Episodes
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Nothing can stop the anglers from KZN from going out to fish, after waiting patiently for the heavy winds, rain, and snow to stop they went directly onto rocks hauling in a variety of species. Garrick, Kob, Brusher, and rock species kept rods bending since Sunday with unexpected quantities coming out throughout the week. In this episode, the Angler News SA team delivers reports with the hottest feeding zones and the very positive predictions for this week’s fishing on both salt and freshwaters across KZN.
Offshore:
The bigger seas and heavy winds have made fishing on the boats a little unpleasant, but the bumpy trips have been worth it.
Rock and Surf:
The rock and surf anglers have been battling the cold in the early mornings. The rewards of fighting the cold have been some decent inedibles and edibles.
Freshwater:
The bass have been making their presence well known with some absolute beasts making their debut on social media sites, albeit looking a bit sheepish.
The recent snows are going to make conditions a bit tricky in the higher altitude areas.
Cover Angler: Vino Naicker with one of many Kob after withstanding the heavy winds to find their feeding patterns on the north coast. Vinesh's website -
Despite recent cold, overcast, and rainy weather, the anglers of KZN have produced significant catches ranging from Garrick outside Durban to huge Grunter in the Durban harbour; Bronze Bream going wild down the KZN South Coast and Snoek not leaving a lure alone on the North Coast.
The freshwater scene had also come in with bragging rights as catches of Bass have reached up to 5kgs and there’s non-stop river action with Scalies.
In this episode, we also talk about the upcoming weekend with heavy rain conditions expected, but we talk about how this WILL benefit anglers as we brace ourselves for the summer species on our doorstep.
Offshore: The offshore fishing has been a bit bumpy with the winds we have had recently. This being said, the fishing has been very good!
Rock and surf: The rock and surf scene has gone to summer mode. The fishing is picking up and the conditions are starting to settle enough that we can predict the better days.
Freshwater: The freshwater fishing has been good on all fronts with fish being caught in all facets.
Cover – Mike Pereira with a massive Spotted Grunter caught off the Durban harbour Vinesh's website -
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Think bad weather means no fishing? Think again.
In this episode, Vinesh Soogreem chats with Ray Thompson about fishing on less-than-perfect days. Whether you're on holiday or have time off, but the weather isn't ideal, you might wonder, "What now?" Fortunately, fishing in bad weather can offer unique opportunities. In challenging conditions, fish often become more active and easier to catch. Listen to this Angler News expert series episode to discover how a seemingly bad day can turn into a fishing bonanza. Vinesh's website -
The days are warmer, the fishing is getting hotter and the KZN coastline is rocking with anglers being rewarded with their preferred target species. The summer fish are making a more regular appearance allowing KZN fishermen to land a multitude of catches ranging from Sharks to bronze Bream with everything in between and this weekend is certainly poised to be excellent as the conditions are in favour of everyone with a rod and reel. In this episode, the Angler News SA team has gathered information from competitive anglers, locals, and tackle owners to deliver the province's hottest feeding zones…listen now to get your rods bending this weekend!
Offshore:
Fishing has been good offshore with the good weather days seeing bottom fish and gamefish filling the hatches.
Harbour:
The light tackle lure and bait angling on offer in the harbour is something everyone needs to experience. Yes, the water at the slipway can be smelly, but the fun and excitement of catching a springer, kingy or big grunter on a light rod quickly gets that memory behind you. Try it out, you won't regret it!
Rock and Surf:
The shore angling has been good on both the edible and inedible front. The big seas have scoured out some sanded areas so we hope this will improve the fishing.
Freshwater:
The dams and rivers are fishing well. The bass are still the pick of the crop (despite them playing a bit of hide and seek), but the trout are making their presence felt and the carp are keeping their anglers happy.
Cover photo: Reshal Singh landed this Rockcod at Uvongo Flat Rocks. It was one of three Rockcod caught by Reshal that evening. Vinesh's website -
After a rough patch with heavy seas and winds, KZN fishing is back in full swing! Rock and surf, offshore, and freshwater anglers are all reporting success. Tinley Manor, Tugela, and St Lucia are hot spots for bream, grey sharks, and a variety of game fish. The Albert Falls Bass Classic and recent river season openings have also been promising for trout and bass.
Our team of experts, including Jan, Mike V, Brad, Ray, Don, and Adam, have been out there gathering insights. Despite some challenges, the overall outlook for KZN for the next week is bright, with improving conditions expected for the days ahead.
Cover image: Ashton Elliot with a Juvenile black muscle cracker caught down the south coast Vinesh's website -
In this week's episode of our Expert Series edition, we discuss the best-eating fish in KZN and South Africa. Vinesh Soogreem hosts Brett and Daryl Bartho, seasoned anglers and owners of Bartho's Fish Company. They share their extensive knowledge on various fish species, their quality, and what to look for when buying fish.
The hosts offer insights into their fishing practices and the importance of handling fish correctly. They also provide tips on identifying fresh fish in the market.
The show dives into different fish species, such as Cape salmon, kob, yellowtail, bronze bream, and others. It also explores how to cook and preserve them to maintain optimal taste and texture. Vinesh's website -
This week's Angler News SA podcast highlights mixed results due to fluctuating weather conditions.
The previous week's atrocious conditions led to disappointing catches, but improvements have been noted with sightings of bream, blacktail, shad, Kob, and non-edible species starting to appear along the KZN coastline.
While offshore fishing has seen rewards, freshwater fishing continues to produce strong results.
Reports from various coastal areas like South Coast, Durban, and North Coast reveal varied catches including hammerheads, grey sharks, and bronze bream.
Spearfishing and rock and surf fishing also faced challenges, but there are signs of better conditions ahead. The report also covers upcoming events like the opening of the trout season and the Albert Falls Bass Classic.
Offshore: The offshore scene is heating up with a surge in tuna, dorado, and Couta catches along the KZN coast.
Rock and Surf: Brusher remain a popular target, and there are still decent numbers of Garrick near river mouths.
Freshwater: Freshwater fishing has been productive across the board, with carp, bass, and trout all being caught.
Cover angler: Tyler Aston Vinesh's website -
This week's Angler News KZN fishing report highlights a mixed bag of results across the province. While offshore and freshwater fishing have been thriving, rock and surf fishing has been relatively quiet with the summer fish yet to arrive.
Offshore: Rough seas have made offshore fishing challenging, but those who've braved the conditions have managed to land some decent catches.
Rock and Surf: Garrick and brusher have been the primary targets, but it's important to remember that both species are under threat. Please consider catch-and-release to ensure their populations remain healthy.
Freshwater: Freshwater anglers have enjoyed a successful week, with several impressive bass catches reported. Noah Stewart, this week's Cover Angler, landed a remarkable 6.1kg bass at Freshwaters at Kildare in Nottingham Road using a weighted 4-inch white fluke.
General Conditions:
Durban: Some edible fish have been caught in certain areas.
North and South Coasts: Strong winds and sandy conditions have made fishing difficult.
Weather Updates: The episode includes weather forecasts that can impact fishing conditions.
Transitioning to Freshwater: As the summer progresses, consider transitioning to freshwater fishing to take advantage of the current activity. Vinesh's website -
Despite a challenging week, the South Coast showed promising results, particularly in wind-protected areas. Anglers have hauled in a variety of catches, including sharks, shad, and large blacktail along the rock and surf.
Offshore fishing is improving with the seasonal change, offering good prospects.
The freshwater fishing segment is also thriving with favourable conditions. Reports from the coast emphasise the current seasonal transition period, with detailed insights from local experts on hotspots and this weekend's fishing forecasts.
Offshore: Plenty of whales have been spotted enjoying the Durban sun. Please keep an eye out for them and respect their space. The fishing has been a good mix of gamefish and bottom species.
Rock and Surf: The rock and surf fishing has been interesting. The fish are around, but the fishing has been tough. Put in the time, and you will reap the rewards.
Freshwater: The trout are still doing well, despite the rivers being closed; the bass are eating everything, as usual; and the carp are eagerly taking most baits.
(Cover Angler: Micheal Walden proving there’s more than just rock fish down the South Coast) Vinesh's website -
In this episode of the Angler News Expert Series, we interview Dave Irvine, a former competitive rock and surf angler who transitioned to freshwater fishing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dave shares why he switched from a competitive rock and surf angler to purely fishing freshwater. He explains the appeal of targeting Bass, the excitement it brings, and the challenges it presents compared to rock and surf fishing. Dave also discusses the practical benefits of freshwater fishing, such as improved safety and convenience, as well as his continued passion for learning about fish behavior and techniques. The conversation aims to explore the reasons anglers might consider switching to - or trying - freshwater fishing. Vinesh's website
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The KZN South Coast has been buzzing with excitement over the catch of Bronze Bream and other impressive rock species. Meanwhile, the North Coast is boasting daily catches of massive Kob despite difficult conditions, and freshwater fishing has picked up after a slow few weeks. The Angler News team continues to provide accurate reports, helping anglers improve their strike rates by guiding them to the best feeding spots.
Offshore:
The wind has made for a couple of bumpy trips this past week. The fishing has been a bottom-fishing-dominant affair with a few decent gamefish in the mix.
Rock and surf:
Winter = edibles. The Garrick have been the main attraction for most this past week but the brusher and bream have been making a good account of themselves.
Freshwater:
Cold weather, clear water and stable conditions. The fishing has been tough but most of the facets have reported good results.
Cover Angler: Kishan Nankoomar with a Bronze Bream of 2.84kgs caught down the South Coast Vinesh's website -
We kick off with exciting news for anglers as summer fish begin to make their presence felt. While winter species remain, the focus shifts to the bronze bream, rockfish, and various other catches along the KZN coastline. Our offshore activity includes a feeding frenzy of Snoek outside the Durban Harbor and The South Coast is abuzz with rock fish species, and occasional sightings of sharks. This episode is packed with news on a variety of fish, plus tips, forecasts and as always, the hottest feeding zones in KZN!
Offshore:
The bigger seas and heavy winds have made fishing on the boats a little unpleasant, but the bumpy trips have been worth it.
Rock and surf:
The rock and surf anglers have been battling the cold and have seen plenty for their effort.
Freshwater:
The bass are biting, and some giants have been landed. The carp and trout are playing second fiddle but are still keeping their anglers happy.
(Cover image: Calvin Brown with an impressive Yellow Belly Rockcod weighing in at 5.8kgs.) Vinesh's website -
In this episode of the Angler News SA Podcast, host Vinesh Soogreem discusses the world of spearfishing with expert Don Solomon, President of the South African Underwater Fishing Federation. They explore the unique aspects of spearfishing compared to traditional fishing with rods and reels, the initial costs and equipment needed to get started, the importance of joining spearfishing clubs for safety and knowledge, and the sustainability of spearfishing.
Don Solomon shares personal experiences, safety tips, and the technicalities involved in competitive spearfishing, making a compelling case for why spearfishing is a rewarding and sustainable sport.
00:00 Introduction to Spearfishing
00:21 Welcome to the Expert Series
00:49 Meet Don Solomon: Spearfishing Expert
01:03 Understanding the Basics of Spearfishing
02:10 Differences Between Spearfishing and Traditional Fishing
04:04 Getting Started with Spearfishing Equipment
06:35 Choosing the Right Spearfishing Locations
07:53 Joining Spearfishing Clubs
09:29 Dealing with Sharks and Safety Tips
12:46 Sustainability in Spearfishing
14:47 Spearfishing Competitions and the Olympics
16:02 Final Thoughts and Advice Vinesh's website -
This week's fishing has been a test of angler endurance.
Despite low overall catch rates, determined anglers managed to find success with a variety of species, including Garrick, Kob, Shad, Bronze Bream, and Trout. There were significant reports of sardine activity at Addington Beach in Durban. Freshwater conditions remain mostly quiet, apart from the still water Trout scene, and the lower south coast is certainly the hotspot of the week!
Offshore: The bigger seas and heavy winds have made fishing on the boats a little unpleasant, but the bumpy trips have been worth it.
Rock and surf: Garrick and brusher, need we say more. Both of these species are under threat so enjoy the fight and consider letting them see tomorrow.
Freshwater: The trout are feeding well, keeping the midlands anglers happy. The bass are fussy but are there to be caught. The carp are waiting for you to send a mielie bomb their way.
(Cover photo) Hajra Ahmod with a Grey Shark at the Durban Basin. Vinesh's website -
In this week's episode, we cover a variety of topics important to the fishing community. These include the ban on using drones for fishing, an explanation of the law, its consequences, and legally allowed alternatives. We’ve also got the latest KZN fishing reports from our reporters along the coastline and in freshwater areas. We also touch on a personal story regarding the camaraderie among anglers, focusing on the support and brotherhood within the fishing community, particularly in times of need.
Offshore: The focus in the last few weeks has been on the bottom. The bottom fishing has been rewarding but the snoek and tuna are still around for those who prefer moving and fishing.
Rock and Surf: The main action has been based around the sardines. Some amazing gamefish have been caught around these silver shoals. The shoals have been sporadic, but they are around if you persevere.
Freshwater: The freshwater fishing has been a nice mix of fish with the weather making some days a bit tricky to fish.
On the cover : Craig Bashford (right) and friend with a Garrick caught and released off Durban. Vinesh's website -
In this week's Angler News Expert Series, experienced angler Ray Thompson joins Vinesh to provide a comprehensive six-month fishing forecast for the KZN coastline.
They cover seasonal fishing plans from winter to summer, where we look into the best locations and species to increase your strike rate and plan accordingly.
The two discuss targeting big gray sharks and edible fish like Garrick, Kob, and Shad during winter along the South Coast and Transkei region. They then shift to springtime around Durban for species such as blue rays and Bronze bream before moving into summer, where the focus turns to the North Coast and Zululand area for flatfish like diamonds, honeycombs, and the challenges of catching edibles during this season.
Listen now to get insights on planning your trips, tackle, and accommodation based on fish migrations and seasonal changes.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:30 Meet the Expert: Ray Thompson
01:20 Winter Fishing Tips and Locations
04:24 Spring Fishing: Species and Spots
08:41 Summer Fishing: Hotspots and Strategies
11:52 Conclusion and Planning Your Fishing Trips Vinesh's website -
Anglers in KZN have been catching good fish despite recent challenging weather conditions. There’ve been reports of big catches in Durban, the KZN North Coast, the South Coast, and the Midlands. These catches include Garrick, Shad, and Kob. Offshore anglers have caught Tuna, Snoek, and Amberjack, while freshwater reports indicated active Trout and Bass patterns. Also in this episode, we’ve got our first spearfishing report, in collaboration with Don Solomon, plus fishing tips from experts to help you improve your strike rate.
Offshore: Plenty of fish for all. Whether you prefer the fast-paced predators or the strong-pulling bottom fish, there is something for you!
Rock and surf: The shore-based fishing has been the only hot thing in KZN at the moment. Whether you prefer to throw lures or big baits, there have been amazing fish for all facets!
Freshwater: The freshwater has been fishing very well with the trout and bass being the headliners of the freshwater news.
COVER IMAGE: After listening to the Angler News SA reports, Uven Pakkiri was inspired to get back into fishing and landed himself his first Garrick See photos here! · Vinesh's website -
KZN anglers have been smiling this week as the sardine activity has made for exciting fishing!
Apart from the Sardine Run 'purple patch,' we've had vibrant fishing activities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) over the past week. Anglers along the coastline and in the Midlands landed plenty of fish species in different regions, including Garrick, Shad, Kob, trout, and bass. We’ve also seen some jaw-dropping species from our offshore side.
Offshore: The bigger seas and heavy winds have made fishing on the boats a little unpleasant, but the bumpy trips have been worth it.
Rock and surf: The shore-based fishing has been a combination of spinning, scratching and a hint of big fish fishing. All that and the sardines are here in numbers!
Freshwater: The trout are feeding well, keeping the midlands anglers happy. The bass are fussy but are there to be caught. The carp are waiting for you to send a mielie bomb their way. Vinesh's website -
In this Expert Series episode, we look into understanding the mindset necessary for successful fishing, especially in a competitive environment. Vinesh Soogreem sits down with John Otto, a seasoned fishing manager, with 45 years of experience, to understand what it takes to keep the belief alive after hours on the water with no bite.
John discusses the challenges anglers face, such as getting despondent during slow fishing periods, the importance of process and preparation, and the roles within angling clubs. He emphasises the significance of a strong mindset and how it can often outweigh sheer skill in achieving success. The two also cover strategies for managing different types of anglers, the impact of mental toughness, and ways beginners can improve their fishing skills, even if they did not grow up fishing. Vinesh's website -
The week has been spectacular with abundant fish catches reported along various spots of the KZN coast. The sardines have kept the action going along the coastline with plenty of netting action, including on Thursday morning at Illovo Beach. Plus, there’s been gamefish galore and plenty of big toothy critters as well as Garrick, Shad, Tuna, and many other species.
Offshore: There has been plenty of fish around, just a bit of a cheeky shore break to get through and you are set.
Rock and surf: The weather may be cold, but the fishing has been hot! Kob, Garrick, and even some inedible action!
Freshwater: Freshwater fishing has been good despite the cold. There have been fish to be caught for all facets.
Cover Image – Kaiden Pillay with a Rainbow Trout caught at Crystal Waters. Vinesh's website - Show more
