ROCK & SURF

Chris and his 43kg kob

Locally, conditions lately have kept most anglers at home as the seasonal wind and rain are spot in for this time of the year. However, some hardened anglers are seen along rocky ledges fishing for brusher. When targeting these fish your tackle should be stepped up a grade or two to that of shad angling. These fish are found amongst rocky ledges and points and for this reason your tackle should ideally be that of a heavy nature. Your nylon should be around the 35lb range, Kingfisher Giant Abrasion is good and a heavy action rod like the Poseidon Heavy is advised. Hooks should range from a 6/0 to a 8/0 Mustard Kendall Round and your trace line should be no less than 50lb. Reels are also very important and should be in good condition. Machine reels, the Daiwa SL50 and the Daiwa Grandwave 50 are ideal as they have the pulling power to get big specimens out and away from rocks. Baits can vary, as these fish are not fussy eaters. The main bait however is a live crab but sea lice, crayfish, whole mussels, chokka and even sardine heads work very well. Some big specimens have come out in the Isipingo area on the South Coast and the Westbrook area on the

North Coast has also yielded some good catches. Garrick, when conditions allow are now being caught all along the coast. Some good catches have recently been reported from the Tongaat. Long beach area where shore anglers and Ski Boaters alike have had some good results. The Durban beaches are a bit slow for this time of the year but there are a few grunter and some stumpies around. Durban Bay has for the past week or so produced some fine catches of grunter along the Center Bank. Anglers in Boats, Skis and even shore based anglers are getting in on the action.

ROCK & SURF - South Coast
Terry Nel from Tacklenet in Port Edward informs us that strong winds have plagued the coast there and have certainly put a damper on the fishing for almost two weeks now. However, on the odd day that has been fishable, some fair sized bronze bream have been caught and a number of fishermen are being bust up by brusher. One fish of 13kg has been reported and a photo has been promised. A grey shark was reported landed at Lucky Dip and apart from that, the gale force winds have kept fishermen at home.

ROCK & SURF - Transkei
Anglers venturing down to the Transkei are finding conditions a little harsh at times but when a good window of weather presents itself, fishing is as good as it gets. Those looking for edibles are getting some good catches of garrick in and around the Port St Johns area. Kob on the other hand are not as prolific as previous years but those who persevere with Strike Pro type lures at night are being rewarded with the odd big kob. The river itself, at Port St Johns is still steadily producing some fine catches of mainly grunter and again the odd kob. The majority of these fish caught in the river is at night and around spring tides. The Hole In The Wall area has produced some good catches of bigger sharks recently, most of them being hammerhead sharks and the odd big ragged tooth shark. There are also reports of anglers catching some big kob in this area.
Don’t forget that the crayfish season closes on the 31st of October and permits will have to be renewed again next year when the season opens again. We will remind you closer to the time.

FISHING COMPETITIONS
ANGLERS DEN & HOOK-LINE & SINKER PRESENTS AN EXCITING DAY & FUN FILLED FISHING COMPETITION ON SUNDAY - 2ND NOVEMBER 2008, TIME: 07: 00 TO 14:00, VENUE: CUTTINGS BEACH MEREBANK, COST: R 20. 00. GREAT PRIZES AND A LUCKY DRAW TO BE HELD. FOR TICKETS CONTACT (031) 461 4855, 078 378 9284 or 073 196 6089.

SKI BOATS & FISHING SKI'S
Ski Boaters also have to wait the weather out, but some of the bigger boats that have ventured far out to sea reported the first of the annual dorado run which should really kick in next month. General fishing off the boats is good with some good catches of geelbek and daga salmon being reported.

KINGFISHER FISHING CLINICS
The Kingfisher hosts free fishing clinics on their premises, 53 Hunter Street, Durban once a month (except for the month of December). The Kingfisher also host a Paddle Ski Fishing clinic by Markham Pollard, a Rock and Surf clinic run by Ivan Stopforth and a Drop Shot clinic by Lloyd Pereira. These Clinics are very informative and covers all the basics, including equipment, knots, bait presentation, and tactics. These free clinics are there to help beginners and experienced anglers to see what the sport is all about and how to target certain species of fish. It also shows anglers what equipment to use and also elaborates on safety. These are very popular so book early to avoid disappointment. To book for one of these free clinics phone the Kingfisher on 031- 3683903.