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General Angling Topics => Fishing Hotspots and locations => Topic started by: Toppie on September 20, 2012, 12:09:29 PM
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Was lucky to visit Sodwana 14-19 September (2012).
Intention was not to fish but spent lot of time on the beach and observed two late afternoon high tides and a handful of guys trying and perservering.
The weather for most of our visit was foul with heavy rain and wind 25 kts plus, it was Spring High and the surf went up to bigger than 3 meters at times.
A massive sand bar has developed right in the bay making surf launching options fairly restricted, at lower tide only a narrow passage between the sandbank and the pulpit, not really enough space to turn a big boat if you wished to abort your run/entry into the surf zone. At low tide the sandbank is completely exposed.
With the south-easter the water was little bit cold for reasonable fishing. Beach fishing guide John Adelaine was however resolute and persisted with a client, and had two or three Kingy's 3-4kg's and a +-5kg Brindle Bass (safely released) landed the one afternoon, and on the following afternoon sliding fish heads to just in front and even onto the sandbar had four runs within 30 minutes. First three spat out/pulled out the entire baits, but the angler landed the fourth one after a 30 minute fight which turned out to be a beautiful Black Tip Shark of about 80 kg which was safely released unharmed.
With all the rough and white water in the bay at high tide the bay was clearly infested with sharks.
Well known reputable charter boat brand new 22' Kingcat went out one day and brought back some yellow fin. Was very funny to see about 800 gallons of water run out from under deck because the skipper didnt want to get "his" feet wet and sand on and do allround check personally before being pushed in by the tractor. The boat hands/helpers forgot to put the bung drain plugs in.
ROAD
Please keep this a closely guarded secret, dont share with anyone!
Followed advice to avoid the old Hendrina - Ermelo - Piet Retief road which is in bad condition and one solid line of truck-trains at the moment.
Drove on the N4 to Belfast, take Carolina off-ramp, through Carolina to and through Amsterdam and then to Piet Retief. Road from Amsterdam joins up just in front of Piet Retief.
This road is in excellent condition almost absolutely no trucks and for those of you with a heavy foot and fat wallet driving fast Jeeps you more than make up the time that its slightly longer than the old route. Definately first choice if you are towing a boat.
After Piet Retief there are 3 stop-and-go's about 10 minutes each either direction and you are bound to catch one or two green. Small stop and go's due to minor repairs also now on the road down near the Jozini turn off but a minor irritation at worst.
I drove via Hluhluwe.
Be careful of the mist this time of year between Carolina and Piet Retief.
Even in crappy weather it was nicer being at Sodwana than here in Gauteng.
Enjoy your next visit!
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(clap) Nice reportback Toppie! Interesting about the bay being full of sharks... they seem to be early this year!
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Thanks for the report Toppie. Was in Ponta do Ouro last weekend and the same happened in the bay. A large sandbank developed and boats need to go around it. Surely this made a few spinning anglers happy as I saw one trying his luck despite the heavy rain!
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Pity about the weather Toppie.
The lower south coast was not much different at that time.
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so a kingcat still floats with out plugs thanks Mrs seevarkie for the demo
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:tkx: forsharing Toppie.
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Sorry, forgot to add, two essential items in my accompanyments that never stays at home these days, and that not only came in handy but was critical with the bad weather, rain and power outtages at Sodwana was my Led Lenser, but most important UA wet weather jacket.
Without them life would have been very uncomfortable. The jacket is really a winner!