Maasbanker catching KZN couta
Sodwana Bay down to Maphelane has been the only stretch that has seen some fairly decent results with the couta over the last week. Even though the fish have been scarce and the seas big, anglers who have put in the time have got good results. The best results have come with live bait such as maasbanker. When the water is very clean as a result of a westerly wind, as it has been over the last week, many anglers prefer the use of a small glowbead in the place of a duster. This more often than not improves the strike rate.
Richards Bay down to Westbrook had numerous catches of yellowfin tuna with the odd wahoo and couta too. The cleaner water has moved in nicely and has allowed anglers to target fish shallower in. If a pocket of warmer water is found, then try remain in the area to try pick up any fish that may be hanging around. Westbrook also saw the odd Natal snoek around, which came out on trolled lures such as Halco 120s and Strike Pro Magic Minnows.
Durban has had very good bottom fishing of late, with quality fish such as catface rockcod and good sized redfish. There is still the odd yellowtail around which are taking live baits fished slightly deeper. With the Durban Ski Boat Club Festival this weekend, anglers will be happy to know that there are a few couta around at Number One as well. Fish are sitting deeper at the moment and down rigging is a must. Fish off the Bluff have also been taking live baits in much shallower water. Once again, a green luminous bead in place of the normal duster works well in these shallow and clean waters. Good catches of musselcracker have also been reported from the Bluff area, which have taken most baits put down in around 30m of water.
Lower down the coast there have been reports of large yellowfin tuna and some decent yellowtail on bait marks and around colour lines as well. Bottom fishing has improved deeper in and anglers have begun to land some excellent coppers along with a variety of other larger species.
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.
Contact [email protected] to enter the Pumula event scheduled for 23 and 24 May.
The 2015 Inanda Bass Classic will be held at Inanda Dam over the first long weekend in May 2015.
Friday 1 May 2015 will be the show day where our sponsors will display and sell some of their goodies.
Entry forms are available at www.inandabassclassic.co.za or from Ken Ainslie who can be contacted on 031 205 3777.
Durban Ski Boat Club is hosting its flagship fishing competition this coming weekend - Two boats to be won and around 400 boats entered.
(File Photo: Umlalazi Ski Boat Club)
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre @kingfisherdaiwa