Jeffrey’s Bay Day 1:
We’re up and running here in Jeffrey’s Bay. A fantastic 4 hour spell early this morning, with plenty of action from the first cast. A lot of the bites were from smaller fish including bronzies and smoothhounds, but one very good fish was hooked and unfortunately dropped after an epic 3hr battle. Better luck next time.
As late morning came around, the wind and swell picked up very quickly, making casting beyond the banks very difficult. As a result, the fishing died off and we were forced to try alternative tactics in the water water. A few nice bites were had, but no connections, so early afternoon we knock it on the head.
We’re all back at base camp now looking out at the white caps and making a plan for tomorrow. Winds easing off overnight, so hopefully it’ll be another good day.
Jeffrey’s Bay Day 2:
Well what can I say. Another sensational days fishing here in J-Bay with Fish Fighters.
We split the day in two, with the first part being a morning session on the reef shark species, in particular the awesome Ragged Tooth Sharks. This was an absolute success, with 10 solid takes in 3 hours, 7 of those resulting in hook ups and 5 Raggies being beached. The best few were estimated at 80-90lb in weight. Best of all, every man in the group ticked this species off their list.
The second part of the day was spent back on the Bronzie beach. Conditions were much more favourable, so hopes were high of a few more monsters. It started fast, with a few smaller sharks on the feed from the off, as well as a welcome Butterfly Ray.
As the session progressed, the bigger fish came on the feed and two very nice fish were landed. First up was Gary, who you may have seen in my earlier video. He battled a monster bronzie of 210cm for nearly 3 hours and came out on top. The smile/grimace says it all. Secondly, was another cracker of 198cm for returning angler Russell. I guess that makes up more than the lost fish yesterday, mate.
We’re only two days into the 6 day trip and targets have already been hit across the board.
Jeffrey’s Bay Day 3:
Day three couldn’t have started much better here in J-Bay, with the first fish being hooked 10 minutes into the session. At a whopping 196cm (230lb) it would also turn out to be the standout fish of the day. Well done Pat!
The rest of the session was pretty manic, with over 20 fish landed between us, a good number of which were new species for the guys. Our total catch consisted of:
12x Bronzies
4x Blue Rays
1x Butterfly Ray
1x Spotted Grunter
1x Bluefish
1x Sand Shark (Guitarfish)
Tomorrow, we hit one of the areas famous big fish venues. We have two lads still to catch a biggie and three days to go. Fingers crossed everyone can leave with a fish to remember!
Jeffrey’s Bay Day 4:
With yesterday being a day for numbers of fish, today was all about quality.
Fishing a different venue known for larger fish, we knew from the start it wasn’t going to be a hectic days fishing. But with two members of the group yet to get there 100lb+ Bronzie, it was well worth the risk.
The day panned out much as we’d hoped, with 6 fish landed in total. This consisted of one guitarfish, a very large smoothhound and 4 bronzies. Three of these bronzies were over 100lb though, going 145cm, 177cm and the best being an absolute unit of a fish at 222cm and in the region of 350lbs! Just look at the girth on that thing! Top job to Steve and to Jacob and Pat on your fish today lads.
Tomorrow, another split day. In the morning, we fish and in the afternoon the lads are heading out on safari.
Jeffrey’s Bay Day 5:
A much shorter session resulted in a nice variety of fish on day 5. All the lads have now ticked off their Blue Ray, which I’m very jealous of (my no1 target next week). Also caught were a couple of butterfly rays, a shad (bluefish), an eagle ray and a Pyjama Shark (very similar to our UK huss).
This afternoon, I’m back at the digs having a chill out whilst the lads have gone for a safari trip at one of the local game reserves. Again, quite jealous, but at least I’ll get my trip there next week. One more official days fishing to go with the current group and it looks promising for another good day of mixed fishing.
Regardless of what happens though, it’s been some week.
Jeffrey’s Bay Day 6:
Final day truly was the cherry on top of the icing for the lads. Numerous bronzies during the morning, a mid-day siesta and steak on the grill and then a night on the Raggies. PB’s all round!
Does it get much better!
Get yourself to Jeffrey’s Bay and hook up to some monsters with Fish Fighters!
Tight Lines,
Ross Johnson
CONTACT US
If you like the idea of doing battle with a big Bronze Whaler from the shore, then check out our hosted Jeffrey’s Bay tour. If you’d also like any further information, you can contact our shore fishing specialist Paul Stevens on 01603 407 596 or email at paul@sportquestholidays.com.
