Umhlanga to Kosi Bay

Zululand and the North Coast

Warm sub-tropical beaches and lake systems.

The water

Warm and clear in places with strong currents, and some very rough days.

The shore

Long beaches, dune forest and protected parks. Many areas are managed by conservation authorities.

Gear note

Lighter gear works on some beaches, but a rod rated for heavy sinkers is useful when the surf is up.

Check a setup in the builder

Season

Warm months bring the most variety. Protected areas have their own permits and fishing zones.

The fish

Often targeted here

Also mentioned: Kingfish, Queen mackerel, Pompano, Grunter.

Season at a glance

Compare with similar regions

Months that are usually good for the main target fish in each region
Region	January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October	November	December
West Coast	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Quieter
Cape Peninsula and False Bay	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good
Overberg and Garden Route	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good
Eastern Cape	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good
KwaZulu-Natal South Coast and Durban	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter
Zululand and the North Coast	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Quieter	Usually good	Usually good	Usually good

Dark circles are the months anglers usually rate highest. This is general guidance, not a forecast: seasons shift with the water temperature and the weather.

Before you fish

Fishing in South Africa has rules: sea fishing needs a recreational permit, and dams, rivers and clubs set their own permits, bait rules and limits. Check current regulations with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment or the owner of the water before you fish. Rules change and this site is not an official source.