As the weather warms and visitors begin planning their spring getaways, the KZN South Coast is inviting anglers of all experience levels to discover one of South Africa’s premier fishing destinations. With 120 kilometres of spectacular coastline stretching from Scottburgh to Port Edward, the region offers exceptional rock and surf angling, deep-sea fishing and year-round opportunities to reel in an impressive variety of fish species.
Fishing continues to play an important role in the KZN South Coast’s tourism offering, attracting recreational anglers, sport fishing enthusiasts and families seeking unforgettable outdoor experiences while supporting local accommodation establishments, restaurants, charter operators and tourism businesses.
Top Rock and Surf Angling Hotspots
Whether you’re a first-time angler or a seasoned angler, these locations offer outstanding fishing experiences:
- Umkomaas River Mouth and Beach – A favourite for kob and shad, suitable for all skill levels.
- Scottburgh Point – Popular for sharks, shad and Garrick.
- Rocky Bay – A scenic spot well known for shad and Garrick.
- Umdoni Point and Pennington – Ideal for experienced anglers targeting queen mackerel, kingfish and sharks.
- Stiebel Rocks and Pumula – Excellent for sharks, Kob, Garrick, shad and pompano.
- The Sandspit, Port Shepstone – Consistent Kob fishing with regular catches of shad and Garrick.
- Orange Rocks, St Michaels – A productive location for sharks and gamefish.
- Margate Pier – One of the coast’s most popular fishing spots for shad, Kob and Garrick.
- Ladder Rock, Glenmore – Favoured by experienced shark anglers.
- Splash Rock, Port Edward – A renowned destination for sharks and other gamefish.
Deep-Sea Fishing Experiences
The KZN South Coast is home to the internationally recognised Marine Protected Areas of Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, making it one of South Africa’s leading deep-sea fishing destinations.
Popular launch sites include Umkomaas, Rocky Bay, Pennington, Shelly Beach and Port Edward, with opportunities to target yellowfin tuna, amberjack, king mackerel, dorado, skipjack, sailfish and marlin through local charter operators.
Fishing All Year Round
While every season offers rewarding fishing, spring and summer bring ideal weather conditions for spending time on the water. Anglers can expect to catch species including shad, bronze bream, pompano, stumpnose, stone bream, blacktail, cave bass, sharks and flatfish.
Winter remains famous for the annual Sardine Run, when migrating sardines attract large gamefish and sharks close to shore, creating one of the world’s greatest marine spectacles and an unforgettable experience for anglers.
SCTIE Chief Executive Officer, Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, said the KZN South Coast’s diverse fishing experiences continue to strengthen the region’s appeal as a leading coastal tourism destination.
“The KZN South Coast offers an exceptional fishing experience that combines world-class angling with breathtaking coastal scenery and warm hospitality. Whether you’re an experienced angler or simply looking to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends, our coastline has something for everyone. We invite visitors to explore our fishing hotspots and experience the many tourism offerings that make the KZN South Coast a destination of choice.”
With its abundance of fishing hotspots, rich marine biodiversity and spectacular coastline, the KZN South Coast offers the perfect setting for a memorable spring getaway, inviting visitors to cast a line, explore the coast and experience the best of coastal tourism.
Follow the hashtags #SardineRun #KZNSouthCoast #SardineSeason #GreatShoal #OceanAdventure #WinterOnTheCoast#ShoalSeason
Keep updated on all on South Coast activities by visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.
About KZN South Coast
Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous birds and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which has played host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, The Conservation Symposium, The Ocean Festival, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu International Film Festival, and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series, The Ugu Maskandi Festival,South Coast Marathon.
