Ballito Pro heats up as sardines stay put
Wet and overcast conditions won't stop an eventful weekend on the East Coast. Fishing expert Vinesh Soogreem says while high-performance action dominates up north with the Ballito Pro in full swing, the real sardine action remains on the lower south coast. Whether they'll make their way north to Durban remains the million-rand question.
Ballito Pro Fest 2026: Epic waves for experienced surfers
The Ballito Pro is still going strong with 11 to 14-foot waves creating demanding but epic conditions. This is experienced surfer territory, with very little wind making for clean, powerful sets. It's high-performance action at its best.
Sardine update: Head south if you want them
The sardine action has been consistent on the lower south coast from Hibberdene southwards all week, with some days better than others. However, Vinesh spoke to sardine netters this week who confirmed the action is still likely to stay down south this weekend. Will they come north to Durban? As always with sardines, you never know—they could wake up at Umhlanga tomorrow.
Fishing beyond the sardines
While chasing sardines, don't miss the shad, bronze bream, rockcod, and stumpies that have been active along the coastline. Junior development days are also happening at Westbrook and Umhlanga if you're looking to get the kids involved.
Missed the show? Listen back for the full weekend forecast and latest sardine intelligence at the top of the page, or directly below.
Meanwhile, a recent episode of the Angler News South Africa podcast highlighted exciting fishing action across KwaZulu-Natal as the sardine run continues to drive activity along the coastline.
From productive rock and surf hotspots to offshore waters producing species like couta, snoek and tuna, anglers are enjoying strong winter fishing. Inland, trout fishing remains rewarding for those willing to adapt to colder conditions, while bass anglers continue to find success at selected dams.
For a closer look at where the fish are biting and what anglers are experiencing on the ground, listen to the full Angler News South Africa podcast below.
About Vinesh Soogreem
Vinesh Soogreem is a legend in the South African fishing media scene. With over two decades under his belt, he's not just an angler who's explored the KZN waters extensively, but also a passionate communicator who's shared his knowledge through books, magazines, and now podcasts and social media. Vinesh lives by the motto "Fish for the future", reflecting his dedication to both the sport and conservation.
Vinesh's authority on KZN fishing is unmatched. Actively involved in the community since the '90s, he's competed at club and social levels, covered major angling competitions, and earned the trust of the media during the Sardine Run. He currently serves as the National Media Liaison for the South African Surf Casting Association, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the South African fishing scene.
