About The Sardine News
About The Sardine News: About The Sardine News: From Print Legend to Digital Power House.
Since 1987, The Sardine News has served as the definitive pulse of the South African coastline. What began as a printed tabloid has evolved into a massive online ecosystem. We provide real-time intelligence on the legendary Sardine Run, offshore fishing, and ocean conservation. Therefore, we are the first port of call for anglers, surfers, and divers across Southern Africa.
Our Legacy: A Heritage of the Sea
The journey started nearly four decades ago. Frank Grimbeek launched the brand alongside the iconic MYDO fishing lures in 1987. During that era, we were a grit-and-ink tabloid found in every coastal tackle shop. Today, we have traded newsprint for high-speed digital reporting. However, our core mission remains the same: we bring you the ocean, raw and unfiltered.
The Digital Hub: thesardine.co.za
Our website acts as a central command centre for marine data. We integrate cutting-edge tools like Windy.com to provide precise weather and ocean conditions. Furthermore, we maintain the famous Sardine Run Map, which tracks shoals and kinds of data from the Cape to KwaZulu-Natal. We don’t just report the news; we live it.
Meet Our Crew: The Faces Behind the News
The strength of The Sardine News lies in our network. We combine decades of professional fishing experience with modern digital storytelling.
Core Leadership
- Sean Lange (Xonalanga): Sean is the captain of this digital ship. As the primary author and filmmaker, he produces the bulk of our daily reports. His deep expertise in estuarine ecology and offshore angling informs every piece of content.
- The Bear: A legend on the Durban beachfronts. The Bear provides the “Bear Report,” offering witty and accurate surf and weather updates. His local knowledge is unparalleled.
- Adam Kamdar: in the Township Hyper’s crow’s nest overlooking Durban’s Golden Mile.
Expert Contributors & Scientists
- Professor Anthony Turton: An award-winning environmental advisor. He brings scientific weight to our coverage of KZN’s “Water Woes” and river health.
- Anton Kruger: Our specialist in abalone conservation and fisheries management. Anton provides a unique perspective on the ethical challenges facing South African waters.
- Kevin from Qora Mouth: Our Transkei specialist.
- Garry Hook: Who could possibly know more about the sardines?
Field Reporters (The Eyes on the Ground)
We rely on a “Sardine Hotline” of localised experts who report live from the shoreline:
- Mannie Jorreiro (Wild Coast): Reporting from Hole-in-the-Wall and the Wild Coast.
- Bruce Gold (J-Bay): Keeping us updated from the surfing mecca of Jeffreys Bay.
- Elton (Cintsa): Leading the GoDive team reports from the East London area.
- Roosta (Banana Beach): Sunrise video clips daily to the HOTLINE
- Reel Steve (Port Edward): Splash Rock and Lycky Dip specialist
- Callum (Tweni): from the whale deck overlooking the Sandspit
- Alan (Port Shepstone): the cat with the golden voice
The Sardine News on YouTube
Our YouTube Channel is a high-traffic hub for ocean enthusiasts. We produce daily video updates during the peak season.
What We Broadcast:
- Sardine Run 2026 Live Updates: Real-time tracking of the greatest shoal on earth.
- Technical Tackle Talk: Deep dives into lure design and big-game fishing tactics.
- Conservation Alerts: We shine a light on pollution and illegal fishing activities.
- Surf & Launching Guides: Practical advice for navigating the treacherous South African surf zones.
Mission Statement: To protect, promote, and report on the African oceans. We aim to be the most trusted source of marine intelligence in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Sardine News by Sean Lange
This YouTube channel provides the most up-to-date visual reports on the Sardine Run and South African ocean conditions directly from Sean Lange and his team.
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.
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
