Author: Sean Lange

An enthusiastic gathering of sardine speculators on the lower south coast of KZN Natal. Although the Transkei Wild Coast has seen plenty of fish and sardine action, nothing seems to have come up past Port Edward.
Luckily a few garrick (leervis) featured on the rocks at Stiebel this past week. Carel Werner shot one of about 10 kilos at Umzumbe.
Shad are scarce still and mostly undersized.
No kob (daga salmon) have been reported other than a few small ones caught in the Umzimkulu River at night.
We are in the last window possible for sardines, but the cold water and strong SW this morning are the perfect conditions so we stay hopeful.

The Umzimkulu River has been buzzing with anglers fishing from the side and from boats, reports Marius Awcamp. Tales of Rock Salmon catches are coming in thick and fast. Ian Logie pictured with a 6kg fish, has had a good run…as have the Wigmores and the Defilippi’s…getting a few fish every night.
In amongst the rockies are perch, shad, grunter and kingfish and many peckers…the river is in good condition with clean water and minimal pollution…although it still stinks at some of the sewerage overflows on the south bank side.
The big tides have been giving the river a good flush making for the great conditions.
Marius Awcamp runs the fishing facility at Spiller’s Wharf, a kilometre up the river…where he charges R50 per group of 3 or less, and cleans and maintains the area.