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Tips for fishing on the KZN South Coast

The subtropical coastal stretch of the South Coast is the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon with your reel, or a weekend away with your fishing buddies. The region boasts some of the best fishing grounds in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Amanzimtoti, Port Edward, Hibberdene, Margate, Scottburgh, Shelly Beach, Port Shepstone, Southbroom, and Umkomaas, and the offshore Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks are just a few of the fantastic fishing spots along the shoreline.

The best time for fishing on the South Coast

Seasonal visitors, those looking for a weekend break, and, of course, those who enjoy reeling in the big ones, love the South Coast. Fishing is excellent along the KZN South Coast, with good catches occurring throughout the year at most of the top holiday destinations. However, various species of fish are caught at different times of the year.

The ideal time to fish on the KZN South Coast is during the winter when you can catch shad, garrick, kob, bronze bream, stumpnose, blacktail, and sharks. The annual Sardine Run, which takes place during the cooler months, makes winter fishing on the South Coast a dream come true for anglers. Anglers can throw baits for large sharks that swim very close to the shore break in quest of sardines, as well as gamefish that eat the silverfish during this time.

If you see yourself catching your own dinner during your winter holidays on the South Coast, make sure you take along your robust fishing gear that can handle these sharks and large gamefish. It’s also a good idea to use visible lines so you can tell your line apart from others.

If you are fishing during the summer months, you might catch shad, bronze bream, pompano, brusher, stumpnose, stone bream, blacktail, cave bass, sharks, or flatfish.

Deep-sea angling hotspots
The KZN South Coast is well-known for its excellent deep-sea fishing, including two Marine Protected Areas at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. You and your mates can hop on one of the boat charters or organized fishing expeditions available throughout the year. Here you can try your luck at catching a variety of fish such as amberjack, dorado, king mackerel, marlin sailfish, skipjack, tuna, yellowfin, expect to catch it all.

Top spots for deep-sea angling include;

  •     Pennington,
  •     Port Edward,
  •     Rocky Bay,
  •     Shelly Beach, and
  •     Umkomaas.

Rock and surf angling hotspots
If you’re looking to cast your line into the fish-filled waters of the warm Indian Ocean or nearby rivers, then there are many shoreside locations and piers to choose from.

These are the top fishing spots for rock and surf anglers;

  •     Umkomaas River mouth and beach,
  •     Scottburgh point,
  •     Rocky Bay,
  •     Umdoni Point and Pennington,
  •     Stiebel Rocks and Pumula,
  •     The Sandspit in Port Shepstone,
  •     Orange Rocks at St Michael’s,
  •     Margate Pier,
  •     Ladder Rock at Glenmore, and
  •     Splash Rock in Port Edward.

When fishing, keep in mind the safety rules

  •     Put on a life jacket.
  •     Put on a cap.
  •     Apply sunscreen to your skin.
  •     Take plenty of drinking water with you.
  •     Carry a first-aid kit with you in case you are hurt.
  •     Gloves are recommended.
  •     Hooks and lures should be kept in a tackle box.

Remember to get a permit before fishing on the South Coast. This must be on hand or else your fishing tackle, bait and fish can be confiscated. Permits can be purchased from the Post Office.