 |
| There
is an official launching site
at Umlalazi Nature Reserve for
boats wishing to go deep sea
fishing. |
From
the calm and still waters of Phobane
Lake and the lagoons of the Umlalazi
and Amatikulu
rivers to the pounding and invigorating
surf of the Indian Ocean, there is
an abundance of watersport opportunities
to suit everyone.
Zululand is a fisherman's paradise
and anglers have a variety of places
to choose from - both salt water and
fresh water.
Mtunzini
and Amatikulu
beach are excellent for surf,
lagoon and deep-sea fishing. Common
surf-fishing catches include Salmon
(Kob), Grunter, Stumpnose and Shad
- shad season is from 1 December to
30 September - and the bait most commonly
used is squid (chokka), sardine and
prawn.
Regular competitions are held for
Skates and Sand sharks and the beaches
off the Siyaya
Coastal Park are popular sites
to catch these 'fighters'. A catch-and-release
programme for these inedible species
is supported.
Phobane
Lake in the Nkwalini
Valley between Eshowe
and Melmoth
was constructed on the uMhlatuze
River by the Department of Water
Affairs more than 25 years ago
to provide an assured water
supply to the developing port
and industrial complex at Richards
Bay. It is about 14 kms in length
and has a massive capacity of
300 million cubic metres. There
are no tourist facilities in
the lake's vicinity but it is
a popular fresh water fishing
site.
An annual 'Phobane Bonanza'
is held every year. |
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| Fishing
is strictly regulated and recreational
anglers require valid fishing
licences at all times - these
permits can be purchased from
any post office. The onus is on
the individual to ensure that
they abide by the law and fishermen
are urged to familiarise themselves
with the regulations
governing all fishing in South
Africa. |
|
Deep
sea anglers can launch their ski
boats at
an official Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
launching site in the Umlalazi
Nature Reserve which provides
access to the ocean through the
mouth of the Umlalazi river. Boats
can also be launched off the beach
at Mtunzini
and Amatikulu. Skippers are
advised that boats launched at
Mtunzini lagoon for access through
the mouth should make enquires
with the Mtunzini Ski Boat Club
regarding a launching permit.
Both Ski-Boat Clubs host competitions
throughout the year.
An excellent "Couta-Run"
was had between January and March
2006 and after the Barracuda the
Snoek started biting. Summer months
are good for large Dorado, Kingfish,
Queen Fish, Bonnito, Barracuda,
Yellowfin Tuna and a variety of
species of reef fish like Rockcod,
Mof Grunter, Lantern Fish, Snapper
and other types.
Anglers are reminded to please
ensure that all documentation
for skippers licences, launch
permits and fishing permits are
available at all times.
• Mtunzini Ski Boat
Club: 035 340 1006
An annual 'Couta
Open' is held in April/May every
year.
• Eshowe Social Fishing
Club (ESFC): 083 256 5516
|
A
proud deep-sea angler shows
off her catch of the day. |
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|
Ski-boats
may be launched from the
Umlalazi
lagoon at Mtunzini
but no motorized boats are
permitted in the Amatikulu
estuary.
Fishing from the banks of
the lagoon, however, can
be just as fruitful with
sizeable Grunter, Salmon,
Rock Salmon/River Snapper,
Stumpnose, Rockcod, Shad,
Pick Handle Barracuda and
Sandfish/Gurnard being caught.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff
are responsible for enforcing
fishing regulations and
rangers regularly inspect
one's fishing licenses and
all catches to ensure that
certain species are not
kept and minimum sizes are
adhered to.
Bait can be purchased from
various outlets such as
Spar, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
offices and Ensuro Bait
and Tackle in Mtunzini. |
The
main venues for fresh water
fishing are inland in the
Eshowe
area. These include Ruthledge
Park Dam and Eshlazi Dam
which are now maintained
by uThungulu District Municipality.
The large 14 km-long Phobane
Lake, which is situated
off the R66 and approximately
30 minutes from Eshowe,
boasts large numbers of
Largemouth Bass, Barbel
and Tilapia.
As many as 24 different
species of fish have been
identified in Phobane Lake!
Boats may be launched, however,
it is advisable not to leave
your vehicle/picnic site
unattended and there are
no toilet facilities.
No accommodation facilities
exist at Phobane Lake, though
Shakaland
(Protea Hotel) is approximately
3 km from the dam wall.
• Eshowe Social
Fishing Club: 083 256 5516. |
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The
Eshowe Social Fishing Club hosts
a popular annual 'Phobane
Bonanza' with a variety
of excellent prizes and a lively
weekend of action with a camp-where-you-find-a-place
atmosphere. A large marquee
is erected on the banks of the
lake for socialising and watching
rugby on a large screen TV once
the day's fishing is over. A
food and beverage tent as well
as portable toilets are arranged
for the event. The next Bonanza
is due to be held on 25-26 November.
Contact the Eshowe Social Fishing
Club for further details. |
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