Teza Tackle - Hints

MORE HINTS ON FISHING SKI STORY

FISHING FROM A SKI MAY 2007

PLASTIC FISHING SKI

Fishing Skis are available in both Fiberglass and Plastic. The Fibreglass options are well known.The main advantage of plastic skis is that they are extremely durable and are suitable for touring . i.e. overnight camping and paddling trips.
The one that we recommend is the Tarpon 120 or 140.
It is very stable and comes standard with adjustable back rest and foot rests .Rudder systems are optional. Definitely recommended if you are a beginner paddle or intend touring. The finish is classy and rugged . This is the Rolls Royce of sit on top fishing / touring craft.
For more detailed information go to www.canoekayak.co.za

FISHING FROM A FISHING SKI

Some information and advice:
On purchasing your new fishing ski – ask the agent /dealer/manufacturer for a certificate of buoyancy. Buy a lifejacket and leashes for your rods and paddle before launching.

TARGET SPECIES

Generally all Game Fish species are caught and landed – from King Mackerel to Marlin.
The following is a layman’s guide to targeting the two species most often caught off a ski.

1. KING MACKEREL – COUTA – wide range – reefs to points

a) BAIT – Sardine , Sugar Mackerel , Japanese Mackerel , Maasbanker, Shad
b) LURES – RAPALA OR HALCO – Most popular colours (with the fish) are Red & White; Purple ; Green and Gold
c) TRACES – Normal Game Fish trace. If not sure how to make one up – no problem - they are available ready made from most tackle dealers. Alternatively – find a friendly ski boat fisherman and ask advice.

Herewith a simple diagram should you wish to try yourself:

standard couta

N B Test your bait next to your ski to see if it is tracking nicely through the water . It must not spin as this will twist the line.

d) METHOD Let your bait out approximately 20 – 25M behind you. To
estimate distance count paddle strokes on one side only . 1stroke = 1 M
Paddle slowly in a figure eight or box formation – wait for ratchet to scream!

e) HOOK UP AND LANDING When your reel goes resist the temptation to stop
and grab . Keep paddling for about 5 strokes. Then –
Stow paddle on deck – not in the water
Grab rod and start reeling and pumping . Your ski will naturally follow the fish.
Get your hatch open and gaff at hand. Make sure your long nosed pliers are
close by – preferably in your TEZA TACKLE CHEST PACK.
Try to gaff your fish towards its head and get it into the hatch as soon as you
can – then unclip or cut off the trace.
Although your target species in this case is Couta – you are likely to catch a wide variety of fish using this method.

2.NATAL SNOEK (QUEEN MACKEREL)

a) STRIP BAIT OR LURES . Thin slivers of sardine , mackerel or any shiny fish .Cut bait slivers so that they are streamlined. Tie one end to the swivel as per diagram below.

b) LURES – Halco , Rapala and Clark Spoon are the most popular . Use the smaller lures such as CD9 , Halco 90 Sorcerer or Halco 120 Laser Pro.
c) METHOD . Tow lures and bait as fast as you can while staying close in – shore . AS a general rule they like river mouths and sand bank wash outs. Look for areas of discoloured / sandy water. Should you hook one , make a note of your position as these fish move in shoals and will often stay in an area for some time before moving off.

POPULAR FISHING SPOTS

NORTH COAST

BHANGA NEK - 4 x 4 Access only
Very shady community run camp site . Launch O K – can be rocky towards the point . Fish point and North towards Kosi. Very shallow reefs here.

BLACK ROCK – Various camps – good fishing. Reasonable launch. Beware of strong current close to the rocks especially on an outgoing tide.

MABIBI – Very nice camping . Hire local porters to carry ski down to the beach . Launch is rocky in places – be careful. Best spots are off the point and South.

CAPE VIDAL – Launch can be tricky . Backline is a long way out. Hang onto your ski if you come off. N.B. there is a strong current that runs North to South. If you are a bit unfit rather paddle North and work back towards the point. Should you end up South and find you are making no headway back – my advice is paddle inshore as close to the backline as possible all the way back to the point.

TUGELA RIVER – BALLITO Various spots – find a local to show you the way.

TONGAAT / WESBROOK – Very popular spo . Launch O K. Can be a vicious shore dump at high tide and back line sandbank at low. Area to fish is South in front of a large black rock (Stud Rock).

SEABELLE – Between Westbrook and Umdhloti. Launch O. K. Similar shore dump and sand bank as at Tongaat. Local car guards will carry your ski up to the car park and wash off with fresh water. They work in pairs and the going rate is R10/Pair for the combined guarding / ski service.

UMDHLOTI Launch is the same as for above two spots. Fish South to Umhlanga River. Good spots are off Sibiya Casino , Peace Cottage and Erosion Gully as well as straight off the Ski Boat Club 200 – 300M past the shark nets. Deep reef and drop off – use the tidal pool as a marker. At the Umhloti River Mouth range from close inshore to far out.

DURBAN

UMGENI RIVER MOUTH – Mainly a spot for Snoek with the occasional Couta and Garrick. Launch can be tricky with nasty currents.

VETCHES PIER – Good spot to start off and get to know your equipment. Not very exciting fishing.

BLUFF – LAUNCH AT ANSTEYS – Launch O K . Watch out for back line sandbank. Reef straight in front of the launch site +- 200M past the shark nets. Otherwise paddle +- 3 Kms North to the end of the houses. Work from fence line to old whaling station.

SOUTH COAST

SCOTTBURGH – Good launch except when there is an Easterly swell Head South and look for mushroom shaped water tower.

ROCKEY BAY – Launch as for Scottburgh. Beware of rocks to left of launch site. popular ski boat launch site Some of them are not friendly . Work North as far as Scottburgh. There is reef all along here. South as far as bridge with arches.

MOZAMBIQUE

Launches get easier and easier the further North you go. Fishing is a pleasure - reefs and fishing spots are not far off shore.
Recommended spots up to +-500Km North of Maputo:
Ponto / Molangane
Mieliebangalala
Chidenguele
Zavora
Paindaine
Guinjata
Tofu
Pomene

Further information can be found at www.fishingskiadventures.co.za

The Kingfisher in Durban host a free fishing ski clinic once a month at their showroom in Hunter Street. Book for this as it is very popular. Phone 031 3683903. Speak to Guy, Peter or Bradley.