This was touted on the forum as the largest social fishing event in our Calendar thus far. The pre-registration accounted for over 40 anglers. Registration began sharp at 6.30am at the car park.  Early starters Rishi and Afzal (Shaik) were first to the water and started the tedious process of assembling their rods and getting their tackle ready, expectations were high. Some guys were looking very competitive at this early stage. A few practice casts and already guys were into tangles. A few words of wisdom from one of our KZN Angling Advisors and some lucky guys were also getting free wind-on leaders - Thanks Trevor (aka Bassman). Apologies were received from Joe due to work commitments and then a few Birthday wishes to two of our fellow members (David and Shaik) and the guys were on their way. Then came the grand arrival of Ronald sporting the new KZN Fishing Shirt. Let us have your comments on the shirt to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Majority of the 30 odd members decided to fish on the rocks (Scotties main point). Trevor and Calvin were out first with their big baits. As the guys were hooking up their tackle Trevor’s reel starts the sound every angler loves to hear. This was like 10 minutes into the competition. In no time Trevor ( Bassman) lands a 71 cm grey on a Makerel Slide. It looks like it was going to be a busy morning.

Not to be outdone a few minutes later Jan (Shadow) lands a 66cm grey also on a Mackerel Slide. Meanwhile on the edible side at around 9 am Shaan starts his normal secret bait (Sand Prawn) maneuver.  He starts with a 31cm Stoney and proceeds to land in quick succession a 27 and 28 cm Banded Galjoen. Now he has got everyone changing traces and baits. As the morning wears on more good edible fish are landed. The reef fish slowly make their appearance. Blacktails and Karanteens were biting steadily.

As things start to quieten down Kamesh tangled Ronald’s Line that had a Live Karanteen on Slide and began winding it out. As they began winding out, they realized there was something on the line, either Kamesh or Ronald has a hooked a fish. At this stage it is anybody’s guess. Ronald thinks the fish belongs to Kamesh. Finally they realize that Ronald’s slide was tangled on his main line and Kamesh had helped Ronald pull out a Grey of 69cm.

Whilst the morning continues the two juniors keep the officials very busy measuring their fish.  Between Nirdosh (6 fish) and Emmanuel (4 fish) they out fished their dads and most of the other members. It was amazing to watch these kids cast and hook fish. I can only imagine them in ten years time. If they continue in that manner I am sure KZN Fishing will have their first two Protea Anglers.

As time creeps to 10.30am most of the guys are now talking more than fishing. It was becoming very humid. Jan then brings a Huge Cooler box filled with Coke and Bottled water. Very welcome gesture, for which KZN fishing and its members thanks you.

As we approach 11.00am our resident KZN Fishing Guru from Pretoria (Melvin G) phones and tell us that the fish will come on the bite at 11.00am. Whilst talking to him Shaan picks up another Banded Galjoen. Lines are quickly baited up again and few more Banded Galjoen. Ladder wrasse and Trigger fish are landed.

We then get a message from the guys fishing on the surf area that the shad was on the bite. Ronald (aka Energiser Bunny) quickly jumps from rock to rock and confirms the shad. In the next 45 minutes nearly all the guys that had their baits in the water caught shad. Nearly 90 percent of all the shad caught were undersize. These were released to fight another day. The guys must have landed over 50 shad and less than 15 made the legal size. Ronald showed us why he has the name nickname Shad Killer. Maybe we need to change it because besides the two he kept, he safely released the rest of his catches. They went off the bite as quickly as they came on the bite.  Majority of the guys went back to the rocks to try for some gully fish. Guys were landing and releasing pamphlets, karanteens and blacktails.

Lines out was called at 1pm and the ritual Cleanup started. A total of 52 fish were measured and many more unmeasured and released.

A great day for those that attended, those that missed out you really should have been there. See you all at the Winter Shown in a few weeks time.