Bass action at Albert Falls

Bass - Reports from kickboat anglers at both Hazelmere and Shongweni have been nothing but pleasant and positive. Some excellent catches have been made at both Shongweni and Hazelmere during the week, proving that if time is put into the sport, the angler will reap the benefits. Water levels are as follows: Albert Falls Dam 75.8%, Inanda Dam 95.91%, Midmar Dam 76.1%, Nagle Dam 72.49% and Hazelmere Dam 48.16%. With the rains experienced over the weekend, we will definitely be seeing another step up and will hopefully be seeing Inanda reach capacity. Albert Falls has been fishing well and has not suffered from fishing pressure as much as it’s neighboring dam, Midmar. Shongweni Dam has seen a few fish up to around 2.4kg and fish of 1.2-1.4kg have not been uncommon. Artificial frogs have got fish in both Shongweni and Hazelmere throughout the week and smaller jerk baits have done well.

Carp - Shongweni Dam has raised some concern recently with anglers arriving early in the mornings only to see a surface covered in algae. This soon dissipates as the sun comes up and after the wind starts to blow, the algae only accumulates on the surface once the water settles, which is generally at night. Anglers have fished in waders to avoid coming in contact with the algae, which is a relatively inexpensive option at around R550. This will not only come handy in dirty or polluted waters, but also in winter. Landing a fish involves getting wet and waders are the best way to avoid this. Shongweni has seen little carp action of late, but has picked up recently and will hopefully continue doing so for the coming weeks. Midmar fished well over the weekend despite its lack of action on the bass front. Baits that were reported working well include Tiger nuts in FX and Bun spice. Larger Tiger nuts have got larger fish in most situations. Albert Falls has been slow in terms of carp angling and only a few smaller fish were reported from the Bon Accord end of the dam.

Fly Demonstration - Come and join us for a fly tying demonstration during the morning of 7 March. This will take place in the flyfishing section of The Kingfisher, 53 Hunter Street, Durban from 8h30 to 12h30 and will cover fresh and saltwater flies. Watch flies being tied in sizes from 5mm to 100mm by members of the Durban Fly Tyers Club and hopefully they can attract you to join them.

The Matatiele Mountain Lake Fly Fishing Competition is on again this year. Fishing will be on 21 and 22 March. Firstst prize is R3 000. Entry fee is R 425 and includes Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast as well as tea or coffee and rusks. There is a very limited cash bar and camping and ablutions are available. For registration or enquires contact Lionel Whittle on 039 737 3170, Shane Sweetnam 083 299 4996 or Dale Tribe on 081 401 0027.

Reminder - Imperial Nissan Zululand Couta Classic at Mtunzini on 25 and 26 April 2015.

For more details on this KZN north coast deep sea fishing competition you can contact Hylton on 078 854 9358 or Rod on 083 587 3990.

May will see Pumula on the KZN south coast hosting the annual Quattro King of the Sea fishing contest.

(File Photo: Gallo Images)

Twitter - @SportswaveAndre @kingfisherdaiwa