Earning your stripes

The Couta/Cuda/King Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) is an aggressive predatory species found off the Natal and Mocambique coast. Research indicates that the population is sedentary in this area, making migratory journeys inside their distribution range. Small fish form large shoals, large fish are encountered on their own or in small groups.

Fishing lore in Natal contends that the fish migrate S (April/May) before the Sardine Run (June/July) then return N (Aug/Sept). Exceptions do occur.

Some spearos are masters at tackling Couta and make hunting them seem effortless, Graham Carlisle is a case in point, while others seem cursed never to land one, like the Punisher.

They may be encountered behind the backline but the majority I have seen have been deep 19m+. In Sodwana I often find them coming to flashers early in the morning, before 10am. I have seen them off Jesser Point in June/July, on the edges of reef over sand 19-24m in June and Dec.

In the Scottburgh area I have seen single large fish in shark chum trails in April and Oct. The area off Aliwal NE pinnacle is also particularly good, based on reports, with fish found as deep as 24m over sand. I have also encountered huge shoals between Aliwal and Greenpoint in Aug on 2 occasions. One occasion in particular springs to mind. I was exploring the area between Greenpoint and Aliwal when my fishfinder’s screen went black. We managed to hook several fish on lures but in the excitement I neglected to mark the spot. The idea would have been to return to the spot and then cruise upcurrent to look for the shoal/baitfish activity.

I have seen lots of Couta but bagged few and in my limited experience they seem to conform to one of 2 patterns. The one is the fish that you see but it beats a hasty retreat, the other cautiously turns to look at you before following the first option.

Every Couta I have speared I have had to follow. When you see them, don’t dive onto them. Try to plan an intercept course but try not to indicate your intention (body language & eyes), feign disinterest. Sometimes quickly swimming at them then stopping will get them to turn toward you. On other occasions if you move to their blind side once or twice following a sinuous course behind the fish, they may turn broadside offering a shot.

My Couta hunting has been a hit and miss affair but if I were put on the spot with where and when to hunt, it would be Sodwana in Dec, off reef, over sand, in approx 20m of water.