Virginia Kayak Angler Lands Big Gamefish — Predators Assemble for Sardine Run
Yesterday off Virginia in Durban, kayak angler Arrin Walton stunned with an incredible haul in 25?m of water: one big king mackerel, a medium king mackerel, a smaller king mackerel, and a hefty daga salmon. These predators are clearly lying in wait for the sardines that should already be pushing up from the Cape — but since last week’s storms, no shoals have been sighted along our coast. They were briefly here, then vanished, likely holding offshore in deeper water.
Arrin Waltons BIG Day Out 19 May #2026 #Durban #kzn #couta #daga #salmon #king #mackerel
Meanwhile, the eastern seaboard is buzzing. Mackerel are thick between Port Elizabeth and East London, bronze whalers have been spotted off Cintsa, dolphins are feeding hard, and even orcas have made an appearance. In KwaZulu?Natal, the gamefish and salmon are staging, Garrick have already arrived as far north as Blue Lagoon in Durban, and shad are going mad again for those who rise early and find the right spot.
The signs are unmistakable — the ocean’s hunters are gathering, waiting for the sardine run to break loose. Anglers are urged to enjoy the action but respect the regulations: shad minimum size 30?cm with a daily limit of four, and Garrick minimum size 70?cm with a daily limit of two.
The stage is set, the predators are ready — now all eyes are on the sardines.
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.
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
