Every summer, the waters off Ballito come alive with one of the most exciting gamefish on the KwaZulu-Natal coast: dorado, also known as dolphin fish. Running roughly from November through to March, dorado season draws anglers from all over for good reason. These fish are fast, acrobatic, and absolutely stunning, with flashes of electric blue and gold as they clear the water.
Dorado tend to gather around floating structure like driftwood, weed lines, even flotsam, so a big part of the hunt is reading the ocean before a single line goes out. Once we find them, they usually come in schools, which means multiple hook-ups and non-stop action for everyone aboard.
At Bashford Fishing Charters, we troll for dorado using quality Shimano tackle and years of local knowledge of the Ballito grounds, so whether you’re chasing your first dorado or your fiftieth, we’ll get you into the fish. It’s a fast-paced, family-friendly trip that rewards patience with some of the best sport fishing, and best eating, this coast has to offer.
Book your dorado season charter with us and see why this is one of the most anticipated times of year on the water.
Winter on the KZN coastline doesn’t mean the fishing slows down, if anything, it just changes gear. As the water cools between June and August, KwaZulu-Natal’s famous sardine run pushes bait shoals along the coast, and with them comes some of the best predator fishing of the year.
Expect strong runs of shad (elf), garrick, and geelbek closer inshore, while further out the cooler water often brings game species like snoek and the occasional early-season game fish following the bait. It’s a different rhythm to the summer months, more about reading bait balls and bird activity than trolling open water, but it’s every bit as rewarding, and often less crowded out on the water.
Layer up, because a winter morning off Durban, Ballito or Westbrook can be crisp, but the fishing more than makes up for it. Our skippers know where the bait tends to push through and how to position the boat to get you into the action safely and efficiently.
If you’re after a change of pace from the summer dorado runs, a winter charter out of Durban, Ballito or Westbrook is well worth booking, just dress warm and bring your appetite for a good fight.
“Deep sea” and “off-shore” get used almost interchangeably, but if you’re booking your first charter, it helps to know the difference, and which one suits what you’re after.
Off-shore fishing generally means staying within a few kilometres of the coast, targeting reef and bait-driven species like couta, garrick, and kingfish species. It’s a great option if you’re new to boat fishing, prone to seasickness, or fishing with young kids, shorter runs, calmer water, and still plenty of action.
Deep sea fishing pushes further out, often past the continental shelf, chasing bigger pelagic species like marlin, tuna, and dorado in blue water. It usually means a longer run out, more time trolling, and bigger fish on the line. A trip built for anglers chasing something more serious.
At Bashford Fishing Charters, we run both, and we’ll help you choose the right trip for your group, your experience level, and what you’re hoping to catch. Not sure which one’s for you? Give us a call! We’re happy to talk you through it before you book.
Contact Craig: 072 596 3442
