Aliwal Shoal fishing

[landyman]

To those who know,
Are we allowed to fish with a jetski in the aliwal shoal mpa?
I have the coord sets for the 2x no fish zones, i.e. Crwon and produce, also not allowed less than 25m deep?
Pull plastics and jigging ok?
Any other other rules?
Some coords for good spots maybe please?
Thanks a lot
Going down in August
Rgds
Nico

 

[roryf]

landyman wrote:

To those who know,
Are we allowed to fish with a jetski in the aliwal shoal mpa? Yes,in water deeper than 25m
I have the coord sets for the 2x no fish zones, i.e. Crwon and produce, also not allowed less than 25m deep?Deeper than 25m and you are fine
Pull plastics and jigging ok? Plastics are fine,I don't jig but there are easier ways of catching fish there eg.live bonnie
Any other other rules?Carry your license with you at all times,the Fisheries guy is quite active and will fine you if he catches you contravening any rules.Please don't fish on the reef.Bunny huggers are already trying to make the area a complete no take zone.
Some coords for good spots maybe please?Fish the outside edge of the Shoal and you cpuld catch Wahoo,Tuna,Cuta,Sails.One of the top spearos recently got a 43kg Prodigal Son/Cobia in the area.

Thanks a lot
Going down in August
Rgds
Nico

I have answered some of your questions.Good luck.

 

[landyman]

Thanks Rory,
Much appreciated!
Want to lanch at Umkomaas, also no issues there? Just pay for the launch that's it?
August probably not the best time, maybe something to cathch though...
Will stick to the rules.
Rgds

 

[roryf]

Umkomaas launch will cost you R100 if you are not a member of the club.Otherwise no real issues except sometimes the launch is not so cool.Your on a jetski so you should be fine.

 

[codfather]

To those who know,

Are we allowed to fish with a jetski in the aliwal shoal mpa?

You are not allowed to enter the Ocean anywhere in the Durban North Coast / South Coast area with a JETSKI. The only exception is South of Umgeni river in Durban there is a designated area for JETSKIS it is called Laguna beach so you can play in the Ocean jump waves etc.

The rest of the launch sites the ban was lifted for PWC Personal Water Crafts rigged for fishing. What we call Jetskis. So thats what you must do fish not play in the waves unless you have permission ie skippers ticket launches.

It is so simple for the authorities to ban Jetskis Take Cape Vidal for example. Due to one "person" there is a restriction to 5 Jetskis on the water at a time and believe me that is a very sensitive area. Unfortunately if one person misbehaves everyone  suffers.

Back to Aliwal the MPA is from Umkomaas river mouth to just passed Rocky Bay in the South. In the Umkomaas car park there is a notice board and the first line of the notice says "NO JETSKIS".
As I live very close to the launch site I have had lots of arguements with guys who have launched to jump waves and do doghnuts in the lagoon and generally be a nuisance. This behaviour happens usually holiday time and after 4pm on an afternoon. It is very frustrating as this behaviour will get Jetskis banned.

I believe Jake van Zyl was originally involved in lifting the Jetski ban and since then we work hard with the club (who will welcome you with open arms) and the parks board (EKZN Wildlife) to keep the area open for fishing from Jetskis.

You can fish anywhere except as you rightly say the crown area and the wreck of the Produce. If in doubt when you are in the Aliwal Shoal area make sure you fish deeper than 25 metres depth. The better fishing is on the sea side of Aliwal in 27-30 metres depth. Please keep away from the divers. We have a good relationship with them but is very fragile. If you are fighting a fish and you get dragged onto Aliwal and the fish is amongst divers cut it off...No excuses you put the divers at risk!!! Yes I know there is then a problem with line but its better than getting sharks excited and the line will be cut off by a diver.
 
I have the coord sets for the 2x no fish zones, i.e. Crown and Produce, also not allowed less than 25m deep?

As I said the 25metre is a guide but you can use the co ords you already have. They are on displaty in the car park. The better fishing is anyway deeper than 25 metres.

Pull plastics and jigging ok?

Plastics work great for Tuna and Wahoo. Halco 160 Laser Pros work well and Deep divers for Kingys. Please dont jig in that area you will damage reef and maybe catch a diver. Jigging isnt banned oficially however we have a gentlemans agreement not to bottom fish and jig close to the shoal...Go to the deeper areas.

Any other other rules?
Behave, fish, and keep away from the reef and divers. Give them the right of way they are on your side.
Take your skippers and COF you only show it the first time you launch.
There is no radio tower at Umkomaas but obviously other users have radios. Take some phone numbers for Dive Charters they will help you if you are in trouble.
Make sure you sign in and out f the launch site
VERY IMPORTANT record your catch dont forget to stick to size and bag limits but write them down
If you catch and release a fish write it in the book. Very few people do write it down but it is important data.
Release Sail Fish, Marlin, King Fish, please and any other fish possible.

Some coords for good spots maybe please?

pm me and say if Lowrance or Garmin. I have done articles in Go Fish Magazine on the shoal including co ordinates.

Thanks a lot

Going down in August
You are welcome to call me when you are down here. Mick...... Codfather

Rgds
Nico