Fishing Reports by Guide Mike Laubscher
About The Author:
Company: Blue Water Charters - Durban
Area Reporting: Durban. KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Bio: I have been fishing since I was 5 years old in Durban and have fished many places around the world and in South Africa, but Durban is my home waters. I fished competitive for many years and I have been running my own charters since 2008 with 2 companies and 2 boats, fish a variety of styles and target a variety of fish species in both Salt and Fresh water, have many published articles in several magazines on fishing. Love nature and outdoors, Am very conservation minded and have a passion for birds. I am crazy about big Tuna, Marlin Fishing and Game Fishing, and also love light tackle spinning, am a total lure junkie. Represented my province in fly fishing for many years and am also pro staff for Rapala/Shimano. I want to write a book on fishing one day. 3 items left on my fishing bucket list, guess then a new bucket list will be in order. As a writer I have my own quote: \"I love taking people fishing because it releases their inner child, and in doing so keeps my inner child alive.\"
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Sailfish on Fly off Durban (11/28/2010)
[Durban,KZN] I have always wanted to say this, so let me say it again Sailfish on Fly off Durban.
[Durban,KZN] I have always wanted to say this, so let me say it again Sailfish on Fly off Durban.
Dirty lil' Tiger (11/24/2010)
[Pongolapoort Dam,KZN] Spent the weekend camping at Lake Jozini and hunting Tiger Fish, I really enjoyed the trip, along with some good company and story telling. It was nice to take guys from the same generation who grew up and partied in the same places as me when we were teenagers.
[Pongolapoort Dam,KZN] Spent the weekend camping at Lake Jozini and hunting Tiger Fish, I really enjoyed the trip, along with some good company and story telling. It was nice to take guys from the same generation who grew up and partied in the same places as me when we were teenagers.
Durban Dorado take Revenge (11/18/2010)
[Durban,KZN] After 7hrs we got our first action in ugly seas, which just shows that perserverance does pay off. We were the only boat that brought fish in.
[Durban,KZN] After 7hrs we got our first action in ugly seas, which just shows that perserverance does pay off. We were the only boat that brought fish in.
Sailfish and Multiple Dorado Hook up off Durban (11/13/2010)
[Durban,KZN] Today was a special day for the new Nikao Fishing Adventures boat, with its first Sailfish landed and some Dorado (Mahi Mahi) for added measure. This is also the first Sailfish out of Durban for this summer season.
[Durban,KZN] Today was a special day for the new Nikao Fishing Adventures boat, with its first Sailfish landed and some Dorado (Mahi Mahi) for added measure. This is also the first Sailfish out of Durban for this summer season.
Dorado (Mahi Mahi) on Light Tackle off Durban (11/08/2010)
[Durban,KZN] Our summer game fish have come early this year to Durban with many Bull Dorado around and clear warm water
[Durban,KZN] Our summer game fish have come early this year to Durban with many Bull Dorado around and clear warm water
Durban Yellowfin Tuna Magnet (11/03/2010)
[Durban,KZN] I don't know if it is my boat or me, but we keep on hitting the Yellowfin Tuna Jackpot and they seem to be attracted to us no matter where we go. My YFT count for 2010 is now at 233.
[Durban,KZN] I don't know if it is my boat or me, but we keep on hitting the Yellowfin Tuna Jackpot and they seem to be attracted to us no matter where we go. My YFT count for 2010 is now at 233.
First Dorado for the Durban Season (10/30/2010)
[Durban,KZN] This was one of the few days when a client asks you to stop fishing because you are catching too many fish and he has no more energy to fight them.
[Durban,KZN] This was one of the few days when a client asks you to stop fishing because you are catching too many fish and he has no more energy to fight them.
Manta Rays, Hump Back Whales and Hard Fishing (10/24/2010)
[Kosi Lakes,KZN] The fishing was hard, but we did get some fish, nature gave us an awesome display.
[Kosi Lakes,KZN] The fishing was hard, but we did get some fish, nature gave us an awesome display.
203 (10/09/2010)
[Durban,KZN] Today we got the 203rd Yellowfin Tuna for 2010
[Durban,KZN] Today we got the 203rd Yellowfin Tuna for 2010
TIGER, TIGER BURNING BRIGHT.. Jozini Report 1-5 October (10/07/2010)
[Pongolapoort Dam,KZN] I have just returned from an awesome 5 day adrenalin packed Tiger Fishing trip to Lake Jozini. We had a variety of weather conditions during this trip making each outing unique and challenging. We stayed at Shayamoya Game Lodge which as always was stunning.
[Pongolapoort Dam,KZN] I have just returned from an awesome 5 day adrenalin packed Tiger Fishing trip to Lake Jozini. We had a variety of weather conditions during this trip making each outing unique and challenging. We stayed at Shayamoya Game Lodge which as always was stunning.
King Fish and Sea Pike in Durban Harbour (9/25/2010)
[Durban,KZN] Durban Harbour is starting to wake up for summer
[Durban,KZN] Durban Harbour is starting to wake up for summer
A good day Lure fishing in Durban Harbour (9/22/2010)
[Durban,KZN] It is so good to eventually get Game Fish again as summer is starting after the winter.
[Durban,KZN] It is so good to eventually get Game Fish again as summer is starting after the winter.
Hoo dunn it? (9/18/2010)
[Durban,KZN] Today was an exciting day for me, and I felt like a little boy, so much so that I was jumping up and down on the deck like a child waiting for his ice cream, and all this because the summer game fish have arrived. I really do love hunting game fish soooooo very much.
[Durban,KZN] Today was an exciting day for me, and I felt like a little boy, so much so that I was jumping up and down on the deck like a child waiting for his ice cream, and all this because the summer game fish have arrived. I really do love hunting game fish soooooo very much.
Sea birds can be so comical (9/12/2010)
[Durban,KZN] We had more fun feeding the birds than we did fishing.......
[Durban,KZN] We had more fun feeding the birds than we did fishing.......
Sardines, Sardines and still more Sardines (9/12/2010)
[Durban,KZN] The sardines have been here in Durban for a long time this year
[Durban,KZN] The sardines have been here in Durban for a long time this year
Kingies and Springer have arrived in Durban Harbour. (9/08/2010)
[Durban,KZN] Finally the summer Gamefish are arriving in the bay
[Durban,KZN] Finally the summer Gamefish are arriving in the bay
Fly Fishing in Durban Harbour (8/25/2010)
[Durban,KZN] As spring approaches we wait for King Fish (Jacks) to enter our harbour which is a natuaral estuary
[Durban,KZN] As spring approaches we wait for King Fish (Jacks) to enter our harbour which is a natuaral estuary
I wanna be a Billionaire.. (8/21/2010)
[Durban,KZN] The seas are still big and the Sardine rn has left us with a huge population of Hammerhead Sharks
[Durban,KZN] The seas are still big and the Sardine rn has left us with a huge population of Hammerhead Sharks
Big and Choppy Seas of Durban (8/18/2010)
[Durban,KZN] With the odd swell over 4m it was not pleasant
[Durban,KZN] With the odd swell over 4m it was not pleasant
Geelbek out in the Deep (8/14/2010)
[Durban,KZN] Today was superb, we got some really nice fish out in the deep and saw many Dolphins.
[Durban,KZN] Today was superb, we got some really nice fish out in the deep and saw many Dolphins.
Light Tackle Reef Fishing and Shad in the Harbour (8/08/2010)
[Durban,KZN] We had a geat time out at sea in the morning with light tackle, and then with anothe rcharter had good fun in the harbour
[Durban,KZN] We had a geat time out at sea in the morning with light tackle, and then with anothe rcharter had good fun in the harbour
Light Tackle Reef Fishing off Durban (8/07/2010)
[Durban,KZN] It was exciting on the new boat, and an awesome catch on 6lb tackle
[Durban,KZN] It was exciting on the new boat, and an awesome catch on 6lb tackle
A Black Marlin, a Whale, a Long Garfish and a Greedy Gannet (7/08/2010)
[Durban,KZN] It is very unusual to see a Black Marlin in Mid Winter
[Durban,KZN] It is very unusual to see a Black Marlin in Mid Winter
Shark Wrestling and Albatross's that Water-ski (7/06/2010)
[Durban,KZN] We had fun and games with a really strong shark
[Durban,KZN] We had fun and games with a really strong shark
More Tuna off Durban (6/26/2010)
[Durban,KZN] We are still getting Yellowfin Tuna off Durban.
[Durban,KZN] We are still getting Yellowfin Tuna off Durban.
The full Yellowfin Tuna (6/25/2010)
[Durban,KZN] Today was one of those days that you give thanks, and as a bonus the Sharks left our Tuna alone
[Durban,KZN] Today was one of those days that you give thanks, and as a bonus the Sharks left our Tuna alone
Two and a half Tuna (6/24/2010)
[Durban,KZN] The Taxman took his share of our prize Yellowfin Tuna
[Durban,KZN] The Taxman took his share of our prize Yellowfin Tuna
Fly Fishing Offshore Durban (6/14/2010)
[Durban,KZN] Off shore Fly Fishing for smaller species on trout tackle can get the addrenalin going
[Durban,KZN] Off shore Fly Fishing for smaller species on trout tackle can get the addrenalin going
Sailfish Strike leaves Bonnie Dead (6/08/2010)
[Durban,KZN] We had a Sailfish strike a bonnie we hooked right by the props.
[Durban,KZN] We had a Sailfish strike a bonnie we hooked right by the props.
Sailfish Strike leaves Bonnie Dead (6/08/2010)
[Durban,KZN] We had a Sailfish strike a bonnie we hooked right by the props.
[Durban,KZN] We had a Sailfish strike a bonnie we hooked right by the props.
Yellow Fin Tuna in my Office (6/04/2010)
[Durban,KZN] I just love these calm winter days with our superb Durban weather, we really are spoilt with our good weather all year round. Today was one of thise days, and as a bonus we got some Yellow Fin Tuna
[Durban,KZN] I just love these calm winter days with our superb Durban weather, we really are spoilt with our good weather all year round. Today was one of thise days, and as a bonus we got some Yellow Fin Tuna
Big Sharks, Manta Rays, Whales, Dolphins and lots of Bonnies off Durban (6/01/2010)
[Durban,KZN] All the signs of winter are here with the water cooling down, whales, gannets are arriving. We expect (hope) an early sardine run this year
[Durban,KZN] All the signs of winter are here with the water cooling down, whales, gannets are arriving. We expect (hope) an early sardine run this year
Durban Deep Sea Fishing - April 2010 (4/26/2010)
[Durban,KZN] There have been some small Yellow Fin Tuna around, the odd Wahoo and Dorado in the deeper waters and the bottom fishing has been slow, there have also been a lot of Queenfish around and during the DSC Couta Classic I got myself a new PB Queenfish of 9.3Kg.
[Durban,KZN] There have been some small Yellow Fin Tuna around, the odd Wahoo and Dorado in the deeper waters and the bottom fishing has been slow, there have also been a lot of Queenfish around and during the DSC Couta Classic I got myself a new PB Queenfish of 9.3Kg.
Jozini Tiger Fishing during April 2010 (4/26/2010)
[Pongolapoort Dam,KZN] On the last day of trip 1 we got a real treat when we were able to watch 2 different Osprey eagles catching a tiger fish, there was a lot of game to be seen on these 2 trips and we saw elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, rhino, wildebeest, crocodiles, buck and birds and so much more
[Pongolapoort Dam,KZN] On the last day of trip 1 we got a real treat when we were able to watch 2 different Osprey eagles catching a tiger fish, there was a lot of game to be seen on these 2 trips and we saw elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, rhino, wildebeest, crocodiles, buck and birds and so much more
Mozambique Fishing Tour Report Belated (4/26/2010)
[Durban,KZN] The fishing is something else and you can catch in one week what will take you a whole season to do in Durban, and you do not need to travel far as 1Nm out there is a ledge that goes all the way along that coast for about 70km.
[Durban,KZN] The fishing is something else and you can catch in one week what will take you a whole season to do in Durban, and you do not need to travel far as 1Nm out there is a ledge that goes all the way along that coast for about 70km.
Light Tackle Spinning for Bonnies off Durban 28-02-10 (3/02/2010)
[Durban,KZN] I tried a little closer but the swell was to much for safety and comfort and I was scared that we would flip the boat over and decided to get away from the surf zone.
[Durban,KZN] I tried a little closer but the swell was to much for safety and comfort and I was scared that we would flip the boat over and decided to get away from the surf zone.
Dead Bird at Midmar Dam KZN BETT Feb 2010 (3/02/2010)
[Midmar Dam,KZN] A large bird had got its feet tied up in fishing line and then caught up on a branch in the tree, where it got stuck until it eventually died of starvation there because it was not able to move and ended up hanging in the tree.
[Midmar Dam,KZN] A large bird had got its feet tied up in fishing line and then caught up on a branch in the tree, where it got stuck until it eventually died of starvation there because it was not able to move and ended up hanging in the tree.
Durban Harbour Fishing 21/02/10 (3/02/2010)
[Durban,KZN] We started out with light spinning tackle targeting any game fish that may be around, and we managed to land 1 small Sea Pike (Pick Handle Barracuda) and we got a double hook up of 2 small Yellow Tail King Fish (Jacks).
[Durban,KZN] We started out with light spinning tackle targeting any game fish that may be around, and we managed to land 1 small Sea Pike (Pick Handle Barracuda) and we got a double hook up of 2 small Yellow Tail King Fish (Jacks).
Wahoo and the Biggest ELT I ever saw off Durban 19-02-10 (2/20/2010)
[Durban,KZN] Frik's line went tight and the rod got bent properly, the reel went ZZZZZZ and the line was peeling off. After a good 15 minute fight with a few runs the biggest Eastern Little Tuna (ELT) I have ever seen in my entire life came up. This ELT was huge, and not only was it long but it had a Pot Belly like a Large Mouth Bass and was round and fat.
[Durban,KZN] Frik's line went tight and the rod got bent properly, the reel went ZZZZZZ and the line was peeling off. After a good 15 minute fight with a few runs the biggest Eastern Little Tuna (ELT) I have ever seen in my entire life came up. This ELT was huge, and not only was it long but it had a Pot Belly like a Large Mouth Bass and was round and fat.
Kosi Lakes Fishing Adventure 13-15/02/2010 - Day 3 (2/16/2010)
[Kosi Lakes,KZN] We launched at 04h00 in the hope of getting another early morning GT or 2, the water surface temperature had dropped to 26 deg. C and the was the lightest of NE winds blowing. It was not very long when we got our 1st hit and after 15 minutes of heavy fighting we landed another superb GT.
[Kosi Lakes,KZN] We launched at 04h00 in the hope of getting another early morning GT or 2, the water surface temperature had dropped to 26 deg. C and the was the lightest of NE winds blowing. It was not very long when we got our 1st hit and after 15 minutes of heavy fighting we landed another superb GT.
Kosi Lakes Fishing Adventure 13-15/02/2010 - Day 2 (2/16/2010)
[Kosi Lakes,KZN] We got up at 04h00 and were already on the water before 05h00 there was a stiff SW wind blowing and the water surface temperature was averaging 31 deg. C
[Kosi Lakes,KZN] We got up at 04h00 and were already on the water before 05h00 there was a stiff SW wind blowing and the water surface temperature was averaging 31 deg. C
Kosi Lakes Fishing Adventure 13-15/02/2010 - Day 1 (2/16/2010)
[Kosi Lakes,KZN] After getting all our permits etc. in order we launched the boat at about 08h30, it was a hot day of around 38 deg. C and very humid, there was a light NE wind and the water surface temperature averaged around 29.5 deg. C. The Kosi Lake system was looking good with the water levels where they should be, and the water was crystal clear.
[Kosi Lakes,KZN] After getting all our permits etc. in order we launched the boat at about 08h30, it was a hot day of around 38 deg. C and very humid, there was a light NE wind and the water surface temperature averaged around 29.5 deg. C. The Kosi Lake system was looking good with the water levels where they should be, and the water was crystal clear.
Kosi Lakes Fishing Adventure 13-15/02/2010 (2/16/2010)
[Kosi Lakes,KZN] Kosi lakes is a natural estuary system on the northern borders of Kwa Zulu Natal consisting of 3 saltwater lakes and the Kosi Mouth set in a wetland reserve, and besides good fishing for a variety of estuary fish and game fish, the area is stunning, natural and unspoilt. It is one of those places you need to go to in South Africa.
[Kosi Lakes,KZN] Kosi lakes is a natural estuary system on the northern borders of Kwa Zulu Natal consisting of 3 saltwater lakes and the Kosi Mouth set in a wetland reserve, and besides good fishing for a variety of estuary fish and game fish, the area is stunning, natural and unspoilt. It is one of those places you need to go to in South Africa.
Spinning Small Topwater Baits for Bass at Inanda Dam 11-02-10 (2/11/2010)
[Inanda Dam,KZN] We got the boat in the water at around 15h30 and fished until around 18h30, our purpose for the day was to target Bass on topwater with light spinning tackle.
[Inanda Dam,KZN] We got the boat in the water at around 15h30 and fished until around 18h30, our purpose for the day was to target Bass on topwater with light spinning tackle.
Fishing for Grunter in Durban Bay 09-02-10 (2/11/2010)
[Durban,KZN] We launched at around 18h30 to target some spotted Grunter in the Durban Bay on light 8lb tackle, the NE wind was pumping and the water surface temperature averaged around 22 deg. C, high tide was at 20h30.
[Durban,KZN] We launched at around 18h30 to target some spotted Grunter in the Durban Bay on light 8lb tackle, the NE wind was pumping and the water surface temperature averaged around 22 deg. C, high tide was at 20h30.
Vertical Jigging and Spinning Off Shore Durban 08-02-10 (2/08/2010)
[Durban,KZN] We got off to an early launch at 05h00 and mad our way out the Durban harbour mouth and headed NE until around 35m depth. It was a lovely morning with a red sunrise and not too much wind which was blowing in a NE direction and the water surface temperature averaged around 22 deg. C with some warmer spots up to 23.5 deg. C and cooler spots down to 19 deg. C. The swell was around 1.5m spaced at around 8 sec.
[Durban,KZN] We got off to an early launch at 05h00 and mad our way out the Durban harbour mouth and headed NE until around 35m depth. It was a lovely morning with a red sunrise and not too much wind which was blowing in a NE direction and the water surface temperature averaged around 22 deg. C with some warmer spots up to 23.5 deg. C and cooler spots down to 19 deg. C. The swell was around 1.5m spaced at around 8 sec.
A Great White Shark and A Lizard Off Durban - 06-02-10 (2/06/2010)
[Durban,KZN] I was a GREAT WHITE SHARK and I could tell by the gill slits and underbelly. It was massive, way longer than my boat, I estimate around 6m long which puts it over 1500kg, its pectoral fins were longer than my arms and its head was almost as wide as my boat. And here it was breaching 20m behind my boat, what a huge and magnificent creature and for sure the master of the sea.
[Durban,KZN] I was a GREAT WHITE SHARK and I could tell by the gill slits and underbelly. It was massive, way longer than my boat, I estimate around 6m long which puts it over 1500kg, its pectoral fins were longer than my arms and its head was almost as wide as my boat. And here it was breaching 20m behind my boat, what a huge and magnificent creature and for sure the master of the sea.
Chicks Dig Fishing - 04-02-10 (2/04/2010)
[Durban,KZN] Fishing in Durban Harbour We tried to go off shore today but the SW wind was pumping way too hard and the sea was choppy with big swells, so we came back into Durban harbour to fish.
[Durban,KZN] Fishing in Durban Harbour We tried to go off shore today but the SW wind was pumping way too hard and the sea was choppy with big swells, so we came back into Durban harbour to fish.
Tough Day at Inanda BETT 30-10-10 (2/01/2010)
[Inanda Dam,KZN] The day started out overcast and little bit of rain here and there and the water surface temperature averaged around 26 deg. C. In the morning there was very little wind but later on a SW wind picked up and the sun showed it face and made for a really hot day. The dam was completely flooded and the water level considerably higher that it was the last time we were there.
[Inanda Dam,KZN] The day started out overcast and little bit of rain here and there and the water surface temperature averaged around 26 deg. C. In the morning there was very little wind but later on a SW wind picked up and the sun showed it face and made for a really hot day. The dam was completely flooded and the water level considerably higher that it was the last time we were there.
Strange seas off Durban 24-01-10 (1/24/2010)
[Durban,KZN] We got off to a late start this morning and only got going at around 06h00 eventually. There was a moderate NE wind blowing and the water surface temperature averaged around 22 deg. C with some spots being as low as 19 deg. C and some as high as 24.5 deg. C. It was an extremely hot day.
[Durban,KZN] We got off to a late start this morning and only got going at around 06h00 eventually. There was a moderate NE wind blowing and the water surface temperature averaged around 22 deg. C with some spots being as low as 19 deg. C and some as high as 24.5 deg. C. It was an extremely hot day.