Big catches & Sardine Run heat up KZN

Big catches & Sardine Run heat up KZN

Get ready, KZN! The fishing is absolutely firing up for the long weekend, with monster catches and the Sardine Run turning up the heat.

JP Joubert with a Garrick caught amongst the sardine action
ANSA / Supplied - JP Joubert with a Garrick caught amongst the sardine action

If you're an angler in KwaZulu-Natal, this long weekend is shaping up to be one for the books! The coastline is just buzzing with excitement, delivering the kind of fishing experiences that get your heart pounding. This week on Angler News SA, we're diving into reports of some truly incredible action right across the province.

It's all about size out there. We're hearing about massive kingfish hitting lines, non-stop Garrick action, and those powerful ragged-tooth sharks providing serious thrills. We're not just talking about a few lucky catches; the numbers coming in are simply astounding, showing just how intense the activity is right now.

And with the 2025 Sardine Run finally moving through, the ocean is transforming into an even bigger spectacle.

It's bringing all sorts of prized species closer to shore – think Garrick, blacktip kings, those formidable Giant Trevally (GTs), and some absolutely monstrous snoek.

Declan Taylor catching and releasing a beautiful Kingfish down the south coast
ANSA / Supplied -Declan Taylor catching and releasing a beautiful Kingfish down the south coast

As this long weekend kicks off, expect the action to ramp up even more, with sardines pushing onto the beaches and reels screaming non-stop. The true madness of the run is just starting to unfold.

So, whether your plan is to hit the beach, launch a ski-boat, or even head inland for some trout fishing, you really need to be out there. It's a long weekend – grab your dad, pack your gear, and get fishing!

For all the insider details, the exact spots, and every bit of the thrilling action, make sure you listen to the latest Angler News South Africa podcast below.

Meanwhile, on a different podcast hosted by Vinesh Soogreem, The Deep Dive explored the science behind the sardine run. In a recent episode, marine biologist Mike Dyer explained how sardines migrate, why bait balls form, and what triggers the feeding frenzy among sharks, game fish, and birds.


He also discussed the value of red-eye sardines, how to preserve them for bait or eating, and why the real action often starts after nets are retrieved.


A must-listen for anyone curious about the ocean forces behind this natural event.


Listen below.

Eugene Grobler with merely one of many ragged tooth sharks caught in a single session
ANSA / Supplied - Eugene Grobler with merely one of many ragged tooth sharks
Martin VD Merve in amongst the action off Margate Pier with a good size Kob
ANSA / Supplied - Martin VD Merve with a good size Kob

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

Vinesh Soogreem host of ANSA holding up a fish and a fishing rod
Vinesh Soogreem

Listen to past episodes of the award-winning 'Angler News South Africa' podcast in the full channel below:

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