The Sardine News and Windy.com: Good morning and thank you for checking in with us. Ok, conditions first – the conditions analysis goes out nice and early each day. Published on The Sardine News website. And into that will go the news as the day unfolds.
Starting with today! And Adam’s
On a scale of one to ten, today is an 11 plus. The ocean is big and glassy, painted smooth by a brisk and crisp offshore wind. That will blow right through this low tide and into mid-morning. Where it might hang about or swing gently onshore, as is predicted. High tide after lunch.
Talking of predictions, we have struck a deal with Windy.com that allows us to use their fantastic visualisations for our reports! Head on over to https://windy.com if you are ever uncertain of the weather. Hit the play button at the bottom left and watch as your future is revealed. Better than a crystal ball!
From the Windy.com animation, you can see the two cold fronts that we are in the middle of. That next one is only due mid-next week.
Surf
The SSW swell at 14 seconds will be fantastic at certain spots up and down the coast. Durban town looks a bit flat today. The Tweni 2’s surfing contest at Umtentweni is staged for tomorrow down the south coast, and the surf is going to be perfect down there!
A rising barometer at 1030 means east conditions on their way. Afternoon onshores are an everyday thing now. Luckily, the ocean recovers from the chop overnight.
Fish
Except for the lack of shad in KZN, the fishing is excellent. Luckily, this recent cold front might excite them shad all into the same sardine fever that has gotten hold of us.
Garrick and kingfish have been grabbing the headlines, along with medium to small sized koblets. Out at sea, couta is the name of the game. The recent UKFC kayak on the north coast of KZN event had phenomenal catches with a dozen fish around or over 20 kgs. Get your MYDOs in the Sardine News tackle store online.
Currents
And finally the Agulhas current…is screaming and we can clearly see how the counter current carrying the sardines has crept so far up into the Transkei. And is literally cut off now. We can see the Natal Pulse dynamic in full swing as the continental shelf diverts the Agulhas into a literal whirlpool.
Sardines and Sightings
Join the Sardine News HOTLINE
Join the Sardine News HOTLINE for 2025 and Neva Miss a Single Sardine! We first upload to YouTube, and then progressively up to the rest of the social platforms (Facey, X, etc) as the bandwidth allows.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN as a Member on YouTube, and receive all these perks too…
Member of WhatsApp Sardine News HOTLINE, access to restricted content on thesardine.co.za, LIVE Broadcasts from the Beach during the sardine run. And direct contact with the Sardine Spy network team.
You can also get around the season in a real fun way by checking out our annual Sardine Run Maps. This is a real groovy way to follow the progress of the sardines each year.
You can even 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…
King Mackerel Attack Behaviour: it is BIG king mackerel time aka ‘croc couta’ down here on the south coast of Natal, South Africa. In the olden days we would have been shining spoons, making traces and loading our KPs with Maxima Green. These days it is every jig imaginable, ready-to-go traces and 50lb braid on Stellas!
Technology!
But way back then we also used MYDOs. Invented by genius fishermen and designer Brian Davey in the mid 80s – the innovative baitswimmers made it possible for anybody to swim a bait – beautifully.
The lures work using hydrodynamic principles of alternating high and low pressure zones creating action that is transferred to the bait as a swimming motion. As you can clearly see in the little video above.
“Putting life back into your bait!”
The MYDOs and traces are infinitely adjustable and adaptable to all kinds of bait in all kinds of fishing situations. They also swim live baits just great and you can use the relevant weights to keep your baits away from each other as you work the entire water column. MYDOs range from 1/4 ounce to 5 ounces and even more in some use cases.
Enjoy the particularly clear water in this video…!
You can buy your own MYDOs right on this website in the online shop HERE. Or if you are of a foreign land, please use the MYDO International website at this LINK.
But the all-time best MYDO experience for you is to get in touch with me Sean either on WhatsApp or cell +27793269671 or email umzimkulu@gmail.com. That way we can chat through your target species and the areas that you are gonna be chasing them in. If you like, we can prepare an analysis of the area you are going to. We monitor warm patches, haloclines, thermoclines and between Captain Duarte Rato and myself, we have been on the ocean in enough places to know where to look for what.
Join the MYDO underground network easily by subscribing to our YouTube Channel ‘MYDO Tackle Talk’ at this link HERE. Here we post videos on recent catches and experiences. Plus regular how-to videos about making traces and catching fish. It is a great place to interact with other MYDO board riders. To share information and ideas. And to get advice if you need.
Gallery
A collection of images to give you a perspective on MYDOs and how they are deployed…
Sardine bait up with the MYDO Shad TraceMYDO StripBaitSwimmer dressed with sardine fillet and light pink mini skirtSouthern Bluefin Tuna caught on MYDO Bluefin Bomber by Marc White off St. Frances South AfricaMYDO #3 Couta Trace Silver BulletJustin Campbell is a MYDO teamrider and caught this recently, on the 27 November 2020.Sharene Berry again. She ties her own haywire traces btw!This fish was also taken on a double dropper trace. You just cannot take chances when trophy fish of a lifetime like tese guys are around. Get a MYDO Haywire tarce to be sure.Dorado Weather! I thought it was a marlin; I thought this GT was a marlin as I saw a huge sickle shaped fin during the strike – but no, twas this 65kg plus GT!MYDO Baitswimmer # 1 inside!Jannie Griesel with his Mydo caught couta at Sodwana this last weekend.
On The Edge: KZN Floods Update featuring Umhlanga, Tiger Rocks, The Cutting, Black Rock, Scottburgh, Umzumbe, Sunwich, Umtentweni…presented by The Bear, Chelsea Dog and the Usual Suspects.
A massive thank you to Cliff Bamber for obtaining permission for us to use some of the fabulous WOW (World of Wings) material the guys shot on Tuesday. These perspectives tell all as the brown water and the salt water argue it out as they are pressed against each other by the currents and counter-currents.
Dodging Bullets
Although here in southern Kwazulu Natal – we are far from out of the woods yet, we can so far breathe a sigh of relief that we were not dealt the same treatment as inland of Port Edward, to Umtata and beyond, were over the last few days. They got hammered. Trees breaking and all sorts. The Umtamvuna flooded The Pont completely as a result of this torrential storm weather inland. You can see some of that craziness in the video too…
We have started the 2025 Sardine Run Map! Download our app to your phone or device, accept notifications, and you will never miss a single sardine.
2024 was a thrilling year for sardines. All the action has been logged right here on The Sardine News. The 2024 map has been viewed 200 000 times and just keeps going.
Which led us to decide to keep the map live. And keep adding unique marine animal sightings and events. That occurs non-stop all year round. Last year we started to log more whale and dolphin sightings. And we even had a shipwreck! This year we have had two sailboat incidents already. PLUS, we have already logged some sardines!
Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps…
Full Moon Spring Tides and Coastal Safety Precautions
For Immediate Release 10 January 2025 NSRI Advisory: Full Moon Spring Tides and Coastal Safety Precautions: The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) urges holidaymakers and visitors to the coast to exercise caution during the final days of the school holidays, as the upcoming full moon spring tide is set to peak on Wednesday, 15 January 2025.
The spring tide on January 15, 2025, coincides with the full moon on January 14, 2025, significantly impacting tidal conditions during the last days of the school holidays.
This natural phenomenon occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth align during the new moon phase, amplifying the gravitational pull on Earth’s oceans. What to Expect During a Full Moon Spring Tide:
Higher High Tides: Water levels will rise significantly, reaching further up the shoreline.
Lower Low Tides: More of the seabed will be exposed as water levels dip below average.
Increased Tidal Range: The difference between high and low tide levels will be at its maximum. Impacts and Hazards of a New Moon Spring Tide: Spring tides often result in stronger tidal currents, particularly in narrow inlets. This natural phenomenon can present potential dangers: • Rip Currents: Stronger tidal flows intensify rip currents, posing a risk to swimmers. • Coastal Hiking Hazards: Some hiking trails near the coast may become inaccessible or hazardous during high tide. • Fishing Precautions: Shoreline anglers should exercise extra caution, as higher waves may reach beyond usual safe zones. Safety Measures to Follow: To ensure your safety while enjoying coastal activities, the NSRI recommends the following precautions: Beach and Swimming Safety • Swim at lifeguard-protected beaches: Go into the water between lifeguard flags to avoid rip currents. • Be aware of rip currents. Rip currents are particularly strong during spring tides, especially during outgoing tides, which will occur in the late afternoon. • Stay informed: Check daily weather forecasts from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and consult tide timetables. Coastal Activities • Hiking: Plan your hikes carefully, avoiding trails that may be cut off during high tide in the late afternoon. • Fishing: Shoreline anglers should maintain a safe distance from the water. When fishing from rocks or cliffs, they should wear a life jacket and carry flotation equipment (for example, a 5L plastic container with a rope attached) that can be thrown to someone in the water. • Boating and paddling: Always wear life jackets, carry essential safety equipment, and keep your cell phone fully charged in a waterproof pouch. The free NSRI SafeTrx smartphone app allows you to log your trip and call the NSRI for help quickly and easily. General Water Safety • Alcohol and water do not mix: Drinking alcohol before doing an activity in or near water may put your life at risk. • Supervise children: Ensure children have responsible adult supervision in and near the water. Additional Precautions • Time your activities: Be cautious during tide changes, especially when high tide recedes to low tide (in the late afternoon) for beach visitors and on the incoming tide (in the early afternoon) for rock anglers and hikers. • Stay informed: Follow local safety alerts and warnings issued by authorities. • Save the emergency number 112 on your cell phone. Enjoy Coastal Activities Responsibly: The effects of spring tides will last several days before and after January 15th. By adhering to these safety measures, you can minimise risks and responsibly enjoy the ocean’s natural beauty. For further updates and emergency assistance, please visit our website www.nsri.org.za Issued by: For interviews or information, please get in touch with NSRI Communications Manager Andrew Ingram at andrewi@searescue.org.za or on 082 990 5977
ABOUT THE NSRI
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a registered non-profit organisation that is committed to drowning prevention and focused on saving lives, changing lives and creating futures for those threatened by drowning in South Africa.
The NSRI is unique in South Africa as the only non-profit organisation focusing exclusively on safeguarding lives and livelihoods in South African waters through education, prevention, and rescue operations. We envision a nation where drowning incidents are minimised, ensuring the safety of all.
The NSRI strives to innovate and evolve constantly and extend its water safety initiatives through empowerment and visibility. Our volunteers are on call 24/7 and rely on donations and sponsorships.
Please visit www.nsri.org.za for more information.
NSRI EMERGENCY: 087 094 9774
Sardines and Sighting Maps
It has been a fantastic sardine run this memorable 2024. And all the action has been logged right here on The Sardine News. This year’s map has been viewed 200 000 times and just keeps growing.
Which led us to decide to keep the map live. And keep adding unique marine animal sightings and events. That occurs non-stop all year round. This year we started to log more whale and dolphin sightings. And we even had a shipwreck! And a freaking tornado! And recently a capsized KZNSB boat! We have been updating the map with recent catches too…
These events will from now on be included in the Sardine News Sightings Map for 2024. And on the 1 January 2025, we shall start all over again.
Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. Great for a windy day like today to research. With instructions to install The Sardine News right on your phone or desktop.
Duty to Warn: The ANC’s Polluted Waterways and the Impact on Tourism
Duty to Warn: The ANC’s Polluted Waterways and the Impact on Tourism: The concept of “Duty to Warn” in South African law mandates that individuals or entities must inform others of potential hazards to prevent harm. This principle can be aptly applied to the current state of South Africa’s water systems under the ANC’s governance. Over the years, the ANC has systematically neglected the country’s water infrastructure, turning South Africa into a vast, polluted toilet. This negligence has led to severe contamination of rivers, lakes, and ultimately the ocean, posing significant health risks to locals and tourists.
Recent reports highlight the alarming levels of E. coli in South Africa’s waterways, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. The Umgeni River, for instance, has become a breeding ground for this harmful bacteria due to untreated sewage spills. The situation has deteriorated to the point where several beaches in Durban have been closed, and tourists are falling ill after exposure to contaminated water2. The presence of E. coli indicates not only fecal contamination but also the potential presence of other dangerous pathogens.
The ANC’s failure to maintain and upgrade sewage treatment facilities has exacerbated this crisis. Untreated sewage flows into rivers and oceans, leading to eutrophication and the proliferation of harmful algae blooms. This not only devastates aquatic ecosystems but also poses a direct threat to human health. Tourists, unaware of the dangers, continue to swim in these polluted waters, resulting in gastrointestinal illnesses and other health issues (See below results sheet from ANC victims at Uvongo, KZN, recently).
The Duty to Warn principle obligates the government and relevant authorities to inform the public about these hazards. However, the ANC’s lack of transparency and accountability has left many in the dark. Local municipalities, tourism boards, and environmental organizations must step up and provide clear warnings to both residents and visitors. By doing so, they can prevent further harm and hold the ANC accountable for its gross mismanagement of South Africa’s precious water resources.
In conclusion, the ANC’s neglect has turned South Africa’s waterways into a public health hazard. Adapting the Duty to Warn concept to this situation underscores the urgent need for transparency and action to protect both the environment and public health. Tourists and locals alike deserve to be informed about the risks they face, and it is the responsibility of those in power to ensure this information is disseminated effectively.
The following sickening molecular biology results sheet is bona fide and from this year as you can see the date top right corner…from swimming at Uvongo.
And so a major problem is the misconception that the KZN South Coast that is the polluted area. Meanwhile, it’s the very same poo that washes down from cities, towns and provinces inland. The entire country empties its sewage into the sea ultimately. Every river town has another town further upriver. They ALL have been subject to the ANC’s inability to honour a contract.
ALL that sewage is coming to a beach near you.
This is Harding…
Sardines and Sighting Maps
It has been a fantastic sardine run this memorable 2024. And all the action has been logged right here on The Sardine News. This year’s map has been viewed 199,000 times and just keeps growing.
Which led us to decide to keep the map live. And keep adding unique marine animal sightings and events. That occurs non-stop all year round. This year we started to log more whale and dolphin sightings. And we even had a shipwreck! And a freaking tornado! And recently a capsized KZNSB boat! We have been updating the map with recent catches too…
These events will from now on be included in the Sardine News Sightings Map for 2024. And on the 1 January 2025, we shall start all over again.
Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. Great for a windy day like today to research. With instructions to install The Sardine News right on your phone or desktop.
