.
The dorado was delicious, the amberjack rich and tasty, the redfish tender and the rockcod sweet as.
The next fish braai down at the Umzimkulu Marina will take place on the last Sunday of March – this next event will play host to stalls and displays aswell as the usual fishy attractions…
For more information and to get involved, email umzimkulu@gmail.com…
Hey Sean,
Pity more knowledgeable peeps like you aren’t around to supervise. But there is a bit of a resurgence of fish there now compared to 10 -20 years ago?
such a magic place, and an even better story nice one Shonalanga shine on….
Nice work Buzz that Transkei is full of waves man!
Nice article Sean! Fun and crazy times!
Hi! We have almost run out of stock 🙂 would Shaun please bring us some more. have a great day!
Yowser thanks Sharon that’ great! I be in Port St. Johns the weekend…see you then!
A that is ILLEGAL
B these people deserve to burn and rot in the fires of hell
Hey Eleanor, for sure, they breaking the law. But it’s the law that has these guys so compromised in the first place…one thing is for sure…it does not have to be this way. The people in charge of the country, it’s their unsealed can of worms…we just have to publicise these incidents, and hope, to bring about change some day soon…
Wtf-you really really shouldn’t eat your live bait tsk tsk.Looking at the eyes carefully I noticed serious cateracts -maybe a case of mistaken identity!Well done Shonalanga-I definately went one of those lures as I’ve never pulled a cateracted Garrick-new species for me
Shot man Brad! In the Cape now but when I get back lets go catch some! Got two sharks at Kabeljouws in Jbay yesterday – what fun, sharks in an around the bathers, never mind the surfers…
I am so upse right now with the thought of returning tto school.
life is so much better without it.it is seriously makin me depressed but it feels better to understand there are
individuals who feel tthe exact saje manner. Not those kinds of those who say ‘oh I hate school’ but look absolutely happy each
day.
Hi Flip
We are the new owners of Anchors caravan park and will welcome all anglers who are looking for camping facilities in Hibberdine
The park is open again we have done some major renovations. We now have 25 camp site’s ,with 24 hour surveillance The slipway is still good for launching and we do have boat parking and cleaning Facilities. Contact;Sandy 0822530861
Good site .keep up the good work.
I am a 59 year old pensioner and found the Rock to be a real place of relaxation being able to listen to the many variations of musicians who have played there. The staff have always been pleasant and accommodating and the food was definitely value for money . For the life of me and with such limited entertainment in the surrounding areas I CANNOT understand why anyone would want to shut the place down.In terms of both local entertainment and tourism the one thing that the area requires is places where people can interact and this in my opinion is very short sited. Whatever the reason whether vindictive or otherwise this is a bad business decision and really needs to be seriously re considered. As a suggestion why don’t the party who wants the place closed down visit the place and see what benefits it to the locals and tourists as well as what our local musicians add as opposed to still trying to revert the South Coast to a 3rd world backyard tourist destination.
Well done Brian and Mark.
Am I the only one wondering why the author has a spinning rod on his knee behind the fish? Why do that if you caught it on fly…just my thoughts
Ha ha, are you a fish catch investigator? Maybe get a job at igfa? Cool thanks for comment though…
Hey I just call it as I see it….
Leon,
Ek hoop ek is by die regte person. Sover ek kan onthou het jy vir my gese dat jy Light Tackle hengel vir Namibia. Ek vervaardig GARIEP SUPER DIPS en het jy so n paar jaar terug vir my gevra oor my produkte o.a. G-String wat glo goed gewerk het vir Muddies in die Hartdam.
Ek verneem dat julle die Wereld Kampioenskappe by Gariep Dam gaan hou binnekort. Ek is tans woonagtig by Gariep Dam en as jy jou mail adres vir my kan stuur, kan ek fotos van my produkte vir jou stuur. Namibia, Zimbawe asook S.A het onlangs ook hier gehengel en het die S.A. Span basies met van my produkte o.a my Fish Bullets gehengel. As julle wel hier kom hengel, laat weet my en ek kan julle baie help.
Groete
Piet Pretorius
GARIEP SUPER DIPS
Sel no: 0828795469
Howzit there. Shall pass this on to Leon for you. Sean
Hi,
I live in Canberra, Australia and I’m trying to track down the origins of a board I picked up recently. It’s got ‘WEDGE’ in Gothic letters on the deck. From the shape, length (5’6″ x ~20″) and Greenough flexie fin, plus no where for a leg rope to attach I’m guessing it’s late 60’s early 70’s vintage. In pencil in capitals is Paul Scott 5’6″. Is this one of yours from back in the day?
Regards
Justin
Wowser man. Great find. Will send this on to Wedge here in Umzumbe. Regards. Sean
I read your poisntg and was jealous
A great artice! If you want some helpful infrormation about spearfishing then http://www.spearomaniac.com might come in handy
Back in 1996 I stayed at Brian Dave’s house in Joburg for 6 days. What an apselutly amazing person. I purchased a lot of lures off him, and Fished them in Madagascar , with great success. Xmas I will be using them in Mozambique. What ever happened to dear Brian ? Did he sel his invention. It would be nice to hear from you guys.
Hi Michael. Brian is fishing the clear blue waters of heaven. A few years back. Thank you for making contact. Gill is living with daughter Megan or Karen. Gill called me out of Mozambique to take on The Mydo. Third year and I think I almost have it right, I was involved from the very beginning. I am on umzimkulu@gmail.com anytime. Cheers. Sean
Hi Michael. Just resending to make sure…Brian is fishing the clear blue waters of heaven. A few years back. Thank you for making contact. Gill is living with daughter Megan or Karen. Gill called me out of Mozambique to take on The Mydo. Third year and I think I almost have it right, I was involved from the very beginning. I am on umzimkulu@gmail.com anytime. Cheers. Sean
Michael did you receive my message from yesterday?
J
N
)pll
A thought and a prayer for the souls lost at sea…
Shalom from Israel I would like to buy your equipment
Waiting for reply
Alon Adani
Hi Adani, please check out Rob Allen shop – David Kosta, in Israel, he has stock…or buzz me again. Regards. Sean
Thanks chaps the garrick never returned home down south after last run north to eat and breed. This year 2016/17 has been a no show. Seems too many got kept and shot last run up the coast. We release all of them down south, their numbers are severely depressed compared to years prior. Every sardine run they take a battering and do not recover. Awesome.
Howzit Lekker! One of my main motivations for running this rag, is to document everything, for future reference. Many thanks for your interest in our poor Garrick. And yes, the fact that you can’t release a fish with a hole through it’s head, is tough. But surely there must be a way of making it more sporting than perceivably, commercial. An idea for our spearfishing dilemma – put a GoPro on your gun. Put a tagging plate and tag on your spear. And start tagging like all the rest of us? Selectively spearfishing targets breeding stock. This is a problem. Especially during competitions, where the slaughter goes unchecked. Let’s have our first tag and release spearfishing event? Fairs fair. – Sean
Thanks for the article. Very sorry to hear that Clive is no longer with us.
Googled African Vibrations our of curiosity because as a teenage oz surfer travelling SA in ’72 I met Clive at Vic Bay in Easter that year. Surf was epic, the crew that arrived from Capetown were awesome and included the stars of the day, Gavin, Jonathan, Peers etc. Coming from Lennox Head where Greenough had set up residence I had crossed over to knee boards. Ventured out on the classic ten foot day, saw a hilarious incident when a guy on a plywood belly board with twin metal fins ran right over the top of Gavin who rolled over to escape personal injury but his board copped full brunt with both the metal fins jammed into the rail. It took a while to seperate the boards, while a clean up set rolled through. Gavin naturally was doing his block. Anyway back to the point, upon coming in I met Clive, a really genuine bloke I recall, mentioned the name of the movie he was making and invited me to travel up the coast to be a part of the movie, unfortunately I was going south at the time so nothing came of it. Would love to know if there was a kneeboard rider in the Vic Bay sequence. Thanks again for the blast from the past at a magic place and time.
Mark W.
Hi, I’m interested in purchasing a beach trolley. Can you send me a contact number, I want to find out about shipping etc.
Thanks Charl
Hi, I’m interested in purchasing a beach trolley. Can you please send me contact details.
Thanks Charl
Done
Yeah for sure these new rules where well overdue….but all things come to those who wait! The use of rather small topcoats (well not 5 meters) but short is the only way to go, especially if you fish day in and day out….better for the reels as no stretched mono expanding on the reel, saves you tons of money and you can easily change your main line after every big fish or whenever you think it´s appropiate without thinking of the cost, more line capacity, less stretch on the long runs etc etc etc….nicely done!!!
Well done on making bringing this into people´s awareness, itº´s such a sad, like so many happening all over the World´s Oceans! The short slightness of it is staggering, and like so many other Ocean resources, worth so much more alive than dead….for US$70 per tonne, WTF! Recently, on a business trip to Dubai, I heard first hand of yet another very sad story that I had known for years. How, the once brilliant recreational sail fishing in the area, which could have brought immense wealth, jobs and joy for years to come, was destroyed in a few years for chicken feed! I saw with my own eyes a thriving White Marlin fisheries on mainland Europe go to waste, again for chicken feed at €0.20 a kilo, in less than 4 years. It´s a hard battle against the unscrupulous, at all cost profit orientated commercial lobby´s, the apathy of regulating bodies, the nonsense blind the huggers and the misinformed public….however, that is no reason to stay idle!!!
http://fishbazaruto.com
….just absolutely insane fishing bro!
http://fishbazaruto.com
So sorry to hear….
Rest in peace Paul….you legend!
I sincerely advise anyone interested to take part in this great get together, I have been doing so for the last 5 years and its a great time with some great people….really pissed off to be away this year….well will be catching Blue Marlin in Cape Verde (so not that bad) but will really miss it!
Get on it and get involved!!!
Duarte
http://fishbazaruto.com
Two fantastic days of fun, fishing, laughter and excellent company spent with Xona and Chelsea! Thanks to Xona’s excellent tips and competence, I am so stoked to have caught such an amazing fish! The spacious river boat boasts enough space for a couple of anglers to comfortably fish without having to fight for space. The great self-catering Chalets on the riverside are a fabulous place to chill after the daily (or nightly) excitement and are very comfy, clean and well-catered. A great place to chill out with an amazing view of the Umzimkulu River and the lush vegetation of its banks. I highly recommend this fantastic African fishing experience with Xona and the Umzimulu Marina! Thank you so much Xona, I will be back again next year 😉
Thanks Seann, great to see the Bazaruto trip articles still coming through!
What a privilege to have Seann spend almost 2 weeks with us at Vilanculos in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Shaun is a “reel” talent at everything “Fishy”- Guide, Sushi chef, Line-man, advanced Skipper training and techniques, motor mechanic, navigator, boat electrician, live bait surgeon, fish braai master, passionate conservationist, great humour – absolute necessity in Moz … to have a really good time without taking anything too seriously, Portuguese translator, fuel jockey (one time Sean did not have a beer and almost had withdraw symptoms filling all the containers through a very slow Racor filter) speary guide, lure / kona trolling technician (Yes, a guru at setting out patterns and not getting tangles – and on the one or two occasions that there was a small tangle up, NEVER blaming the Skipper! etc. etc.
Those Mydo spoons of his should be banned when there are Queen Mackerel around (and any species near the surface for that matter!). They are so effective we had to blindfold him every time the birds gave away the Mackeral’s location between the island channels else we would never get out to the deep :). Great fun for Sean and the kids though, and those who don’t feel so good on the Ocean side of the islands, or not keen going through the ‘Washing Machine’ channels on a rough day between the Islands.
Talking about washing machines, we (should probably be I …), learnt very quickly the power of those two 150 hp 4 stroke Merc’s – brought a whole new meaning to throttling back after punching through a wave, or is that throttling too hard to punch the wave ?? … I felt we were within less than 1 degree of doing a somersault – Sean was adamant we were not even close though but then that still does not explain why everything not tied down was now either hanging over the stern or upside down!? With some deeper water navigation through the channels, sand banks, and some very up to date Google imagery (even better than the latest Navionics downloads) by Robin (Captain Gallop – will leave that for another story, related to Rum and Raspberry – R&R! ….) and confident motivation and enthusiasm from Shaun we made it through.
I still say leave those ‘short cuts’ through the “Washing machine” for calmer days and stick to the long way around with the deeper channels – especially when it is so rough between the islands the locals are not even going out at all! They did convince me to do the same the next day, but with more respect to the Merc’s this time we were almost through without incident until we went over a single but on heading down the swell the other side we realised it was in fact a double and its twin went almost right over the top of us!
Lesson learnt, don’t always listen to 2 adventurer big wave surfers when in a ski boat – I now know to rather leave Sean’s short cut ideas and advice for when you’re on a surfboard! 🙂
Good times spent with Sean and Robin – great when all aboard, and strangers only a few days before, are in such sync and same wave length with similar solutions and fish finding ideas (only grumpiness trying to satisfy 3 different tastes in music for hours on end – but harmony soon restored with due consideration by all sides eventually! :)) and ALL challenges met with a great sense of humour and always a positive side, even if it meant a bit of self BS, but never pointed out by the others! This harmony lasted until the oversize Wahoo gave Sean a nasty gash during a photo shoot (see previous photos and article) and both Robin and I were no longer his best mates – but only for a few minutes until medic Gallop had him all patched up and I found Sean some more Couta!
… more to come… Including that you catch more fish without Heavy Rock music Robin! 🙂
Capitao! Thanks for the words man! Maybe you should do this job for me rather! Hi to the (our) family! Will be posting first video later today…
Guys take care not to shoot large garrick, they are under extreme pressure. The last summer the eastern cape had its first year without garrick returning form up north ever..the numbers of breeding fish are that low.. Please guys..
Hey dude we are with you all the way…pls stay in touch and let us know as the season comes back to you…in the meantime, yes everyone, let’s behave right in this time of crisis for the Garrick fish!
Great Article Sean – yes, shade still the best!
Can vouch for the Pelagic gear to prevent sun burn – textiles so much better and more comfortable than any other brands available, even the other more expensive imported ones. Eight days fishing recently in Bazaruto and while mates were covering themselves in sunscreen and sweating away I was way more comfortable in my Pelagic gear – cozzie, guide shirt (best comfy quality and keeps one super cool) and cap.
With their sunburn, even with all the sunscreen, they really struggled after the first few days – me, no burn and always cooler and more comfortable – save the sunscreen and give Pelagic a try!
Based on where the sardines have been seen already, anyone care to hazard a guess as to when they might arrive in Durban? Trying to plan a trip to coincide with the sardine run this year.
Many thanks
Ben
Hey Ben. Delay your trip into July for best chances. We need a few more cold fronts…
Awesome… will do, thanks! Ben
What fantastic memories – gotta’ be on your fishing Bucket List, too many Queen Mackerel to handle! … and the kids had a ball for 30 minutes or os until we were all exhausted and dropped them off on the island to do some snorkelling whilst we went back out to look for those Grander’s.
You may have read my previous post iro our two week trip to the Bazaruto Archipelago with Sean – well this is the spot in the channel, before the washing machine, I mentioned where each morning we went through we had to cover Sean’s eyes, else we would spend most of the day there catching Bonnie’s, Cuta and Sean’s favourite for the pan – Queen Mackerel and never make it out to the Deep Blue for the big ones! What a spot and well sheltered on a really rough day – Just make sure you come back through the channel just before sunset – any earlier and Sean, and any other enthusiastic light spinning tackle angler, wont leave until it is pitch dark which results in some serious and nerve racking navigation through the channels to get back to base on the mainland, dodging dhows and sandbanks along the way!
I have never experienced a sardine run. now that I have retired it is on my bucket list
Hi guys. The sardine run is amazing but it’s sad that when it’s comes to Durban the public can’t even go and pick a single sardine. The ocean is not owned by those people who catch it for business reasons. It’s gna get rough this year
Hey Wayne, best you get your fishing license out man, the sardines ARE ON THEIR WAY – some already here, but a grand wave coming through down in PSJ today. Many baitballs and loads of fish and other predators. Enjoy!
I AM MAKING A TRIP TO HIBERDENE ON 1ST JULY TO DO SOME FISHING .
MY TRIP FROM JHB WILL BE REALLY WORTHWHILE NOW THAT THE
SARDINES HAVE ARRIVED.THIS IS REALLY GREAT NEWS .LOOKING FORWARD TO THE TRIP.
The last Sardine update was 27/06/2017.
Please can we get another update?
Awesome!!!! Love it!!!
who & where was the 2017 winning fish caught
Hi Dave…this from Fly…Done Deal Orange Beach Alabama. 600 pounds even is the leader. Photo to follow…
Dave did you get to those results? Apologies for late reply…we published the results about a week to two back
Hi. Are we going to see anymore sardines this year?
Hi Fameeda. Don’t lose hope yet! Often times the sardines only really come in August or September. See you on the beach!
Thank you. I pray that we do get this year.
Hey, I was not fishing in the Mozambican team…we had a couple from the US!
There was a Mozambican team there but they where fishing on the Margaritta and not a Dhow 😉
Yeah maybe we should enter it from Bazaruto on a Dhow next year hihihihihi!!!
Cheers bud…
Duarte
http://fishbazaruto.com
Hi, any news on the sardine, can we expect some still during July
Charles don’t give up hope man. The sea and weather conditions are the best it’s been for years. The Port St.Johns guys are having a cracker of a sardine season. Huge baitballs, all heading north. I am gathering more intel today and will publish a more thorough report when it all comes in. Tx man
Yeah, i went down to Shelly to try and get some sardines but had to fly back today!!!! Now the sars are there…. Eish
Sean,fantastic report,yes we are also educating DAFF in the Toti,Warner and Winklespruit areas,we also notice they lack product knowledge,however we hve no choice but to adhere to their wishes,am not sure if you are aware that they will be issuing permits to SSF in order we can sell our catches,but the big catch is that there will be a permit fee applicable,this fee has not yet been finalised.DAFF comes to Chatsworth in Aug to finalise matters,hopefully we will hve a better idea,presently we will abide by the current rules for catches
Well said and written Sean, that is a disgrace…shame on them but it should be the public to not accept this shit!
BTW, someone posted a picture of that Rat on FB saying it weighted 400 kg…that must be a very strong meneer there 😉
Well said and written Sean, that is a disgrace…shame on them but it should be the public to not accept this mess!
BTW, someone posted a picture of that Rat on FB saying it weighted 400 kg…that must be a very strong meneer there 😉
Shoot bro thanks for that….
http://fishbazaruto.com
Hi There
My name is Joe,I’m from Johannesburg, South Africa.
How would i go about purchasing the beach fishing trolley. Please get back to me as i am very interested in it.
Kind Regards Joe
Ok ok, so they keep coming back. And there are rumours of politicking involved here. DAFF have asked me to avoid the Hibberdene subject for now, whilst they continue talks with the relevant stakeholders. And try to come to agreement. In the meantime?!
I have copies of photos taken before humans hacked her / him up. I can get permission to share if you are interested.
Hi i will like to learn more i fishing rock and surf and keeping losing my catch
Aweh, congratulations to the young lads on their catch. What it tasty fish for your mum. The next generation of ” Hook, line and sinker”.
Aweh, congratulations to the young lads on their catch. What a tasty fish for your mum. The next generation of ” Hook, line and sinker”.
Watched with Dave Constance in j bay, stoked.why not surfsong by Dave…sucksfake….cut throat.
Hey Sardine,
Awesome post and yes all who attended the COMPO in Ifafa Beach yesterday had an absolute blast. And no one went home empty handed.
Thanks to all sponsors for the prizes
Shot China!
2 stroke outboards are not banned in South Africa, FYI.
Typical hey?
Left to right: John “Bo” Bennet (deceased), Clive “Bans” Barber (deceased), Andrew “Spange” Spengler (lives on the Big Island, Hawaii), Claus “Bosco” Andrup (lives in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada. Long boarders from 1960s.
Hi
Please send me more infirmation regards to your river boat trips and fees payable.
Hi Gerda. The trips vary but a base guide is R50 per person per hour, minimum is R300. Call Geraldine on 0732711694 to arrange. Sean
Could you please send me some of your cool stickers for my tackle boxes?
Thanks
Greg Trimble
5498 St Rte 303
Newton Falls Ohio 44444
Ok, what is your address pal?
Greg I am in South Africa a few days…079 326 9671 WhatsApp me dude
Hi,
i am trying to reach you hope this message get to
you… from Frnca
please Reply To e-mail francahari24@yahoo.com
thanks,
Your Franca Hari
This fish was not caught on any charter boat, it was caught on a private vessal and had nothing to do with must byt.
Yes you are correct. Using MustByts weigh board threw me off. Rectified. Thank you
Why do the south coast guys kill breeding stock? Just curious.. The rest of the planet seems to be trying to instill the culture of releasing breeding stock as it suits everyone with fish stocks overflowing..but on the south coast, garrick, poensie and the rest have their big breeders hammered to the detriment of the countries stock..why? Don’t fishermen there think of the future? Anyway seems strange to me.. I mean in the states their stocks of edibles are so good right now because of a sustainable fishing culture, they just catch ambers for fun and throw them back! How good does a 48KG amberjack eat anyway? 😉
Dont you people have a Real-Time-Live communications platform that can be joined.
Plrase advise.
Hi Sean, hope you are doing well. I want to come down to Shelly to find some sardine for my annual fishing trip to Cape Vidal, do you think its worth my time, regards, Charles Boksburg
Hi Charles. Thanks for staying touch. Man, you should get down to the coast, and fast. Not only are there heaps of early sardines this year, but also red eyes and mackerel of all sizes and shapes. Such cool baits. Let me know if you are coming, I will be there tomorrow too! Cant wait! They been coming out all over the place!
Please can i have details like price please
Hi . My daughter 17yrs would like to do some lessons in December . She has never surfed before . Do you do beginner training ?
Just got a Barber a mate wanted to toss out
Great story here about the early pioneers
Now just great to sit with my Whitmore
Ahah! Please indulge us…and thank you for the comment. Regards. Sean
Hi i can manufacture these trolleys for R3000 excluding shipping
Email for info to: dreamsteelmetalprojects@gmail.com
Ons vang die laaste 4 jaar in die baai julle het n puik winkel veral vandat julle hom groter gemaak het. Ek is opsoek na die wielietjies en toue op n outrigger myne werk nog op ou manier en ek wil hom verander hoop julle kan my help
Very cool brother….
Hi Chris. Ok, firstly, there are different types of swells. Some are long period, and other are short period. This is the gap between the waves. Characteristically, a south swell, or an Indian Ocean south swell particularly, has a long period swell, and has less set waves grouped together. So. Long gaps and easier launch. Then we have the short period swells. From the SE, or East. Usually from a cyclone, or a tropical depression hanging out off Madagascar somewhere. These are short period, sometimes down to 7 seconds, and are very difficult to negotiate from our south swell favouring beaches and points. The gaps between the waves are what dictate to you what you can do with your boat and where you can go in the surf zone. Long period swells, can be 16 seconds or more, giving you plenty room to breath. Short periods can be deadly, since coming from a close by cyclone, they can be big and nasty. Most times are. With an upswelling of colder water. Rather launch in warm south swells!
hi darrell, grant myburgh here u made me a whole lot of small sculptures for the wall i would like a price list and order some more especially a blue and striped marlin and cuda pls lemme know asap my cell is 0794603030
Really nice trolley please send me the price and how long does it take to get the cart
How much is this trolley now in 2019
Hi Taz, this guy, he no answer any queries since he posts his ad?!? He could have sold so many by now, maybe he will read this and correct the situation. Maybe he got an email detail wrong or something?
Where do you plant the crab sticks ?
Hi Folks. Can anyone tell me what the Regulations say (once we are on Level 3 Lockdown) regarding the expected 2020 Sardine Run.
Q1: Will all ski-boats be allowed to launch and net the sardines?
Q2: Will the general public be able to go onto the beaches to “hand-catch” a few as well?
This is a major event each year and the authorities need to be considerate.
Best Regards …. and hopefully tons of Tight-Lines.
Ken Packett (Margate KZN).
It’s on pal!
i think this will answer your question regarding the sardine bumber run
on the 29th April 2020 6 Chinese trawlers were sent back to China. , a further 9 trawlers were spotted , fined sent back.
i hope this answers your questions.
Senhor Ron. A massive thank you for this invaluable insight. It’s people like you that might save the day. We are gaining attention. Thank you Adam Kamdar for getting this roller rolling!
Hi Sean
Are you sure on what you are saying that foreign vessels are catching the migratory pilchards along the KZN coast ?
It seems a bit far fetched has anyone ever seen any of the Chinese vessels actually purseseinin for the sardines I would be interested to know as to the best of my knowlage the Chinese vessels that have passed along our coast in the last few weeks are Squid Jigger vessels that are returning to China after the end of the the Squid season in South America . Your comment regarding poaching of fish stocks is a problem and as you correctly said it’s a simple flick of a swich to turn off the AIS but that’s why accurate and reliable infomation that can be gathered by fisherman along the coast and ski boats can be sent to the appropriate authorities for action but the info need to be accurate.
Heya Greg thank you so much for your contribution. Nobody until now really said they were fishing South America, that’s great news thank you. However. That bos of boats on the AIS, that posted in the story, all scrumming down, is my most compelling reason, aside from seeing the sardines in st.francis commercial boat harbour year after year…to suspect…that the sardines are being loaded, year after year, before they get to us. Perhaps those Chinese vessels are innocent, but there were a lot more than 6 out there right in the sardines path, during lockdown. Cool discussion. Thanks man
Aweh !
Chelsea is the superstar!! So cute!!!
Chelsea is the superstar!! So cute!!! I haven’t seen guys caching shade like that for. 50 years
so awesome Sean. A REAL education that is broad based but including ethics, morals and values on all levels. Plus technology, photography, ecology, biodiversity, sustainability, and eco-system services.
Way to go Fishings cool