Sick n Tired of Big Yellowfin Tuna – Sodwana Bay Adventures
Launching boats at Sodwana Bay is lotsa fun. From tractors grinding through the soft sand to the ingenious pole system launch, every trip starts big. At Seevarkie Lodge, owls watch from the garden early as we load up the big Cobra Cat, twin 175hp Suzukis rumbling, ready to take on the surf.
Enjoy the video…
? The Launch
The sand at Sodwana is unforgiving, but with a tractor and the pole system, we’re soon sliding past the shorebreak. Captain Lynie takes the helm, with Zoltan keen on fish and Hannah amped for dolphins and whales. Once past the backline, the real Sodwana opens up — a stretch of ocean where you can just keep cruising, chasing fish and horizons.
? Whales, Dolphins & Surf
Sodwana isn’t only about fishing. Whales breach nearby, dolphins play alongside the boat, and the surf cooks in this place. You can go diving or snorkelling out at sea. Or in the rock pools at low tide. Perfect for kids and newcomers to the underwater realm.
? Yellowfin Chaos
Then it happens. BANG! First strike — a solid 25kg yellowfin tuna. Zoltan bends his knees, pumps, winds, and wins. But before we can breathe, all three rods go off. Suddenly, everyone’s fighting fish — even me, the reluctant Gillie, and Captain Lynie himself.
The tuna here fight differently to Cape Town’s — harder, dirtier, relentless. Zoltan’s big one tips the scale at 30kg on the nose, while the others weigh in at 25–27kg. It’s chaos, sweat, and teamwork, with gaffs flying and fish hitting the deck. Too big for the hatches, they had to go in a huge fishbag with ice.
? The Return
Coming back in is just as technical here. Lynie knows the narrow channel between rocks and sand, timing the waves perfectly. Full tilt boogie, spray flying, and we’re back on the beach — tractors waiting, government officials watching, and other big boats lining up for their turn.
? Final Word
Sodwana Bay is pure action: surf launching, whales, dolphins, and yellowfin tuna that test every muscle. For Zoltan, it’s about the fish. For Hannah, it’s about the dolphins. For Lynie, it’s another day at sea. For me? Sick n tired of big yellowfin tuna — but already looking forward to the next launch.
? Stay tuned — the BIG Wahoo episode is coming soon.
Socials
https://facebook.com/thesardinenews
https://instagram/thesardinenews
https://linkedin.com/thesardinenews
https://tiktok.com/thesardinenews
Sardines and Sighting Maps
Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. With instructions on how to install The Sardine News right on your phone, tablet, or even desktop.
YouTube 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
destinycottage.co.za – Mbotyi dreams
eshowe.com – the heart of Zululand
epicparadisetours.co.za – into the wild