Definitely one of the most productive recreational angling spots on the KZN coast, whether it be shore or deep sea, bowy or flatfish, resident or migrating fish, heavy or light tackle, bait feeders or game fish, Tugela is your spot. At least 60 species are landed every year by anglers, ranging from the more abundant species like Kob, Shad and Grunter to rare species such as Emperor Snapper, Jobfish and Prodigal Son.The20km stretch of coastline between the Tugela and Amatikulu rivers has a unique combination of features attracting numerous marine species to the area.

Remoteness - Tugela is a small village which has escaped the attention of developers, giving you unspoilt nature in the true sense of the word.

The mud banks offshore is the harvesting ground of the famous "Tugela Prawn"

The mouth of the "Mighty Tugela", one of the biggest rivers in South Africa, is both breeding ground and nursery for "Baitfish" and hunting ground for game fish.

Flat sandy beaches attracts crusticoan feeders, most species of which prefers murky waters around river mouths.

Wall to wall reefs, stretching from backline(6m) to mud banks(30m).

Annual migration of Herring, Sardine and Anchovy species attracting a host of game fish from the open sea.

Deep Sea Angling is above average throughout the year and more often than not, your bag limit rather than absence of fish, will return you back to shore. The abundance of reef yields good catches of resident fish such as Rock Cod, Reds, Lantern fish, and "Mof" Grunters. You are virtually assured of your bag limit of Salmon (various lob species) throughout the year, as well as a healthy compliment of game fish, including "Cuda", Dorado, King and Queen fish, and even sailfish are caught regularly. Shad can be caught throughout the year, and swimming one is almost guaranteed to produce a tackle buster. Bring your own boat or charter ours - you will not be disappointed.

Shore Angling also produces above average results throughout the year. While different species are more abundant at different times ,you can expect results throughout the year. This is why Tugela is a popular venue for club competitions, attracting clubs as far as the Free State. Your options are varied, ranging from light tackle in the river mouth to doing battle with a tackle buster who had picked up your live bait in the surf. Night fishing is very popular since it produces bigger fish.

Fly fishing is also gaining momentum in this area.

And then there is the Lobotes. Although the occasional individual is caught in the shallow estuarine waters of our coast, Tugela is the only place in South Africa where this magnificent fish is caught regularly. Our park, ski boat club and the main street of out village was named after this awesome fish.

Fishing Calendar

All year - Resident fish such as Rockcod, Lantern fish and Reds can be caught throughout the year. Salmon(collective name for various Kob species) are also abundant throughout the year.

Winter - The annual migration of phelargic fish(Sardine, Herring and Anchovy species) and game fish makes winter our peak fishing season. It is peak season for Mullet, Shad, Kob, Garrick and other species usually associated with colder waters(even Cape fish like Yellowtail and Geelbek).

Spring - Shad and Garrick in abundants. You can also cash in on the yearly migration of Grunter. The river mouth becomes particularly productive for smaller species of Kob, Stump nose, Perch and Kingfish, but many outsize "Daga Salmon" landed on live bait.

Summer - Tugela becomes the playground for sharks and game fish. King and Queen Mackerel, Wahoo, Bonito and Tunny, Dorado and even the odd Blufish.

Autumn - February to May is Lobotes time for the shore angler and "Cuda" time for the deep sea angler. This is also a productive time for Shad, Salmon and Rock Cod.

Having escaped the attention of commercial developments,Tugela offers you many facets of unspoilt nature.Driven by an amazingly healthy eco-system,the area is home to a variety of fish,birds and wild life.

• Sea turtles can be seen entering the river from November onwards
• Watch huge sharks entering the river mouth to get rid of parasites during the summer months
• Witness the frenzy of game fish feeding on bait fish in the river
• Whales and dolphins can be spotted futher out at sea
• Birdwatching - 156 Species of birds have been spotted ,including the very rare Franklin Seagul.

If you wish to engage nature physicaly,Tugela offers many opportunities.

• Paddle down the river in your canoe and raft and witness wildlife in its natural state
• Deep sea fishing charters can be arranged at reasonable rates
• Surf Angling - see our page on fishing.
• Dont miss our anual Tugela raft race.This event attracts participants from all parts of the country

If you feel the urge to shop,this is what you can look forward to

• Tugela has a shop walking distance from the camp site where you could buy the basics or make use of the post office facilities it has to offer.
• Mandini - Only 10min away , it has a huge supermarket and many other interesting shops,including a large area set aside for informal trading.
• For serious shopping visit the factories in Isithebe where you can buy a large aray of goods at factory prices.
• Durban - A 45min drive for the shopaholic

To add a variety to youre holiday,Tugela and the surounding areas also offers you many places of intrest.

• Historical battle sites such as Fort Pearson,the Altimatum Tree,and many others, bear witness of the zulu wars that raged in this area during the 19th century.
• Tee off at any of the 5 golf courses in the vicinity - including the famous Zimbali and Princess Grant.
• Did you know that we have prawn farms in South Africa.Come and check it out