Sardines at Umtentweni 18 June 2023

Sardines at Umtentweni 18 June 2023

Sardines at Umtentweni 18 June 2023: studying the 2023 Sardine Sightings Map reveals a glaring gap in between the pilot shoals of sardines, and the main body way down south.

However, the beautiful sardine sightings from yesterday were in the Mgazana to Port St. Johns region. And this is but barely 90 km by sea. If the sardines are moving at a gamely 6 kph…that means that overnight they could easily cover 70 kms or more. Not at all sure how they navigate, or see in the dark. There is still no moon and the nights are pitch black. But realistically, by 9 am these guys could, or should, reach Port Edward today.

If you are one of the very many lucky fish to be chasing sardines this lovely KZN south coast morning, your best bet would be to get down to Port Edward early as you can. You might find sardines right there and then. And as the reports come in, you can adjust your strategy accordingly.

8 AM – a little pocket of sardines found themselves caught on the inside at Umtentweni, just a few clicks north of Port Shepstone. As the tide drained, they got caught in the granny’s pool. Many cast nets operating. So much fun when it’s like this. Shad chowing on the spoon. Similar scenes can be expected right up and down the coast.

Shad

Shad are literally everywhere. But moving around between beaches fast as they set ambush after ambush for the hapless sardines. If you get yourself in the right place at the right time, with the right spoon, you are in for so much fun today.

There are obviously kob and garrick in the surf zone too. It’s funny how that many of the first garrick catches of the season, happen up north of Durban. This has been the case this year too. Nice fish around.

Sardine Run 2023 Sightings Map

For a great overall perspective you can easily check out the interactive sardine and sightings map…updated constantly…right here…

2023 Sardine Run Map 

Install the APP

You can install The Sardine News as an app on your phone (use the three little dot menu on your phone browser). And if you allow notifications, each time we update this page with a confirmed sighting, you will get a real sardine notification.

Right on your phone!

YouTube Channels

For when it’s quiet, in between sardine shoals – we have some cool YouTube Channels to keep you entertained and informed of all things sardines, ocean and conservation.

The Sardine News

Surf Launching Southern Africa

MYDO Tackle Talk

Water Woes (best said in Afrikaans)

Enjoy the sardine run right here with us at the Umzimkulu Marina, in Port Sheptone, where Umzimkulu Adrenalin can get you out there. Catch a gamefish with Mydo Fishing Lures.