Durban Pier Pressure

They talk about the recent peaceful march by anglers advocating for more fishing piers, addressing allegations against them, and detailing the Forum's efforts in community engagement, education, and environmental conservation.

The conversation also covers the Forum's independent initiatives like providing cutting boards and refuse bins at various locations, and their push for inclusivity in decision-making processes related to fishing regulations and pier access. Take a listen at the top of the page or directly below.

Pictured above: Mike Vlcek and the 179.8kg Zambezi Shark he landed on the KZN North Coast.

Meanwhile, dubbed as the catch of the year, Durbanite Mike Vlcek caught a magnificent 179.8kg Zambezi Shark off the lower North Coast earlier this month. Two anglers helped pull the Zambezi over the shore break, removed the hook, and then released it safely back into the water within a minute, hence Michael forgetting to turn off his headlamp!

Listen to the latest KZN Fishing Report in the Angler News South Africa podcast below, and scroll down for some incredible photos of some of the catches. Please note that all inedibles are catch-and-release.

Pictured above: Eckhart Potgieter with a juvenile Kingfish caught down the lower South Coast.

Pictured below: Jardus Smith with a 66cm Rainbow Trout from Nottingham Road during the Tops trophy challenge.

Meanwhile,  last week Vinesh was joined by seasoned angler Jace Govender, known for his exceptional rock and surf fishing skills, especially in capturing giant fish over 300 kilos. Jace shares his journey from catching small fish at an early age to mastering the art of angling giant sharks, emphasising the crucial role of experience, proper tackle, and technique.Listen to the interview below:

Find more episodes of Angler News SA in the full channel below:

More about the Angler News South Africa (ANSA) podcast:

ANSA is Africa's only fishing podcast that focuses on the latest fishing reports, whether they're hot or not. ANSA delivers true and accurate content from the country's most prominent anglers every week on various facets of angling.

• The KZN Fishing Report (Thursdays, 3 PM)
The fishing report kicks off down the Lower South Coast with Adam Lyon, who covers everything fishing-related from Port Edward to Port Shepstone. The news then flows down to the Kingsburg/Illovo stretch, where Gary van Sluys gathers content from the rocks every morning.

For the Durban report, we have two correspondents: Mike Vlcek, a seasoned competitive angler, and Brad Grobbler, known as the East Coast's Davie Jones for the time he spends on the water keeping anglers up-to-date on the week's activities.
North Coast reports from Tongaat to Richards Bay are covered by Jesse Schubach, who not only delivers reports but also provides detailed advice on various aspects of angling. The fishing report rounds off in the Midlands with Jan Korrûbel reporting on all facets of freshwater angling..

This weekly report ends with Vinesh and his reporters sharing their predictions for the upcoming weekend.

• Expert Angling Interviews (Mondays mornings)
Dive deep into the world of fishing with Vinesh's in-depth interviews. Each week, he chats with leading anglers and industry experts, tackling topics that are on every angler's mind. Learn how to read tides and weather, master specific techniques, and even explore the path to becoming a protea angler.

Meet your host, 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 KZN 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.