Big yellowfin tuna off Umhlanga
These fish can provide hours of fun on ultra-light tackle. Remember, these smaller fish tend to swallow the hooks, resulting in the inability to remove them as we normally would from the lips. When this happens, be sure to cut the line as close to the fish as possible. Do not try rip the hook out as this will kill the fish. If the line is cut, the hook will eventually rust out or the fish will excrete the hook in its own time.
Another way around the smaller fish is using a bigger hook such as the Mustad Red Tarpon size 1/0 or 2/0 or even Big Gun which can accommodate a bigger, more versatile bait such as red eye head, fillet or cutlet. This will not only catch a wider variety of winter fish, but also be more difficult for the smaller fish to swallow.
North Coast - Despite reports of unsettled seas, a fair amount of boats managed to launch and return with fish too. Most fish being caught include couta of the larger variety, caught in a depth of 30m or less. These have been landed on live bait with sparse dusters or even just green beads due to the clean water having moved in. In this clean water extra precaution is to be taken when tying leaders. An extra long fluorocarbon leader of 8m or more should be used with about a 0.60mm diameter. This will increase bites drastically. Other species caught up north include sailfish, tuna and wahoo, also caught on live bait and Rattlers Deep divers.
Durban - Tuna have been more plentiful than ever expected. One of Durban’s better seasons over the last few years and what is surprising is the amount of larger fish being landed on the fishing skis. Over the last week, more than a dozen tuna over 15kgs were reported being landed off skis around the Umhlanga Barge or Containers. Although the sharks have been an issue, anglers are still getting their trips' worth by passing the Barge. Once again, clean water calls for fluorocarbon.
Aliwal Shoal - This venue is still still the number one wahoo supplier this time of year and more have been landed in the last week on live bonito. There has been an abundance of bait offshore and the fish seem to be holding tight to the bait shoals. Follow the blue and warmer water.
There will be a big fishing competition on the KZN south coast this weekend.
Pumula will serve as base for the Quattro King of the Sea contest.
Wahoo, couta, yellowfin tuna and Natal snoek are the target species.
(File Photo:Gallo Images)
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre @kingfisherdaiwa