More video and pics: Sardines netted in Margate

THE dune aloes are now in full flower. According to fishermen this signifies the imminent arrival of the little silver fish.

And some of the South Coast’s seasoned fishermen say they can smell the approaching sardines. Well this proved true and the silver fish have certainly arrived. This morning, reports of small pockets of sardines between Pumula and Sunwich Port were received.

Commercial sardine seine netters rushed to the area and spent most of the morning watching for further signs of activity. While these netters where up north, Mark Snyman and his team spotted a shoal at Margate beach and were quick to cast their nets.

Crowds soon got wind of the find and arrived on the beach armed with packets, crates and whatever they could stuff handfuls of ‘silver gold’ into.

A total of 200 crates of sardines were netted. The crew started pulling in the fish at about midday. Soon after they were selling at R700 per crate as locals and visitors flocked to get their hands on the fresh sardines which were sold out within minutes.

Let’s hope there’s more to come. We have loads of pics in our galleries. Click here to take a look!

At this stage it is not confirmed by the Sharks Board if all shark nets have been removed.