Fishing Report South Africa

Richards Bay Steel Bridge

2012-01-12T10:14:00.000+02:00

A perfect day for fishing with the rains moving in this weekend the next two days just mighy be worth the effort.

Take sun block and loads of drinkable liquids. It is hot and the sun will hurt with out protection.

Nozzie - Sun, 18 Dec 2011

2011-12-19T07:21:00.000+02:00

About 2.5, caught on the same outfit at thlabane on a sardine fillet. Water was chocolate brown

(.40 line with a 12ft medium Frank and Loumis Rod with a 2/0 Hook)

11th of December 2011 from Mission Rocks - Donovan

2011-12-14T23:00:00.000+02:00

Bait- prawn and sardine
Rod- diawa procaster light tackle
reel- Shimano Slade
Line- 5.5 kg braid

11th of December 2011 from Mission Rocks

2011-12-14T11:16:00.000+02:00

Nozzie fished Sunday morning the 11th of December 2011 from Mission Rocks and caught this lovely Natal Stump-nose on Sardine Fillet. About 4kg on .40 line with a 12ft medium Frank and Loumis Rod with a 2/0 Hook. Excellent fishing and very nice culinary dish.

Bazaruto Fishing - Dec 2011 to Jan 2012

2011-11-22T10:55:00.000+02:00

Dear All,

Hope this mail finds you well & in good health.

As most of you already know we are having another cracking Marlin & game fishing season at Bazaruto.

So, as with last year we have decided to extend our stay on the Archipelago until the end of January 2012. We have also just had a cancelation and a few available dates have open up in December.
So anyone interested to join us for a few days of fishing please check the available dates below and send me a mail to book ASAP.

14-22 December 2011
09-18 January 2012
25 January – 04 february 2012

Indigo Bay as been kind to offer the same specials we had for the season (see attached) for these dates but please note that there as been a 30% increase in fuel in Mozambique since we did those packages in early 2011, so we have had to ammend our fuel rate to us$2.50.                                   This means that there will be a surcharge of us $ 75.00 for the 150 lts given for a full fishing day.

These packages include full board / all inclusive accommodation at the 5 star Indigo Bay Island Resort & Spa www.indigobayresort.com
and all inclusive fishing on a 31ft Gulf Craft Sport fisher.

They also offer other amenities and activities such has a 15 minute Mystery Spa Treatment, Scheduled daily snorkeling trip to Neptunes Nursery, Non-motorized activities/equipment, National Park Entrance Fee and Emergency medical evacuation

Flights to/from Indigo Bay (from Johannesburg, Maputo and other) are not included in these packages but we will gladly make these bookings and arrangements on your behalf should you require.

Please note that this packages are confidential and can ONLY be booked directly trough me.

I can be contacted at;

dudas7mares@gmail.com

or:     + 258 82 805 7160
         + 258 84 639 0466

Best regards & tight lines,

Duarte A. Moreira Rato

Attached a few action photos from this season but you can follow our daily fishing reports at our MarlinMoz Facebook page;
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001203101038&ref=tn_tnmn#!/profile.php?id=100001203101038

Duarte A. Moreira Rato

Moz cell: + 258 82 805 7160 / + 258 84 639 0466

Portugal cell: + 351 96 398 4392 (June-July)

Skype: duarteamrato

Ryan Johnson - The Truth Will Prevail

2011-11-15T21:55:00.000+02:00

Mossel Bay resident Shark expert and National Geographic presenter catapulted into fame with his high jacking attempt of South African law. In his support structure is Cape Times with very little respect for true investigative Journalism. On the fishing fraternity side we have the truth. The Truth will prevail.

It all started with a gentleman doing what so many other people come to do in Mossel Bay. They fish for sharks. Sharks Fishing is a major tourism sector in South Africa and supports a lot of informal jobs via street vendors. For every angler three point five money spenders accompany them. Ryan and his one man crusade has many loyal supporters but he quickly jumps on those against him with the full might of the media.

Some how he got hold of a letter about the landing handling and fishing regulations of the Great White Shark. He mitigates it on his facebook page and swears that Justice will be served. Shark fishing and the legislation behind accidental catches of Great White is explained here. So why is this crazy blogger shouting about the Truth. ... Well the angler ... the story about the angler ...

Fishing for Duckbill and Bronze Whaler Shark the angler got hooked up into a nice size shark and it fought him awhile before he got it into the wash zone. One thing that Ryan the shark expert cannot help us with is to identify the Great White in the wash zone. Can it be mistaken with other sharks? Yes the Bronze Whaler, Great White and Grey Shark has very similar futures ... they are all sharks ...

The point I want to make is I will ask Ryan another Question and we see if he answers it truthfully.

Who requested this letter and if a letter intended like this one, can it replace the law or can it be used as a guideline to conduct a fishing competition. Well the interpretation off the law can only be mitigated in a court off law. Not by a World Renowned Shark expert. The letter of the law is clear in Annexure 6 parra 4

Annexure 6

Recreational Angling Species specific regulations applicable to recreational fishers

(4) Any fish caught in contravention of the provisions of the Act or the permit conditions must immediately be returned to the sea with as little injury as possible.

So the question that I put in front of Ryan Johnson is the following

His Working Knowledge of Autism
Who was this letter addressed to
Who appointed him to mitigate on behalf of South African courts.

I do apologise for the Gremlins sneaking up on my Blog but I did not intend to hack or have my sites hacked by any one. It is purely circumstantial.

Any way the fact is Ryan has taken control of Shark Fishing in Mossel Bay and the Cape Times helped with the high jacking their off. Mossel Bay is a town divided and people are weary to fish this holiday in fear of public persecution through humiliation.

The fact of the matter is that Ryan Johnson can not stop you spending time with your autistic child/friend next to the ocean fishing for large Selachimorpha even if you may unintentionally hook up with a protected specie.

Guys go out and enjoy your fishing.

T Jetty of limits Richards Bay

2011-10-04T13:06:00.000+02:00

Ingwenya Durban - moored at favorite fishing spot.

Zululand Coast - Richards Bay to St Lucia Weekend Weather

2011-09-16T06:52:00.000+02:00

Friday 9/16/2011
Brilliant sunshine, windy and cooler
High Temperature: 19°C
RealFeel: 19°C

Saturday 9/17/2011
Sunshine and pleasant; breezy in the afternoon
High Temperature: 22°C
RealFeel: 21°C

Sunday 9/18/2011
Sunny and warmer
High Temperature: 32°C
RealFeel: 32°C

Saturday Secret Spot 20/08/2011- Chukky Melkman Vd Merwe

2011-08-22T18:57:00.001+02:00

Was n groot fite. Ons vang met hoender lewers en hoender hartjies.    Ek gebruik n okuma AX 40 mt n 8kg breek lyn met n ligte 5ft snoek stok. Ek skat hy moes so +- 10kg geweeg

This beauty was caught some where at some ones secret location. The Gentleman uses a Okuma AX 40 wrapped with 8kg line on a 5ft Snoek Rod. This Cat Fish could easily have weighed 10kg. Nice Catch.

Struisbaai Angling Skins

2011-08-09T12:40:00.001+02:00

· Share on Facebook · Public event

Time	01 October · 06:00 - 09:00

Location	STRUISBAAI

Created by:	Niel Meiring

For	Raggie Tackle St. Lucia

More info	Dear Angler ANGLINGSKINS – ZOETENDAL ACADEMY – L’AGULHAS! We hereby invite all anglers, old and young to participate in our exciting skins competition! A clearly marked angling area with enough space for both rock- and surf anglers. Date: Saturday 1 October 2011 Time: Lines in 06h00 / Lines out 16h00 Weigh in: Between 16h30 to 17h30 at Zoetendal Academy. (Only edible fish) Cost: Seniors R120.00 p/p Juniors R60.00 p/p under 14 Team Entry R650.00 (4 per team) Registration: Friday 30 September 2011 from 16h00 – 21h00 at Zoetendal Academy in L'Agulhas. VARIETY OF PRIZES EXEEDING R20, 000.00 For further information contact: Niel Meiring @ 083 470 2010 or E-mail: nielmeiring@gmail.com Liezel Meiring @ 078 485 1332 or E-mail: lmeiring@telkomsa.net Berina Knobel @ 082 890 9277 or E-mail: berina@isat.co.za Zoetendal Greetings

Dead tree channel Richards Bay

2011-07-31T14:52:00.001+02:00

This was such a lovely day, but as lovely days go the fish is absent.

A lovely day at Richards Bay

2011-07-31T13:48:00.001+02:00

After such a long time with bad weather many people developed cabin fever and the only cure is fresh air and sunshine.

Today you do not choose your fishing spot. It will be allocated to you on a first come first serve basis. So late sleepers become beggers and they in turn cannot be choosers.

The chanel above the steel bridge is quite vacant due to odour curried over with wind direction. So the dead channel ha a few open spots and some lovely sun.

Naval island will be closed between 3 and 7 August 2011

2011-07-29T12:50:00.001+02:00

Yes people it is The Dollos Fees and it is going to be big.

Weekend ticket only R200.00 per person.

contact Elize 083 635 5358

Richards Bay exchanging solar energy for fun

2011-07-25T14:27:00.000+02:00

The advantages Richards Bay offer is enormous for fun lover and sun seekers. Then as a bonus you can fish for Sand Fish on the banks and some Garrick early in the morning.

As we sit and soak up the rays Yacht Sweet Water returns from a whale watching trip with a male Dolfin riding on his starboard bow.

Should this day end or will it flow into Monday?

Sardine Festival 2011

2011-06-08T19:45:00.000+02:00

Soak up the South Coast sun and follow the Greatest Shoal on Earth

Famously known across the globe as the 'Greatest Shoal on Earth', the sardine run is the annual migration of massive sardine shoals that move into KwaZulu-Natal waters in the winter months between June and August.

The enormous shoals of migrating fish are called 'bait balls', luring an incredible diversity of ocean predators. The aerial antics of dolphins in pursuit make for spectacular viewing.

Winter in Southern KZN used to be a well-kept secret, but recently the sardine run has become a popular draw card for visitors to escape the winter. The Sardine Festival, taking place in various locations along the South Coast from June to August, promises unforgettable experiences with a full programme of entertainment involving marine, beach, cultural and music activities.

Need to know? Download the 2011 Sardine Festival programme.

Fwd: BAZARUTO FISHING SEASON SPECIAL PACKAGES 2011

2011-05-09T13:27:00.000+02:00

Dear All,

Hope this mail finds you well, in good health and keen to join us on what, like the last three years, we hope will be another cracking fishing season off the Bazaruto Archipelago.

Please find attached the corresponding special fishing packages for Bazaruto´s upcoming Marlin Season running from Indigo Bay Island Resort & Spa www.indigobayresort.com from September to December 2011.

As some of you will notice, for diverse reasons there has been a slight amendment on the rates. After three years without any increases it has become necessary to allow for an inflationary adjustment, mainly due to rises in fuel prices. Also, with effect from January 2011 Indigo Bay has restructured their rates to include beverages.

Therefore the attached packages include full board / all inclusive accommodation at the 5 star Indigo Bay Island Resort & Spa and all inclusive fishing on a 31ft Gulf Craft Sport fisher.

Flights to/from Indigo Bay (from Johannesburg, Maputo and other) are not included in these packages but we will gladly make these bookings and arrangements on your behalf should you require.

Attached please find a document detailing all aspects of the operation, but please do let me know if you need any further information.

For further information or bookings please contact me at:

dudas7mares@gmail.com

or: + 258 82 805 7160

Anyone interested in seeing a full detailed report with some awesome pictures from last year's fantastic season please follow the link to SA´s sealine forum below:

http://www.sealine.co.za/view_topic.php?id=45940&forum_id=23&page=1

You can also join our MARLINMOZ SPORTFISHING Facebook page to look at past and present reports and photograph as well as updated news.

www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001203101038

Hope to see and fish with you later in the year.

Best regards & tight lines,

Duarte A. Moreira Rato

PS: As most of you know my yahoo email address was hacked by some Nigerian prick last year and therefore I lost the vast majority of my contacts. Since then a lot of friends and regular guests have forward me their own piscatorial friends contacts to help me rebuilt a client base. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience and please do let me know if you would like me to erase your email from my mailing list.

On the same token I would appreciate if you could forward this email and attached information to any friends or colleagues you might think interested.

PS 2: I am on my way to do the Blue Marlin season in Madeira starting next month and until the end of July. We just had a 6-day cancellation for mid June, if anyone interested please contact me.

--
Duarte A. Moreira Rato

Moz cell: + 258 82 805 7160 / + 258 84 639 0466

Portugal cell: + 351 92 783 2814 (June-July)

Skype: duarteamrato

Drop Shot Charles - Mpenjati rivermouth near Margate

2011-04-10T11:21:00.001+02:00

After spending a brief stop over in Richards Bay fishing his old hunting grounds Charles left for some much needed R&R on the South Coast. Here he manage that not. He found a River full of fishes and took the liberty of spoiling himself with some nice Pick Handles and a few Kingies. The River Garnette was the uglies.

HABITAT: The River Gurnard is common in rivers and open water where silt has been deposited. It’s own colour blends into these surroundings. They bury themselves in the mud or sand with just their eyes sticking out so they ready to lash out at prey.

DIET: River Gurnard feed on Shrimps, Gobies, worms, small crabs and other bottom living invertebrates.

BAITS: The River Gurnard will take fish or prawn baits. Dropshot worms are also very good.

source

Western Province RASSPL Starting in 14 May

2011-04-05T15:40:00.000+02:00

Western Province RASSPL Starting in 14 May to fish register on www.rasspl.com

One years membership and entry to the comp R220 includes your membership card worth R150 per year

Contact Jacques Ackhust for more details

Monster fish on .40 line - Duckbill Ray

2011-04-05T08:34:00.001+02:00

Hannes picked up this beauty while fishing for Kobs on a beach called "Kanon Strand" between Gouritz and MosselBay. He consider his .40 line wrapped over a 15/30 Shimano with a .60 leader fed from a Blue-marlin T53 6oz Rod as light weight. Almost like the story we did on Kyle using a 30kg Sand Shark as bait.

I have respect for people enduring these type of fights. Hannes said this fight lasted over 100 minutes. Great fishing comes with great experience and great endurance. When his spool was almost spend he waded into chest deep surf not giving up and his stubbornness prevailed and with about 5 m left wrapped around the Shimano he got the Duckie to turn and seed.

Hannes fish measureda whopping 1820 mm and ORI calculates this wing span to 82 kg.

Well done Hannes this is one of the bigger catches we have future d on Fishing Report SA.

Story by Petrus Viviers
0813427371
Please send your photo stories to petrusviv@gmail.com

Wikipedia:
The bull ray, Pteromylaeus bovinus, or duckbill ray is a large stingray of the eagle ray (Myliobatidae) family found around coasts of Europe and Africa.
Its full distribution is uncertain but it is known to be found in the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea,^[2] the eastern Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and Guinea, the Atlantic from north of Saldanha Bay in western South Africa and round the rest of the South African coast into the Indian Ocean up to Maputo Bay in southern Mozambique, also Zanzibar and Kenya.^[1]^[3]
It is named bull ray for the shape of its head and is sometimes called duckbill ray in South Africa^[3] for its long, flat, round snout. Bull rays are often 180 cm and sometimes up to 250 cm in length from snout to tip of tail,^[3] 180 cm in width and weighing up to 100 kg.^[1] Females are larger and heavier than males.^[1] It has a tail spine averaging 61 mm in length in females and 32 mm in males.^[2]
It is found between the surf zone and depths of 65 m or more,^[3] and also enters estuaries and lagoons. It frequents both the bottom and the surface and sometimes leaps from the water.^[1]

Team Y Knot - Hein with 109kg Marlin

2011-04-02T17:08:00.000+02:00

Y Knot well equipped Sport Angling Vessel

Danie with his boat has caught and released 9 Marlin, but teaming up with Hein made them changing their habit a little. It was no April fools joke when Hein phoned us land dwellers to inform us he had landed his first Marlin. Excitement was high when he informed us the Thursday that Danie and Johan will be taking him on a Marlin Fishing outing for the days before they had good luck with 9 Couta's in the vicinity of Petingo.

As sight for sore eyes 4 80lb rigs ready for action

Trawling with Pulsators on Shimano rods can only mean good action. Nothing substitute preparation and success is equal to effort. Anticipation will be the dominant emotion when looking at this sight on waters deep enough to hunt Marlin.

Hein (Left), Johan back and Danie (skipper) Marlin 109,2 kg

Satisfaction guaranteed and enough fillets to fill 5 cooler boxes. Although many tree huggers will complain this is one of the greenest methods to fish for Marlin and the economical contribution to the GDP is enough to support 3 medium size middle class hose holds for two years. No by catches nor any Dolphin's where harmed in this outing.

The vessel is powered by two four stroke motors breathing less green house gas than a medium size family saloon on a Sunday outing. Plastic baits ensure very little impact on environment since they are used over and over again. If the do break of the lure will sink to the bottom of the ocean where it will deteriorate in a short space of time.

Hein is the type of angler that fish for fun and only keep what he can eat himself. Many people belief that Marlin is very dry. Fish meat is only dry and tasteless when over cooked. For this reason cooking methods must be of such that the Marlin meat is slow cooked and left to cure in its own steam for the last ten minutes of the cooking time. (glas bowl with lid on).

Some facts
Growth and maturity

Atlantic blue marlin reaches sexual maturity at the age of two to four. Males reach sexual maturity at a weight of 35–44 kilograms (77–97 lb) and females at 47–61 kilograms (100–130 lb).^[20] Marlin breed in late summer and fall. Females may spawn as many as four times in one season. They often release over seven million eggs at once, each approximately 1 millimetre (0.039 in) in diameter.

Marlin are often caught as bycatch in tuna longline fisheries. Marlin has commercial value throughout the world, with landings totalling 3,064 metric tons in 2000.^[11] Their meat has a high fat content. It is particularly valued in Japan for sashimi.^[11] In Hawaii, Blue marlin meat is commonly smoked and sold by roadside vendors.

The Atlantic blue marlin is under intense pressure from longline fishing. In the Caribbean region alone, Japanese and Cuban fishermen annually take over a thousand tons. All vessels within 200 miles (320 km) of the U.S. coastline are required to release any billfish caught. However, the survival rate of released fish is low because of damage during capture.^[3]

The Atlantic blue marlin is not listed as a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).^[3]

In 2010, Greenpeace International added the Atlantic blue marlin to its seafood red list. "The Greenpeace International seafood red list is a list of fish that are commonly sold in supermarkets around the world, and which have a very high risk of being sourced from unsustainable fisheries."

Sport Fishing at this level does not present any threat to Marlin population. Their conservation status is because of fishing methods use in other parts of the world that harm other marine species including marine mammals like Dolphins.

29 March 2011 - Hein 25 knots North East

2011-03-29T16:38:00.000+02:00

Slow trawling at 1100 rpm into the current with Maarsbunckers as bait proofed to fast for comfort. Y-Knot left the harbor at 06h00 and followed Windguru's directions to Patingo. Weather should have turned South Easterly by 13h00 but it never happened. The Wreck was gargling sand and forced the bone rattling anglers to High Point. Further South Hein was floating a top bait on the current and tangled up with a Mahi Mahi of about 4kg which he landed comfortably.

Following the birds onto the color line at outer anchorage in front of the Harbor mouth Hein dropped a Pearly White 5 inch gulp into a school of Yellow Fin Tuna. The Penn 360 wrapped in 4kg Berkly Fire Line worked up some high pitches before the fish was landed after the second run to the Bottom. Refusing his spoils of the 5kg Sushi Hein was left with less than half for supper.

Still complaining after a long battle with Northerly wind pumping into their face at 25knots battle weary Hein is burning up Stuyvesant like NOS on a knocked twin turbo sprint car.

by Petrus Viviers

Fishing from "Lihann" with Skipper Hannes Duvenhage

2011-03-28T18:25:00.002+02:00

Many people dream of catching a Marlin or a Sailfish. Team Lihann has set out to do a little more to achieve a bigger dream. trawling at 480m right out of the Richards Bay harbor mouth on a lovely sunny day. Water temperature at around 26C with a moderate NE at 10 knots and turning SW later the afternoon Willie Steyn hooked his first Marlin ever at about 11h00.

Hannes is proud to say that all together16 Marlin has been caught from his 21ft Yield Cat in two years and this includes a Sailfish and a Broad bill caught from Sodwana. Team Lihann is short a Short Bill Spearfish then they would have covered all the Billed species. Hannes can not wait to achieve this goal. Happy hunting Hannes and hope you cover this soon.

Story by Petrus Viviers

PS - No Dolphins was injured during the writing of this article ...

MarlinMoz - (20/3 - 27/3) Week to date ... Great Fishing

2011-03-27T09:21:00.000+02:00

24 March 2011
Cap. Duarte: As with Inhaca, bazaruto is also seeing some great YFT action with most fish in the 30 to 40 pound range. Great sport with light tackle & the boys also released a couple of Black Marlin between 120 and 250 lbs on 30 pound gear...

25 March 2011

Cap. Duarte: Just got a call from one of my deckhands (Alberto) on bazaruto and they released a 800 pound Black this morning on a half day charter. Even though we supposed to be 3 months after the area´s Marlin peak season it has been on fire. This is the 4th Marlin release out of 5 bites in the last 4 fishing days!!!. Will get details & upload photos later...

Hookup just past 9am in 220 meters out of sailfish bay in a lure I gave him as a thank you present when I finished the season.... a pro range 12 white headed legend´s BASILIK.

Fish was released on a #50 stand up loaded with 80 pound line and fighting time was just over 2h20!!!

Alberto´s biggest fish on the wheel to date...his in seventh heaven and I am so proud & happy for him!!!

Story with pictures to follow soonest ...

MARLINMOZ SPORTFISHING
Cap. Duarte M. Rato
Bazaruto Archipelago – Black Marlin Season (Sep – Dec)
Madeira Island – Blue Marlin Season (June – August)
Jan – May (other billfish spots around the World)
Contacts:
cell: + 258 82 805 7160
email: dudas7mares@gmail.com

Hoenycomb Ray Richards Bay

2011-03-26T18:14:00.000+02:00

This was one of my first rays I landed succesfully. Squid cut in strip. No4 hook on 4kg line. Took close to 20 minutes to land this litle fighter.

Although there is many recipies for their wings on the net, this one was returned unharmed.

The first Central Gauteng Pro League will be fished at Cape Recief

2011-03-24T06:44:00.000+02:00

The first Central Gauteng Pro League will be fished at Cape Recief on Saturday 26 March. Tickets are available at Commercial marine for R120 per senior angler and R50 for juniors. Hennie Papenfuss will be running this franchise and will be fishing on Saturday. There will be R10 000 worth of prizes to fish.
For more details ring Dean on 0833012709.
Go to the www.rasspl.com site to register

Hein with another Kingy

2011-03-22T06:04:00.000+02:00

Early bird catches the worm? Nah it is evedent that fisherman dedicated to complete the specie list will get the job done.

Hein with a Greenspot

2011-03-21T16:36:00.000+02:00

Hein spotting the Kingfish on McArthy Goldfish. He is accumalating species on his dropshot listing.

For now the greuling thirteen hours on tar mac completely forgotten.

Hein with Pickhandle

2011-03-21T15:36:00.000+02:00

Hein is already four species strong with his newly found angling style

MarlinMoz is at it again

2011-03-19T09:54:00.000+02:00

Currently launching from maputo and fishing around Inhaca. Will be here until end of May. After that doing the Blue Marlin Season in Madeira (June - July).

After spending the day pulling lures out wide in search of elusive Blue water we moved in to shallower green water to live bait a small YFT outside a pinnacle. With the leader still in hand a 350+ lbs Black charges in and after a small drop back we hookup. Unfortunately the fish spit the bait a couple minutes later. But what a show seeing that pitch Black fish take a bait a mere 4 meters from the boat!!!

We were fishing #30 tackle and mostly using the new batch of legend´s we got a couple day´s ago. The Iduna and especially the Merlin were on fire with all sizes of YFT! Unfortunately, at the end of the day we lost the latter to a wahoo cut off :-(

Even tough we mostly fished lures we ended up catching 16 YFT and 2 wahoo. Had we specifically target YFT it could have been a real slaughter. We found them early morning in 50 meters of water and there were schools all the way to 300 meters of water...all over!!!

Great day aboard `Kambaku´ yesterday, here´s Rufino with a mid size speedster...

The garfish (strongylura leiura), or Yellow fin Needle fish

2011-03-14T19:23:00.000+02:00

The Only specie of Gar Fish that is caught regularly in the harbors and Estuaries. Easily caught on small live bait and small lures. Fish spawn in open ocean the female carries relatively large eggs in small numbers. The Fry are not usually found in Estuaries or Harbors it is probable that the eggs are distributed by ocean currents.

Once Hooked they have aerial displays as they brake water.

SA Record : 6.5 kg

Donavon hooked this fair sized specie on a McCarthy 3 inch Gold Fish Drop Shot of the South Pier Richards Bay. Extremely Hot Day. Rod was a 6ft Ultra Light Mega Force and Reel was a Daiwa Cross Fire 1000 wrapped in 2.27 kg Double X. This day many sizable King Fishes rubbed the line of against the Limpets. This Mollusks have a tendency to breath with their exoskeleton away from the rock and as soon as the line moves in between the Rock and the Hard place they suck tight and the line are trapped between their shell's sharp edge and the rock.

Equinox March 2011 Equinox - What to Expect

2011-03-13T18:50:00.000+02:00

An equinox occurs twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun, the center of the Sun being in the same plane as the Earth's equator. The term equinox can also be used in a broader sense, meaning the date when such a passage happens. The name "equinox" is derived from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night), because around the equinox, the night and day are approximately equally long. It may be more precisely understood to mean that latitudes +L and -L north and south of the Equator experience nights of equal length.

This year Equinox will be on 21 March at 01h30 in the morning. Weather patterns will be very stormy and rain is expected. Weather from Monday 14 March 2011 will be rainy until after 21 March 2011. May not be a good chance but it is the last one for this season. Let us hope that all that weather brings relief to the drought stricken St. Lucia Estuary Mouth.

This would be a great time to be on St. Lucia and watch the storm surge washing onto the beach. Waves up to 3 meters can be expected, but it still could not be enough to open the mouth. Whatever the case it is going to be spectacular. Areas in distress ... Durban Beach Front. North beaches towards Ushaka Marine World. More dune area could be lost from Umhlanga to Casarina Beach. Blue Lagoon will probably get some nice fres Indian ocean wash in.

by Petrus Viviers

Richards Bay hot extremely hot

2011-03-12T12:58:00.000+02:00

With the breeze it feels like a blower from a furnace pumbing life out of people. It is not only sticky but clamping burning hot. Yet people are firshing.

Crayfish - East Coast Rock Lobster

2011-03-11T22:10:00.000+02:00

Panulirus homarus is a species of spiny lobster that lives along the coasts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It lives in shallow water, and feeds on the brown mussel Perna perna. It typically grows to a length of 20–25 cm (7.9–9.8 in). Alongside the dark green nominate subspecies, two red subspecies are recognised, one around the Arabian Peninsula, and one around southern Africa. It is the subject of small-scale fishery.

The body of P. homarus can reach up to 31 centimetres (12 in) in total length, or a carapace length of 12 cm (4.7 in), but the average is around 20–25 cm (8–10 in).^[2] There is variation in the colouration, which parallels other morphological differences; most animals are dark green and have only very small squamae in the grooves of the abdominal tergites. Other animals are red, and have much more prominent sculpturation in the grooves on the abdominal tergites.^[3] The green form is known as the microsculpta form, and the red form as the megasculpta form

Three subspecies of P. homarus are recognised, with the marked difference between the microsculpta form and the megasculpta form of the animal being used to separate them.^[3] Linnaeus' original description of the species was based on microsculpta material, so the nominate subspecies, P. h. homarus, is used for that subspecies. It is found throughout the species range.^[3] The megasculpta form occurs in two distinct geographical areas, each of which is considered a separate subspecies: P. h. megasculpta in southern Arabia and Socotra, and P. h. rubellus off the coasts of Madagascar and Southern Africa.^[3]

This female had roe around her belly and was carefully released into the water again. Caught on a small Sardine Fillet and hand line between the rocks targeting Cave Bass from South Pier Richards Bay Harbor.

Donovan and Flap Nose Ray - South Break Water

2011-03-11T21:44:00.000+02:00

South Break Water Richards Bay Surf Side

This family of a Shark (Cartilaginous Fish) is a summer migrant found in mid water large shoals come close to shore bringing them with in striking distance of shark nets. They feed mostly on bivalve mollusks forage from mud and sand banks. Give birth to live pups. (Viviparous). Spear Fishing for this fish is not permitted in kwaZulu Natal. Angling Record is 12.7 kg.

Donovan caught this specimen on sardine fillet using a #1 heavy bandit 4x4 hook on a Sea-demon Fishing Rod with a Jig Master 500 Penn Reel wrapped Kingfisher 15 kg. Fishing for specimen from the South Pier where only privileged key holders has entrance to. Fighting aggressively till the first turn around it the fish seeded and headed shoreward. This fine specimen was released un-harmed and not tagged.

For your Fishing Report send stories to petrusviv@gmail.com

Fwd: Nationals in Cape Town - ZSAA

2011-03-04T07:26:00.001+02:00

Excitement was rive when the members of the Zuland Shore Angling Association left to fish in the Nationals along the Cape Coast, Trailing behind trough past contests (50T). The first day commenced at 05h30 with the sun still hiding behind the mountains of the dragons. At the end of the day as Rah wavered behind the house of Poseidon the teams landed a total of 3700kg and they where sixth out of the 12 teams represented.

Day 2 started at 05h32 with a 30 minute drive and a 2.5 km walk to the ramp, no thanks to Vali Moosa, and another 3km walk to the fishing spots. The hardships paid of with A few small bronzies! plenty diamonds and raggies, and a great white.This placed the team in second place and knocked them from 6th to 3rd.

Starting of day three on 43rd place overall as they moved up from 50th place on day one and 31st on day 2. Day 3 started at about 06h00 and is in progress as this went to print.

by Petrus Viviers

Tiger Fishing Levhuhu River August 2010

2011-03-01T08:05:00.001+02:00

Die tier is gevang in die Levhuhu rivier in die Kruger park daar is net n paar gekeurde hengelaars wat die vooreg het om daar te hengel.Die revier sky die Kruger park van n gedeelte van die ou park wat nou die Makhuya park genoem word. Die is vernoem na die Venda Koning, Koning Makuya.

Dit grens aan die Hoofstad van die ou Venda land(Tohoyandou) wat beteken “Kop van die olifant”.Verder loop die river binne in die Limpopo in wat meeste van die tyd n ondergrondse revier is wat 90% van die jaar droog is.Presies op die hoek van crooks corner waar die drie lande Zimbabwe.Mozambeque en Suid Afrika bymekaar kom.

Die rede hoekom dit crooks corner genoem is baie jare terug is dit waar handel gedryf is met ivoor slawe is ook dan op die hoek verkoop aan die ryk Bristse colonies.

Nog 'n Vis gevang Deur Hein ...

What? Tigre fish(River dog)

Where? Levhuhu River

When? August 2010

Time? 05:30

Rod? Bionic blade medium heavy

Reel? Abu garcia

Line? 30lp Berkley braid

Weather? Sunny

Bait? 3 inch minnow

Weight? 5.3 kg

Meer vis vang stories oor Hein sal binne kort volg ...

Black Bass - Lake Muteri Zimbabwe

2011-03-01T07:55:00.000+02:00

This photo was send to me by Hein. Hein use to wet his line in the fishing waters of iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. Over the years promotions and job satisfaction drifted him in to he unknown where he settled in the bush with his family. This did not thwarted his endeavor to experience the big one. Hein still catches the fish and he is shifting is focus to photography and drop shot fishing. We hope to entertain him soon to the excitement of Dropshot fishing in Richards Bay.

What? Black Bass

Where? Lake Muteri Zimbabwe

When? Jan 2011

Time? 10:00

Rod? Berkley Cherry wood

Reel? Shimano Crest fire bait caster

Line? 10pound floro carbon

Weather? Very fking hot

Bait? Black Jig

Weight? 2.4Kg

Nice going Hein we hop you keep us posted on the tigers you hooked up in Lake Cariba and the barbel in the Olifants River ... (wonder if their is barbel in the Olifants river?) Thanks for sharing this moment in time with us and hope your lines will be tight for the rest of the year ...

Richards Bay 5 Mile Beach

2011-02-27T17:17:00.000+02:00

First visit to Richards Bay Five mile beach after nostalga got the better of me... What do I see ... The reminance of iMfolozi forced Northwards as the whaite horse keep on chasing it South wards.

In the absance of dragonian leader ship it is void of wildlife, but it is what we call home. St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, is still a lovely place, but access control is restricting the joy's of live from it.

MarlinMoz Sportfishing · Inhaca 25 February 2011

2011-02-25T21:29:00.000+02:00

Out again (Inhaca) day before yesterday but water is still off color. Never saw any billfish which we targeted the whole day. We did get into some good YFT tough. Here´s young Freddy with a nice one..

Dad & son with a double hook up.

We mostly pulled lures but did live bait a few skipjack that were all over the place out deep. One was taken by the taxmen, the other died and another chopped by a wahoo...

Freddy with a small dorado

As we headed home we got in shallow of Baixo danae and finished the day with this Great Barracuda...

The legend´s 12´pro range Rasputin was on fire with the YFT...

Sportfishing charters on the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique & other billfish hotspots around the World

MarlinMoz Sportfishing
Contact Information

Previous Catches by Cap. Duarte
Sunrise over Inhaca – Saturday aboard FOURPLAY
-

Sunrise over Inhaca - Saturday aboard FOURPLAY - Monday 21/02/2011

2011-02-23T20:19:00.002+02:00

Pulled lures the whole day but water was a tad off color and never raised one. We did get 5 YFT between 11 & 16 kilos and a dorado... Toze Ferreira with the biggest of the day!!!

Even young Luis Miguel got into the action on his first ever fishing outing. After a lot of sweat, tears (literally) and shouting from Dad...

...he caught his first ever fish, a nice YFT round 13 kilos!!!

	Sportfishing charters on the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique & other billfish hotspots around the World

MarlinMoz Sportfishing
Contact Information

	MARLINMOZ SPORTFISHING Cap. Duarte M. Rato Bazaruto Archipelago - Black Marlin Season (Sep - Dec) Madeira Island - Blue Marlin Season (June - August) Jan - May (other billfish spots around the World) Contacts: cell: + 258 82 805 7160 email: dudas7mares@gmail.com

THE PRETORIA SPINFISHING SOCIETY - 12 March 2011

2011-02-23T17:03:00.000+02:00

NEXT COMPETITION: 12 March 2011
VENUE: Nooitgedacht dam
START: 07:00
BREAK: 11:30 – 12:00
LINES UP: 16:30
WEIGH: 17:00

SPINFISHING CLUB
ESTABLISHED 1970

http://www.spinfishing.co.za/

FOR ANY INFO ON JOINING THE CLUB PLEASE CONTACT OUR CLUB SECRETARY : tersiuso@samint.co.za

Pretoria - Kunsaas Hengelvereniging / Spinfishing Society

2011-02-23T10:07:00.000+02:00

Angling is part and parcel of many South Africans as a social get together. What ever the occasion fish will be caught and Braai will be made. This fun Club just had a serious of family fun days. Well done guys and a blessed hooked fishing for you guys the rest of the year ...

Individual competition results for competition No.7. Loskop. 19-Feb-11

Pos Name Total Barbel Carp Bass Blue Vlei Red Makriel Dwarf

1 T.Oosthuizen 85.166 1.657 0.179 0.115 0.043 0.163 0.406 4
2 J.Roux 83.698 3.015 0.169 0.057 0.026 0.071 0.266 4
3 N.Stapelberg 75.171 7.280 0.273 0.167 0.021 0.084 4
4 J.Muller 72.909 2.600 0.130 0.334 0.027 0.069 4
5 S.Britz 70.526 3.045 0.431 2.372 0.027 0.748 2
6 W.Prinsloo 62.457 0.145 0.183 0.039 0.084 0.220 2
7 W.Oosthuizen 57.691 0.197 0.023 0.166 0.322 3
8 R.Clark 53.275 0.183 0.971 0.045 0.073 2
9 Jenny 51.084 0.455 1.594 0.038 0.354 1
10 D.Oosthuizen 43.292 0.148 0.535 0.214 2
11 M.Toms 38.448 0.036 0.727 3
12 C.Lewis 35.716 0.234 0.062 3
13 P.Beyeler 34.978 2.083 0.120 0.143
14 I.Toms 25.632 0.158 3
15 F.Fourie 21.203 1.870 0.067
16 G.de Vos 20.829 0.015 0.151
17 J.Pieterse 10.960 1.920
18 T.v.Os 10.588 0.147
19 M.v.Os 10.420 0.105
20 Shaun 10.336 0.084
21 R.Lewis 5.000 1

1 H.J.Prinsloo 47.548 0.163 0.014 0.093 0.410 1
2 R.Prinsloo 36.904 0.168 0.134 0.258 1
3 J.Toms 25.810 0.026 0.105 1
4 Matthew 20.768 0.208 0.088
5 M.Lewis 20.364 0.182 2
6 A.Oosthuizen 20.354 0.177 2
7 Danielle 15.768 0.192 1
8 Carla 15.435 0.029 1
9 R.Oosthuizen 10.620 0.155
10 Talja 5.000 1
11 Z.Oosthuizen 0.000
12 Carmen 0.000
13 Keabetswe 0.000
14 0.000
15 0.000

Johann Roux To contribute towards the conservation of our indigenous fish species we decided that hand scales will be used in future to immediately weigh and release “special” fish. Details will be discussed at the captains meeting before each competition.

Tersius Oosthuizen,Club Secretary wrote:
The New Year has really started off with a bang and our Middelburg competition went a lot better than expected by most. It is great to still see rivers with beautiful Yellowfish as the results will show.

Individual competition results for competition No.5 15-Jan-11 Middelburg

Pos Name Total Barbel Carp Bass Blue Vlei Yellow Dwarf 1 J.Roux 47.320 0.255 0.060 1.970 2 2 T.Oosthuizen 46.365 0.190 0.050 1.745 2 3 J.Muller 44.160 0.610 0.025 0.855 2 4 M.Toms 33.670 0.530 0.035 0.695 5 I.Toms 33.050 0.325 0.025 0.675 6 W.Oosthuizen 32.175 0.420 0.4...

Pretoria
Kunsaas Hengelvereniging / Spinfishing Society
ESTABLISHED 1970 GESTIG 1970
Chairman/ Voorsitter: Clive Lewis
Secretary/ Sekretaris: Tersius Oosthuizen
http://www.spinfishing.co.za/

Paul Roux Relay For Life - 26 February 2011

2011-02-23T08:54:00.000+02:00

Time	26 February · 07:00 - 15:00

Location	Plaas Rexford, Paul Roux distrik

Created by:	Cansa Eastern Free State

More info	Die Paul Roux Relay For Life Span bied op Saterdag, 26 Februarie 'n hengelkompetisie aan op die plaas Rexford, in die Paul Roux Distrik. Daar is nog staanplekke beskikbaar @ R50 en is by Scatterbox in Bethlehem beskikbaar. Kontak Winona Janse van Rensburg by 071-876-8834 vir verdere inligting -

Richards Bay T Jetty

2011-02-21T14:59:00.000+02:00

What a beautifull day to fish. Full moon after noon tide is pushing.

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2011-02-21T11:30:00.001+02:00

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Saturday 19th February 2011- Riet River

2011-02-20T19:32:00.000+02:00

Here is the pic of the Zebra and a Short summary of the comp.

This is not a very big comp so not many people fished.

Saturday 19th February 2011 about 15 determined fisherman set out to Riet River for this months social fishing competition... Majority going right and 1 lonely soul going left(He caught nothing).

Early morning fishing was excellent with some beautiful specimens being caught... Lots of blacktails and zebra in the area... 2 Zebras weighing 2kgs were caught in the same spot... 1 cob of 3kgs... 1 Silver cracker of 3.8kgs and a monster galjoen of about 4.5kgs if not more... The day was enjoyed by all.

Galjoen was not counted because it is out of season.

Biggest Carcker - Don Friar - 3.8kgs

Biggest Blacktail - Mark Pittaway - 0.9kgs

Biggest Cob - Brendan Marais - 3kgs

Biggets Zebra - Warren Bowdler - 2kgs

Biggets JB - Warren Bowdler - 1.2kgs

Catch of the day - Warren Bowdler - Zebra 2kgs

Story By: Warren Bowdler

Harry remember - Fishing by the sea

2011-02-20T14:15:00.002+02:00

I fondly remember my days as a kid when my father bought me my very first “rod-and-reel” combo. Dirt cheap fishing gear you could buy from the selves of any supermarket in a box with some line, sinkers and even hooks with some lures that was made for fresh water fishing. I remember how I opened my birthday present wrapped in brown paper and how my heart started to beat like a drum when I saw the picture of a man catching a huge fish on the box. Those days petrol was cheap and cars were big and you could drive after fish over the weekends. Our favourite spot was the S. Von Bach Dam near Okahandja, Namibia. I fondly remember the leisurely Saturdays next to the fishing water with my daddy and I waiting patiently for the fish to take the bait. I remember my first fish, a carp, and I remember my fierce fight with it while my father shouted instructions.

You'd better throw them away
You wanna turn your back
On your soulless days
Once you were tethered
And now you are free
Once you were tethered
Well now you are free
That was the river
This is the sea!

Live is like a fishing stream. It keeps flowing past and you never know what it will bring. Some days there will be abundance, but other days it will have nothing to offer you. But if you’re a real fisherman you will know that the stream will always offer you peace of mind and the quietness for which you came. This is how I remember my freshwater fishing days. This is how I remember my early youth. I grew up and the troubled mind of the teenager started to change my life bit by bit. My father was a man who understood life as he had lived it the hard way. He was a man of great patience. He was stuck with my behavior, but he knew one thing. If it all got too much, there were the fishing waters that would wash the worries away and cool the mind.

Now if you're feelin' weary
If you've been alone too long
Maybe you've been suffering from
A few too many
Plans that have gone wrong
And you're trying to remember
How fine your life used to be
Running around banging your drum
Like it's 1973
Well that was the river
This is the sea!
Wooo!

Once every year we visited our grandparents who lived in the country near to the harbour of Lamberts Bay on the west coast of South Africa. Every year we stayed on in and around the town and once or twice we did a day visit to Lamberts Bay. But never had we done any fishing. Then one day, my uncle and his girlfriend invited me to the beach with them for the day. He had some fishing tackle with him as clearly he wanted my occupied while they two lovey-doveys made out on the beach. Near to the beach I saw some rock outcrops and I nimbly climbed up to the top and dropped my first line of the day down the rock. Immediately after it dropped into the surface the lined turned alive in my hands and that was the first thrill I got from saltwater angling. Like any well experienced angler can tell you. If you want peace, you go to the stream and if you want trills you go to the sea.

Now you say you've got trouble
You say you've got pain
You say've got nothing left to believe in
Nothing to hold on to
Nothing to trust
Nothing but chains
You're scouring your conscience
Raking through your memories
Scouring your conscience
Raking through your memories
But that was the river
This is the sea yeah!

The next year back In Namibia I got my first sea fishing rod from my father. It was a hand-me-down and it was a rod my father used in his youth. The rod was made from bamboo and was heavy and cumbersome, but it was my very first sea rod and I was bursting with pride. My father also gave me a Penn reel that he found broken on the beach and repaired with a piece of tin. The reel made a horrible screeching noise when I wound in a big fish and the rod usually tired me out after the third fish. Those were the days that the cold Benguela stream was cold and the fish was aplenty. Life was good and the sea was abundant. I was a young man and the world was at my feet.

Now I can see you wavering
As you try to decide
You've got a war in your head
And it's tearing you up inside
You're trying to make sense
Of something that you just can't see
Trying to make sense now
And you know you once held the key
But that was the river
And this is the sea!

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah!

It was a long time since I fished on the beach. Old age has come early for me. The old body are full of fractures and the pain is an ever present throbbing in my veins. The air of the sea is not good for my joints. But still the urge to get down to the beach sometimes caught me on the most unexpected times. And then I will feel the line comes alive in my hands again like that first day I caught my first sea fish from the rocks. And in my heart I will feel the yearning to be there again. I feel the urge to be young again and to feel the thrills of my youth. And for me to make it happen again is to write about it. I want to tell it to you. And to urge you to go out there and do it before your old age will catch up with you and you will only have your memories. I only have my memories, but I have good memories. I have fond moments that I will never forget.

Now I hear there's a train
It's coming on down the line
It's yours if you hurry
You've got still enough time
And you don't need no ticket
And you don't pay no fee
No you don't need no ticket
You don't pay no fee
Because that was the river
And this is the sea!

Behold the sea!

Lyrics: Water Boys: “This is the sea”

story by Harry Louw (copy Right Protected)

Please help us grow this Fishing Stories by sending your memories to: webmaster@forafrica.co.za

Marlin gone Wild - Part Three

2011-02-20T09:12:00.002+02:00

IT'S A STRIKE!!! or what ever they shout when fishing from Wave Dancer. Francios is on with what was later identified as a Striped Marlin. The 50W Shimano Tiagra is wrapped in 50lb double X Nylon and bolted to a Purglas Blue Water BG50. Sadly the rod did not last Danie's Blue Marlin of approx 150kg's that was not landed the same day in the wake of this one.

This photo was taken from Wave Dancer as the marlin was brought in for the loading. Look at the size of the Tail. The tail is what gives this fish it's propulsion during a fight.

The striped marlin, Tetrapturus audax, is a species of marlin found in tropical to temperate Indo-Pacific oceans not far from the surface. It is a large commercial game fish with a record weight (at 1982) of 190 kg, and a maximum length of 420 cm. The striped marlin is a predator that hunts during the day from close to the surface to about 100 metres or so. One of their prey is sardines.

Green Peace Criteria for sustainability Fishing

In simple terms, a sustainable fishery is one whose practices can be maintained indefinitely without reducing the targeted species’ ability to maintain its population at healthy levels, and without adversely impacting on other species within the ecosystem – including humans – by removing their food source, accidentally killing them, or damaging their physical environment.

Tree hugging gone wrong

Barend, owner skipper, handling the Marlin to remove the hook. Sadly this one was badly injured during the catch and was not released. Not wasted at all. A Striped Marlin this sizes cut many fillets and ensure friends and family not embarking on a shopping spree that might not include Dolphin friendly catches.

Barend and his crew are strong supporter of catch and release.Yet some fish just has to come home.

Contact:
Author: Petrus Viviers 083 584 7473
Skipper: Barend Verster 084 628 1162

Marlyn Gone Wild - Danie vs The Big One

2011-02-20T04:20:00.002+02:00

We have covered the Marlyn Gone Wild earlier this month. What we are telling you know it is still happening. Danie Bennett, from BennCat boat builders, embarked on a social fishing trip on board Barend Verster's Wave Dancer to play in the Indian ocean. Danie, over the past 20 years, embarked on many Marlyn fishing trips as the skipper of his own Advantage Charter vessel, but has never treated himself to a fight with one off these magnificent fishes.

Excitement run high when this strike was on and it happened on a stand up rig. When fishing for the smaller of the specie or when out doing some extreme fishing many anglers uses the lighter stand up rig for maximum fun. (or did Barend forgot the fighting chair at home?) On most photo's published Barend only uses the stand up rig. Pwersonally I think in hind sight they would have done things a little differently on this strike. ... if only they knew ...

Danie 1 Hour and a bit into a grueling fight. Boat building is a different kind of hard work and after many years with skill training and other activities, Danie is still holding out quite well.

After almost 2 Hours at it one would think Danie is now blaming Barend for making brave choices on his behalf. (like leaving the fighting chair at home) This one was a little bigger than the average Marlyn frequenting the waters of The Elephant Coast of South Africa. Any way to cut a long story short the fight was one for over 2 hours when the tackle failed and Danie was left with an sore and tired memory of the one that got away. This was not the only strike of the day ...

For Your Marlyn Experience:
Barend Verster: 084 628 1162

Kyle and the Zambezi - February 2011

2011-02-18T08:45:00.000+02:00

When other people plan a romantic evening this man is busy fishing. Any weather any beach any bait ... no excuses. This shark was bread in the Indian and fed steaks .. Blue Bull steaks ... lol.

Caught at Mtumzini, South of Richards Bay, weighing approximately 277kg. What a monster. People wonder if they will ever return back for a swim after this catch. Most people will, since not many shark attacks are recorded along the Zululand coast. Fear for this River dwelling Shark is un-founded when treated with respect.

To entice this monster into feeding Kyle took his Triton 40 rapped in 0.55 Double X nylon and some live bait ... When I say life bait I mean life bait. Kyle swam a 30 kg Sand Shark ... WTF!!! ??? ... if I ever catch a 30 kg Sand Shark I will pack up go home and get pissed. Use it as bait ... the thought never crossed my mind. Bait is shad, three spot, sea lice and when need to some sardine ... Any way cool and calm he says the fight lasted just under an hour. Afterward he had a bit of a swim to cool down. (Eish ...)

This is Extreme Fishing, Zululand, South Africa

The Bull Shark (Zambezi)

Most of a bull shark's diet consists of bony fish and smaller sharks, including other bull sharks.^[17] Bull sharks' diets can also include turtles, birds, dolphins, terrestrial mammals, crustaceans, and echinoderms.^[18] Bull sharks have been known to use the "bump-and-bite" technique to attack their prey. Relatively calm bull sharks can suddenly become violent and begin to bump divers.^[19]

Bull sharks are apex predators, and rarely have to fear being attacked by other animals. Humans are their biggest threat. Larger sharks, such as the tiger shark and great white shark, may attack them.^[3] Saltwater crocodiles have been well-documented as regularly preying on bull sharks in the rivers and estuaries of Northern Australia.^[24] It is possible that other large crocodilians, such as the Nile crocodile and the American crocodile (both of whom share virtually all of their range with the bull shark) exhibit similar predatory behavior.

Marlin Gone wild??? St. Lucia Estuary

2011-02-05T18:32:00.000+02:00

It is as if fishing has gone mad in St. Lucia, so local anglers claim,
many agree this is the first time eva that Marlin Fishing are this good.
With Dorado of up to 18kg caught it is clear that this could be the best
February yet. With the Estuary mouth still closed focus has shifted to
Deep See and Rock and Surf Fishing.

These beauties where caught from Wave Dancer and the skipper was Barend
himself. The advantages of growing up in St. Lucia and a father that
loved fishing is this. A good stable clean boat. You eager owner skipper
and loads of happy customers.

To embark on a epic fishing adventure call Barrend on 0848764303.

Barrend does support Land The Fish, Catch and Release and Tag and
Release. The customers needs and wishes are considered with in reason
and guidance are given on survival chances of a hooked fish and the
edibility of caught specie. This type of Sport Fishing is Dolphin Safe
and has very little impact on fish stocks around the world.

Get out there and soak up the sun and the fun ...

All stations report ....St Lucia Estuary to Richards Bay

2011-01-10T12:56:00.000+02:00

If ever the mouth is going to open it will be over the next two days. This is the view South South West out of Small Craft Harbor Richards Bay. Lets hope it will due its bit nature deserve and clear the sediment from the estuary mouth.

Richards Bay to Durban

2010-11-28T00:03:00.000+02:00

It was a grueling trip but we had to endure the pain. From Westbrook to Blue Lagoon the water was clear and with only a mild North Easterly blowing softly Llewellyn was almost sad that we had to continue and work and not spend the day fishing.

It was a good thing we could not get any confirmed fish along the coast line other wise the tension would have killed both of us.

Any way we are both anxtious for the Shad season to start in St Lucia it will be great to smoke a shad again for breakfast.

What a great fish so close

2010-11-20T14:39:00.000+02:00

Sitting at the water front Restaurants in Richards Bay and being entertained by this majestic creature people where fasinated by this Honeycomb Ray where hunting in the shallows right under the feet of the patrons.

Richards Bay Harbor is a working living Aquarium....

Maak ‘n draai in die Baai

2010-11-16T04:02:00.000+02:00

Dit was die 22ste October toe ons drie hier in Johannesburg die Rooi Monster ingeklim het en pad gevat het Richards Bay toe. Ek. Theuns en Branden is op pad om by my seun, Donovan, te gaan kuier in Meer-en-See. Na ‘n redelike goeie rit is ons toe Vrydag net na Tweeuur daar. Theuns het ons afgelaai en hy is verder na sy seun is Pinetown wie vir hom die bakkie so bietjie sou paneelklop en verf aan sit om die roes van ons probeerslae reg te maak. Die Vrydag agtermiddag het ons uitgepak en begin sweet voordat Donovan vir ons van sy gereedskap uitgehaal het om te gebruik. Sjoe maar dit was omtrent bedompig en warm vergelyke aan Johannesburg.

Saturday morning dawned with overcast and drizzly conditions and Branden and I went to the Commercial Slipway where we started the holiday/fishing trip in earnest. After a fairly quiet morning with not too much happening I had put a ribbon of squid onto a little hook to try a change of bait. With the light tackle and line I was using I managed to get a fair cast and put the rod onto the handwashing bucket while I filleted some more sardine for Branden to try a ling thin fillet. I had just washed and dried my hands when i noticed that the trout rod was trying to escape into the water. As it moved onto the bucket I got hold of the reel and when I lifted the rod the fun started. Needless to say it felt as if I had mistakenly hooked one of the Harbour Tugs. I applied a bit of drag and after watching the line being stripped off of the small reel till the aluminium showed through I was getting a little worried that I might lose all the line on the first run. At last the fish turned and headed for the causeway with me holding the rod upright and calling the guys on the narrow section to hold the line above the concrete and railings. I walked around and had a lot of fun with several runs and retrievals where the fish again stripped the line with great facility. Twice the fish stopped and this led me to believe that I had hooked a skate of some size. While all this was happening Branden had a good bite on his rod and when he had a good fish on. After a fairly short fight he ended up on the beach area with several advisors yelling instructions. I must comment here that although he has been on three fishing trips with us he is still not too used to catching big fish. The advice I should have been giving I couldn’t because I was too far away and busy with my own fish. Because of this the big grunter broke him up when he tried to drag it onto the beach following the advice of the small crowd who had by this time collected to see the fun. I knew it was a good sized grunter from the comment of an old Indian fellow who came around to me afterward. After two hours of “Trek en Stoot” I was tired and was about to snap the line when a small SemiRigid boat with two Samaritans approached the Slipway. I jokingly asked the guy who stayed in the boat to try and lift the fish while his friend got the trailer. This took a further hour with the boat going from just in front of the slipway to where the tugboats berth to the green bouy indicating the turn of the deep channel around Naval Island and backing up to the beach to collect his partner. After the heroic try and going out of his way I would like to extend my sincere thanks to those two guys who got wet and tried so hard and then after the line eventually snapped apologised profusely to me for losing the skate.

We left there at about lunchtime and then proceeded to tour and see where we could get a spot, seeing that it was Saturday and the weather was fairly good. We ended up on the short pier, dolosse, and were lucky to be in time for the afternoon Shad and Kingfish frenzy. What great fun it is to catch those awesome fighters on a light tackle setup using a 9 foot 8 weight trout rod with a small spinning reel and 8 pound line. (Sorry, I haven’t caught up to the Metric system yet and the line was in poor condition following the skate episode) Naturally all the undersized fish were returned and that left us with a bag of nothing to show except huge grins.

Dit het die toon gestel vir meeste van die ander dae wat begin het met hengel an ge-eindig net met hengel. Daar was wel dae wat ons beter gedoen het as ander maar in die algemeen het dit maar swakkerig gegaan met die hengel. Ons het Theuns die Maandag oggend terug verwelkom net om te sien dat die weer nie saamgespeel het en die bakkie se roes nog gepryk het.

Thursday we had set aside to go to Goedertrouw Dam. (Lake Phobane) Bright and early we got up and in rainy overcast weather we drove up to the Dam and got there before Seven. Swiftly we selected lures and got busy trying to land some Bass. After trying several worms and other plastics Donovan got one of about 750 grams and then got a reasonable Bass of about 900 grams. Later I got one of about 1.1 kg and that was it for the day. The weather stayed overcast and we didn’t get too burned. We returned to Meer-en-See and ended up on the Dolosse for the afternoon Shad and Kingfish frenzy.

Die res van die week het nie juis veel vis opgelewer nie, behalwe vir die daaglikse tog na die dollosse vir die Shad en Kingfish middag, maar dit is seker nie te erg as jy DIE gesegde in ag neem. “The worst day’s fishing is better than the best day’s working”

Story by: Uncle D.

(More of the trip to follow.)

Astrix Charters monthly Fishing Report

2010-11-15T05:15:00.004+02:00

With many years fishing experience in St. Lucia, Maans from Astrix, is a veteran (sorry ... maybe Maans is probably not that old) at surf launching, game and bottom fishing from St. Lucia Estuary, iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, and with many successful fishing trips under his collar. His Boat Astrix is Big enough to be comfortable and small enough to be exclusive.

With more than a 100 Bill Fish catches record on Astrix, Maans also has the reputation in Zululand as being one of the top Queen Mackerel (Natal Snoek) and couta fishermen. Maans encourages tag and release of Bill Fish, but the fish the customer catches is his to keep provided it is within the law.

The Wahoo was only 18kg (only? ... what a Fish) caught of the coast of iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.

Dorado (Coryphaena hippurus) or Dolphin Fish and some places called The mahi-mahi weighs 15 kg. (In the photo above) It is a big one since most catches ranges between 5 and 7 kg. A hell of a fighter with tail walks and jumps. Dorado are among the fastest-growing fish. They spawn in warm ocean currents throughout much of the year, and their young are commonly found in seaweed. Mahi-mahi are carnivorous, feeding on flying fish, crabs, squid, mackerel, and other forage fish. They have also been known to eat zooplankton and crustaceans.

In the US people are very health conscious and The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) classifies mahi-mahi as a "moderate mercury" fish or shellfish (its second lowest of four categories), and suggests eating six servings or fewer per month. (if only ...)

This Sail Fish was caught on Saturday morning pulling the scale at 27kg. Year to date St. Lucia has produced quite a few sail fish catches from the Charter Boats.

Contact Maans on

Phone: 035 590 1229 / 082 463 5864
Fax:035 590 1229
Email: asterixcharter@vodamail.co.za

Richards Bay current condition

2010-11-14T12:12:00.000+02:00

With people atempting to fish in this weather one can only wish them tight lines and goodluck. The soft ground soaking soft drizle house bounds most of us although we know that this should be the day we go out and cast a bait.

Alround the wet anglers confirm slow fishing. No bites on Short Pier and no one fishing from the T Jetty it is clear that there are fewer die hard anglers this year than before or maybe they went for some GRUNTER fishing at St Lucia where some nice fish has been caught in the close estuary.

St Lucia and iMfolozi current condition

2010-11-13T21:07:00.000+02:00

With the iMfolozi pushing wall to wall the mud is flowing freely into the Indian ocean at St. Lucia. With no breeching in the near future and Grunters on the bite, St Lucia is still a popular fishing destination with Sailfish and Marlin caught almost daily.

Today another Sailfish has been landed on one of the charter boats and as soon as we have photo's and details we will run the story.

The rest of the weekend will be a drag since the muddy water will push all the way to the slides. South of Cape Vidal towards the Light House will be the best fishing for Rock and Surf anglers.

Happy fishing and tight lines to all the anglers fishing for Grunter in the estuary.

Green Africa Richards Bay

2010-11-07T09:40:00.000+02:00

Full Moon low tide. 09h59 and high tide will follow at 16h12. People are out pumping Sand Prawn and some are casting net for some live bait. All in all today is a lovely day weather wise to be outside.

Tommorow will be another hot day and by Wednesday Zululand could get more rain.

Jozini Tiger fishing

2010-11-07T02:52:00.001+02:00

Tigerfish is the common name for a variety of species from several different families of fish, usually on account of their colouration or otherwise fearsome appearance.

Alestiidae

Several species in the genus Hydrocynus of the family Alestiidae are called "tigerfish" and are particularly prized as gamefish. These African fish are found in many rivers and lakes on the continent and are fierce predators with distinctive protruding teeth.

The two most common species are probably most recognizable in Southern Africa. The first is the Goliath tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath), which is found in the Congo River system, the largest of the family. The second-largest, and the southernmost species, is the tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus), commonly found in the Zambezi River and in the two biggest lakes along the Zambezi, Lake Kariba in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Cabora Bassa in Mozambique and Jozini dam in South Africa.

Jozini Tiger fishing

Jozini Dam is probably the most underrated tiger fishing destinations in Africa! The tiger fish populations have slowly grown since the Jozini dam was build in 1972, and now lake Jozini is tiger fishing paradise, with a very healthy tiger fish population and many big tiger fish, up to 10kg being caught regularly at Jozini Dam all year round.

At Jozini, tiger fishing areas vary from deep drop-offs, shallow flats, reed beds, weed beds and open water. At Jozini, Tiger fish are caught on artificial lures, flies and a variety of baits including liver, sardine fillets and live bait (no casting allowed).

Jozini Tiger fishing - Boat and Skipper Hire

We have fully equipped boats and experienced skippers and fishing guides who will take you to the best tiger fishing spots on lake Jozini and show you the best ways to catch Tiger fish. Shore fishing for tiger fish at Jozini is very limited and to fish properly, you need a boat.

For More Informati on Tiger Fishing in Jozini Dam .....

Contact: Charl Koen

+27 (0)76 4855 366 -------- FAX: +27 (0)86 545 2279

+27 (0)82 257 5612 -------- FAX: +27 (0)86 545 2264

OFFICE: +27 (0)35 590 1127

E-MAIL:

General Enquiries and Bookings: info@extremenaturetours.co.za

Charl Koen - Owner and guide: charl@extremenaturetours.co.za

Peter Koen - Owner and guide: peter@extremenaturetours.co.za

Weekend weather Richards Bay

2010-11-06T19:19:00.000+02:00

We want every weelend to be sunny and hot, but nature has other plans for us. This was an inside weekend up until Saturday. People where out fishing and cuaght very little.

The Short Pier are under constant survailance and good or bad fishermen and sun bathers all around the bay area will soon be under constant survailance. This might be an inconvinience to some but the security and peace of mind that comes with it will make the water area around Richards Bay a much more enjoyable place for families to spend time.

Sunday should be a sunny day for families and friends to go out and enjoy the new safety and security messures in place for our protection.

Weather Report - Mtumzini - Richards Bay - St. Lucia Estuary - Cape Vidal

2010-11-04T20:48:00.001+02:00

Clearly Zulu-landers is not use to the heat any more or the type of heat is different, because 30 C should not have us pinned down in front of air conditioners, but out fishing and frolicking in the sun. This weekend is thankfully going to be cooler and video shops will have greater attraction than the local fishing spots. Two more hot days until the next rain. Expect Friday to extremely hot and Monday after the weekend before the rain commence on Wednesday next week.

Friday 11/5/2010

Watch for strong thunderstorms; cooler but humid with considerable cloudiness

High Temperature: 26°C

RealFeel: 32°C

Fishing Friday night should be great and favorite spots will be T Jetty and Short Pier in Richards Bay and the banks in front of the Ski Boat Club, St. Lucia Estuary. The opposite banks will yield better results, but fear from Crocodiles should keep one weary to fish that area at night. With recent down pours and a continues flow of the iMfolozi River combined with strong South Easter makes Surf Fishing at St. Lucia an predictable. The ocean water might be to muddy to fish for Grunter.

Friday Night 11/5/2010

Clearing and humid

Low Temperature: 22°C

RealFeel: 21°C

Saturday 11/6/2010

Some sun, then turning cloudy, windy and humid with a couple of showers

High Temperature: 26°C

RealFeel: 25°C

Richards Bay Short Pier and the Mzingazi channel all the way to Green Africa, but the past 2 weeks this area was quite and only the short pier produced some Stone Bream and Black Tails. Shad Serif's are out in full force so keep the urge at bay until 01 December 2010.

With Saturday being Spring Full Moon and high seas and strong winds over Spring High the ocean will be unpleasant by late afternoon and surf fishing at St. Lucia beach will be accompanied by strong side washes running from south to north. This will also be the time when the most sediment movement will take place and Sunday morning will be presented with nice fishing holes from View Point to Ingwe and Jabula beach. Marker 4 and the Slides will show severe sediment movement and any turtle nest from the Slides to First Rocks would be either exposed by severe ocean conditions or at the least washed over by large waves.

High

03.22

High
15.35

Low
09.21

Low
21.48

Ocean water flooding Turtle Nesting site is one of the greatest threats to Turtle Population since hatching eggs will most likely rot because of this. Turtle eggs are buried about 30 - 40 cm under the beach sand normally above the high water mark was never threatened by any 4 x 4 vehicles. Since a 4 x 4 vehicle cannot compress the sand enough to damage the eggs. 4 x4 Vehicles should also only be driven between the low and high water mark and not above the high water mark.

Some useless information since 4 x 4 driving on the beaches was stopped in the early days of 2001 for no good reason what so ever since beach driving is permitted on Sodwana beaches which is a more sensitive environmental area than the St. Lucia beaches and Estuary mouth area.

Saturday Night 11/6/2010

Partly cloudy, a refreshing breeze and colder

Low Temperature: 14°C

RealFeel: 12°C

Another night tie fishing excursion to St. Lucia that should yield some nice Grunters. By Sunday there should be a decrease in the dune area between the ocean and the mouth area. Not enough to make a breach but who knows. Nature is very unpredictable.

Sunday 11/7/2010

Pleasant with intervals of clouds and sunshine

High Temperature: 22°C

RealFeel: 23°C

Sunday would be a day to spend at Cape Vidal. Remember to pack loads of Suntan lotion and much to drink. The water at Vidal might be a bid murky due to the iMfolozi River, but most likely it would be a great day to visit the park.

Sunday Night 11/7/2010

Clear and breezy

Low Temperature: 16°C

RealFeel: 13°C

Monday 11/8/2010

Mostly sunny, windy and warmer

High Temperature: 31°C

RealFeel: 30°C

Monday Night 11/8/2010

Partly cloudy and warm

Low Temperature: 23°C

RealFeel: 24°C

Over all the fishing until Monday night should be productive in Richards Bay as well as St. Lucia in the Estuary side. With the rain that might be coming one will put prayers out there that the sediment built up between the ocean and the St. Lucia estuary mouth would have been carved away by the tidal erosion and the liquification of this sand.

Tuesday 11/9/2010

Breezy and not as warm with rain

High Temperature: 24°C

RealFeel: 24°C

Tuesday Night 11/9/2010

Humid with rain

Low Temperature: 19°C

RealFeel: 18°C

Wednesday 11/10/2010

Rain

High Temperature: 21°C

RealFeel: 21°C

Wednesday Night 11/10/2010

Breezy with rain

Low Temperature: 17°C

RealFeel: 14°C

to follow on Monday the weekly and weekend forecast until 20 September 2010. Please take only pictures and leave only foot prints ....

Kayakfishing and Great Whites

2010-11-02T06:27:00.001+02:00

Hi Guys
Well early in Oct. after baiting up a big sloppy mackrel fillet and letting it drift a few meters behind me while im putting a shad on the other rod, the great white stuck his head out of the water behind me and looked at me whilst on my kayak at Cape Vidal, my Hart bending tappets and valves, I swore and then prayed and didnt even think twice about the fact that you cant swear and then pray, you should rather decide either one and stick to it, but im still thanking God that i manage to paddle away softly after biting off my lines immediatly and leaving him with my baits and he didnt follow me, {don't paddle away hardcore, it exites them}, i went out this past w/end and my mate wally hooked a small shark that tangled with my line and whilst he was trying to untangle the shark with the rod a great white came in to take the small shark when he got wacked by wallys shark pod and diverted away maybe 2m below us, what a big fish!!! it was absolutly macnivicent to see him in action right under us, and didnt come back to bother us, that showed me he's not intrested in us but rather in the shark that was splashing around next to wally, they are definatly inquisitive and any splashing/panic action is a dailing tone for them.
Back to the fishing report, some snoek are still coming out with dorries and a few couta showing face, some wahoo too so get rigged up and come paddling boyz.
Cheers
Lawrence
www.deepseakayakfishing.com

St Lucia Estuary Mouth

2010-10-30T11:37:00.000+02:00

While people are catching Grunter in the mouth area many is concened about the opening and closing of the mouth. Residents will confirm that the beach area experience cycles related to weather and wind paterns.

It is because of this changes that recreational beach drivimg is still contested. Nature is prescribe by no one and millions of tons of sand is moved by the ocean over two tides in one day. No amount of beach drivig can influance the liquidfication of sea sand.

After a dry spell Zululaand have experienced the past four months has lead to the formation of a sand bank betweeb the mouth and the ocean. this raises the question, since this is poisend top soil brought down by the rivers, why not charge people to drive on this redundant ever changing beach area?

Ownership of the income is of the greatest concern I would guess.

We will experience a digging fase over the next couple of months and the ocean will move this sand to a diffrent location. Where to is a mystery since sediment movement is not tracked or calculated along this streach of coast.

Thus said Cyclone season in Mozambique has a great impact on coastal sediment movement all along the Mozambique Coastal plane wich has its Southern Most tip at iSimangaliso Wetlands Park and streaches all along the East Coast of Africa.

So only time will tell what the time frame of sefiment movement is going to be from now until the next breach into the ocean by the Estuary.

Beach Driving ... Yes or No

Richards Bay T Jetty

2010-10-30T06:44:00.000+02:00

Who is nor fishing today. Only people that have to work or mow the lawn. Since some of us has to do both we will have to wait and see what is up for Sunday.

Imfolozi current condition

2010-10-29T08:29:00.000+02:00

With excelent rain the last month the medium term water problems in St Lucia has been resolved and this part of Zululand is soaking wet. Regular summer rain will icrease the overall water table and St Lucia Park will once again be a wetlands.

Fishing in the mouth area has improved although the water will be murky the next couple of days estuary fishing is at an all time high even with the mouth closed. Nice Grunter is gathering in the closed estuary mouth as nature readies it self for a possiable breach in November.

With current conditions this might only a wash over from the ocean into the system, but during these conditions an increase in catches are experienced.

Get ready for a excelnt Shad run early December.

Fishing with Donovan at Goedretrouw Dam

2010-10-28T10:35:00.001+02:00

Donovan fishing Goedretrouw Dam

2010-10-28T09:17:00.001+02:00

Blue Lagoon Durban

2010-10-27T07:50:00.000+02:00

This is also a very popular fishing spot, but with the easterly wind pushing hard into your face it will not be a pleasant experience. The soutern side of the pier will be an option, but not many people out to fish this morning.

Casuarina Beach north and south

2010-10-27T07:15:00.000+02:00

Reports of small Black Tails and Parrot Fish. Although this beach area produces many Shad the season for Shad only opens again on the first of December.

High seas at Westbrook beach

2010-10-27T07:03:00.000+02:00

Not a pleasant day to surf launch, but a beautiful day to fish even if it needs to be Rock and Surf. Reports of bait fish of Umhlanga area.

Grunters on the loose ... St Lucia Estuart

2010-10-26T16:37:00.000+02:00

Ever wonder why locals sneak away from work mid week. It could be cranky bosses, but when you listen carefully at their soft snickering it quickly becomes evident that they are up to something.

Yes the fun factor is in the good condition Springers pesturong the anglers but the excitement is with the 450 and upwards Grunter coming out in the mouth area. Yes you have heard correct.

With all the fresh water flowing into the system the water level has risen to the extend where residents are optimystic that a breach into the ocean is possiable. Under these conditions many fish species acumelate at the ski boat club area fueling this rumor even futher.

Well what ever the senario may be it is worth personal investigation.

Richards Bay ... Grunters on the loose

2010-10-25T09:41:00.000+02:00

Some reports of 2.5kg Grunters are comming in. They are few and far inbetween but the fact is there is Grunter in Richards Bay.

Sadly the favorite spots are not utilised as the wind is to say the least horriable. Go get your bait from Fish Zone and head down to the water or start pumping Cracker's.

St Lucia beach iSimangaliso Wetlands Park South Africa

2010-10-21T18:29:00.000+02:00

As we have reported about the Imfolozi River and all the rain and about the fishing conditions, this photo is the proof. Johan from Harlekyn told me this afternoon that Sailfish on the Deep Sea is not uncommon at this stage and on Harlekyn they had three hook ups and another of a Marlin on abottom rod.

Surely with all this activity it is clear where your next break away weekend should be. See Harlekyn on www.harlekyn.co.za.

North Westerly wind doing its part

2010-10-21T08:14:00.000+02:00

As the weekend approaches the question pondering on every Zululanders mind is fishing conditions after the raain.

Patches of murky water has reach the Richards Bay Harbor mouth. May this is not exciting for beach fishing South of St Lucia Estuary, but for Grunter hunters it will be the news they have been waiting for.

St Lucia and Cape Vidal beach fishing will be the venues to explore. These youngsters are sure to use the advantages of a windy day.

Water Water every where!!!

2010-10-19T17:32:00.000+02:00

And plenty to drink ... More rain enroute to Zululand. This might change the fishing report for the weekend but not the thankfullness of many Zululanders.

Dark clouds are forming to the South of Richards Bay and moving in rapidly. The hot humid air is evedent of a storm moving in. Past experience suggest that a rappid cooling in the ambient tempreture could lead to furrious hale storms.

The ever presence of a rainbow is proof of nature working in full force.

Dropshot Charles went Yellowfish fishing ...

2010-10-19T13:58:00.000+02:00

Charles Du Preez is well known on this fishing pages for his success in Richards Bay with soft baits and bait fishing. We where all sad to see Charles and Sonja leave Richards Bay and I did not think to see any more fishing photo's from this angler. Just to be regularly reminded that where there is water there is fish and Charles will find some one to go fishing with, even if he needs to put the soft bait aside and use small crabs.

This morning six photos of Yellow fish where greeting me from over the airwaves as Charles and his brother Frans went fishing at Silver Streams about 20 km outside of Vanderbijlpark. According to Charles this part of the Vaal produces nice fish. (well he did supply some proof...)

Frans with a Yellowfish ...(looks like a mullet to me ... and mullets are edible.)

Frans with another beauty ... (could be 2.0kg? maybe even 2.5kg)

Since all the fish was returned we will have some fun with Charles. Yes he got some nice once two ... no .. actually three. Since these fish is some of the better tasting specie caught in Transvaal and the bag limit is two per angler of 45cm one would asked the question if this river leads to the Freestate why not drive the extra couple of kilometers and get six per angler. At least the legal size in the Freestate is a mere 30cm.

With fish this size one can see why people do not need the ocean to enjoy themselves. Given the right tackle one can just assume the Fun Factor on this outing was great.

Why one would release this size fish is debatable. As far as I could establish this is not a bad tasting specimen and one of the better tasting fresh water fishes to eat.

What ever their reason Charles assured me the fish was released ... maybe they did not feel like doing the dishes, or maybe the curry powder from Richards Bay was finished. Some how I think some fried onion with brown sugar and curry mix would be the ideal way to simmer at least two of them to perfection with some fried Putupap. Even grilled in the oven stuffed with garlic butter and onion rings topped with a coating of cheddar on a bed off spicy rice would be a better place for them than that cold lonely river ...

Windy and low tide Richards Bay

2010-10-19T13:10:00.000+02:00

Today is not pleasant, but then fish is fond feeding in this changing conditions. Slight drop or climb in barometric presure increases their feeding activities. Just watch your aquerium species.

With good conditions in the early mornings of Friday and Saturday this weekend will be one with great oppertunities.

St. Lucia Estuary:
This week the North Easter will blow constantly untill Thursday night clearing the water to a ginger beer color. With October being the Grunter month, this will be the weekend to attempt fillimg your quota. Fishing from midnight till dawn on Friday and Saterday from viewpoimt North. Low tide on the sand banks with thin sardine strip fillets or mole crabs. Remember to check for expiry dates on your fishing lisinces.

Richards Bay
T Jetty and commercial launch during early evening and remember to get glo stick for fun factor ... Above the seel bridge with cracker Prawn and Squid strips. Early mornings from short pierre and Palm beach.

Allround the afternoons will be windy with strong side wash. Stock up with grapnell sinkers. Tight lines and keep our Heritage intact for our children.

An end to a lovely day

2010-10-17T17:31:00.000+02:00

Today was an excelent opening for summer after the couple of days of welcoming rain. A real family fishing day.

With great catches before the rain T Jetty has became a preffered fishing venue. Short Pier has also hielded some nice catches and all eyes are now turning towards the favorite Grunter spots

With all the rain St. Lucia will only be considered from Wednessday onwards with all focus on marker number 4 and Northwards from Friday when the merky water should have cleared. Grunter will also be targeted South of Ingwe Beach and bait would be thin fillets from the back of the Sardine or Prawn or Squid Strips. The guys at Dolphin Supermarket will be well informed and should also be well stocked with fresh bait.

Grapnell sinkers will be needed for the possiable side wash and people fiishing trough the night should be vigiland for petty crime and oppertunistic car breakers. Best to stop at a well lit parking area or let some one drop you off and pick up again.

Everything is ready for a fun summer in the sun and December bookings are looking good.

Richards Bay local angler Danton vs The Big One #3

2010-10-17T13:48:00.000+02:00

As the fight stretched on things was unraveling and technology lost ground as beast flexed its mussel. All was thrown into the battle as beast stood its ground. The monster entered the last round and went for broke ...

We will never know if this is a sign of defeat or relief but in the last effort to turn the huge sting ray the Bimini knot came undone or un raveled and as suddenly as it began the fight was over.

Authors Note

Since the author struggled with equipment past it's sell by date we did not get a photo the one time the Big brown back of the ray surfaced and showed its splashing power as it struggled back into the safety of the deep. We had one glance of the monster and guessing the sizes is all we are left to do ... my closest estimation of the size is that the point of nose to wing tip was between 660 and 750 mm. This could have been a fish of between 35 and 40kg or even bigger. It is always dangerous to guess a fish size but using ORI to calculate the size of a Ray or a Shark it is possible to know that this one was on the better side of 30kg.

Well done Danton and hope the next one producess better pictures ...

to add your story and photos send entries to webmaster@forafrica.co.za

Richards Bay local angler Danton vs The Big One #2

2010-10-12T20:49:00.000+02:00

The tale continues ...

As I said in the previous entry ...

Danton stood his ground working well together with the gaff man and struggling the monster fish close inshore. Although it was close the fish turned around and striped the 40lb nylon from the new reel ... smoothly and constantly.

Between the fish and confident angler the struggle was still on and Danton was persistent not to give in. He stretched the limits of his equipment past it's capabilities. Every time when it was evident that something has got to give Danton got things under control and the struggle was on.

Then skill and hard work got the upper hand of the struggle and man was triumphant over beast.

(to be cont ...)

Richards Bay local angler Danton vs The Big One

2010-10-12T20:28:00.000+02:00

Richards Bay T Jetty can be very quite and some day's it produces almost no fish ... but every once in a while things get hectic and for a moment the world comes to a stand still. Saturday, 09 October 2010, was one of these days.

After a brief fight on the jetty the young angler took the strugle to safer grounds where the intention was to land the hooked monster safely and secure some well deserved photographs. After a half an hour the strugle got real tiresome and things become very tense and interesting.

At this stage it was not clear who was going to give up first. Danton was tired and hampered by a back ingery this was one fight he will remember the rest of his life. The day that is burnt into every anglers memmory that will last him a life time.

(to be continued...)

Today in Richards Bay

2010-10-12T09:12:00.000+02:00

Looks like some rain are comming to Zululand. Fishing this week should be picking up.

What a great sunset

2010-10-11T19:17:00.000+02:00

Richards bay T Jetty ... What a lovely day.

Dropshot Charles was here

2010-10-07T13:24:00.000+02:00

With very few fish caught on bait over the weekend Charles stepped in and once again prooved the entertainment value of dropshot.

Gone Fishing?

2010-10-04T15:23:00.000+02:00

What happend to all the fish? Could it be true that the closure of St Lucia Estuary mouth impacted on the spawning and growth of local fish population?

Slow day at sea

2010-10-03T17:23:00.000+02:00

Richards Bay Comercial caught some but nothing to spectacular. The soft rain is almost unpleasant, but conditions for fishing is great.

Shad Season or not

2010-10-03T11:47:00.000+02:00

It is still a beatifull day to be on the beach spending time with family and loved ones.

Windy Richards Bay

2010-10-02T11:55:00.000+02:00

The dingies are out to play. Looks like loads of fun.

Richards Bay Shad Fishing

2010-10-01T20:27:00.000+02:00

Great closure on an other wise slow season.

Westbrook beach launch site

2010-09-27T09:11:00.000+02:00

The Sharks Board back from a early morning launch. Conditions very windy and overcast. Dolphins froleckin in the waves.

August kayak fishing report

2010-08-28T00:05:00.000+02:00

Howzit guys

Well kayak fishing in August has been a cold bumpy ride out at sea with the wind changing direction often and causing the washing machine effect, but on my pinnacle ski i was ready for the challenge, lucky the water temp. has risen from the dire 16 deg. to at least 18.. which made a big diffrence to feeding, i got a nice 12kg queenie, a cuta and a tuna, lots of diffirent species bait fish around,so get your bums in a kayak on www.deepseakayakfishing.com and come catch your snoek! for beginners, our surf trials course is on a special of only R250pp!, i noticed the yellow bill kites have arived from their migration so spring is on the doorstep!
Cheers
Lawrence
Petrus ek het 2 extra fotos aangeheg vir n verandering.
Groete
Lawrence

Sunset Richards Bay

2010-07-30T16:57:00.000+02:00

Richards Bay above steel bridge.

Green Africa Richards Bay

2010-07-28T14:49:00.000+02:00

The moon fase is right. The tide is also at sunset and the pressure is also excellent. Yet fisherman is in short supply.

Fishing Report South Africa

Richards Bay Steel Bridge

Nozzie - Sun, 18 Dec 2011

11th of December 2011 from Mission Rocks - Donovan

11th of December 2011 from Mission Rocks

Bazaruto Fishing - Dec 2011 to Jan 2012

Ryan Johnson - The Truth Will Prevail

T Jetty of limits Richards Bay

Zululand Coast - Richards Bay to St Lucia Weekend Weather

Saturday Secret Spot 20/08/2011- Chukky Melkman Vd Merwe

Struisbaai Angling Skins

Dead tree channel Richards Bay

A lovely day at Richards Bay

Naval island will be closed between 3 and 7 August 2011

Richards Bay exchanging solar energy for fun

Sardine Festival 2011

Fwd: BAZARUTO FISHING SEASON SPECIAL PACKAGES 2011

Drop Shot Charles - Mpenjati rivermouth near Margate

Western Province RASSPL Starting in 14 May

Monster fish on .40 line - Duckbill Ray

Team Y Knot - Hein with 109kg Marlin

29 March 2011 - Hein 25 knots North East

Fishing from "Lihann" with Skipper Hannes Duvenhage

MarlinMoz - (20/3 - 27/3) Week to date ... Great Fishing

Hoenycomb Ray Richards Bay

The first Central Gauteng Pro League will be fished at Cape Recief

Hein with another Kingy

Hein with a Greenspot

Hein with Pickhandle

MarlinMoz is at it again

Currently launching from maputo and fishing around Inhaca. Will be here until end of May. After that doing the Blue Marlin Season in Madeira (June - July).

We were fishing #30 tackle and mostly using the new batch of legend´s we got a couple day´s ago. The Iduna and especially the Merlin were on fire with all sizes of YFT! Unfortunately, at the end of the day we lost the latter to a wahoo cut off :-(

Even tough we mostly fished lures we ended up catching 16 YFT and 2 wahoo. Had we specifically target YFT it could have been a real slaughter. We found them early morning in 50 meters of water and there were schools all the way to 300 meters of water...all over!!!

Great day aboard `Kambaku´ yesterday, here´s Rufino with a mid size speedster...

The garfish (strongylura leiura), or Yellow fin Needle fish

Equinox March 2011 Equinox - What to Expect

Richards Bay hot extremely hot

Crayfish - East Coast Rock Lobster

Donovan and Flap Nose Ray - South Break Water

Fwd: Nationals in Cape Town - ZSAA

Tiger Fishing Levhuhu River August 2010

Black Bass - Lake Muteri Zimbabwe

Richards Bay 5 Mile Beach

MarlinMoz Sportfishing · Inhaca 25 February 2011

MarlinMoz SportfishingContact Information

Sunrise over Inhaca - Saturday aboard FOURPLAY - Monday 21/02/2011

MarlinMoz SportfishingContact Information

THE PRETORIA SPINFISHING SOCIETY - 12 March 2011

Pretoria - Kunsaas Hengelvereniging / Spinfishing Society

Individual competition results for competition No.7. Loskop. 19-Feb-11

Johann Roux To contribute towards the conservation of our indigenous fish species we decided that hand scales will be used in future to immediately weigh and release “special” fish. Details will be discussed at the captains meeting before each competition.

Tersius Oosthuizen,Club Secretary wrote:The New Year has really started off with a bang and our Middelburg competition went a lot better than expected by most. It is great to still see rivers with beautiful Yellowfish as the results will show.

Individual competition results for competition No.5 15-Jan-11 Middelburg

Paul Roux Relay For Life - 26 February 2011

Richards Bay T Jetty

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Saturday 19th February 2011- Riet River

Harry remember - Fishing by the sea

Marlin gone Wild - Part Three

Marlyn Gone Wild - Danie vs The Big One

Kyle and the Zambezi - February 2011

Marlin Gone wild??? St. Lucia Estuary

All stations report ....St Lucia Estuary to Richards Bay

Richards Bay to Durban

What a great fish so close

Maak ‘n draai in die Baai

Astrix Charters monthly Fishing Report

Richards Bay current condition

St Lucia and iMfolozi current condition

Green Africa Richards Bay

Jozini Tiger fishing

Jozini Tiger fishing

Weekend weather Richards Bay

Weather Report - Mtumzini - Richards Bay - St. Lucia Estuary - Cape Vidal

Kayakfishing and Great Whites

St Lucia Estuary Mouth

Richards Bay T Jetty

Imfolozi current condition

Fishing with Donovan at Goedretrouw Dam

Donovan fishing Goedretrouw Dam

MarlinMoz Sportfishing
Contact Information

MarlinMoz Sportfishing
Contact Information

Tersius Oosthuizen,Club Secretary wrote:
The New Year has really started off with a bang and our Middelburg competition went a lot better than expected by most. It is great to still see rivers with beautiful Yellowfish as the results will show.