The much anticipated day had finally arrived for the second round of the KZN Fishing social calendar at Tugela Mouth Resort. With almost perfect weather there was nothing going to stop the KZN Fishing crew. Some guys arrived at the destination by 2pm on Friday the 12th.

With little time to waste Zaheer and crew were on the beach to test the water. They were soon joined by a host of other members, all of whom very eager to get their lines wet.
These guys opted to fish in front of the resort where they were met with ginger brown water. Not much action on the first afternoon with just Rishi having a good start with a Grey shark.

By this time back at the camp most of the guys started to arrive, unpack and hit the beach just to scout the area. It soon got dark and everyone was back at the resort for the briefing and supper. After a short briefing a scrumptious meal followed. The group was then challenged to the fastest Bimini Twist competition. Note the line given to the guys for this competition was a clear .26mm line. The First guy to attempt it was Dhiren. For most of the test he could hardly see the line and made a complete mess of it. His eventual time was 2m.37. The Next was Ronald who had a fantastic time of 38 seconds. Several others tried with some times under a minute. Just as we about to declare Ronald a winner Dhiren asked for a rerun. On his second attempt he came under 36 second and was awarded a prize of some terminal tackle. After a lot of socializing, a few card games and drinks most of the guys retired for the night.

Most of the guys were up and at it early, packing their baits, tackle and getting ready for a fine day of fishing. A hearty breakfast was served and thereafter the vehicles were packed and down to the beach we headed.

At the Tugela North Bank parking area we were met by most of the Day visitors who very eager to test the water. We had about 30 day visitors. A short briefing and handing of score cards everyone hit the surf. The tide had dropped to an all time dead low with the banks and gullies being clearly exposed.

It was a very slow start to the morning with just a few Spinner sharks being landed. The two Spinners landed were 30 and 45 cm. Some of the members who opted to slide out big baits waded out onto the sand banks and had their baits out in the backline in record time. Soon after Niresh was on with a Spinner shark which he quickly handed to Abeshan to swim out for that Zambezi shark that he was targeting. He had very little luck trying to get that Spinner to swim out.

Guys fishing closer to mouth had more luck with a few small Kob and Grunters being landed. Vishal soon had 2 size Grunters under his belt. Just to add to the action Jace, Joe and Khem witnessed a few fins in the water, this was quickly followed by the guys baiting up and baits in the water in record time. Unfortunately none of the baits seem to attract these sharks.

As the water started to turn and fill up the banks and gullies guys were soon getting some decent pulls. Chokka and Red eye mix seem to produce the best bites but no hook ups yet. This got the guys really worked up and trying every bait in the book to put some scores on the board. It was not long after the first fish for the afternoon as landed, a shad of 29 cm. This really got the ball rolling as the shad feeding frenzy began. Ronald was soon on top of the score board landing 2 very decent sized shad. The shad were now feeding freely and guys were getting their fair quota.

While this was going on Selvan, Dhiren and Rishi managed to get their sinkers out and had their live shad in the deep hoping to hook into some monsters.

It was soon time for the Social league to come to an end. With most of guys still wanting to fish it was agreed to continue. The shad seem to be still feeding and now most of the guys were getting in on the action. Not long after an 8kg Labotes was landed on a mackerel slide.

By this time most of the guys were hungry and tired from all of the action it was decided to head back to the resort for a late lunch and fishing stories and experiences shared.

During the afternoon a few guys decided to send their baits out with the Aqua cat. Several baits were taken out to the 300 meter mark. Both Jace and Joe’s line were cut around the 150 mark. We still do not understand what happened. As the sun went down we could not send out the boat. The Guys then decided to have a crab hunting competition. If you ever saw grown men become kids this was it. Screams of delight and Running lights were the order of the day. After running a few marathons and Rishi trying to catch crabs with his slippers (which I believe was stolen by some crabs) the guys returned to the chalets.

After a well deserved rest and a hot shower the guys soon settled down for the night’s braai. While the braai was underway it was decided everyone partake in game suggested by Shaik. It was the first time for most of the guys who played, it was called Fishing Charades. What fun it was getting the Young guns go head to head with the Older experienced guys. After a well deserved supper guys chatted and a few drinks went around. It was soon time for guys to turn into bed. Some guys opted to fish the morning for a final session.

Guys were up early but were met by rain and very windy conditions. Breakfast was served and the vehicles were packed. It was now time for the guys to say their goodbyes and head back home.

Well done to all that attended the second round of the KZN Fishing social league calendar.