Your essential online guide to Zululand
Your Essential Guide to
the Zululand Experience
visitZululand.co.za
The official website of
the uMlalazi Tourism Association

uMlalazi Municipality
uMlalazi Municipality
Contact:
Tel: 035 473 3474


EZEMVELO
KZN WILDLIFE

Conservation
Partnerships
Ecotourism


Contact:
Tel: 033 845 1000

Ensuro
Bait & Tackle

• Bait
• Tackle
• Fishing Rods
• Info


Contact:
Tel: 082 570 2139
Raphia Centre
MTUNZINI



EASTS'
SERVICE STATION

57 Osborn St
ESHOWE
035 474 2544

AMATIKULU
Eco-Ventures

For hire:
• Canoes
• Pontoons
• Fishing Rods
• Guides

Contact:
Tel: 032 453 0174



FORT CURTIS
SERVICE STATION

135 M Buthelezi St
ESHOWE
035 474 1161

Barge Trips
• Sunset booze cruise
• Bird watching
• Braai on board

Enjoy a relaxing barge trip on the scenic Umlalazi River with knowledgeable host Bob Williamson
072 586 6936




Mtunzini
Open daily
Mon-Fri: 08h00-19h00
Sat: 08h00-14h00
Sun/Pub Hol:
08h00-13h00

on Hely Hutchinson Rd



The
PRAWN SHACK
A unique beach feast
at Amatikulu lagoon


Contact: Keshnee
Tel: 084 737 6493
email:
keshnee@prawnshack.co.za

 

WATERSPORTS - Something for everybody
 
Zululand Bass Brawl 2009
Prizes worth more than R25 000 will be up for grabs in a one-day bass team fishing competion which will take place at Phobane Lake (Goedetrouw Dam) on Saturday 22 August 2009.
Entry fee is R650 per team and registration will open at 04h00 on Saturday 22 August at Phobane Lake.
Click here for more information >>

Launching at Umlalazi lagoon
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
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.
 
 
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 FISHING
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

Catch of the Day
A proud deep-sea angler shows off her catch of the day.
 LAGOON FISHING
 FRESH WATER FISHING
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.
Phobane Fishing BonanzaThe day's catch
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.

www.visitZululand.co.za is the official website of the uMlalazi Tourism Association
Contact details: Tel: (+27) 035 473 3359
email: ronel@umlalazi.org.za
© uMlalazi Tourism Association