FOSAF FLYFISHING REPORTS - Saltwater - South Coast

With Arthur Cary away on vacation another member of the South Coast Fly Anglers Club, Pieter van der Merwe has submitted the following report:

The sea temperature has dropped substantially, and the water is reasonably clear. There have been good catches of shad recently with the fly rodders having fun with this species. The last weekend club members had a successful outing at the Umzumbe Flats and apart from shad they also took wave garrick and tobies.

The Umzimkulu River estuary is clear and club members have done well with small kingfish and gunard species. The club also fishes the Umzimkulu River about 25 km upstream from the mouth where there is good Natal yellowfish (scaly) water and the population includes some sizeable fish up to 58 cm being taken.

Apparently, sardines were netted at Morgans Bay in the Transkei recently so they are their way northwards and it is hoped that the sea along the South Coast will remain cold enough to induce them to come inshore.