Shad have been steadily coming out at most well known spots and contrary to tradition for this time of the year some good size fish and good numbers have been recorded. Even Ski-boaters have recently been plagued by these fish whilst fishing for bait and some have even been caught out as far as the 20 fathom mark. It certainly seems as though the shad ban has worked remarkably well which is good news for anglers. Those anglers targeting inedible fish have also had some good fun. Sandsharks and skates are now feeding well all along the KZN coast. Although there has been little news of really big specimens coming out, places like Errol Hays and Greenpoint could be the points to go to target these giant sandies and skates. Andrew, Mark and Carlo from The Tackle Box in Shelly Beach had some hectic fishing at Mapelane Sunday afternoon 27th January. The Ragged Tooth Sharks were wild. From 9 pulls three fish were landed 220kg, 208kg and 205kg using mainly Bonito heads. Grunter and Kob were also landed into the evening. Terry from Tackle Net Port Edward reports a few early morning Shad each day and some good Grunter and Rock Salmon being taken in the Mtamvuna River Mouth one Rock Salmon topping 5kgs.

ROCK & SURF - Transkei
The Transkei has also come to light and some very good catches of big Sharks have been reported from places like Port St Johns and Hole In The Wall. Amongst the sharks some fair size diamond skates have also come out. The rivers there are fishing well, particularly the Port St Johns river where some good catches of Grunter and shoal Kob have been made.

SKI BOATS
Ski Boaters are having some great fun with the early start to the Couta season. Places like Umdloti resemble D-Day on nearly any given day with ski boats, jet ski’s and Fishing Ski’s all targeting couta. The only clear winner here for the past few weeks have been marauding sharks who are obliterating most hooked fish. Sharks are not only confined to the Umdloti area but as any Ski-boater will tell you, along the entire coastline and for miles out to sea.

FISHING SKI'S
Fishing Ski’s are also off to a great gamefish season. Umdloti and Westbrook are producing steady catches and most anglers that venture out at these places are managing to catch a few fish. On the South Coast Scottburgh and immediate surrounding areas seem to be the only places that are producing a steady flow of good fish, but again get in early at these venues as crowding is becoming a problem.

ESA
Don’t miss the ESA fishing programs on DSTV. Bass fishing starts on Tuesdays @ 7:00pm on SS1 and Saltwater Angling on Thursdays @ 7:30pm on SS1. Each program is repeated several times during the week on one of the Super Sport channels. Check Your TV guide for details.

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For the latest KZN fishing news presented by O.J., tune into East Coast Radio at 5.40am Monday - Friday.