Garrick season has arrived along KZN coast

Garrick season has arrived along KZN coast

The KZN coast is coming alive with garrick season, bringing energy and activity to our waters. With early signs of a possible sardine run ahead, it’s the perfect time to get out and experience it.

Lyle Taylor with one of many beautiful sized Garrick caught down south
ANSA / Supplied - Lyle Taylor with one of many beautiful sized Garrick caught down south

In the latest Angler News South Africa podcast episode, Vinesh Soogreem and the crew report on what’s biting across the province.

Rock and surf fishing

Shad remain productive in certain areas, producing good-quality fish. Kob numbers are steadily building, especially around tide changes and low-light periods.

On the rocks, spring tides have opened deeper ledges, producing rockcod, kob, and bronze bream. Water conditions have improved, resulting in more consistent fishing sessions.

The KZN North Coast is firing with regular kob and shad, and garrick activity is increasing, especially at sunrise and sunset. The central coast remains patchy due to recent rough seas but still offers shad, grunter, and shark action. Further south, fishing is quieter but building.

Dean Reddy with a honeycomb skate caught on the North Coast
ANSA / Supplied - Dean Reddy with a honeycomb skate caught on the North Coast

Offshore fishing

Bottom fishing is producing quality geelbek and daga salmon, while amberjack is active during full moon periods.

The North Coast is particularly active with snoek showing in good size and numbers, along with the odd couta. Durban continues to deliver steady snoek action, while down south requires careful weather timing.

Inland fishing

Cold conditions have settled over the KZN Midlands, with snowfall in higher areas and dropping water temperatures improving stillwater fishing.

For all the hotspots and detailed reports, listen to the latest Angler News SA podcast at the top of the page, or directly below.

Kishan Nankoomar with a Kob fishing at night down the Lower South Coast
ANSA / Supplied - Kishan Nankoomar with a Kob fishing at night down the Lower South Coast

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 with a Bronze Bream caught off Margate Pier
ANSA / Supplied - Vinesh Soogreem with a Bronze Bream caught off Margate Pier

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

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