FOSAF FLYFISHING REPORTS - Saltwater - South Coast

This report is, unfortunately not a crystal ball and does not predict what the future angling prospects are on the South Coast. Much like a stock exchange report, it tells one where one should have been and what actions should have been taken a while back. Looking on the bright side, it does show that there are opportunities to be had and one should always be ready for the unexpected.

At the beginning of the first week in November, the mouth of the Umzimkulu River closed and some observant anglers noticed a lot of activity in the estuary. A number of local South Coast Fly Anglers decided to try their luck and armed with and #8 and #9 weight rods which were loaded with a variety of streamers, Deceivers and Clousers, were treated to a feast of kingfish, mainly Greenspot, but some GTs as well. A few anglers fished from boats, but those who were restricted to the south bank were just as successful. Many of these fish measured 60 cm fork length and there were many tales of being pulled into the backing and then breaking off.  Due to the danger of the river flooding the Port Shepstone golf course, permission was given to a local construction company to open the mouth and the glory week was over. The Mmpenjati estuary also produced a number of smaller kingies over this period, while the surf in that area teemed with wave garrick; one angler catching (and releasing)  over 40 fish in one short morning session.

Copious rains over the past two weeks, have brought local rivers down in spate, and these are now very dirty. The surf is however still producing a few wave garrick, if one can find a clean patch of water. If no more heavy storms hit the area, the sea should clean up in time for the shad season which opens on the 1st December.

Local bass dams are producing large numbers of small fish, which is hopefully a good sign for next year.”

Mmpenjati estuary