23 June 2026 Sardine Update from Mdumbi
23 June 2026 Sardine Update from Mdumbi: There are still many shoals of sardines swimming past us here, at the delightful Noliswe’s Homestay, where we have a spectacular view of the beautiful Indian Ocean, in top form.
Sardines
The ocean out front off Mdumbi started slow again this morning. Nothing to report on. Then, at about 8 am, as the sun got up, the ocean came alive. Birds appeared out of nowhere and set to work annihilating the pockets of sardines. There were dolphins in attendance, but that’s all we could see from our vantage point here at Nolizwe’s.
Up in KZN, things have gone very quiet. This is normal for the sardines; they do this. Especially if the water warms up, which it has recently, and some patches are as warm as 23 degrees Celsius.
This was yesterday’s report from the sharks board, and it reveals some perfectly cold water in the south, from Ramsgate down to Port Edward. This is where I would focus if I were chasing sardines on the south coast today.
Fishing
Anglers taking advantage of the early bite here in Mdumbi came back this morning with blacktail and bronze bream. But the shad are once again suspiciously not here. The odd koblet has also been coming out, but at this stage of the game, those fish get full of sardine and they don’t really take any interest in a bait.
But the garrick and snoek are eager, and there have been quite a few good catches of these shallow-water gamefish in KZN, with the sardines, recently. Taken on lures, these fish are real trophies and are available for an argument right now!
Sardines and Sighting Maps
Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. With instructions on how to install The Sardine News right on your phone, tablet, or even desktop.
YouTube Channels
Brucifire Surf Retorts – highly entertaining surf reporting
Master Watermen – news from way down deep
The Sardine News – neva miss a single sardine
FishBazaruto – 1000 pounds plus
MYDO Tackle Talk – highly technical sport fishing
Surf Launching Southern Africa – getting out there safely
Water Woes – complain about your municipality here
Websites
umzimkulu.co.za – fishing, charters, accommodation
umzimkuluadrenalin.co.za – will get you right out and onto the edge
thesardine.co.za – never miss a single sardine
masterwatermen.co.za – news from under water
fishbazaruto.com – dreams are out there
brucifire.co.za – surf retorts
fishmad.co.za – destination Madagascar
andantelodge.co.za – Transit luxury in Pretoria
destinycottage.co.za – Mbotyi dreams
