Their Future is Bright

By Francois Beukes

AFTER the outbreak of Covid 19 and with lockdown regulations being enforced, the Junior Gamefish Nationals originally scheduled for 2020 eventually got off the ground in April 2021.The competition ran from 1 to 5 April with 18 teams made up of 54 anglers taking part. Durban’s Point Yacht Club hosted this eagerly awaited competition in conjunction with Natal Deep Sea Angling Association (NDSAA) and the South African Deep Sea Angling Association (SADSAA).

The tournament was fished according to IGFA 10kg line class with SADSAA tournament rules and the SADSAA points scoring system, which includes different species as a multiplication factor. The weakest link rule of a minimum of 5m of IGFA 10kg line was also used however a minimum of 20m would be needed if the angler wanted to claim a record.

After the formalities of the skippers’ briefing came the excitement of registration and the opening function which included a much anticipated “capping” ceremony where all the new caps officially receive their Provincial Colours. Then it was down to some serious fishing off the coast of Durban over a period of four days. From the outset it was clear that the junior teams would be tested to the limit with their 10kg line, expected species, tackle, traces and bait presentations. It was going to be extremely technical and somewhat different to what most competitors were used to.

DAY ONE

With excitement on a high on the morning of day one, the 18 teams mustered at the North Pier basin for an official group photograph and a simultaneous departure. It was truly an awesome sight to watch and an exhilarating feeling for the skippers and anglers alike who were taking part. During the day periodic call-ups of boat position and catches resulted in much anticipation at the scales where a crowd steadily started growing to eagerly witness the day’s catch.

The first day out of four was fished in fair weather conditions and gave the juniors a taste of what was to come in the next few days with reports of numerous screaming reels, tackle failure and the ever present “tax man” taking his share of fish. A total of 12 cuda, six skipjacks, two bonito, five dorado and one sailfish (released) were caught.

DAY TWO

The teams woke up to Mother Nature rearing her ugly head, with a south westerly buster testing the teams’ tent construction on the lawns of the PYC grounds. The weather committee had safety as their top priority, and resolved to cancel the day’s fishing due to strong winds and unfavorable fishing conditions. To keep the kids occupied, the organisers arranged for a tackle talk as part of a NDSAA/SADSAA development initiative. After the tackle talk it was down to the much anticipated “Tackle Buster” competition which culminated in two anglers being pitted against each other. They tested one another’s tackle strength and technique by trying to reel their opponents’ double line through the top eye of their rod. This activity was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

DAY THREE

With the nasty weather of day two behind us, it was all systems go for day three. We were fortunate to witness the SADSAA under 19 team weighing three quality fish of three different species caught on the boat Undertaker 2 skippered by Abed Khan. Apart from this catch, there were relatively slim pickings on day three with a lot of small fish arriving at the scale.

DAY FOUR

The final day saw fair weather and the prospect of more fish being landed. With almost nothing in it in the way of points on the leaderboard, the competition was still wide open and any fish weighed would certainly set the cat amongst the pigeons.

Scales closed earlier on the last day so the fishing time was limited and teams needed to catch fish early to challenge the leaderboard or cement their position after the first three days.

Unfortunately, day four did not live up to its expectation and those who caught fish had to work that much harder to succeed. The four days ended with the traditional team swim in the harbour by all the participating teams in a display of true team spirit.

Teams arrived at the prize giving with the hope of picking up some silverware in either the Under 19 or Under 16 age groups. After the formalities of the closing function were out of the way, it was confirmed that the gold medal for the Under 19 division was awarded to the SADSAA team followed by Natal and Southern Gauteng respectively. Top Skipper in the Under 19 division went to Abed Khan on Undertaker2.

The Under 16 gold medal was awarded to the Free State team, followed by Gauteng and Southern Gauteng respectively. Top Skipper in the Under 16 division went to Alain Kahn on Bite Me. Top angler overall went to Ryan Pellew of Natal.

Eventually it was time to bring down the curtain on what can only be described as a competition these young anglers will cherish for years to come. Good friends were made in a true sportsman-like spirit and they all had fun on the water. What an experience!

With the juniors being the future of our sport, this competition has convinced all who took part that the sport of deep sea fishing is alive and well.

This competition’s success could not have been achieved without the support of all involved, from the host club (PYC) and the NDSAA committee, to the skippers, ground staff, caterers, competitors and sponsors.

It was truly a memorable competition for all involved.