The podcast has been delivering fishing updates, tips and techniques to South Africa's angling community since 2022 and has amassed over 150 episodes in its archives.

"Having my podcast as part of the ECR family feels like a dream come true. I'm bursting with joy and excitement," says Soogreem ahead of the launch. "I'm in utter awe when I think that an idea — that kicked off in the corner of my garage for a really niche audience — is now part of a mainstream radio station — and in fact, the one I've grown up listening to."

"I am exceptionally grateful to the entire ECR family for believing in me and my podcast, as well as all the hard work in taking my show to possibilities I could only imagine," Soogreem adds.

Soogreem, and his team of angling experts from around the province, will share real-time reports about the hottest feeding zones in KwaZulu-Natal waters every Thursday afternoon, just in time for the weekend, says ECR. 

Plus, a new second expert series episode will go live every Monday. It'll feature angling, tourism and conservation experts who will delve into the science behind the sport. Soogreem will also take a deep dive into water-related topics such as tides and rip currents, the station adds. 

East Coast Radio's managing director Mzuvele Mthethwa says the podcast speaks to the station's commitment to providing listeners with quality local content that not only entertains but also informs. 

"KwaZulu-Natal has a large angling and fishing community, and we are proud to have a podcast that speaks directly to them. Not only will ANSA add value to our audio context mix, but it will also help us to reach a wider audience," says Mthethwa.

"This partnership perfectly aligns with ECR's mission to deliver engaging, relevant content that super-serves our proud community," says Diane Macpherson, head of on-demand content for Kagiso Media Radio.

"With Soogreem's unparalleled expertise and Angler News South Africa's local focus, we're poised to elevate our podcast offering, providing even more top-notch, locally focussed content that our listeners can connect with," Macpherson adds. 

Informally dubbed 'KwaZulu-Natal's King of Angling', Soogreem has been part of the fishing and angling community for almost two decades. He's also the go-to guy for information on the province's annual Sardine Run, the station says. 

According to ECR, Soogreem is an advocate for sustainable fishing practices. His podcast tagline is inspired by a motto he has lived by throughout his angling career, 'Let's Fish for the Future'.

Soogreem says, "We have so much to offer in KwaZulu-Natal and there is always something to catch, and with applying the right techniques — along with understanding the elements around you, there will be very little chance of missing a bite."

"Whether you are targeting something for the table or chasing the adrenaline of landing a 300kg monster, I have a team behind me to tell you just how to do it. We don't believe in luck or coincidence when it comes to fishing and by listening to our podcast, you can feel confident in having bending rods and screaming reels," adds Soogreem. 

Whether you're looking for insider fishing tips or just want to understand lunar tides, don't miss out on the newest addition to ECR's bespoke podcast library, the station concludes.  

New episodes of Angler News South Africa with Vinesh Soogreem drop on Thursdays at 15:00 and Mondays at 18:00. Listen via https://www.ecr.co.za/podcasts/ansa/ or your favourite podcast app. 

For more information, visit www.ecr.co.za. You can also follow ECR on Facebook, X, Instagram or TikTok. 

*Image courtesy of contributor