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Busting the Spotted Grunter on camera in the Umzimkulu Estuary

Busting the Spotted Grunter

Busting the Spotted Grunter on camera in the Umzimkulu Estuary

Busting the Spotted Grunter on camera in the Umzimkulu Estuary: after a couple of years of using these GoFish underwater cameras now, we are still learning how to get the best results…

Spotted Grunter busted!

But this past Friday saw a revelation, as we finally busted those wily spotted grunter hunting along the first bank on the incoming tide in the Umzimkulu Estuary. It took a lucky cast to land the camera (simply attached to my line) in the crystal clear water, just as the shoal of hunting fish idled past. In full attack formation.

It’s all about learning

Seeing these fish in their natural environment also makes it clear why you are not getting any bites. These fish are in position, completely focused, waiting to ambush the prawns and fry that come rushing in out-of-control, with the tide.

The water is moving so fast here in the shallows of the estuary mouth – you can see quite clearly what you need to be doing, to get these fish to take an interest, and strike.

And about conservation

In fact, as an alternative to fishing with bait or lures, I quite truthfully, enjoy this more. It’s an absolutely thrilling feeling when, after scrubbing hours of video, a gamefish comes into plain view. In its completely natural habitat. Free-swimming!

And I get to watch it over and over again!

It is much better than catching and killing the fish, to me personally. And I do think this is really going to take off and revolutionise sport-fishing as we know it today.

Slow start

The uptake on fishing cameras has been slow. I only know one other guy in this whole country (South Africa) who has one! Captain Digby Smith has been sending his camera down to the depths off Port Shepstone and has a load of video saved up for me to scrub!

However, the cameras on offer today are so smart and capable and produce such amazing pictures, that soon most guys will be sporting a cam in their box.

GoFish Cameras

The camera used in this video was my GoFish camera, which I have been using for a couple of years now. I have caught so many fish with it! Couta, marlin, tuna…actually everything by now. These clips are the foundations for most of my YouTube channels.

I use them for everything! Their size and relative toughness, make them really adaptable to any situation.

And! You can get them right here on The Sardine News. Using the link below…

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Or click on this link.

The Sardine News and the Master Watermen websites are powered by TLC for your Business. Where things get done!

More fun sites for you to check out…

https://umzimkuluadrenalin.co.za

https://fishontheriver.co.za

https://portcaptain.co.za

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Featuring: The Outspan Inn

The Outspan Inn

Arriving in Port St. Johns in the early evening, after a big drive in from Port Edward, we stopped above the estuary overlooking the river, to take it all in. As we gaped, a flock of terns treated us to a fly by at eye level in the twilight, and with that, the awesome reality of being in The Transkei, set in.

Welcome to The Outspan Inn - Port St Johns, the Wild Coast

After a magical meal at Steve’s Restaurant, we settled into our home for the next few days – the evergreen and steadfast Outspann Inn. Right on the Umzimvubu River!

The Outspann Inn has a history as long as that of Port St. Johns.

The accommodation is built around a lush indigenous garden and a swimming pool, with beach access to the river bank.
This amazing location has obviously played a part in Outspann Inn’s longevity…imagine back in the days, when trekkers outspanned right here as they tried to get across the temperamental river waters.

Fishing is undoubtedly the biggest draw card for the tourists in Port St. Johns. They come from far and wide, and the guys staying at the Outspan Inn nect to us, caught two walloping kob of about 20kgs each and a night time caught garrick! The garrick have been wild in the river this year – reportedly the best season in decades.

Port St. Johns is filled with things-to-do and places-to-go. The restaurants are top notch – starting with Steve’s right at the entrance to The Outspan Inn. The beaches are empty and stretch for miles, although bathing isn’t really recommended, other than in the swimming pool. There are nature walks, a mini golf course, well stocked shops and no trip to Port St. Johns is complete without a cruise up to the airstrip and it’s majestic views.

It is a great spot that caters for the whole family.

Check out more about the Outspan Inn on outspaninn.co.za

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