ROCK AND SURF
FISHING REPORT 28TH FEBRUARY 2009.

Favourable wind and swell during the course of last week have put fish on the bite all along the KZN coast but the majority of fish that are being caught are of the flatfish nature. Big sand sharks and skates are being caught at all major fishing venues with places like Green Point, Scottburgh and Umdoni points really fishing well. Further down the coast the Turton and Umzumbi areas have also produced some good fishing, apart from the flatfish that are being caught there, unseasonal Cape yellowtail have made and appearance. A few smaller fish in the 10 kg mark have been landed but the bigger one’s have reefed anglers here. Some good reports of a few sizable pompano and stumpie have come in from the Sezella and Kelso areas. The Port Edward area has also featured well with anglers getting some good shark angling in. Reports of big Hound Sharks have come in from the Marina beach and Ramsgate areas. In the Port Edward area Terry reports that over this past week, water conditions here have been better than perfect but very warm. Fish have been few off the points and some grey sharks have been the only catches made. The gullies however have been more active and some nice bronze bream have been taken. Shad and smaller baitfish have been scarce. The Transkei coast at this time of the year produces many big sharks and anglers fishing in the port St Johns and Hole In The Wall areas have had some good fishing with the bigger hammerhead and dusky sharks providing the action.

Ski boats are still experiencing a great game fish season. With a north to south current going for the better part of last week, the Aliwal shoal has once again come to light. Some good size tunny and big ignoblis kingfish have been landed here along with couta, dorado and the odd wahoo. The Protea Banks at Shelly Beach has also had some good angling with fair size yellow fin tunny being the main specie.

Fishing Ski’s are also doing well with a lot of snoek being caught at the Umgeni mouth. Couta however remain a bit scarce except for areas like Zinkwazi and Umdloti featuring well on selected days. The South Coast has gone a bit quiet mainly due to most rivers flowing quite strongly which have created a dirty line for miles out to sea.

A reminder that The Kingfisher will be closed on Monday 2nd March for stock take.

Herewith are the SASAA Masters Results for the Nationals recently held.

A Total of 997 fish were weighed – 6.2 tons
Hereunder are the selections for the SA Masters Team 2009 to compete International against Namibia Nov/Dec 2009 in Southern Cape.
Manager: Graham Kingley-Wilkens
Coach : Nico Lesch ( SC)
Non Fishing Capt : Mike Pautz (SC)

1. Colin Scheepers (Border)
2. Hennie Klein ( SC)
3. Wally Watt (KZNCAU)
4. Jasper Strydom (EP)
5. Julian Pybus (Zul)
6. Rene Cronje (SC)
7. Non travel Reserve Dirk Lucas (C G)
8.  

2009  Presidents Masters Team to fish Gus Kohlner in Border.
Manager : Norman Brown (Border)

1. Dirk Lucas (CG)
2. J Scholtz (CG)
3. Roy Sansom (Border)
4. Mike Pautz (SC)
5. J. Tiltman (Zul)
6. Paul Currie (KZNCAU)
7. Reserves to follow from rankings.

Herewith are the results of the Development Nationals which the Union hosted on the South Coast at the beginning of the month.

Well done to our Team on winning the Tournament. Thanks Dave from KZNCAU for the info.
KYLE GOVENDER INFORMED US THAT, ANGLERS DEN AND  HOOK - LINE & SINKER ARE PRESENTING AN EXCITING DAY & FUN FILLED FISHING COMPETITION ON SUNDAY – 21st MARCH 2009.  TIME: 07: 00 TO 14:00. VENUE:  CUTTINGS BEACH, MEREBANK COST: R 25, 00. GREAT PRIZES AND A LUCKY DRAW TO BE HELD.  FOR TICKETS CONTACT (031) 461 4855 / 073 196 6089.

letters
Rory da Silva has sent in this info about the New Hanover Schools Bass Compo. “This is the 6th year the comp has been running and last year we saw a record turnout of 712 anglers of all ages. This is one of the best if not the best comps of this kind around. (Organised and run as only people with a passion and commitment for their school can do) Date:    Saturday 14th March 2009 Venue:  Dalton/New Hanover area in the Midlands. The competitors will have 12 dams to choose from with a prize for biggest fish being allocated to a senior and junior per dam. Registration:   5.30am at Torwoodlea Dam lines up at 16h00. Pre entries receive a free Tee shirt (before 28 Feb 2009)  Pre Registration:    New Hanover Prep School, Dalton Brokers or by contacting, Jurgen Oellerman on 0827858166 or fax 0866946748. Cliff Torlage 0828807088 or 033 5011521. Cost:   Seniors is R80/angler and R50/junior (13 and under as of 14th March 2009)                   Facilities available:    Breakfast, lunch and supper, and a full bar facility is available. A variety of accommodation is available in the area.” If people want an entry form they can contact the above or email Rory and he will send one via return email Rory’s email address is reds@cookeandson.co.za

Competitions
The Marlin Ski Boat Club is hosting The Port Edward Ski Boat Festival on the 1st & 2nd May 2009. 1st Prize for the heaviest couta is the Explorer 465 MPB with 2 x Yamaha o/b motors and all the extras – ready to go to sea. Worth over R200, 000.00. This competition is open to Ski – Boats only. Early bird entry fee (by 28th Feb 2009) is R190.00 per angler. For more info and entry forms go to www.marlinskiboatclub.co.za.
The Durban Ski- Boat Club Festival is being held on the 25th & 26th April   2009. The main prize for the biggest cuda is a Seacat 565 with 2 x Yamaha 70hp motors, trailer, complete with electronics, safety equipment plus fishing rods and reels worth over R352, 000.00, plus other prizes worth over R550, 000.00. Early bird registration before 31st March 2009 – R225.00, thereafter R295.00. This promises to be, as the last few years, a magnificent competition. Visit www.durbanskiboatclub.co.za for an entry form, or for pre – entries contact Durban Ski – Boat Club Tel: 031 337 9506.

The Kingfisher at 53, Hunter Street, Durban hosts a free Fishing Ski Clinic on their premises once a month by Markham Pollard. These monthly 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. Over and above this they also hold Rock and Surf clinics 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. Shane Breedt from Free Divers will be hosting a spear fishing clinic on the 28th Feb at The Kingfisher in Durban, this should be a good one for all those interested in diving for crayfish and spear fishing. Remember guys, the crayfish season opens on the 1st March. The clinic on marlin fishing at The Kingfisher on 14th March by Andy Jones has been cancelled due to unforseen circumstances, we apologise for any inconvenience caused. To book for one of these free clinics phone the Kingfisher on 031- 368 3903. Any info about fishing, fish caught or competitions in your area send info to kingfish@iafrica.com or fax 031- 368 4137, attention, Mike. For the latest KZN fishing news presented by O.J., tune into East Coast Radio at 5.40am Monday - Friday.