The Sardine Run 2026 so far
The Sardine Run 2026 so far: The 2026 Sardine Run was one of the most unorthodox in recent years, with shoals first appearing mid?June at Port Edward and culminating in some decent netting by early July. From East London to the KZN South Coast, sightings included dolphins, sharks, whales, and gannets in full feeding frenzy, while locals and visitors flocked to beaches for crates of sardines selling at R500–R800.
? Timeline of the 2026 Sardine Run
- Early June (East London & Transkei):
- Sardines held offshore in cold water pockets.
- Pilot shoals spotted moving north, with gannets and dolphins confirming activity.
- June 13 – Port Edward:
- First major landings reported.
- Cold counter?current finally pushed north, allowing shoals to surge inshore.
- Nets deployed, fresh sardines sold directly off the beach.
- Late June – South Coast:
- Heavy seas and a full moon created prime conditions.
- Massive shoals seen off East London, building momentum toward KZN.
- Safety warnings were issued around netting operations.
- July 6–7 – Port Edward Peak:
- Silver Beach became the epicentre.
- Multiple nets were hauled in by crews like Snyman and Fraser.
- Prices dropped from R800 to R500 per crate as supply surged.
- Offshore, at least 10 shoals counted moving north, with whales breaching.
? Key Highlights
- Marine Drama: Gannets diving, dolphins and sharks herding sardines into bait balls, whales breaching alongside shoals.
- Community & Tourism: Crowds gathered at Port Edward, Southbroom, and Shelly Beach. Local lodges and charters benefited from the influx of visitors.
- Economic Impact: Sudden price drops reflected bumper catches. Sardine crates became accessible to locals and tourists alike.
- Safety Notes: Netting operations required space for vehicles, ropes, and waves. Public urged to stay clear until nets were secure.
? Lessons from 2026 so far
Community tradition endures: Beyond fishing, the sardine run is a cultural event — a spectacle of nature, commerce, and coastal life.
Timing is everything: The cold counter?current arriving mid?June unlocked the run.
Port Edward remains the hotspot: Year after year, it’s the first reliable landing zone.
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