The Ballito Pro grand finale and gorgeous conditions
After last week's rough seas, the East Coast is bouncing back with gorgeous conditions. Fishing expert Vinesh Soogreem says this weekend is all clear skies and virtually no wind, perfect for getting out on the water. The real event is The Ballito Pro grand finale with all the world's best surfers competing.
The weekend you've been waiting for is here. After last week's rough seas, the East Coast is delivering a peach of a weekend with clear skies, virtually no wind, and the ocean looking like a duck pond.
The Ballito Pro takes centre stage
The Ballito Pro grand finale is this weekend's main event. One of the highlights of the season with all the festivities built around it, it's certainly worth spending good time out there watching the world's best surfers. While the two-meter waves won't be the ride of your life, the atmosphere and competition are what make it worth being there.
Fishing is absolutely lit
While surfers enjoy the festivities, anglers are in for a treat. An influx of galley, snoek, and the shad frenzy means rods bending all over the coastline. This is the weekend to get those lines in the water.
What birds tell you about fish
The best anglers don't just watch the water. They watch the bird life around them. If you see birds diving, that means baitfish are coming to the surface. If they're hovering, something is happening underneath. Keep your eyes on the sky to find where the fish are feeding.
Sardines remain a mystery
The sardines are still playing hide and seek, staying far offshore. While surfers will be safe in the surf zones, the sardines remain elusive. If they do show this weekend, it'll be a bonus after weeks of waiting.
Missed Coast Watch on air this morning? Listen back here.
The latest episode of the Angler News South Africa podcast reports excellent fishing action across KwaZulu-Natal, with garrick continuing to dominate catches from the North Coast to the South Coast despite the delayed arrival of the major sardine shoals.
Rock and surf anglers are landing garrick, kob, shad and kingfish, while offshore waters continue to produce couta, snoek, tuna and quality bottom species. Inland, yellowfish and trout are keeping freshwater anglers busy, with Inanda Dam still offering opportunities for bass fishing.
For the latest fishing reports, hotspots and expert insights from around KZN, 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.
