The Big Fish Awakening - KZN REPORT (10 APRIL '25)
The Big Fish Awakening in KwaZulu-Natal – Perfect Timing for a Fishing Weekend!
This episode of the ANSA KZN report our reporters deliver thrilling updates from the coastline and midlands, signaling the start of the exciting fishing season. With cooler temperatures and longer nights, fish like kob, grunter, and couta are making their moves, bending rods and bringing joy to anglers. From Durban’s bustling beaches to the South Coast’s unpredictable waters, anglers are eagerly preparing for what’s to come. Notable catches include monster kob, blacktip kings, and even some exciting offshore action with huge couta, snoek and dorado. Though the freshwater scene is slower due to rain and murky waters, there’s anticipation for better conditions as autumn sets in. The future is looking bright for anglers, and the big fish are just waking up! Vinesh's website
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12:23
Garrick & Shad are Back - KZN REPORT (2 APRIL '25)
The latest Angler News report kicks off with excitement about the return of Garrick and shad, signaling the start of the autumn fishing season. Several fish species are being caught across various regions, including shad, garrick, kob, kingfish, pompano, snoek, and even a rare angel shark in KZN. The report is based on the ongoing success of fishing, especially on the beaches and from ski boats, where snoek, rock cod, and couta are abundant.
The freshwater scene has seen some challenges due to heavy rainfall, with rivers swelling and making fishing difficult. However, reports from Underberg indicate rivers are starting to settle. Bass fishing is also featured. The North Coast has been producing some great catches, with pompano, kob, and sand sharks being reported, while the South Coast has had a few Garrick, bream, and sharks, including smooth nose and flat nose species.
With the weekend looking promising for fishing, whether on the coast, in freshwater, or offshore, anglers are excited for an action-packed weekend. Vinesh's website
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12:07
Monster Fish Are Feeding- KZN REPORT (27 MARCH '25)
We’re thrilled about the incredible fishing action happening along the coast this week, with numerous large catches, including giant fish and successful angling events. Along with the exciting fishing news, we provide updates on the ongoing Blue Lagoon fishing ban and explore alternative solutions from local experts. The South Coast has been especially productive, offering a variety of catches, from big game fish to sharks and bass. As the school holidays approach, we offer suggested family-friendly fishing spots for the perfect holiday getaway.
We also address challenges like cold water conditions impacting certain fish species, but note that places like Durban have seen excellent catches of edible fish such as grunters and kob. The fight to lift the Blue Lagoon fishing ban continues, with local anglers finding ways to fish at nearby spots. Overall, excitement is building as reports pour in of fantastic catches in both freshwater and saltwater, ensuring a memorable holiday season for anglers. Vinesh's website
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19:05
Are Durban fish safe to eat?- KZN REPORT (20 MARCH '25)
This episode of South Africa's only Fishing Podcast covers a range of fishing topics, including recent fishing reports, insights on fish safety, and updates on the Blue Lagoon E. coli ban.
We discuss E. coli contamination, with a personal experience shared by Ray Thompson, who fell ill after exposure at Durban Harbour. Ray tells us about the dangers of fishing in contaminated waters, especially if you have cuts on your body. He also shares that antibiotics were needed for recovery.
With our fishing reports, the weather has impacted fishing conditions, but there have been good catches of snook and some game fish. The show also features insights from seafood experts on the safety of eating fish caught in E. coli-affected waters, assuring listeners that cooking fish at the proper temperature (above 63°C) should eliminate risks.
Lastly, the podcast teases a look into next week's expert discussion on fish living in contaminated waters and shares anticipation for the long weekend fishing opportunities.
Key moments:
00:00 Introduction and what's coming up preview
02:07 Highlighting the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)
05:09 South Coast Fishing Report
07:19 Ray Thompson's E. Coli Experience
10:38 Durban Fishing Report
12:57 Freshwater and North Coast Fishing Report
15:41 Is It Safe to Eat the Fish?
20:02 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes Vinesh's website
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21:06
No Fishing - Warning - KZN REPORT (14 MARCH '25)
In this episode, we look at the continued closure of Blue Lagoon - due to high E.coli levels and pollution. We hear from the Blue Lagoon Angling Crew on the ban's negative impact on the local fishing community. The eThekwini Municipality banned all recreational and fishing activities from the Umngeni Estuary to the Blue Lagoon non-bathing beach on January 7. It is based on a Coastal Compliance Notice issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.
This Angler News SA podcast episode also looks at the latest weather warnings and how they’re impacting the fishing community.
With rough weather expected to continue, fishermen are advised to prepare for better conditions ahead. It’s time to organise tackle, make traces, and get ready for the Human Rights Day long weekend when, hopefully, the fishing will pick up…tough conditions don’t last forever, and soon, the fish will be biting again.
Cover Angler: Dean Reddy with a Ragged Tooth Shark caught on the North Coast. Vinesh's website
Reel in the latest fishing updates, tips, and tricks with the king of KZN fishing, Vinesh Soogreem, on the award-winning Angler News South Africa (ANSA) podcast!
ANSA is Africa's only fishing podcast that focuses on the latest fishing reports, whether they're hot or not. ANSA delivers true and accurate content from the country's most prominent anglers every week on various facets of angling.
• The KZN Fishing Report (Thursday mornings)
From the Lower South Coast, Adam Lyon covers everything fishing-related from Port Edward to Port Shepstone. The news then flows down to the Kingsburg/Illovo stretch, where Ray Thompson gathers content from the rocks daily. For the Durban report, we have two correspondents: Mike Vlcek, a seasoned competitive angler, and Brad Grobbler, known as the East Coast's Davie Jones for the time he spends on the water keeping anglers up to date on the week's activities. ANSA also has Don Solomon, the president of the SA Spearfishing Association delivering a weekly report of conditions and catches from this facet. North Coast reports from Tongaat to Richards Bay are covered by Suvikaar Sewlall, who not only delivers reports but also provides detailed advice on various aspects of angling. The fishing report rounds off in the Midlands with Jan Korrûbel reporting on all facets of freshwater angling.
This weekly report includes predictions for the upcoming weekend from Vinesh and the team.
• Expert Angling Interviews (every second Monday from 5am): Dive deep into the fishing world with Vinesh's in-depth interviews. He chats with leading anglers and industry experts, tackling topics that are on every angler's mind. Learn how to read tides and weather, master specific techniques, and even explore the path to becoming a protea angler.
With over two decades of experience, Vinesh's authority on KZN fishing is unmatched. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, the ANSA podcast has something for everyone.
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