What to target in August

Whether holiday maker or competitive surf angler, knowing where to find fish and what bait and tackle to use is a great help. Here top surf anglers graciously give readers their hints and advice. We will be expanding this feature as we progress through the year.

NORTH COAST – St Lucia

Charter a skipper, this is what’s going on right now!

NATAL COAST

Yellowfin Tuna

• BEACH OR BOAT? Boat
• WHERE TO FIND THEM: Where birds are diving and fish jumping.
• FAVOURITE SPOTS: Cape Vidal, ST Lucia, Mapelane and Ballito.
• WHAT BAIT TO USE: Surface spoons and poppers various sizes.
• TACKLE (LINE CLASS, LEADER, HOOKS, SINKERS, KNOTS): Monofilament line backed up by 40lb braid with no leader. With live bait, a 5/0 to 8/0 circle hook is used. On spoons use 4/0 single hooks and for poppers 2/0 treble hooks. No sinker is used. The monofilament is attached to the braid with an FG knot.
• FISHING REGULATIONS: The minimum weight is 3,2kg and a maximum of 10 fish per licence holder per day.

Info supplied by: Jeff Asher-Wood, Rock & Surf charter. SMS only: 082 978 1098

WEST COAST

Steenbras

• BEACH OR BOAT? Beach
• WHERE TO FIND THEM: Shallow banks with rolling water.
• FAVOURITE SPOTS: Myl 72, Canopy, Myl 106
• WHAT BAIT TO USE: Fresh white mussels, octopus, sardine
• TACKLE (LINE CLASS, LEADER, HOOKS, SINKERS, KNOTS): Medium tackle set-up, Berkley Venom Anaconda 13ft6, Penn slammer 6500, 30lb whiplash, 2/0-4/0 hook, .65 hook snoot. 
• FISHING REGULATIONS: 1p.p. per day, minimum size of 60cm fork length.

Info supplied by: Judy Langenhoven

ANGOLA NORTH

Cubera Snapper

• BEACH OR BOAT? Beach
• STATE OF THE TIDE: After spring. Early morning, late afternoon. The cooler the temperature, the bigger the fish.
• WHAT BAIT TO USE: Paddle tail
• TACKLE (LINE CLASS, LEADER, HOOKS, SINKERS, KNOTS): Assassin Amia kob 11ft, Penn Conflict 5000 reel and Grinder braid.
• FISHING REGULATIONS: Catch and release

Info supplied by: Marina Kruger, Hentiesbay Angling Tours, 081 251 1489

WESTERN CAPE – MOSSEL BAY

Steenbras

• BEACH OR BOAT? Beach
• WHERE TO FIND THEM: Sandy beaches on flat sand banks with white rolling water.
• FAVOURITE SPOTS: Danabay, Kanon or Gourits beaches.
• STATE OF THE TIDE: Low tide or on the turn of the tide.
• WHAT BAIT TO USE: Prawn, chokka, bloodworm or white sand crabs.
• TACKLE (LINE CLASS, LEADER, HOOKS, SINKERS, KNOTS): 0.60mm hook trace with 4/0 hooks, sliding trace with 2 small power swivels.
• FISHING REGULATIONS: 1p.p. per day, minimum size of 60cm fork length.

Info supplied by: Shawn Mey, Go Fish Mossel Bay – Extreme Rock and Surf Angling Adventures.

CAPE TOWN

Cow Shark

• BEACH OR BOAT? Beach
• WHERE TO FIND THEM: Koggel Bay, Melkbaai, Gordons Bay Mountain, Langebaan
• FAVOURITE SPOTS: Koggel Bay
• STATE OF THE TIDE: Pushing tide
• WHAT BAIT TO USE: Harder, Mackerel, Chokka
• TACKLE (LINE CLASS, LEADER, HOOKS, SINKERS, KNOTS): 50 LB Braid, 12/0 hooks, 10 OZ Rod
• FISHING REGULATIONS: Sport fishing – catch and release

Info supplied by: Roux Swart, Madfin Extreme, www.madfin.co.za

WEST COAST, ZULULAND

Kob (Dusky, snapper, silver & Daga)

• BEACH OR BOAT? Beach
• WHERE TO FIND THEM: Rocks and sand banks where sand is pushing up in turbulent water.
• FAVOURITE SPOTS: Always look for white water.
• STATE OF THE TIDE: Day or night, pushing tide.
• WHAT BAIT TO USE: Strepie, mullets, black tail, karanteen, chokka, sardines.
• TACKLE (LINE CLASS, LEADER, HOOKS, SINKERS, KNOTS): Hook: 6/0 or 7/0 Ryochi, Sinker/ Weight: Grab Sinker used depends on your rod (5oz-7oz), Rod: Penn Regiment 5-7oz, Reel: Shimano Bullseye XT9120
• FISHING REGULATIONS: 1 Kob p.p.p.d. 50cm

Info supplied by: Theo Herbst