Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Coastal and Marine Species Migrations The Human Dimension Socio-Economic Uses of the Coast Commercial Resource Uses
Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
Coastal access

Access RoutesBoat Launch SitesThe Human DimensionCoastal Access: Stats & Facts
Estuaries
Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
Historical Time Series Estuary Mouth Status Sand Mining
Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
Coastal issues
Coastal issues

PollutionSand MiningCoastal ErosionNurdlesUPL Chemical Spill
Back
23 Aug 2023

FishEagle: Sardines make surprise appearance

Sealice (North Coast Courier) Picture: pexels.com. Image used for illustrative purposes.

Anticipating the end of the sardine run last week was apparently a mistake, with the silver fish appearing in small pockets from Scottburgh to Amanzimtoti and netters bringing in good hauls of fish. Aided by favourable weather and sea conditions, nets were successfully hauled at Warner Beach, Doonside and Winkelspruit,

Action continued on Wednesday when plenty of fish were netted, lasting until the next morning.

Local anglers targeting shad last week found them difficult to find, with not one area fishing well. There could be several reasons for this, including the moving in of garrick in local waters keeping the shad away. Sardines could also be preventing shad from feeding in-shore.

It was however a different story on the lower South Coast where many anglers were catching shad after shad off the Margate pier.

This year’s garrick run has been phenomenal so far, with these fish caught along the entire coastline right up to Richards Bay. Garrick still seem to be shoaling off Durban’s harbour piers but unfortunately some unscrupulous anglers have reverted to try and jig these fish in the same way as the poachers do in Port St Johns.

Local Ballito anglers are also catching their fair share of garrick when sea conditions allow. There is also no shortage of live bait at present, so this year is bound to be a garrick season to remember.

Anglers are reminded to only keep what they need, and return the remainder to sea.

Fishing was quiet on Sunday at several spots because of the north-easterly wind which had pulled through.

Rocky outcrops produced a few fish with the usual stone bream, some zebras, a few copper bream and karranteen all being caught. The light tackle anglers seem to have had a great deal of fun with these reef fish.

Offshore game fish anglers are at present having excellent sport with garrick along the backline when sea conditions are kind. Some snoek have also been caught among the garrick, including the odd large shad.

Offshore anglers have been enjoying active bottom reefs. A number of geelbek salmon, half-kob along with big rock cod, soldiers, a few big Scotsmen and the odd cracker were on the bite.

Inside reefs are producing few fish such as lantern bream, rubber lips, some grunter and sea barbell.

 

Online Article