Late summer in Gqeberha is prime time for Garrick (Leervis). Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, here is everything you need to know to target these powerful game fish along our coast.
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TOP SPOTS IN GQEBERHA
• ​The Gamtoos River Mouth: The “Garrick HQ.” Focus on the channel where the river meets the surf.
• ​Swartkops Estuary: Hit the lower reaches—the mud flats and T-Jetty are gold on an incoming tide.
• ​Sundays River Mouth: Best fished near the “sloepie” (small channel) and along the surf zone.
• ​Bluewater Bay Gullies: Look for the “white water” where they hunt disoriented mullet.
• ​Pollok Beach (Summerstrand): The rocky ledges and deep gutters are great for casting plugs.
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BEST TACTICS
• ​Live Bait: Use live Mullet or Shad. Hook them through the top lip and let them drift.
• ​Surface Plugs: They are visual hunters. Use chisel-nose plugs or poppers and retrieve them fast to create a splashy wake.
• ​Paddle-tails: A 13cm white or glow paddle-tail worked through the surf can be deadly when they are feeding aggressively.
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TIMING & CONDITIONS
• ​Tide: Focus on the 2 hours before and after High Tide. The pushing tide brings fresh water and baitfish into the estuaries.
• ​Water: They love clean, blue water. If the rivers are muddy after a big rain, stick to the rocky points or open beaches.
• ​Wind: An Easterly wind usually brings the warmer, cleaner water that triggers a feeding frenzy.
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FISH RESPONSIBLY
​Garrick are slow-growing sport fish. Let’s keep our local stocks healthy for the next generation!
• ​Limit: 2 per person per day.
• ​Size: Minimum 70cm.
• ​Catch & Release: Highly encouraged for these incredible fighters!
​Tight lines and screaming reels, PE!