Diving Sodwna Bay

[Amphibian]

There are alot of mixed reports regarding the quality of spearfishing still to be had at Sodwana Bay on the Natal north coast.
Sadly the vast majority of people I have been speaking to seem to think it is hugely ovverated and  the quality of the spot as a spearfishing destination is actually not that good.

I would love to hear from anyone who has recently dived the spot.
I will be there towards the end of this month and would love a better idea of what to expect.
Some of the info that is available on the web states that couta and kaakap were in abandance during Feb but I expect this could easily be over exaggerated. 

Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated...

 

[dp2]

Hey Amphibian,

i havnt been in the water for a while but its been very warm lately 28C.

Because its pelagics only spearing can be very hit and miss in Sodwana. Flashers are essential, and so is a boat. there are no good shore entry sites, unless you drive to 9 mile reef. That said i have seen some amazing fish come out of here (none from my spear unfortunately!!!).

give me a call if you need a partner, dive buddies are few and far between up here.

Cheers

 

[roryf]

I am no professional on Sodwana but I think in the grand scheme of things, Sodwana is still a very productive gamefish area to spearfish,considering the rest of the Natal coast line.

In the Canyon area you could have pretty much anything swim up to your flashers Marlin/Sails/Wahoo,BIG Zambi's and depending how deep(35-40m) you can dive some very,very big Kaakap.

There are multiple areas you can dive there depending on boat size and how far you want to travel.
Some of the areas:
Hotspots,Canyon,5 mile,9 mile,Mabibi and all the way up to Elusive 30 plus kms away to the north.I know the guys also go South and get fish but I am not sure of these spots.

It also helps to get the current right North to South is the best.I also think if you are meant to get fish you will do well, but there are always times where you will get the rats and mice or even worse nothing.

There is a skipper (Eben) up there that works for one of the Scuba companies that spearfishes often.Try find out when his day off is and take him on your boat.Nothing better than local knowledge.

I know Gyula did a right up on the Nationals that was held in Sodwana one year.It was a very informative report and would help.I will try find it.

http://spearfishingsa.co.za/news/nationals-2008-gyula-plaganyi.htm (Admin,pls delete if not allowed)

Good luck.

 

[Amphibian]

Thanks for the replys chaps HUGELY appreciated and sounding pretty positive.
The names of these spots will also help in locating some marks before I get there.
Thanks.

I am gong up with two other mates but there is always room for one more on the boat.

Regards