Dawn Patrol KZN South Coast Beaches 13 March 2026
Dawn Patrol KZN South Coast Beaches 13 March 2026: Good morning from The Sardine News! Two dawn patrols in a row have proven that summer mornings in Natal and the Eastern Cape are simply unbeatable. Cape Town may be warm, but the conditions here are peach-perfect. Early birds catch worms, and in fishing terms, that means being on the beach before sunrise!
Weather and Conditions
A strong high-pressure system continues to dominate, pushing back the low pressure, trying its utmost from the south. Animated weather charts show the east wind prevailing. At Sheppy mouth, Ian reports a neap tide with plenty of sand and holes. Squidgitz bait is the choice of the week, producing kobbies of all sizes.
Sardine Fever
Sardine fever is building. Although the big run we all keep imagining is still weeks or even months away, reports from all over are already floating in. Sardines have been spotted in the Kleinmond area, part of the middle population that are not part of our Natal sardine run. These shoals are the same sardines currently in shops, caught near Mossel Bay after boats found little action around Port Elizabeth, recently.
Ocean Temperatures
El Niño has warmed the water radically this year, but recent northeast winds triggered upwelling, dropping ocean temperatures finally. Cooler water could entice sardines to rise closer to the surface. If conditions hold, the run will likely be on. If the current super El Niño carries on warming the water, that could be a problem.
Conclusion
From sunrise patrols to sardine sightings, summer mornings are alive with promise. Keep an eye on our sardine maps at thesardine.co.za for real-time updates. Sardine News will continue to track every shoal, every dawn, and every tide.
Sardines and Sighting Maps
Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. You can install The Sardine News as an app on your phone, allow notifications, and you will neva miss a single sardine.
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
