Good bass fishing in KZN dams

Bass

Bass fishing around KZN has been much better over the last week, with many anglers enjoying success at Albert Falls, Inanda and Shongweni. Albert Falls still produced good catches, of which the majority reported started at 2.5kg. Crankbaits and flukes told many stories from last week, producing most of the decent fish. The deeper water is definitely still the way to go at Albert Falls. For those who are fishing off the banks, there are certain spots which become more productive than others in these times of low water. Losers Bank is extremely deep and has many random drop-offs. This area fishes very well with Jigs, Dropshot, Crankbaits and Carolina rig. Junebug lures have always been a firm favourite in this spot. The old river bed at the back of Pelican Bay is also a producer, with massive drop-offs and cut-backs. This spot is muddy, unlike Losers Bank which is shale, so baits such as Dropshot and Texas rig are preferred. Inanda Dam fished well and saw decent bags. Bank anglers struggled somewhat, but did find that taking a walk through the bush towards Dusi Point made life easier and produced fish more often. Jerk Baits have been effective in this area, which offer the angler the ability to let the bait suspend in front of a cold and fussy bass. Early in the morning and much later in the afternoons, weightless lures can be used to catch smaller bass in the shallows around the campsites. This is good fun for the whole family and only requires a light spinning outfit with a few flukes. Shongweni had kick-boat anglers happy yet again, with quality fish from the reed line close to the canoe locker and the river inlet. Pitching creature baits has worked well.
 
Carp

Campers at Shongweni have had a good time with slightly smaller carbon conventional tackle during the evenings, provided they are able to endure the bitter cold. Banana and almond flavoured mielies have worked extremely well. Specimen anglers will be smiling, with good reports from the anglers at Shongweni. Nagle Dam has been in top form and is producing extremely good fish on both specimen and conventional tackle. Once again banana seems to be the best flavour for the larger fish. Two fish over 12kg have been landed by the same angler in one day on Boilies at Nagle, and another with a beauty weighing over 16kg. This is a lovely dam close to Durban, with a world of quality fishing to be had, so if you need a change in scenery, head down to Nagle for some fun.

On 1 August The Kingfisher started their annual Biggest Shad Competition. This year it will be run over a two-month period, August and September, with three prizes each month. The heaviest shad for each month will receive a Daiwa SL 50SHK Reel, valued at R1625, the second heaviest shad will receive a 13’6” Kingfisher Coastline Medium, three-piece, 4-6oz Graphite Rod, valued at R1145 and third heaviest shad will receive a Daiwa AG 6000 Reel valued at R598. Please note that all shad (fresh) must be weighed at either, The Kingfisher, 53 Hunter Street or Tackle Centre, Old Fort Road or The Fishing Tackle Shop, Warner Beach during trading hours.

Please remember there is a bag limit of four and the minimum size is 30cm and that the season closes 30 September and re-opens 1 December 2015.

(File Photo: Gallo Images)

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