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Late January saltwater fishing forecast for the South Coast of KZN

Late January saltwater fishing forecast for the South Coast of KZN

January is a fantastic time for gamefishing along the KZN South Coast. The ‘couta will have started moving down to us again – hopefully we will catch even a portion of the huge fish taken on ski-boats last year – most notably down south of Port Edward, in the Transkei. The beginning of the season is normally characterised by shoal ‘couta, or “darts”. These fish used to come through in huge shoals, but last year, there were literally no “darts” caught anywhere. Most of the fish were huge! This can be a worry as it seems that over the past few decades, the “darts” have petered right off. It could be that we have missed a few generations due to over fishing elsewhere in the Indian Ocean, but either way, we have to watch our ‘couta fishery very carefully, or it will dissappear.
Natal Snoek (Queen Mackeral) also favour this time of the year on the KZN South Coast – they can actually be caught year round in our waters – but from now until winter, we can hope to encounter them in shoals and on the feed. Queen mackeral generally enjoy the same conditions as ‘couta. They are easily caught on small feathers and spoons, and when they are on, they are on!

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Pumula Surf Camp

Pumula Surf Camp

Pumula Surf Camp
Pumula Surf Camp

http://www.pumulasurfcamp.co.za/

The recently opened Pumula Surf Camp is the talk of the town right now – Justy and Hayley Maisch have created a small piece of paradise on the KZN South Coast.

The surf in and around Pumula is world class and there are waves all year round. Winter is obviously the best time when sand lines all the point breaks producing beach after beach filled with perfect waves. Umzumbe, Hibberdene, The Spot…are but a few of the classic right hand point breaks that the KZN south coast is famous for.

Justin, also known as “The Fox” stemming from his competitive nature and prowess, is an advanced surf coach that will help better surfers surf better, and start beginners off from scratch. Pumula Surf Camp’s close relationship to Wedge Surfboards and Maisch Fins mean they have the best possible equipment for you to rent or buy.

For more information on surfing on the south coast, accommodation and packages…

http://www.pumulasurfcamp.co.za/

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The most dangerous cops in the world

The most dangerous cops in the world

Are those that are in it for the money. And here in good old Mozam, that’s how it all works. Not to say that everyone in the force in 3rd world fascist Mozam is corrupt. But just get on the wrong side of our boys in grey or green or blue or purple, and see what happens.
A few examples…
All of a sudden, without warning, the main road into the market and the beach area at Praia do Tofo, became a one way – out. And so, trusting their GPS’s or experience of coming to Tofo before, many an unsuspecting tourist or expat came off their ultra long journey – only to be stopped by police, for coming down the centuries old main drag – the wrong way. So the force approach with a certain amount of  vehemence at the outset (the aggression comes later). The fine is nominal, usually starting at about 10 000 Mets (R3500), and if you keep your wits about you and play along, you can get away with 1000 mets or so. Straight into the pockets of the diligent law enforcers. But if you argue without serious substance behind your argument…it’s a short walk to Casa de Branco (Jail), until you pay. Try it.

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Bazaruto Marlin

 

Bazaruto Marlin

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Bazaruto marlin by Captain Duarte Rato

Just to feature once again – the most incredible photography by Captain Duarte Rato, as he chases down billfish through the summer season, off Bazaruto Island.

Again, it was another surprisingly consistent season and even in the face of hectic weather most of the time, the tallies of tagged and released marlin swimming around off Baz are way up there.

At the moment, Inhambane is being battered by very strong swells whipped straight at us by the tropical storm / cyclone hanging off Madagascar. It is travelling in the right direction to keep compounding the swell and by the next dark moon spring tide, the line ups will be very interesting indeed. The fish are active in the wild surf zone with kingfish smashing baitballs right in amongst the bathers at Praia do Tofo.

 

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Starting young

Starting young

by B Parsons 1
Starting young…Asher shows off his first carp! (c) Brandon Parsons
Brandon Parsons is a pro fishing guide in the Gauteng area, and contributor to thesardine.co.za…
“So we all have to start somewhere and where else as next to Koppies Dam carp fishing I had the opportunity to take 4 young boys out fishing and their willingness to learn and passion for the game leaves me with no doubt at all that these are future stars in our sport.  Here we have a picture of Asher with one of his first fish…”
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Oh oh…daai vis gaan kak! (c) Brandon Parsons
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