When winter cold starts to bite in South Africa, the fish continue to bite in KwaZulu Natal’s warm waters. With its mild weather, the province has world-class fishing all year round, but it is at the beginning of autumn that the province really comes into its own.

In South Africa, more than a million people regard themselves as recreational anglers and bring out their rods either socially, for sport, or during holidays. Countrywide, the recreational fishing industry is worth R19 billion (€955.7m) a year and supports almost 100 000 jobs.

“Recreational fishing is largely seasonal and often linked to holiday peak times. Various types of fishing are available on almost all the tourism routes across KZN. More importantly, fishing trips have become far less of an excuse for Dad to escape with his mates and more of a family holiday opportunity or a chance to take part in a fiercely competitive sport fishing event,” Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) said in a press release.

TKZN provided the following popular fishing activities and destinations in the province:

Playing the bass

Bass fishing is popular across the province but Albert Falls Dam is widely regarded as one of the best bass fishing spots in the country.

“It is ideal for beginners as the water is teeming with so many fish that it is almost impossible not to catch one. In May, the mornings are crisp but the days are warm, and casting from the boat is an adventure,” TKZN said.

Tackling a trout

Underberg (and the surrounding Drakensberg) is the centre of trout fishing in KZN and April and May are some of the best times to go.

“The Drakensberg and KZN Midlands have many trout and fly-fishing lodges, and fishing equipment is available for hire. Most lodges also have chefs who are more than willing to prepare guests’ freshly caught trout for dinner,” TKZN said.

Julia Amaral, Spokesperson for the Midlands Meander, which stretches from Mooi River in the north to Hilton in the south, Karkloof in the east and the foothills of the Drakensberg in the west and is one of the country’s most popular fishing destinations, said it was their most requested visitor activity.

She said many tourists relished an opportunity to catch a trophy trout, outsmart a wily bass, or engage the challenging indigenous yellowfish. Fishing events held throughout the year are also regular attractions to the Meander.

Taming a tiger

In KZN, it is all about Tiger Fish, said fishing blogger Albert Gatchet: “These toothy terrors are known for explosive hits and powerful runs. They’re underwater bullets with armoured scales and a mouth full of razor-sharp daggers. Oh, and they’re also really fun to catch.”

“Jozini Dam is the spot to hook tigers with easy access, professional guiding, accommodation, and houseboats from which to fish. During autumn, the tigers are fattening up for winter, and cooler days and lower rains mean more hours on the water,” TKZN said.

Rock and shore fishing

KZN is ideal for fishing during the autumn and winter months according to Ian Logie, owner of Local is Lekker fish safaris on the KZN South Coast, a venue for rock and surf fishing holidays.

“We don’t get as much rain as in summer, so the sea is generally cleaner because there is less silt from the rivers. This means you are more likely to catch fish like shad and Garrick and, with the Sardine Run, lots of game fish come close inshore,” Logie said.

He suggested that tourists try carp fishing, which has become very popular in the rivers and dams in southern KZN.

Debra Robins, Director of the Southern Explorer, a cluster of activities and experiences along the South Coast, said fishing was a big player in the region’s tourism offering.

“The Sardine Run in June/July, which extends from Port Edward to Umkomaas, feeds the fishing frenzy with many coming to see this spectacle and locals netting sardines to use as bait,” she said.

She added that fishing charters were popular amongst international tourists, with many small businesses launching their boats at Shelly Beach. Ski boats launch from Ramsgate and Hibberdene.

Fishing from the beach is particularly popular amongst domestic visitors, especially those from Gauteng. “Our beaches are perfectly suited to beach fishing during the holidays as many have inbuilt rod holders and gullies from which to cast into the surf,” she said.

Kayak fishing

Evert Saaiman, Manager at Angling and Outdoor World, said kayak fishing was also becoming extremely popular.

“Kayaks are smaller and more manoeuvrable. They get to places where deep-sea boats cannot go, are easier to launch and they don’t need fuel.”

Catch and release

KwaZulu Natal has a long coastline with many marine protected areas that are strictly policed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

“Visitors are urged to check any seasonal fishing restrictions, bag limits, or protected waters and to ensure that they have the necessary fishing permits. Most fishing in the province is done on a tag-and-release basis in keeping with global best practices,” TKZN concluded.