Though there was some rain this past week, the sort of downpour needed to clear out the Gamtoos River mouth and fill our dams still eludes us. Generally, there have been no angling reports of spectacular catches but the spate of winds we have had should provide a little action next week, following Saturday’s full moon.Hopefully the water also warms to above 18°C.
I believe in wind prior to an outing as it aerates the water and the rougher conditions are likely to stimulate the environmental food chain. The westerly is the angler’s friend as it warms the water and gives it that ginger beer colour, which is ideal to increase prospects.
There is an upcoming four species Surf Marine angling competition to be held on Saturday August 18 and details can be found at Trophy Tackle Den, where tickets and conditions are available. The four species to be fished are kob, shad, pignosed grunter and galjoen. The tickets are R100 per angler and the area to be fished is from Gamtoos River mouth to Sundays River mouth.Another competition to diarise is the Eden Projects Grunter classic to be held on August 28 and 29.
It is hosted by the Sundays River Angling Club and is open to both bank and boat anglers. There are no line restrictions and the format is measure-and-release. The entry fee is R100 per person and there are generous cash prizes are up for grabs, as well as lucky draws.
Today’s photograph is of Wesley Renken with a fine kob caught on plastic bait and released after the picture was taken. These kob are our breeders and releasing them is a must and a commendable deed. It is every angler’s dream to catch a big fish but select your fry. Biggest is not always better!As we approach spring, the waters warm up and the species prevalence changes  as  the migratory species from up the coast move in.
The pre-spawn period can be a dull time, such as , presently, however the estuaries usually experience a dramatic revival after spawning. has taken place. This usually lends towards the sad opportunistic slaughter of fish by some indiscriminate folk. Always try to release what you don’t need and snap a picture of your catch before!
At this time of year, the moon phase plays an important part in deciding where you should angle and when. The weather forecasts are easily obtainable on the net (windguru.com and windfinder .com along with fishtracck. com)  and one can work the opportunities that prevail. This weekend we have a good opportunity on Saturday, with low tide at 9.37am,moderate temperatures and a northerly breeze.
Sunday brings a westerly, which could deliver strong winds, with absolute spring tidal conditions and a warning about strong rip currents.