FISHING FOR FUN @ DSBC
The DSBC has a large group of ski-boat fishermen, including ladies and juniors, who launch regularly from our protected launch site on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays. The launch site is open mid-week although the radio control tower is not operational. When the weather and sea conditions are favorable we can launch over 100 boats a day in the summer. Winter months are not as busy and on a good weather day we will launch up to 50 boats. The club has three 4 x 4 tractors fitted with hydraulic winches which makes life easier for members and visitors. The tractor service is available 24/7.
OUR FISHING GROUNDS
There is excellent fishing to be had in the Durban basin northwards from the launch site up to Umhlanga Rocks where boats will congregate on the Umhlanga barge or Fontao – a sunken Mozambique fishing trawler and you do not need to venture deeper than approximately 6km offshore. Beyond Umhlanga are Peace Cottage, Selection Reef and the Umdloti drop-off area and beyond that you will find great fishing grounds all the way up the north coast to Tongaat and Ballito. If you prefer to fish south of the launch site there are a number of reefs along the Bluff and down towards Amanzimtoti. For those with larger boats and 4 stroke motors you can reach Aliwal Shoal and return in a day.
Live bait can be caught off the South Pier but beware of the swell pushing onto the breakwater. Limestone Reef area usually has live bait as does the Containers, a short ride northwards or 8 fathom a few kilometers south of the launch site.
WHAT WE CATCH
During the summer months we catch Dorado, starting from October/November which is a great sport fish and makes excellent eating as well. Whilst Yellowfin Tuna are present all year, the larger ones around 30kg appear in October and these fish are targeted by many of our members, using live bait, poppers or trawling lures. From January through to June we get King Mackerel or “Couta” as they are known locally.
These fish stocks have reduced significantly over the last decade and you need some patience & skill mixed with a little good fortune to boat some of these excellent eating fish. We also have Queen Mackerel or Natal Snoek caught close to the back line which is a favorite amongst light tackle fishermen as are the “Queenies” or Queenfish which are also around May to September.
CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU LAUNCH
Please remember to:
- carry your valid fishing license with you at all time
- carry you boat COF (valid sea-worthy certificate) and your personal COC (skippers ticket)
- Sign the launch register before you launch and after you return
- Complete radio formalities before launching and beaching – VHF ch8.
- Ensure all safety equipment is on board.
- Obey the launch control officer who is on duty weekends and public holidays from first light to 15H00.
- Comply with all local fishing regulations
- Advise friends or next of kin that you are launching and leave emergency contact details
FUN COMPETITION @ DSBC
During the course of the year we hold a number of social competitions for members which are a lot of fun and always open to ladies and juniors. There is a nominal entry fee, currently R100 and when funds permit this may include a braai pack. We fish from first light and scales close 12.30 – 1:00, followed by a prize giving and usually a braai.
Please keep an eye on Facebook for details of upcoming events which are always great for the fishing families to enjoy together.
Social Competitions
Three to four social competitions open to all members
Juniors Day
Fun competition for our young fishermen – accompanied by adults
Ladies Day
We honor our ladies and we provide them this opportunity with skippers and boats made available on the day.
Overs & Unders
The experienced Over 40’s vs the confident Under 40’s – be sure to enter.