Calm Seas and Fish Feeding - KZN REPORT (19 FEBRUARY '26)

The recent run of bad weather has eased, and along the KZN coast the sea has settled into rare, inviting conditions. Calm water and warmer temperatures have opened a valuable fishing window for shore and offshore anglers alike. Rock-and-surf action has improved across the province, with the North Coast producing steady inedibles on mackerel and chokka, Durban’s regular hotspots delivering consistent edibles such as shad, grunter and stumpnose, and the South Coast quietly rebuilding after recent rain, still offering quality scratch fishing and stronger inedibles on deeper points as the water begins to clean.
Offshore, success has favoured anglers willing to adapt to variable water colour and temperature. Dorado, Snoek and smaller Couta have featured along much of the coastline, with reef fishing providing dependable backup when surface action slowed. Inland, a break in the extreme heat has brought some relief to water temperatures, though recent rainfall near the Berg has lifted river levels again. Stillwaters and larger dams are producing mixed results, while Sterkfontein continues to stand out for yellowfish. With conditions settled for now but forecasts hinting at change, anglers are encouraged to plan carefully and make the most of what is shaping up as a short but promising fishing window.