The Sardine Run 2026 has started
The Sardine Run 2026 has started: it’s on! Yesterday was officially the start on the annual Sardine Run here in KZN, as nets hit the beach, some loaded with sardine! 30 Crates was the biggest haul of the day. And there were about 8 or so sardine netting boats either in the water or waiting to pounce.
Then today unfolded much the same way as yesterday with the action mainly focused down at Port Edward again. But then all of a sudden a shoal popped at St. Michaels and a crew go in on the action. It’s incredible how fast these sardines can swim, when they finally decide to move up the coast.
Durban
At the speed these guys are swimming, don’t be surprised if these guys pop up in Durban this week! Although, as of today, we still have a toasty 23 degrees in the surf – this temperature they do not like at all. It has also warmed down south so we wonder what that might do these pilot shoals.
Transkei
It has really quietened down here. We took a scout trip to Mdumbi yesterday, expecting to see some action, but there were hardly even any birds flying about. There were shad on the bite, and plenty bronze bream, one local chap caught 7 in one session.
East London
We saw a much bigger shoal off East London starting to “book it” north. This was during that stormy sea, all whipped up by the cold front that just flew past. This may be the start of the congregation of the main shoals.
There is normally quite a gap between the first “pilot” shoals and the main shoals that follow. I reckon we are in this gap now, and that only in the next full moon and spring tide will they actually get going.
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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
