Recent rain has turned on the fishing along the KZN coast, with grunter, kob, and garrick biting at Durban and Margate Pier. Offshore, the first summer species are showing up. Get the full report.
ANSA / Supplied – Lyle Taylor with a yellowfin tuna caught off the South Coast in rainy conditions
Recent rain and dirty water have sparked good fishing along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, with anglers catching a healthy mix of edible and non-edible species.
In the latest episode of Angler News South Africa, Vinesh Soogreem and the crew cover the coastal, offshore, and freshwater reports for the week, including a reminder that shad season stays closed until 1 December.
Rock and surf fishing
Durban’s beaches and bay are producing grunter, kob, kingfish, and garrick, while sand sharks, grey sharks, honeycomb rays, and diamond rays are also active. Tugela Mouth remains a hotspot for garrick on live mullet. On the South Coast, shoal kob, bronze bream, Natal stumpnose, and kingfish are being caught despite challenging conditions.
ANSA / Supplied – Tiaan Odendaal with a largemouth bass caught at Midmar Dam
Offshore fishing
Warming water is bringing in summer species. Anglers are finding dorado, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, snoek, geelbek, daga salmon, and amberjack, and the first couta of the season may not be far off. Fish are feeding around colour lines and bait concentrations.
Midlands and freshwater fishing
Low river levels are making trout fishing tough across the Midlands, but stillwaters are producing some excellent fish, including trout over 60cm. Bass fishing has improved at Midmar Dam, while carp, bluegill, and tilapia are also biting. Sterkfontein Dam remains the standout for yellowfish anglers, with clear water producing quality catches.
For all the hotspots and detailed reports, listen to Angler News South Africa at the top of the page, or directly below.
ANSA / Supplied – Musa Mkhize with two garrick caught off Margate Pier
ANSA / Supplied – Benny Pillay with a sandshark caught on the mid-South Coast despite rough conditions
About Vinesh Soogreem
Vinesh Soogreem is a legend in the South African fishing media scene. With over two decades under his belt, he’s not just an angler who’s explored the KwaZulu-Natal waters extensively, but also a passionate communicator who’s shared his knowledge through books, magazines, and now podcasts and social media. Vinesh lives by the motto “Fish for the future”, reflecting his dedication to both the sport and conservation.
Vinesh’s authority on KZN fishing is unmatched. Actively involved in the community since the ’90s, he’s competed at club and social levels, covered major angling competitions, and earned the trust of the media during the Sardine Run. He currently serves as the National Media Liaison for the South African Surf Casting Association, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the South African fishing scene.
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