Every angler dreams of feeling that initial bump on the line, followed by a huge pull on the rod, and then it’s only one thing that follows, the sound of a screaming reel, and a run that seems never to end, heavy aggressive headshakes and lighting fast runs.
That is the bite and power of the mighty white steenbras and why it has a reputation as being “a steam train”.
Please take careful note that the white steenbras are listed as endangered and there are thought to be less than 6% of the original pristine population back in 1993. And we all know that the problem has only got worse, so what is left in 2023?
These fish need to be cared for and looked after, let’s all get involved in fish tagging and conservation. We all need to start standing together to make a difference otherwise the fact is that there will be nothing left for our children and especially their children.
Let’s get back to the fishing. This is definitely one of my favourite species to target, they can be full of nonsense and one needs to be very technical in your approach if you want to consistently catch bigger specimens.
It is during the winter months, especially May, June and July that one encounters these steam trains. Although they are caught almost throughout the year it seems that winter conditions provide the best opportunities for the bigger fish to move onto the sand banks to feed.
So how do we target these fish?
Steenbras prefer to feed on a sandy beaches with some scattered rock, but I have caught them in rocky areas too. They feed on prawns, crabs, red bait, mussels and worms. They are also often caught on sardine and chokka baits so they seem to be fairly opportunistic too.
White steenbras seem to prefer feeding in calmer sea conditions, and cleaner water, a 1,2 m to 1,8 m sea is perfect, look for nice rolling banks which have a deep gutter in front or running of the side of the bank. Don’t be scared to fish shallow for these fish as this is where they come in to feed on their prey.
Steenbras as mentioned can be very fussy feeders especially in clean water and flat seas, I like to fish with a lighter outfit, a 6 000-size reel, a 12 to 14 ft rod with a light sinker rating of no more than 5 oz, and I prefer to fish with a 3 oz or max 4 oz rod. You need a soft rod especially when fishing with braid, the softer action rod acts as a shock absorber and helps prevent hook pulls and tears, and absorbs the headshake of a big steenie. In shallow water they love to swim in towards you and suddenly turn and speed off like lighting, the rod takes up this shock and allows your drag to kick.
I like to fish with light fluorocarbon or maxima hook snoots of 10kg or 12,5 kg, I use a running sinker trace and always fish a shorter sinker line. I like to fish with my 20 lb Braid or 30 lb max which I then connect a light 40 or 50 lb braided leader too.
Hooks I prefer to fish with gamakatsu 2/0 circles which I always flatten the barbs on. Please flatten your barbs it makes absolutely no difference to catching fish, even when fishing circle hooks you do get the odd hook swallow.
You don’t want to catch a massive 20 kg breeding female and she shallows the hook down and its not barbless. The barbless hook has far more of a chance of becoming dislodged and hopefully giving that fish a chance.
The great thing about fishing for steenbras is that many other species will take the same baits, belman, cape stump, blacktail and even galjoen. It’s a really great fish to target which gives us as anglers great pleasure with its fighting abilities.
If you may want more information or need advice on fishing, specialised tackle or bait, please pay us a visit at Fishing Republic, situated at 73 Beach Road, Helderberg Centre, just behind Blakes beach or the public swimming pool.
Or simply call 072 552 4400 or email Kegan@fishingrepublic.co.za.
