YELLOWFIN TUNA-Thunnus albacares

In comparison to the 176.4kg yellowfin that was caught off Mexico in 1977, coincidently the year I was born. These Fry were still a lot of fun, mostly caught in depths ranging from 35to55m. Although the yellowfin are still in abundance the Dorado have arrived and are the focus of att.

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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Fluke.....

What a surprise when we caught this Sailfish.  We were bottom fishing at a depth of 84m when on the way down, this 29kg saily decided to take on one of the squid baits. The hook was one of the smallest that we use a 2'. The saily gave us a spectacular display only meters from the boat, causing a lot of excitement. This was a first for me, though I know of many pick-ups by Marlin targeting the reef fish being winched up off the reef. The reef fish being their natural food source. 

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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SEVENTY FOUR-Polysteganus undulosus

The rare and protected seventy four attains a length of 100cm and can be mostly found in deeper waters, occurring in depths up to 200m. That was why I was quite surprised to get this one so shallow. This is a protected fish by law and for good reason, so for you chaps who are even contemplating fillet and release. I hope you have restless nights knowing that your actions will have a negative effect on the remaining treasures of the sea that we should all be preserving for generations to follow. Invest in a splash proof camera, and help protect the oceans.

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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TOMATO ROCKCOD-Cephalopholis sonnerati

All I can say is, 'what a beaut ! '......... For its specie this is a rather large specimen, this one we got on our distinctive ledge that is rather over fished. Easy to find, and runs the length of the the coast. This exceptionally long reef is a continental ridge and not only serves as a breeding ground but as a highway for many fish species  travelling up and down our coast.

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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SCOTSMAN-Polysteganus praeorbitalis

The Scotsman is a beautiful but uncommon sea bream due to fishing pressure. Found between 20-100m of water it is rarely caught by shore anglers. They attain approx. 90cm in length and feed predominantly on squid, fish and crustaceans. A sought after fish for its strength in a fight as well as good tasting meat.

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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TIGER ROCKCOD-Epinephelus posteli

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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Natal Snoek are out in full force again...........

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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CAVE BASS(Lantern fish)-Dinoperca petersi

Often found under ledges and entrances to caves. Makes a loud drumming noise. Very tasty eating fish but not easy to catch.

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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SLINGER-Chrysoblephus puniceus

Slinger, a common red fish targeted by bottom fisherman because they shoal in large numbers and are easy to catch. These 2 were the biggest that I have seen in this area for a long time. It broke my heart to allow the client to take them. Quality fish are a rare commodity and should be left as breeding stock as they have a higher survival rate having lived longer as well as the fact that they can produce larger amounts of spawn.

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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CAPTAIN FINE-8KG

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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WHIP CORAL SHRIMP-Pontonides uncigar

For those of you that enjoy the smaller things in life, here's something that can easily be overlooked. This bloke gets to a max length of 15mm and can be found only on whip coral, rangeing depths of 3 to 55m.
They mainly feed on paracites, plankton and algae.

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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HONEYCOMB MOREY-Gymnothorax favagineus

What a beauty..... Caught on Shisa off St Lucia, Becareful when handling these guys. They have rows of razor sharp teeth. If you find yourself in the unfortunate event of been bitten, do not!!!! Pull your limb free, this will only cause more severe wounds. Allow the morey to release you, and then seek attention. This like many other species is not a targeted catch, but unfortunatly one doesnt know whats on the hook until it surfaces. So in the event, try to release these beauties with as little or no harm at all......Thank You!!!

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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NATAL SNOEK(Queen Mackerel)-Scomberomorus plurillineatus

Abundance of snoek to be found from St Lucia south beaches north to First Rocks, ranging from 7 to 9 kg. Catchem if you can, lots of fun on light tackle........

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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DUSKY RUBBERLIPS-Plectorhinchus chubbi

For its specy, this was a whopper...

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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TIGER ROCKCOD(Striped-fin rockcod)-Epinephelus posteli

Bigger and better than the last tiger, 11.1kg.... This one took on a butcher rockcod.

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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GIANT GUITARFISH(SANDSHARK)-Rhynchobatus djiddensis

This puppy had us guessing for a while..... He took on a freshh red eye sardine, intended for a couta. 

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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POTATO BASS-Epinephelus tukula

13kg & 35kg ........Big fish, bigger fight, biggest disapointment_ when great care is taken in releasing these proteced fish only to see one of them brought up to the surface only minutes later by a massive Tiger Shark.......

Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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BLACK MUSCLECRACKER(Poenskop)-Cymatoceps nasutus

Two pics of a 15kg cracker caught  off green hill north of St Lucia, and one of a Halfmoon rockcod that was mauled by another.......the one that got away!!!!

Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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COUTA(King Mackerel)-Scomberomorus commerson

Attains 220cm, app. 50kg.......This chap was caught by fluke in 6.5m of water. Target was natal snoek(queen mackerel), which we were getting. When we slowed down to boat yet another snoek, the remaining lures in the water sank to the bottom.....It was then that I noticed a small tug on the tip,acting quickly, gave the fish free spool for 50plus meters before tightning up and setting the hook..Result,21kg cuta,on coloured artificial squid.....Bonus!!!!

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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CAPTAIN FINE FRENZY

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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RED STEENBRAS(Copper Steenbras)-petrus rupestris

25kg copper, caught off St lucia on bottom rig in 90m of water... The Copper is natorius for the fight that he puts out, although this is of a mediocre size, be warned it feels like your pulling the plug out of the ocean........

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Archie Viviers

072 996 2269

archie@forafrica.co.za

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