Flyfishing report: Saltwater - Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth

October is not far off now and for anglers it is often known as Kobtober as it is a prime time for kob. Ruben has been fishing the surf recently for this species, but what is needed is a big conventional rod to get the lure far out which of course a fly rod cannot do.

Ruben was also trying to catch Bellman (Baardman) in Cape Recefe area as they are seldom targeted by fly rodders but at times they come into shallow water and anglers should be able to sight fish for them if the water is not too clear or in poor light such as the evenings. The result of his efforts was the capture of a blacktail (photo below) which gives good sport on lighter tackle and is common along the coastline and in the estuaries.

Another fish which is plentiful in all our estuaries but not often targeted is the Mullet. Often, they can be caught by first chumming with bread which brings in the smaller Southern mullet which in turn attracts the larger striped mullet which can then be targeted. Ruben’s favourite fly is a chartreuse pattern, and he has caught them up to 50 cm on the Swartkops. A large striped mullet gives a tremendous fight.

Swartkops estuary.

The grunter are back on the banks but these are not often easy to fish due to the weed so a surface fly is preferred or a clouser used at the drop off frequently does the job. There have also been reports of good kob catches.

Gamtoos.

The grunter are starting to feed on the banks.

Sundays River.

There is a fair amount of fresh water still coming into the estuary from inland rain. When Ruben was there last there was a strong east wind pushing discoloured sea water into the estuary which tends to put the fish off.

Kromme River estuary.

This estuary is clearing nicely since the heavy floods, and the occasional grunter is being caught off the banks. Sight fishing for grunter should improve as it warms up However, the floods have brought some significant changes to the estuary.

Ruben with his blacktail.

Dylan van Breda on the Swartkops.