Categories: FeatureWild Coast

The Wild Coast to Port Alfred by Panorama

Our first panorama of the trip was taken by Johnny van Biljon, very early, at Mdumbi, in the Transkei. The shad never materialised this morning, but the evening before, 47 in total were pulled out.

The Wild Coast to Port Alfred by Panorama

Having Johnny van Biljon along on this trip (distributing Mydo’s and gathering news), with his iPhone 5, has opened up a whole new way of capturing the moment. Johnny, who has had many years experience in the film and tv industries, has an eye for a great scene a good shot.

Our Mdumbi friends Warren and Noli enjoy the view down to Umtata Mouth and beyond, from their stoep.

Johnny is currently dabbling in panoramic photography such as what has made the iPhone (Ok and Android) smartphones so nifty.

As we drove through the Transkei, we stopped for a few more spectacular vistas.

The bridge over the Umtata River as shot by Johnny van Biljon and his handy iPhone 5, in panorama mode.

And then finally into the spectacular scene that was Port Alfred on an upcoming moon and an outgoing tide.

The Royal Alfred Marina as viewed from Willows Camping on the south bank. Millionaire’s view for a song (R130 per night). And garrick (leeries around here) swimming up and down out front, in the crystal clear water.

Although the fish were easily seen, they were very shy in the crystal clear water. The visibility must have been 10 metres or more. We threw all sorts at them, and were not alone as local spinning mad anglers lined the jetties and hot spots. Very nice fishing. One guy got a strong pull on a live mullet right in front of us, but garrick are highly suspicious and this one must have felt something because he let go after a good 10 meter screaming run.

The office set up, the lines out, and the braai on the go. All we need now are some garrick to get hungry as us.

Local veteran of these waters, and our fishing host Peter, gave us the rundown on what fish are here right now and its Silver Steenbras / Pignose Grunter / Steenies / White Steenbras that are causing the scene. The biggest so far this season, in the canals, was 14kg’s.

Kelly’s Beach is a Blue Flag spot a few kms south of the Port Alfred piers. Safe looking.

Kelly’s Beach offers much safer bathing and even surfing (on the right tides and swells), and half way between Port Alfred and Kelly’s, is Halfway – another ominous resemblance to a surf spot.

More panoramas to follow, as we tour back to KZN. And here, our parting shot…saying good bye to the attractive coastal town, of Port Alfred. Thanks Johhny van Biljon for stepping up as photographer/DOP.

Good night and good bye Port Alfred…panoramas by Johnny van Biljon

Newsflash: Sports n All in Port Alfred, officially stock Mydo Lures.