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THE Cape Doctor, or south east wind, has really brought in unusual fish species for this time of the year. Our part of the bay has come alive with plenty of bait fish like Carantine, smaller Elf and Harders. The reefs and beaches of both Melkbaai and Blakes have provided good fishing, mainly for those real die-hards that could take a little wind and sand after dark.

Medium class Geelbek and Kob were the main fish targeted, the only problem being small fish stripping the anglers' bait before the better class fish could bite.

From last Sunday, the bigger size Elf have also been caught from Blake's Beach. Recently larger Elf shoals have been targeted, mostly from the shallow reefs near and off the Strand baby pool wall.

With the continuous south east winds, warmer pockets of water that form between the rocky surrounds have kept the Elf shoals (which corner the bait fish) in, making them easier prey off Blake's Beach, which is usually the most accessible spinning vicinity for spinnermen during south and south east conditions. The larger Elf and Leery have been sporadic with the more fortunate, hardworking spinnermen picking up their quotas of Elf and the odd Leery has been released back into the water. As all the old hands and spinnermen know, a proper south wind and not the south easter is the wind that really switches the Blakes Beach and Harmony area on for both bait fishing and spinning.

The south wind picks up during the day and drops off in the evening, causing better conditions for fishing in our area. As I mentioned in previous columns, this season and unusual amount of Morocco size Geelbek have been taken from our beaches and reefs and has brought many anglers the unexpected joy of landing one of these exceptionally lively and good tasting fish.

One must always remember that Geelbek will sometimes take tainted, floating bait, but the best results come from using fresh Chokka or Sardine, or a piece of freshly caught Elf or Maasbanker mixed with Chokka, with a small piece of foam attached to the hook to lift the bait off the grounds and to make the rigged bait more lively.

The modern trend is to use one or two fluorescent beads or a piece of fluorescent tubing just above the hook.

The beads are charged by shining a torch on them before casting in. They maintain the luminosity and attract most fish like Geelbek, Elf and Kob.

Local small boats have also had their share of Kob, Geelbek and Elf from the Poort and Melkbaai areas, although the south east has put off all but the tough small boaters and kayaks.

Further afield at Struisbaai, there have been reports of very good catches of Yellowtail during the daytime from the 12 mile bank, and plenty of Geelbek during the evening and night time.

The Geelbek shoals were reading from the top to the bottom on the echo. This is a good sign that the Geelbek are coming to our side soon.

During the weekend one or two boats that were fishing for Marlin and other game fish in the area have had a few sightings and the boat 3 J's lost a large Black Marlin after a three-hour fight.

During the past week there was a Marlin competition with 21 boats taking part.

Good news from the Struisbaai beach area is that an 18 kg Leerie was spearfished quite close inshore.

During the past week I was asked to test and crit the very latest of high tech reels, the Shimano Trinidad 20 DC digital control casting system. This superb casting system is a must for anglers who can afford the very best (?R5 000). This real boasts a 6.2.1 gear ratio, a stainless waterproof water bearing with digital control brake and Shimano super free bearing supported pinion gear system and super stopper reverse, plus assisted stopper.

It has a one-piece aluminium frame and one-piece aluminium forged side plates, precision click star drag dartanium washers, adjustable tension clicker, centrifugal braking system, having a line capacity of 420 yards of 20 pound line.

I found it was the easiest long caster I ever used with a super powerful and comfortable handle and knob. The Shimano Trinidad DC comes in the following models: 16, 20 and 30. The latest edition of the ESA magazine contains some interesting articles, including "How to catch Pignose Grunter" and "Cracking the Couta Code".

Remember, if you want your reels serviced or repaired, phone Art Ridgway on (021) 854-3831. Art will also gladly supply anglers with information on when and where to fish and what baits to use.

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