Sardine Run 26 Kicks Off - KZN REPORT (18 JUNE '26)
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The Sardine Run 2026 has officially arrived along the KZN coastline, with shoals already making their presence felt and attracting plenty of marine activity. Baitfish movement is increasing daily, and predators are beginning to follow, creating exciting opportunities for anglers.
North Coast: Fishing has remained steady ahead of the main sardine push, with kob, Garrick, stumpnose and pompano featuring in catches while the central coast from Glen Ashley through to uShaka have reports of garrick, kob, grey sharks and shad. As for the south coast, the sardines are the talk of the town along with bream, shad and the odd shark keeping rods bending. Anglers are encouraged to stay mobile and fish according to changing conditions.
Offshore
The ocean is buzzing with activity as baitfish draw predators into local waters, creating exciting fishing opportunities right along the coast.
Couta continue up north to headline the action on early morning launches, while spoon anglers are finding success close to shore. Durban remains consistent with catches of couta, geelbek and kob keeping charter crews smiling, while bottom fishing remains productive throughout the day and night.
Early mornings at Umgeni are delivering exciting snoek action, with fillet baits proving hard for these speedsters to resist and although the gamefish down south have been quieter, bottom anglers are enjoying steady catches of reds, slingers and soldiers.
Freshwater
Freshwater anglers have had to work around some unpredictable winter weather, but those finding time on the water are being rewarded. Trout waters in the Midlands continue to produce fish, with brighter winter fly patterns standing out as conditions fluctuate. The bass scene is also looking healthy, with Inanda Dam providing some encouraging action and reinforcing its reputation as one of KZN's most reliable winter fisheries. Anglers travelling through the Midlands are reminded to observe all current Foot and Mouth Disease biosecurity measures.
Core Sardine Run Hashtags
#SardineRun2026 #SardineRun #KZNFishing #KwaZuluNatal #KZNCoast #EastCoastFishing #FishingSouthAfrica #SouthAfricaFishing #Sardines #SardineSeason #vineshsoogreem
North Coast: Fishing has remained steady ahead of the main sardine push, with kob, Garrick, stumpnose and pompano featuring in catches while the central coast from Glen Ashley through to uShaka have reports of garrick, kob, grey sharks and shad. As for the south coast, the sardines are the talk of the town along with bream, shad and the odd shark keeping rods bending. Anglers are encouraged to stay mobile and fish according to changing conditions.
Offshore
The ocean is buzzing with activity as baitfish draw predators into local waters, creating exciting fishing opportunities right along the coast.
Couta continue up north to headline the action on early morning launches, while spoon anglers are finding success close to shore. Durban remains consistent with catches of couta, geelbek and kob keeping charter crews smiling, while bottom fishing remains productive throughout the day and night.
Early mornings at Umgeni are delivering exciting snoek action, with fillet baits proving hard for these speedsters to resist and although the gamefish down south have been quieter, bottom anglers are enjoying steady catches of reds, slingers and soldiers.
Freshwater
Freshwater anglers have had to work around some unpredictable winter weather, but those finding time on the water are being rewarded. Trout waters in the Midlands continue to produce fish, with brighter winter fly patterns standing out as conditions fluctuate. The bass scene is also looking healthy, with Inanda Dam providing some encouraging action and reinforcing its reputation as one of KZN's most reliable winter fisheries. Anglers travelling through the Midlands are reminded to observe all current Foot and Mouth Disease biosecurity measures.
Core Sardine Run Hashtags
#SardineRun2026 #SardineRun #KZNFishing #KwaZuluNatal #KZNCoast #EastCoastFishing #FishingSouthAfrica #SouthAfricaFishing #Sardines #SardineSeason #vineshsoogreem
