New Hanover bass success

Carp - A long and somewhat frustrating week has gone by for many carp anglers in KZN. Many anglers have reported a lack of productivity in our larger and more renowned carp dams such as Albert Falls and Midmar. Shongweni and Inanda produced an average catch of around 4kg which were taken mainly on conventional tackle using maize as bait. As with most fish, the week after a bad week of fishing is normally filled with hungry fish, so we can all be expecting a good week's fishing ahead of us.

Bass - Bass fishing over the last week was a bit quiet on most of our dams, but picked up nicely over the weekend in time for the weekend warrior as well as for the New Hanover Prep Bass Competition, which took place on Saturday in the New Hanover/Dalton area just outside of Pietermaritzburg. The competition was a huge success with over 300 anglers competing against each other on a selection of 18 dams which are jam packed with good sized bass. Anglers were supplied with a map of the area with all dams included and have an option of fishing any of the dams or multiple dams within the time limits. The winning fish per dam as well as overall are measured in length instead of weight and have to be weighed with the weighmaster at each dam. Most anglers managed to catch a few fish at least and some lovely bass of around 50-58cm were landed too. The winning fish measured just over 58cm. In our main dams, fishing has been good for the exception of a day or two of strong winds. Inanda has had an excellent run on top water lures including frogs, poppers and buzz-baits. There has been a decrease of algae in the water and most of the areas are clearing up nicely. Albert Falls saw a few nice fish off the ridge and close to the dam wall between the yacht club and the marker bouey line. Brush hogs with chartreuse dipped tails fished slowly on mojo rigs worked well, with watermelon red flukes coming in second best. Most of the fish which were landed have been fat and feeding well.

Fly Fishing - A style of fishing which is often overlooked by many, but is hugely underestimated, night time fishing can be hugely productive, and if done properly, will produce more fish than day time fishing. Before going onto the water after the sun has set, go through the rules of the area you wish to fish as some waters restrict fishing after sunset. Most predators are much more active at night. This applies for bass as well and bass on popper at night can be some of the most exciting and heart stopping fun one can experience. They move into shallow waters to feed during the evenings and can locate a fly much faster in these sort of depths. This requires the use of a floating lure which creates noise. A floating popper with a concave face and multiple rattles is ideal. Keep the action of the lures constant so the fish can locate the source. A constant movement will produce lots of surface action. Another tactic is to place reflective tape on your lure and charge it with your torch. This serves two purposes - for the fish to see the lure and for you to be able to locate your lure in the water. It is recommended to give this new way of fishing a try. It is also recommended to take a partner with for company as well as safety.

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