Dorado and couta off Durban
Zululand - Fishing in these northern stretches of KZN are still as good as it can get. Sodwana, Cape Vidal and Mapelane have been steadily producing some fine gamefish for the past couple of weeks, but it is Cape Vidal that has been the been the most consistent performing spot. Here shoal couta have made a welcome appearance and boat, ski and jet-ski anglers have had some excellent results. Apart from the couta there are still dorado, wahoo, tuna and Natal snoek to be had. Billfish are also active at Cape Vidal and at Sodwana with boats reporting numerous strikes.
Durban - Dorado fever has certainly hit the Durban and surrounding areas. Warmer, clean water seems to have settled in here and with it not only dorado, but couta and yellowfin tuna in the mix as well. Anglers fishing near the ships on outer anchorage have had endless fun with the dorado. The lure of choice here is without doubt been the 150 D Rattler series which has accounted for the majority of fish. These lures have proven that they can be trolled at low speeds and be successful, as with the fishing skis and at high speeds as with ski boats and jet-skis. Strike Pro and Halco plugs have also been amongst the action with many fish falling prey to this relatively new and growing form of fishing. The Westbrook and Tinley Manor areas are also now starting to yield some couta as well as yellowfin tuna. Bigger snoek have also been reported in these areas, but are still erratic with their feeding habits.
South Coast - Fishing on the Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks has been very consistent for the past few weeks as far as tuna is concerned. These fish have given anglers and tackle a fair run for their money. Sharks remain the number one cause for the loss of fish, but anglers are starting to use heavier tackle to combat this ongoing problem. Anglers are finding that plugging seems to get them the better percentage of fish as the grinder, braid and stronger fishing rods land fish much quicker and this system also has a proven track record that there is a better mortality rate for those anglers wishing to partake in tag and release.
(File Photo: FreeSpool)
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