Durban producing big pompano

Kosi Bay saw a decent amount of anglers at the water’s edge, fishing mostly for edibles such as Stumpies, Bonefish and Kingies, with most of these fish being caught on Chokka baits and Red Eye baits. Most anglers have been successful on the high tide, sliding bigger baits such as Bonnies and Mackerel. Sharks frequent this area during the February to May months and due to their aggressive feeding patterns, will take almost any bait big enough for them to locate. Most anglers would prefer the sliding method but when these Sharks are plentiful, bigger baits such as Bonito head or whole Bonito can be casted. This can only be done with a good quality, heavy duty rod such as the Daiwa Saltiga HMG 14’ three piece, extra heavy 12oz rod.

Cape Vidal has been quiet over the last week and weekend, but such results are only inevitable with the amount of holiday makers seen in these areas. Most beaches at these popular tourist locations are full of families soaking up the sun and leave little room for the serious angler.  The few anglers who did brave the crowds did, however, see results and species such as Pompano, Stumpnose and Kingies were landed.

Richards Bay has quite a few warm water species still hanging around, with the winter species creeping in too. A good few Sand Sharks have been landed on smaller baits such as Mackerel head throw baits and small Chokka slide baits. Spinner Sharks are also still in the area and are showing no signs of moving on just yet.  Brown Skates have been caught on the smaller baits that are intended for species such as Pompano, which have also been present in the Richards Bay area over the last week or two.

It seems to be juniors vs. seniors at Zinkwazi lately, and to our delight it seems the juniors are coming out tops. Tyrin Bayne, a 15-year-old angler, has been highly successful using an Aqua-Cat over the last weekend, not only landing a beautiful 105kg Blackfin Shark, but also two Couta weighing 25 and 27kg respectively.

Ballito produced the odd Grey Shark, a handful of Brown Skates and some nice Stumpies for the anglers willing to lose some tackle near the rocks.

Durban anglers flocked to the beaches to get their share of fishing in the good weather we had over the weekend, and many to fish the Durban Fishing Festival, which was a huge success once again. Well done to all the anglers who took part and special congratulations to the juniors who seemed to be on top of things, winning many prizes. Fish that were seen over the weekend include many Lesser Sand Sharks, some huge Pompano, some of which weighed in at over 12kgs, and a good few Grunter. Most fish were caught on Sea Lice or Chokka baits.

The Bluff saw its fair share of anglers too, and it seems the fish decided to make an appearance as well. There have been many smash ups near the rocks, many of which are believed to be big specimens of Blacktip Kingies, which have taken live baits as well as throw baits. Anglers also hooked into a decent amount of Grey Sharks and Stumpies.

Scottburgh has been a bit quiet, with hardly any reports, besides a few Grey Sharks and Brown Skates.

Port Edward has been productive recently with a generous supply of Hound Sharks. These fish have been landed mainly in the afternoons and have been enjoying Mullet head.

Port St John's has had very good Shark angling off the deep water points, with most if the bites being on bigger slide Chokka. Dribs and drabs of Kob and Garrick have been seen down south and many anglers have already started landing fish on McArthy Paddle tails.

(File Photo:Gallo Images)

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