Sodwana is famous for it's diving and deep sea fishing but the rock and surf fishing is amazing. The target species here are the Kingfish species incl. the infamous GT and reef species such as Speckled Snapper. Skates and sharks are well represented with Giant Guitarfish being a sought after target.

Mtunzini offers both estuarine and sandy beaches with excellent wading banks. Targets in the estuary include River Snapper, Spotted Grunter and River Perch. The ocean is amazing for inedible and as it is an important breeding ground for many shark species, juvenile Spinner Sharks, Blackspot Sharks, Milky Sharks and Scalloped Hammerheads are frequently caught. The main target here is however the Diamond Skate.

Mbotyi offers both estuary and rock and surf fishing. The estuary is good for Capoe Stumpnose, Spotted Grunter and the other usual estuarine species. The rocky coastline is excellent for Dusky Kob, Bronze Bream and both Musselcracker species. Shark Point offers the chance to catch large Grey Sharks, Bronze Whalers (winter) and Blackfin Sharks.

Namibia is fairly intimidating when you first arrive if you aren't using a local guide. But there are a few rules of thumb that are really helpful.

The rocky areas between Swakopmund and Henties are really good for Galjoen. White Mussel is the bait of choice and a double hook trace using Gamakatsu B10S no. 6 stinger hooks with anti-tangle sleeves have been the bomb. There are also some great spots just south of Swakopmund for Galjoen. Any little gullies in and around rocks is great for Galjoen.

The section between Swakopmund and Mile 30 is really good for Spotted Gully Sharks. The best bait is a mullet (harder) head with a couple of fillets cottoned to the sides of the head. An 8/0 circle with a dangle on a FMJ is the trace of choice.

Mile 72 north to Canopy is the best stretch for West Coast Steenbras. A 3/0 Ring Soi limited slide trace with an octopus leg.  

Bronze Whalers are best targeted at Langstrand to the left of the toilet block on the right on the way into Langstrand. A mackerel bait on a FMJ trace with a 12/0 circle with a dangle is the bomb. If you can catch a Bluntnose Guitarfish, the fillets are perfect for a Bronzie.

Tugela Mouth has many stories and promises attached to it as a fishing destination. However, it is not nearly as simple as it seems. I would break the site up into 4 specific areas.

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SEOLA POINT: Seola is not strictly at tugela mouth and is in fact approx a 1.7km walk south from the south bank of the mouth. However, tugela mouth offers the easiest access to the site. Seola is amazing for nearly all East Coast species from Blacktip Sharks to the smallest gully fish. I have not yet visited Seola during this challenge and will update this when I have.

SOUTH BANK: South bank of tugela mouth offers two very good fishing spots. Firstly the bay directly south of the mouth is fantastic for Sandies, flatfish etc. The river mouth is wide and the southern edge of the mouth has a deep channel which offers the best chance in SA to snag a Lobotes during April.

NORTH BANK: The north bank is tough fishing with lots of structure in the water including rocks and trees that have washed down the river. However it does offer fairly good kob fishing with Squaretail and Nondi being on offer.

MAMA'S HOUSE: Mama's house is a bit of a local secret in the area and is found by following the dirt road north from the little town of Tugela Mouth. The house is owned by a local lady who allows fishermen to park safely on her property. This site has access to a wonderful sandy stretch of beach prized for catches of Giant Guitarfish, Diamonds, Honeycombs and Brown Skates.  

As with most places, when first presented with a new area, it can be quite intimidating and Richards Bay is no exception. It is broken down into a few sites.

PELICAN ISLAND: Pelican Island is great for multiple species. The long pier is great for scratching for hard to target species like Spot Damsel and Sergeant Major's. There is also great grunter fishing here and the shorter pier offers species like Giant Guitarfish and other flatfish at night.

NAVAL ISLAND: Whilst no longer accessible to the public, Naval Island can be partially accessed by parking just before the boom gate. Species caught from the beach here are varied including Grey Sharks and Diamond Skates. I caught my Tropical Halfbeak here on as ultralight float rig.

STEEL BRIDGE: Steel bridge is a light tackle/artificials hotspot. Really good for slow pitch jigging and dropshot for kingys, Garrick etc.

There are a few other sites in Richards bay and as I fish them I will update this site outline.