National Garrick Day at The Sandspit in 2008

National Garrick Day at the Sandspit in 2008

National Garrick Day: coming soon to a beach near you! Here is a classic old video shot about 15 years ago at the famous Sandspit in Port Shepstone. So much fun – Raggie nearly got chowed by a Zambie. Two people catching the same fish. And many more hilarious scenes as National Garrick Day unfolds for here you to experience the vibe…

National Garrick Day is a once-a-year spectacle that electrifies the KZN coastline. As the sardines surge northward in their annual winter migration, they bring with them a host of predators—including the mighty garrick (Lichia amia), also known locally as leervis.

These powerful shoaling hunters arrive in force, feasting on sardines and other baitfish with reckless abandon. After gorging themselves, it’s time to spawn. Garrick typically spawn in estuarine and surf zones with structure and baitfish, often triggered by water temperature and baitfish abundance. The spawning is synchronized with the sardine run, and the garrick gather in groups to release their eggs and milt into the current.

Once the spawning frenzy subsides, the garrick become ravenous again—setting the stage for National Garrick Day. For two to three days, the bite is absolutely explosive. The usual hotspots like the Sandspit are lined with live baiters, while others throw poppers, plugs, and surface lures. Hundreds of garrick are caught during this window, and anyone with a fishing rod can join the action.

Garrick are found along the entire South African coastline, especially in estuaries, surf zones, and tidal rivers. They prefer warm water and grow rapidly—reaching about 11 cm in six months. Sexual maturity is reached at 75–85 cm fork length, typically around 3–4 years old. Larger specimens (90 cm to 1.5 m) are 5–9 years old, with some reaching up to 2 m and 50 kg.

It’s important to note that garrick are SASSI Red-listed, meaning they’re a no-sale species in South Africa. Recreational anglers must adhere to strict regulations: a minimum size of 70 cm fork length and a bag limit of one per person per day.

To stay in the loop and maximize your chances, join The Sardine News HOTLINE—a WhatsApp group dedicated to its paying members. We keep everyone informed about where the fish are and what they’re doing. Members are encouraged to contact our sardine spies up and down the coast, and we help arrange accommodation and guiding where needed. We also offer virtual guiding for free to all our members. Just ask, and we’ll chip in to help.

National Garrick Day is more than just a fishing event—it’s a celebration of nature, community, and the thrill of the chase. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a curious newcomer, this is your chance to be part of something truly spectacular.

Here we have a clip of Evert at the Margate Pier recently, also catching a lekker garrick…

If any of you guys are planning to make National Garrick Day down here on the lower south coast of KZN, and you need accommodation and advice…or guiding, drop us a line on +27793269671 or email umzimkulu@gmail.com and we can hook you up.

Sardines and Sighting Maps

Check out our annual Sardine Run Map! It also features good catches, marine sightings and boating incidents.

Download our app to your phone or device, accept notifications, and you will never miss a single sardine.

Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps…

2025 Sardine Map

2024 Sardine Map

2023 Sardine Map

2022 Sardine Map

2021 Sardine Map

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

Websites

umzimkulu.co.za – self-catering right on the Umzimkulu River
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
brucifire.co.za – surf retorts