SARDINE
Roscoe Rautenbach
FEVER
Frantic , frenetic , frenzied … crazy chaos ….. doesn ’ t come close to describing that manic phenomenon that most South Africans call the Sardine Run ! Something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime !
Even then they ’ ll be lost for words when it comes to sharing those mind-blowing moments ! Being a former “ Gautenger ,” our own Lowrance Sales Consultant Steph Geel couldn ’ t understand what the fuss was all about until we sent her down the South Coast with John Minnie – to see for herself .
Needless to say , she was amazed !
Every year in June or July , millions of silvery Sardines travel from freezing waters off Cape Point along the coastline as they make their way up north to Kwa- Zulu-Natal .
As word gets out of possible sightings closer to our warmer waters – it ’ s a high alert for anglers , holidaymakers , businessmen , mothers , workers , families and anyone within earshot . One of the tell-tale signs is the appearance of common dolphins along the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast , as it is believed that the female dolphins use the plentiful food supply to wean their calves and replenish their depleted fat stores .
Helicopters and drones go out on recce ’ s , newspapers , radio and TV stations broadcast the news and anglers and other watersport lovers confirm the rumours that the shimmering mass is on its way .
As the wind or currents force the fish close to the beach all types of birds like Gannets , Cormorants , Terns and Gulls plummet into the water for their share and dolphins surge after the tumultuous mass of panic-stricken fish . They ’ re followed by Sharks and Gamefish such as Shad Garrick and Geelbek – a fisherman ’ s dream . You ’ ll find anglers lining the beaches and rocks , on skiboats , jetskis , paddleskis and anything that moves .
Once they ’ re in the shallows , human behaviour becomes quite bizarre - as caution is thrown to the wind . Suited businessmen have been known to rush into the water in their shoes to scoop fish into their pockets while women use their skirts , aprons , jerseys or T-Shirts . Their smart kids on the other hand , choose to use their hand nets !
More organised , seasoned fishermen bring out their seine nets and with the help of small boats , drag the nets around the shoal and bring them to shore where they are scooped into baskets .