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Angler News SA Podcast
Angler News SA Podcast
Author: East Coast Radio Podcasts
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Reel in the latest fishing updates, tips, and tricks with the king of KZN fishing, Vinesh Soogreem, on the award-winning Angler News South Africa (ANSA) podcast!
ANSA is Africa's only fishing podcast that focuses on the latest fishing reports, whether they're hot or not. ANSA delivers true and accurate content from the country's most prominent anglers every week on various facets of angling.
• The KZN Fishing Report (Thursday mornings)
From the Lower South Coast, Adam Lyon covers everything fishing-related from Port Edward to Port Shepstone. The news then flows down to the Kingsburg/Illovo stretch, where Ray Thompson gathers content from the rocks daily. For the Durban report, we have two correspondents: Mike Vlcek, a seasoned competitive angler, and Brad Grobbler, known as the East Coast's Davie Jones for the time he spends on the water keeping anglers up to date on the week's activities. ANSA also has Don Solomon, the president of the SA Spearfishing Association delivering a weekly report of conditions and catches from this facet. North Coast reports from Tongaat to Richards Bay are covered by Suvikaar Sewlall, who not only delivers reports but also provides detailed advice on various aspects of angling. The fishing report rounds off in the Midlands with Jan Korrûbel reporting on all facets of freshwater angling.
This weekly report includes predictions for the upcoming weekend from Vinesh and the team.
With over two decades of experience, Vinesh's authority on KZN fishing is unmatched. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, the ANSA podcast has something for everyone.
ANSA is Africa's only fishing podcast that focuses on the latest fishing reports, whether they're hot or not. ANSA delivers true and accurate content from the country's most prominent anglers every week on various facets of angling.
• The KZN Fishing Report (Thursday mornings)
From the Lower South Coast, Adam Lyon covers everything fishing-related from Port Edward to Port Shepstone. The news then flows down to the Kingsburg/Illovo stretch, where Ray Thompson gathers content from the rocks daily. For the Durban report, we have two correspondents: Mike Vlcek, a seasoned competitive angler, and Brad Grobbler, known as the East Coast's Davie Jones for the time he spends on the water keeping anglers up to date on the week's activities. ANSA also has Don Solomon, the president of the SA Spearfishing Association delivering a weekly report of conditions and catches from this facet. North Coast reports from Tongaat to Richards Bay are covered by Suvikaar Sewlall, who not only delivers reports but also provides detailed advice on various aspects of angling. The fishing report rounds off in the Midlands with Jan Korrûbel reporting on all facets of freshwater angling.
This weekly report includes predictions for the upcoming weekend from Vinesh and the team.
With over two decades of experience, Vinesh's authority on KZN fishing is unmatched. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, the ANSA podcast has something for everyone.
266 Episodes
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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. Vinesh's website
Summer fishing along the KZN coastline has been strong, with calm seas and warm conditions giving shore anglers solid action. North Coast hotspots like Tugela and Mtunzini have produced incredible non-edible action, while Durban’s Glen Ashley, Blue Lagoon, and the Basin continue to deliver shad, grunter, stumpnose, and occasional grey sharks and skates. The South Coast is shining with quality scratch fishing for stumpnose, bream, kingfish, and shad.
Offshore, reefs have produced gamefish including Dorado, Snoek, and Couta, with activity strongest where cleaner water is found.
Inland, rivers and dams remain active with yellowfish, bass, carp, tilapia, and barbel. Trout anglers in stillwaters are finding success by fishing deeper and slower.
With unsettled weather approaching this weekend, now is the perfect time to plan your trip and get your fishing fix before the conditions change. Vinesh's website
The KZN coastline has gone full throttle, delivering some of the most exciting fishing of the season so far. Shore anglers are being rewarded with screaming drags and buckling rods, with strong inedible action up north around Tugela and Mtunzini, while Durban’s central coast continues to produce consistent edibles such as shad, grunter and stumpnose, along with heavier grey sharks and skates. The South Coast remains the standout, offering quality scratch fishing for stumpnose, bream, kingfish and shad, with deeper water producing serious power fish including hammerheads and honeycombs. Offshore, anglers who adapt to shifting water colour and temperature breaks are being rewarded with steady Dorado, plus Snoek and Couta in the shallows, and reliable reef fishing right along the coast.
Inland, improved river clarity has brought fish back on the bite, with good reports from systems like the Mooi River and uMzimkhulu, while trout streams continue to produce on nymphs and dry flies despite warmer conditions. Stillwaters have delivered solid rainbow trout when fished early and late, Underberg waters are producing well, and February remains prime time for yellowfish at Sterkfontein under classic summer conditions. Overall, the season is building fast, and anglers across KZN are being rewarded for time on the water and a smart, adaptable approach. Vinesh's website
Summer fishing is delivering strong action across KwaZulu-Natal, with anglers finding plenty to be excited about from the shoreline to offshore waters. Rock and surf fishing has been productive along the entire coast, with powerful inedibles dominating the North Coast, steady edible catches coming from Durban’s reliable spots, and the South Coast standing out as the top performer. Quality scratch fishing, solid shad and heavy honeycomb rays have made the southern stretches the place to be, especially for anglers using the right baits and local knowledge.
Offshore, conditions have been mixed but rewarding for those prepared to adapt. Reef fishing has produced good Englishman and John Dory, while Dorado, Snoek and Couta have been active in both shallow and deeper water, particularly where cleaner, warmer conditions are holding. Inland, stable weather has opened short windows for freshwater anglers, with trout streams slowly improving, limited stillwater returns during the heat, and Sterkfontein continuing to shine for yellowfish. With summer momentum building, fishing across KZN remains full of opportunity. Vinesh's website
Summer fishing along the KZN coast is firing on all cylinders, with screaming drags and plenty of variety for shore, offshore and freshwater anglers alike. Rock and surf action has been consistent from north to south, with inedibles dominating up north, reliable edible action along the central coast, and the South Coast standing out as the week’s top performer. Quality scratch fishing, solid shad, and serious inedibles have made the southern stretches the place to be, while Durban’s key spots continue to deliver dependable action when conditions align.
Offshore, anglers have been rewarded for their persistence, with Dorado, Snoek and Couta featuring across the coast despite fluctuating water conditions. Reef fishing has produced quality fish, and cleaner water has held steady action both north and south. Inland, stable weather has opened short windows for freshwater anglers, with trout waters slowly improving, stillwaters producing mixed returns, and Sterkfontein continuing to shine for yellowfish. With summer momentum building and conditions gradually settling, KZN anglers have plenty to be excited about in the weeks ahead. Vinesh's website
The KZN coast has kicked off 2026 at full throttle. Rock and surf anglers are into hard, fast action with sharks, rays and skates dominating the shallows, bronze bream firing in the gullies. Durban’s coastline and harbour are producing well for those who stuck it out through rougher conditions, and with calmer seas ahead, the bite is lining up perfectly.
Offshore, dorado continue to lead the charge from north to south, backed by couta, tuna and strong bottom fishing off reefs and wrecks. Inland, the Midlands remain wet but promising, with stillwaters and private venues producing fish and yellowfish action standing out at Sterkfontein and the upper uMngeni. With conditions settling, 2026 is shaping up as a year worth chasing. Vinesh's website
2026 has kicked off with serious energy along the KZN coastline. From Durban to Margate, the saltwater action has been nothing short of explosive. Grey sharks, rays, shad, bream and skates are active in the shallows, while calmer seas have unlocked red-hot bites in gullies, harbours and along the pier. Offshore, the season is already showing standout potential, with dorado dominating catches, backed up by tuna, couta and snoek from north to south. Smaller boats and skis are well in the game, deeper reefs are producing quality bottom fish, and live bait is proving key for bigger tuna as 2026 opens with bent rods and high expectations.
Freshwater tells a very different story, shaped by relentless rain and heavy runoff. Rivers and stillwaters across much of KZN have been tough going, with high, off-colour water limiting opportunities over the festive period. With rainfall beginning to ease, anglers are watching conditions closely, gear at the ready, as 2026 promises plenty of opportunity for those willing to time it right. Vinesh's website
The final show of 2025 delivers pure East Coast summer energy as the Angler News team comes together for a passionate end-of-year send-off. From Durban to the North Coast, Midlands, South Coast, and offshore grounds, this episode is packed with on-the-ground fishing reports covering rock and surf, ski boat, paddle ski, offshore, and freshwater action. Listeners are treated to standout catches, changing conditions, festive-season fishing opportunities, and expert local insight from a dedicated network of reporters. Vinesh's website
Coastal anglers are in the middle of an all-out feeding frenzy along the KZN coastline. Rock and surf action is firing from north to south with a mixed bag of species. Durban anglers are finding solid rewards after pushing through recent rough conditions, with the harbour still producing well for those who can navigate the crowds. Further south, Margate Pier continues to deliver high-energy sessions, and with calmer seas forecast, conditions are shaping up for clean casts, smoother water and fish that are fully switched on. Offshore, the coast is buzzing with one of the strongest dorado runs of the season. From ski-boats to larger craft, anglers are reporting screaming reels and bent rods, with dorado leading the charge alongside strong tuna and couta action.
Inland, the Midlands is experiencing classic summer weather chaos, with rapid swings between heavy rain and intense heat shaping freshwater conditions. Recent rainfall has pushed river levels up, with upper reaches flowing clear but fast, and lower sections running dirty. Sterkfontein remains a standout for fly anglers.
This weekend is lining up crisp casts, smoother seas, and fish that are absolutely switched on and looking for trouble. Vinesh's website
The KwaZulu-Natal coast has delivered explosive action this week, with rock-and-surf anglers reporting relentless shad activity, consistent bream and ray encounters, and even scattered shark pressure across the coastline. Offshore, the dorado run has dominated headlines, with strong catches reported from the north all the way through to the south coast. Tuna, couta, snoek and the odd billfish have kept boats bending. Improving sea conditions heading into the weekend have anglers expecting another round of high-paced action.
Inland, heavy rainfall has pushed the Mngeni System close to capacity, and rivers across the Midlands are running high, fast and often muddy. Challenging conditions have limited river returns. Bass reports have been mixed, with modest returns from Midmar and competitive catches at recent league events, while carp, barbel and yellowfish have offered opportunities where conditions remained stable. With shifting weather patterns and rising water levels, freshwater anglers are choosing their outings carefully as the Midlands settles into a wetter phase. Vinesh's website
The KZN coast is buzzing like never before this season, and this weekend is shaping up to be pure chaos — in the best way! From the lower north coast down to Margate, Grey sharks, Honeycomb rays, skates, and Shad are all on a mission, hammering anything that hits the water, while bronze bream in the rocky gullies are tearing into prawn baits with full-on fury.
Offshore, it’s electric from north to south. Dorado are absolutely ripping it up, from feisty juveniles to absolute bulls and Couta continue to dominate, snoek are schooling, and bottom fishing is producing chunky rockcod — the action never stops.
Inland, the Midlands has been soaked by summer rains, filling dams and turning rivers muddy, but keen anglers are still finding pockets of magic. Upper river reaches are clearer and fishable, while Sterkfontein continues to fire for both small- and largemouth yellowfish. The inland scene may be wetter and trickier, but for those ready to brave it, the rewards are huge.
Whether you’re chasing salt or fresh, this weekend promises biting fish, calmer winds, and conditions lined up for serious angling action — KZN is ON FIRE! Vinesh's website
Fishing has been firing along the KZN coastline. The lower north coast is producing grey sharks, honeycomb rays, and various skates, while bronze bream are feeding well in the rocky gullies. Durban harbour is delivering quality fish for those keeping clear of the Wala Wala, and Margate Pier is seeing Garrick, Bream, and the odd Hammerhead. Offshore, Umhlanga is alive with Dorado smashing pink and purple lures, while Durban waters are holding Geelbeck and Tuna. Down south, high-speed trolling is producing strong Tuna, with Dorado and bottom fish like rockcod still coming out consistently.
Recent rains have dams filling fast, with Mearns and Wagondrift already overflowing and Midmar and Alberts not far behind. Rivers are producing good brown trout and the Mooi and uMngeni systems are giving steady results.. As water temperatures rise, fish are holding deeper along weedbeds. Bass anglers are finding steady catches at Midmar, strong results in private dams, and excellent yellowfish action continues at Sterkfontein. Vinesh's website
With the wind finally easing along the KZN coast, fishing conditions are swinging firmly in anglers’ favour. Rock and surf action is sizzling, with Grey sharks, Shad, and bronze bream keeping the north coast lively, while Garrick, Bream, and Hammerheads are firing down south. Cleaner casts, calmer seas, and top-performing mackerel are making bait presentations sharper than ever. Offshore, Dorado, Couta, and Tuna are smashing baits, with floating debris holding quality fish for those chasing colour and chaos.
Inland, heavy Midlands rains from La Niña have swollen rivers and muddied waters, though stillwaters and dams continue to produce fish for those who get out there. Anglers are urged to stay weather-aware, gear up for wet conditions, and respect ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease closures. Despite the challenges, the season is heating up, and both coastal and inland anglers have plenty of action to look forward to. Vinesh's website
The KZN coastline is on fire, with non-stop action despite the strong winds! Anglers are hooking Grey sharks, Honeycomb rays, and thick schools of Shad up north, while bronze bream are smashing prawn baits in the rocky gullies. Durban’s surf and harbour are producing steady results, with light circle hooks boosting hook-up rates, and Margate Pier down south is alive with Garrick, Bream, and Hammerheads. Wind or not, the fish are feeding hard — so tie down your gear and hit the surf!
Offshore, Dorado, Tuna, and Couta are keeping things hot along the coast. Dorado are smashing pink and purple Rattlers near Umhlanga, while Tuna and Couta dominate around Durban and the south coast. Bottom fishing remains strong with quality rockcod in the mix. Inland, the rivers are running high but still producing trout on nymphs, and Albert Falls Dam has bounced back with solid bass catches. Sterkfontein is shining for yellowfish, proving that from coast to dam, KZN fishing is firing on all fronts! Vinesh's website
Shore-based fishing has been sizzling along the KZN coastline, with anglers of all levels enjoying nonstop action and impressive catches. From grey sharks and honeycomb rays on the north coast to shad and bronze bream in the rocky gullies, it’s been a rewarding time to fish. While most of the excitement has been outside Durban, the harbours and bays have also delivered steady results, particularly for those using light circle hooks. Down south, Margate Pier continues to produce Garrick, Bream, and Hammerheads—proof that both grounded and floating baits are working wonders.
Offshore anglers have battled some tricky weather but still found success as fish settled into their summer feeding patterns. The north coast has been the hotspot for ski-boat and live-bait action, while Durban’s tuna bite has been on fire for those trolling skirted lures. Bottom fishing remains steady along the south coast, with quality geelbek and daga catches coming in. Inland, the rivers and stillwaters are coming alive after scattered rainfall, with the Bushman’s and uMngeni Rivers both producing strong fly-fishing results. With good fish at Midmar and Sterkfontein firing for yellowfish, it’s clear that summer fishing is in full swing across KZN! Vinesh's website
KZN’s fishing scene has been electric this week despite the wild mix of rain, wind, and sunshine. Along the coastline, rock and surf anglers are reeling in a variety of edibles and early inedibles, with snoek, tuna, and kob keeping rods bent from the North Coast down to the South. Tugela, Mtunzini, and Durban’s beaches have delivered great results, while lure anglers continue to enjoy thrilling surface strikes from garrick and kingfish. Protected bays and gullies are also producing consistent action for those braving the weather. Offshore, the bite remains hot with couta, snoek, and tuna leading the charge across KZN. Live baits and fast-trolled lures in pinks and purples have been the winning combos, and anglers targeting deeper waters have found quality bottom fish rounding out their hauls.
In the Midlands, mist and rain haven’t stopped the action. Trout waters like the Bushman’s, Mooi, and uMngeni are producing solid fish for those braving the drizzle, while the Natal Fly Fishers Club has reported great catches on leech and dragonfly patterns. Bass at Albert Falls and Midmar are still biting, with the Horny Toad soft plastic proving deadly. With Sterkfontein season just around the corner, KZN anglers have plenty to look forward to — come rain or shine! Vinesh's website
Summer fishing has officially switched into overdrive across KwaZulu-Natal! The weather’s stabilizing, the surf’s alive, and the bite is red-hot from North to South. On the North Coast, diamonds, sandies, and honeycombs are dominating, with greys keeping the drags screaming. The Central Coast is all action, dishing out blue rays, tuna, and bottom fish, while the South Coast is seeing live bait chaos with garrick, kob, and rock hoppers all in on the fun.
Offshore, anglers have battled through wind and swell, but the rewards have been solid — couta, dorado, tuna, sailfish, and consistent bottom catches like geelbek, daga, and rockcod. When the sea settles, expect the action to fire right back up across the coast.
Inland, The Midlands are starting to come alive after recent rains. The upper Mooi and Bushman’s Rivers are running clear, producing solid trout, while stillwaters have delivered some trophy browns up to 53cm. With warmer days ahead and water conditions improving, it’s shaping up to be an epic stretch of fishing — wherever you drop a line this weekend. Vinesh's website
Summer conditions have settled in, and the coastal fishing is looking solid. The North Coast continues to produce good catches of couta, dorado, tuna, and sailfish, with live bait leading the way and lures doing well when bait is scarce. Rock-and-surf anglers are finding steady action from sandies, honeycombs, and greys, with edibles also starting to show more interest in prawn, sealice, and chokka baits. Further south, live baits are proving effective for garrick, kob, and snoek, while the reefs are still turning out healthy rockcod, daga, and geelbek. The seas are beginning to settle, and conditions look promising for another productive weekend on the water.
Recent rains have revived the rivers, with the Bushman’s and Umngeni showing improvement while the Mooi remains slightly coloured. Stillwaters are producing good fish, bass activity is mixed, and Midmar continues to perform well. As summer settles in, inland fishing is picking up — a great time for a relaxed session on the water. Vinesh's website
After a weekend of wild winds and rough seas, the ocean has finally calmed — and just in time for another action-packed weekend of fishing. The North and Central Coasts are alive with activity, from sandies, honeycombs, and blue rays to the return of edibles like kob and garrick. The South Coast is also firing, with live bait producing excellent results and calmer weather setting the stage for consistent bites. Offshore anglers can finally breathe easy as conditions settle, with tuna, kingfish, and geelbeck showing up in growing numbers and the reefs producing steady catches of slinger, soldier, and rockcod.
Inland, the rains have breathed new life into KZN’s rivers and stillwaters. The Mooi, Bushman’s, and Umngeni are fishing beautifully, with trout feeding eagerly after the winter chill. Stillwaters are yielding solid rainbow and brown trout, while bass and scalies continue to provide action across the Midlands and Tugela regions. With the weather stabilizing, the water warming, and the fish on the feed, this weekend promises some of the best fishing conditions we’ve seen in weeks — game on! Vinesh's website
After a weekend of rough seas, the coast is settling, and spring fishing is firing up across KwaZulu-Natal. From rock-and-surf action to freshwater adventures, anglers are finding plenty to keep their lines tight.
On the Saltwater front , the North Coast is alive with action — bloody and fleshy baits are producing sandies, honeycombs, grey sharks, and edibles. Central Coast anglers are enjoying strong basin action with blue rays and mixed species, while the South Coast delivers good garrick and kob on live bait. Offshore, calmer seas mean better surface action for garrick, tuna, and kingfish, plus deeper-water targets like geelbeck and daga salmon. Snoek remain unpredictable, but the reefs are offering steady bottom fishing.
As for the Freshwater, after recent rainfall, rivers in the Midlands are coming alive. The Mooi River is rewarding anglers with impressive browns, while stillwaters are waking up with bass and trout action. Albert Falls is showing improvement, and rivers like the Umkomaas, Umgeni, and Bushman’s are producing strong yellowfish runs. Early season conditions at Sterkfontein are promising, with hatches and hoppers bringing a buzz to the water.
With more stable weather ahead, it’s the perfect time to dust off your gear. Whether chasing trophies offshore or casting in the rivers, spring is setting the stage for some epic fishing and in this episode we share all the hotspots for this action. Vinesh's website























