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In this edition of Inside Podcasting, we visit the province of KwaZulu-Natal, along South Africa’s east coast. It is served by one of the country’s biggest independent radio stations, East Coast Radio, whose portfolio of podcasts includes one that focuses on a particular passion of its listeners: angling. Vinesh Soogreem is the creator and presenter of “Angler News South Africa,” and his podcast’s success has grown through a combination of his passion and expertise, and the input of a grassroots network of dedicated contributors.
DURBAN, South Africa — My journey in fishing media began in 2003 when I launched a tabloid newspaper dedicated to fishing news. At the time, I was spending most of my days on the water and constantly receiving calls asking where the fish were biting. I saw an opportunity to share my knowledge more widely and created a publication that offered fishing updates to the public, blending my passion with my livelihood. Over the years, my work evolved from print to digital magazines and books, culminating in the launch of “Angler News South Africa” in 2022. Its success really began after joining the East Coast Radio family, thanks to their incredible exposure and help in helping me project my voice in ways I never thought I could.
The inspiration for the podcast was deeply personal. My late father, who shared my love of fishing, played a pivotal role in its creation. When he fell ill with cancer in 2021, I would send him long voice notes describing fishing conditions. One of those recordings sparked the idea of turning my updates into a podcast. I shared the concept with him shortly before he passed away, and his final message to me expressed how excited he was to hear fishing stories. That heartfelt moment became the foundation of “Angler News South Africa” — a tribute to both our shared passion and his encouragement.
Collaborating with these local experts keeps the podcast authentic and reliable — a genuine reflection of the fishing world as experienced by those who live it every day.
Vinesh Soogreem
Abundance fuels storytelling
Fishing in KwaZulu-Natal is special to me because of the region’s remarkable diversity of fishing opportunities. Within a short drive from Durban, anglers can access the surf, harbor, dams or deep-sea waters. Whether you prefer fly fishing, bait angling or heavy tackle, KZN offers an unmatched variety of environments and conditions. The favorable climate allows fishing almost year-round, keeping the sport dynamic and engaging. This abundance fuels storytelling — each week brings new weather patterns, catches and experiences to share.
The core purpose of my podcast is to guide anglers to the right fishing “feeding zones.” While many see fishing as a matter of luck, I believe knowledge plays a far greater role. By understanding weather systems, tides, barometric pressure and water energy, anglers can make informed decisions about when and where to fish. My podcast consolidates this information, combining expert insights and community reports to highlight hotspots along the coast. More than just data, though, it’s about sharing the joy of the sport — the thrill of a tug on the line, no matter the size of the catch.
Deeply rooted correspondents
To ensure accuracy and relevance, I’ve built a vast network of correspondents — each one deeply rooted in their local fishing community, often spending time on the rocks, beaches or at tackle stores. They observe local conditions firsthand and send me weekly voice notes with updates on bait movements, species activity and weather trends. I compile these reports, add my own analysis and forecasts, and produce a comprehensive show for the weekend. Collaborating with these local experts keeps the podcast authentic and reliable — a genuine reflection of the fishing world as experienced by those who live it every day.
Their contributions are crucial to the show’s success. While I stay connected to nearly every fishing group and community chat in the province, my local reporters provide the fine-grained details I couldn’t gather alone. They know which baits are selling the fastest, which lures are working and which fish are biting. This grassroots network keeps the show grounded in real, timely information and strengthens the bond between the podcast and its listeners.
Battling the tides of saltwater and corrosion
The journey to producing a polished podcast hasn’t been without challenges. My early recordings sounded amateurish — filled with pauses, background noise and uneven energy. It took time to learn how to speak naturally without visual cues, project enthusiasm through my voice and master audio editing tools. I experimented with different recording setups and equipment, learning by trial and error. For a while, I wasn’t even sure anyone was listening. But as the podcast gained traction, messages began pouring in from anglers eager for updates. The growing demand reaffirmed my purpose — I had created something that genuinely mattered to the fishing community.
Technical hurdles were another part of the learning curve. Being in a coastal, outdoor environment exposed my equipment to wind, saltwater and rust. Tripods corroded, microphones malfunctioned and background noise became a constant battle. I quickly learned that cheap gear couldn’t withstand the elements. Over time, I invested in more durable, professional-grade tools and sought expert advice to improve sound quality. I even improvised at home, building makeshift soundproof spaces with foam, carpeting and other materials. Fortunately, advancements in technology and AI-based audio enhancement software have enabled me to refine the sound even further.
Today, my production setup is a sophisticated mix of software and hardware designed for both field and studio recording. WhatsApp remains the lifeline of my workflow, connecting me instantly with correspondents up and down the coast. Once the podcast is finalized, it’s distributed on East Coast Radio and all major platforms, with highlights shared on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and community WhatsApp groups.
Equipment
- Mics: Saramonic Blink 500 B2+ clip-on wireless mics for interviews and mobile recordings
- Recording: Zoom H2n for outdoors — it handles wind and ambient noise well — and WhatsApp for correspondents’ submissions
- Production: Processing through Adobe Enhance and final mix through Adobe Audition
- Editing: Descript, using it to clean up reports and remove filler words
- Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x — they’re light in weight and pack a punch for the price
This story originally appeared in the November/December edition of RedTech Magazine.
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