Sardine run 26 kicks off along KZN coast
The sardine run 2026 has arrived along the KZN coastline. Shoals are already active, attracting marine life and increasing baitfish movement daily. Predators are following, offering exciting opportunities for anglers.
In the latest Angler News South Africa podcast, Vinesh Soogreem and crew report on the sardine run and coastal and inland catches.
North and central coast fishing
Fishing has remained steady ahead of the main sardine push, with kob, garrick, stumpnose, and pompano featuring in catches. The central coast from Glen Ashley through to uShaka reports garrick, kob, grey sharks, and shad. The south coast has sardines as the talk of the town, along with bream, shad, and the odd shark keeping rods bending.
Anglers are encouraged to stay mobile and fish according to changing conditions.
Offshore fishing
The ocean is alive as baitfish draw predators, creating great fishing along the coast.
Couta continue up north to headline the action on early morning launches, while spoon anglers are finding success close to shore. Durban remains consistent with catches of couta, geelbek, and kob, keeping charter crews busy, while bottom fishing remains productive throughout the day and night.
Early mornings at Umgeni produce snoek, with fillet baits working well. Gamefish are quieter down south, but bottom anglers catch reds, slingers, and soldiers steadily.
Freshwater fishing
Freshwater anglers have worked around unpredictable winter weather, but those fishing report success. Midlands trout waters produce fish, with bright winter flies standing out as conditions change. The bass scene is strong, with Inanda Dam confirming its status as a reliable winter fishery.
Anglers travelling through the Midlands are reminded to observe all current Foot and Mouth Disease biosecurity measures.
For hotspots and detailed reports, listen to the latest Angler News South Africa podcast above or 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.
