Tag: umzimkulu

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Umzimkulu perch

Umzimkulu perch

The Umzimkulu Perch that we have been catching can range from little guys of like 10cm. And then up to like 4kg’s or more. They are aggressive and ferocious fighters too. Although the fish featured here took a fillet of sardine on a tiny hook – Umzimkulu Perch like to jump on a lure for sure. Sometimes we even get double strikes on the troll.

We troll all sorts but the best performer overall is definitely the range of soft baits on offer. Those loud clangy wheel bearing laden hard plastic baits are so completely unnatural. If we stick a nice split tail or paddel tail on a decent dropshot head, we can troll that up and down the channels and catch perch all day long (when they are biting ha ha).

If you stick the softbait on a MYDO LuckShot, you will get some real swimming action and the benefits of a softbait during the strike. Fish hold on to soft baits since they are so naturally textured. And the single hook almost always hooks in the top or corner of the mouth. Making for real healthy and successful releases. Compared to the double treble configuration (or singles), which almost always inflict damage on the fish.

Using double hook configuration for anything is always going to work against the chances of any fish surviving a release. Or for use as live bait. Double marlin konas are dangerous and inflict a lot of harm during the fight.

And as for bait fishing – use a circle hook! The difference is calculable right from your very first fish. Perfectly healthy releases!

Mapson jnr with a really good sized Umzimkulu perch - that was carefully released. Nice one family!
Mapson jnr with a really good sized Umzimkulu perch – that was carefully released. Nice one family!

Mike and Gina Mapson treated their family to this weekend down on the Umzimkulu River – and the first time they threw in a line, Mike jnr nailed this awesome perch. The perch ate a bread bait and was gently released by Dad.

The fishing has really hotted up in the Umzimkulu…more posts to follow…and fishing enquiries to umzimkulu@gmail.com or call 079 326 9671.

The Umzimkulu Marina is offering packaged fishing adventure trips (guided fishing, boats and accomodation for deep sea, rock n surf and estuary fishing) for the upcoming super- exciting fishing season.

Here is a quick YouTube video of our latest big perch, this one was caught two weeks ago (January 2020).

You can also stay in touch via our Facebook page at http://facebook.com/thesardine.co.za

If you or you kids want to come target perch for a weekend or a session, contact me Sean on umzimkulu@gmail.com or WhatsApp +27793269671

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River Cruising on the weekend…

River cruising on the weekend…

The Umzimkulu was out yesterday with some of the original river pirates enjoying some river cruising – John Collinson and Lawrence Wurznip…brought a fishing rod along to test out some new lures…and a cooler box for the fish…?

Port
John Collinson, Johan Papenfuss, John Fever and Lawrence Wurznip.

Starboard
Sadie Papenfuss, Alison Winroe, Megan and Dave Candy…

Although we did try really hard in the crystal clear incoming tide, throwing dropshots and flash lures – we never got a hit. John says it’s far too clean in the river for fishing and Lawrence agreed, both speculating also that the mouth will most likely close in the next week or two. It’s bad news for the skiboaters, but for the estuarine anglers, its fantastic news. The fish generally get more and more active, the longer the mouth is close. And the garrick run usually starts at about the same time the mouth starts closing. We will start targeting garrick shortly…book your spot here.

There is a rumour circulating Port Shepstone, of a 30 kg kob taken off the wall just on the inside of the river mouth…last week?! Our investigative instincts have kicked in and we will surely have some more about this phantom fish shortly. We have a name.

In the meantime, it’s the weekend so you can catch us down on the river, at Spiller’s Wharf…river cruising from lunch time ’til dark…

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Portuguese party at Bela’s

Portuguese party at Bela’s

In keeping with this weekend’s theme, Bela’s Restaurant at Spiller’s Wharf are hosting a Portuguese party with Portuguese food, drinks and attractions, including… boat rides,  fishing lessons, music…

belas-portuguese-party
Spiller’s Wharf in the sunset light…river cruises start up at 10am and run into the evening…bring your drinks and snacks…and fishing rods…call John on +27 81 266 0345 for more info…

River cruises start at 11am and sail each hour on the hour,  R50 a ticket. Kids under 10 go FREE! With an adult of course!

Bela will be cooking up her blend of Portuguese and Mozambican flavours – espetadas, squid heads, fresh fish (maybe even grilled sardines!) peri-peri chicken and other flamed delights…

Call Bela to book a table, stage a party or cook up a storm on +27 78 538 9913

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Daga Salmon by Dean Sinclair and Blaze Bennet

Daga Salmon by Dean Sinclair and Blaze Bennet

Dean Sinclair braved the cold and was rewarded with this awesome catch of dagas. Throwing paddle tail with his mate, they were both soon vas, and got the fish out.

A bit later in the evening, veteran salmon angler Dean Winn caught one twice the size!

Dean Sinclair stoked with his Daga Salmon
Dean Sinclair stoked with his Daga Salmon

Daga Salmon are also known as kob, the further south you go. The biggest officially speared by none other than Jack Blignaut, stands at 57.4kgs.

In Australia they are known as Mulloway…

The biggest Daga caught by rod and line in South Africa is almost 80kgs! And that number gets challenged often, although many of the big ones are released by responsible anglers. These fish are in their prime and are best left to breed. But one or two of these smaller ones is fine to take out…

Nice fish ous!

 

 

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Bela’s Starlight Cruises in Port Shepstone

Bela’s Starlight Cruises in Port Shepstone

Belas-River-Cruise

As an ideal add-on to Bela’s Mozambican Restaurant party options – The Umzimkulu, a 28ft retired commercial fishing boat, converted to a pleasure cruiser, will be available for night time cruising, on the Umzimkulu River, in Port Shepstone.

The boat is licensed for 17, is very safe and complies to all necessary rules and legislation. You can chat to Bela down at Spiller’s Wharf to arrange the adventure. Bela will cook up a feast and serve it on the boat, along with drinks and entertainment.

The evening boat outing is perfect for birthdays and celebrations…prices start at R250 per person including food and a cash bar, or BYO.

Bela is available on 078 538 9913 or email Sean on umzimkulu@gmail.com

The wharf at Bela's is perfect for easy access...
The wharf at Bela’s is perfect for easy access…

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