Big shad biting in Durban

High volumes of boat and surf anglers were seen at their favorite spots with many a fish to brag about.

The rock and surf anglers have come out tops with some excellent catches.

Kosi/Mapelane - With the water being very clean and calm up in these areas, sharks were relatively scarce in comparison to the previous week. However, this did not deter  fishermen from spinning and scratching. Many edibles such as stumpnose, snapper and grunter fell victim to almost any bait presented to them. Sea lice and small chokka baits were especially successful. Shad are still on the bite which is not only good news to the pan fisherman, but also to the big game and shark anglers who favor this as bait over many other fish baits. Although shark and flat fish angling slowed down, the fish that did come out were excellent catches, with some raggies weighing over 150kgs.

Richards Bay - This area has kept the fishing stories coming strong. Not only are the rock and surf spots producing a lot of fish, but the harbour itself is proving to be a hot spot of note. Countless grunter and many other species such as rock salmon, perch and flat fish are being caught in the bay. Richards Bay is a great spot to take the youngsters for fishing lessons or just to have a successful day on the water, whether from a boat or shore. This spot really comes alive at times and many different species such as kingfish, springer, garrick, ox eye tarpon, kob, grunter, perch, rock salmon and snapper salmon can be hooked. 

Salt Rock/Ballito/ Westbrook - Salt Rock to Westbrook over the last week has been awesome for spinning enthusiasts. Snoek by the dozen and kingfish in abundance, shad on the run and the odd kob here and there. It would have been difficult not return with at least one fish to show off. Snoek generally prefer the green water, as opposed to the clean water, and conditions this past week proved to be perfect for snoek. These fish are generally not as big as the fish landed on the boats, but still provide excellent fun on spinning tackle. Spinning rods with a size 4000 reel loaded with no more than 30lb braid is needed to cast the smallest spoon possible. These small, bullet-shaped spoons are retrieved at lightning speed through the breakers. Although snoek (queen mackerel) have the same razor sharp teeth as its bigger cousin, the couta (king mackerel), no steel trace is required. Rather than steel trace, Fluorocarbon leader material is used in 1-1.5m lengths, tied directly to a no.8 or 10 Power swivel which is attached to the split ring already supplied with most spoons. Spoons recommended are the Kingfisher Pro Jet spoon, Sprat spoons and Iron Candy Couta casting spoons.

Beachwood/Glen Ashley/Virginia - A lot of sharks in the area, with a lovely Zambezi Shark of 150kgs landed by Mike Volcheck. It gobbled a spinner shark swim bait.

Durban Beaches/Blue Lagoon - Durban beaches have produced many smaller fish, keeping the local anglers happy. The odd big shad is coming out at Blue Lagoon and the piers. A lot of reports have come in of the fishermen on the piers and beachfront being smashed by fish that they have not been able to identify. These fish are most probably big flat fish such as honeycombs rays and big ribbon tail rays that pick up small baits intended for small flat fish or even stumpies. Light tackle intended for grunter on our beachfront has been stretched to its maximum by these big rays, with very few landed. These fish can be targeted off the piers on heavy tackle and a lot of fun can be had. Recommended tackle is a 14ft Poseidon Medium with a Daiwa SL50 loaded with a minimum of 0.40mm Giant abrasion. For the bigger fish, a Poseidon HMG Heavy, Saltist 50 or Saltiga 50 loaded with 600m of Gatorbraid 48lb and topped off with Giant abrasion 0.50mm is recommended.

(File Photo:Gallo Images)

- Kingfisher

Twitter - @SportswaveAndre