Ski-Boat July 2024

Seacat 565

2 x Yamaha 70hp 4-stroke motors, hydraulic steering, galvanised breakneck trailer.

Forward console: R899 000! Centre console: R869 000!

CENTRE CONSOLE

2 x Yamaha 70hp 4-stroke motors, hydraulic steering, galvanised breakneck trailer.

R712 000!

2 x Yamaha 60hp (4-stroke, power trim) motors on a galvanised breakneck trailer, hydraulic steering, plus much more!

Forward console: Now only R620 000! Centre console: Now only R610 000!

Gamefish 450 CC

One careful owner. Pristine condition.

2 x Mercury 40hp motors (powertrim & oil injection). Lowrance Elite 5 fishfinder/GPS, VHF radio, full set Cat C safety gear, Flotex carpet, livewell with pump, etc. Sound system, nav lights with switch panel, sun canopy, rodholders. Galvanised breakneck trailer with spare & roadworthy.

ONLY: R159 000! (REDUCED)

Seacat 520

2 x Yamaha 60hp 4-stroke motors, hydraulic steering, galvanised breakneck trailer.

Forward console: R729 000! Centre console: R709 000!

CENTRE CONSOLE

Yamaha 100hp 4-stroke motor, galvanised breakneck trailer.

R519 000!

Kosi Cat 16 CC

2 x Mercury 50hp 4-stroke motors. Hydraulic steering, Lowrance HDS5 fishfinder, full set safety gear, VHF radio, forward raised storage box, rodholders, nav lights, sun canopy, boat cover, plus more. Tandem-axle breakneck trailer with spare and roadworthy.

ONLY: R249 000!

Seacat 510 Blast

2 x Yamaha 50hp 2-stroke motors, galvanised breakneck trailer.

Forward console: R559 000! Centre console: R539 000!

CENTRE CONSOLE

Yamaha 60hp 4-stroke motor, galvanised breakneck trailer.

R399 000!

One owner. 2 x Yamaha 100hp motors (236 hrs). Balance of motor warranty till Aug 2025. Hydraulic steering, T-top, 2 x Lowrance Elite 7 GPS/fishfinders, autopilot, VHF radio. Full set outriggers, deckwash, baitboards, Railblaza rodholders. Full set safety gear, custom boat& motor covers, in-line watertrap fuel filters, beach kits, plus more. Galvanised breakneck trailer with spare and roadworthy. ONLY: R599 995!

Galvanised trailer, spare & roadworthy. ONLY: R438 000! Kosi Cat 17 CC

July/August 2024 Volume 40 Number 4 COVER:BIGDOGINTOWN!

Jaco Visser shows off the dogtooth tuna he brought to heel off Rodrigues Island.

7Where to Fish

Part 15:Port Alfred and Surrounds — by Colin Fletcher and Clinton Schultz

14Hotly Contested

2024 Durban Ski-Boat Club Festival — by Mark Wilson

23Big Baits = Big Fish

Prepare well if you’re hunting croc ’cuda — by Justin Paynter

32Myth Busted

Dispelling the misconception that Furuno is hard to use

40Snapshot of History

Looking

SA shines at Bottomfish Nationals and EFSA International —by Francois

56Great Oaks Grow from Little Acorns

Two Oceans Marine impresses again with its latest craft — by Erwin Bursik

4Editorial — by Erwin Bursik

Beukes

The official magazine of the South African Deep Sea Angling Association

Publisher: Erwin Bursik

Editor: Sheena Carnie

Advertising Executive: Mark Wilson

Editorial Assistant: Lynette Oakley

Contributors: Francois Beukes, Erwin Bursik, Colin Fletcher, Justin Paynter, Chris Schorn, Clinton Schultz and Mark Wilson.

ADVERTISING – National Sales:

Mark Wilson, Manager — 073 748 6107

Lyn Oakley, Sales — 082 907 7733 Lyn Adams — 083 588 0217 Velia Tonkin — 072 218 6383

Publishers:

Angler Publications cc POBox 20545, Durban North 4016 Telephone: (031) 572-2289

e-mail: angler@mags.co.za

Subscriptions to SKI-BOAT: R220 per annum (six issues).

New subscriptions and renewals: SKI-BOAT Subscriptions Department Telephone: (031) 572-2289

• e-mail: angler@mags.co.za

• Through www.anglerpublications.co.za, or E-zine through <www.issuu.com>

Printing: Novus Print, Cape Town Distribution: On The Dot <Portia.Nguyuza@onthedot.co.za>

Full production is done in-house by Angler Publications & Promotions on Apple Macintosh software and hardware.

SKI-BOAT Magazine, ISSN 0258-7297, is published six times a year by Angler Publications & Promotions cc, Reg. No. CK 88/05863/23, and is distributed by On the Dot, as well as directly by the publishers to retail stores throughout South Africa.

• Copyright of all material is expressly reserved and nothing may be reproduced in part or whole without the permission of the publishers.

• While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this magazine, the publishers do not accept responsibility for omissions or errors or their consequences.

Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers, the managing editor, editor, editorial staff or the South African Deep Sea Angling Association.

Erwin Bursik Publisher

HOWTHETIMES,AND TACKLE, HAVECHANGED

WHILE previewing the articles being edited for inclusion in this issue, it struck me how much fishing tackle and its use in our sport has evolved, especially over the last ten years.

The digital age is indeed upon us, and with it has come the exposure to worldwide trends in fishing tackle innovation. So much so, that the highly competitive offshore anglers of today sponge up worldwide trends and use their own initiative to extract what they believe will work in their local fishing waters for targeting the species they traditionally hunt.

When I watched Justin Paynter and Matt Swemmer covering tackle and bait preparation at a recent club tackle-box demonstration, I was blown away by how many of their ideas were new to me. It reinforced how much I still have to learn – even after 60odd years of fishing experience.

A reflection on the history of ’cuda fishing off Durban and tuna fishing off Cape Town in the 1950s and early ’60s, for instance, will show very different trends to those anglers are familiar with nowadays.

When it came to trolling for ’cuda off Durban, anglers used to use a sardine impaled through the eyes by a large single 10/0 Limerick hook; that was later superseded by the treble hook ’cuda trace. Back then, a 2- or 3oz red and white Japanese Feather was the only lure set for longfin and the occasional yellowfin tuna in Cape waters. The old timers of that period would have shaken their heads had they attended a tackle talk such as this recent one, no doubt rendered speechless as they took note of the tackle innovation and trace- and bait presentations of today.

Yes, pelagic gamefish were much more abundant then than they are these days, and therefore easier to catch, but there were also far fewer boats and deep sea anglers back then.

Using ’cuda off KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)as an example, during the 1950s and early ’60s there were hardly any boats targeting ’cuda north of Tongaat Beach, meaning that the shoals migrating southwards generally only got preyed on by deep sea anglers off Durban, and only over the weekends. Twenty years later, the shoals were being hammered by a much larger offshore angling fraternity with bigger, faster boats, all along the coast from Ponta do Ouro down past Sodwana Bay and the ever increasing number of launch sites further south in KZN.

The ski-boaters off Durban used to say that when the ’cuda migrated south from Moçambique, they came across every conceivable type of terminal tackle designed to catch them, so that by the time they reached Durban they had masters degrees in what not to touch when they came across a bait, fishing spoon or high speed lure.

If the anglers of the ’80s and ’90s, let alone those prior to that period, had had today’s tackle innovations at their disposal, I dare say we would have no ’cuda left to torment us.

This hypothesis will no doubt raise a few smiles, and many will criticise the tongue-in-cheek comparison of how fish numbers are affected by terminal tackle, so let me paint a word picture of a typical Durban ski-boater around1945 to ’55...

The boat would have been a 16/17ft masonite-clad open craft with a flat wet deck, with four seats bolted onto the deck. It would have been powered by two outboard motors in the 512 to 10hp range – tiller arm controlled. The anglers would have been armed with 10ft Indian cane rods with imported Scarborough reels filled with cord/flax line, to which a 2ft steel trace was attached with a 10/0 hook on the end. Very, very different to today’s scenario and the fleets fishing our waters.

Despite the “primitive” set up, naysayers might be surprised to see just how many ’cuda these anglers actually caught. Have a look through the archives and you’ll see what Imean.

At SKI-BOAT magazine we’ve noticed how popular our historical articles are with readers, so in this issue we’re starting a new feature called “A snapshot of history” where we’ll dig out some old articles or photos that will highlight how things have changed over the decades, or that will rekindle forgotten memories among some of the older anglers in our fraternity. Readers are welcome to send through old photos that they think will fit the bill.

Tight lines.

Erwin Bursik

BACKTOBASICS

Part 15:Port Alfred and surrounds

By Colin Fletcher and Clinton Schultz

THE hidden gem of the South African coastline,the area between Kenton-On-Sea and the Mgwalana River,not only offers plenty of tourist attractions and luxury game lodges,but also some of the best fishing in the Eastern Cape.

The variety is vast – everything from dageraad,poensie,kob and geelbek to incredible gamefishing in the current line which produces yellowfin tuna, dorado and marlin.This area truly offers it all.

I have been privileged to grow up on this section of the coast,fishing both rock and surf as well as offshore.The amazing history of this coastline never ceases to amaze me and the stories of

massive catches have intrigued me for years.

Accommodation for visitors to this area is well priced and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg for a fishing holiday with the family.

Launch sites are also plentiful.From beach launches to harbours,there are a number of different options.

Port Alfred is one of the easier launch spots to get to logistically,but it can be a hair raising launch through the mouth if the weather is not good.Make sure you get local advice if you’re not familiar with the launch.

Other beach and slipway/river surf launches along the coast include Boknes,Kenton,Kleinemonde,

Mpekweni,Mgwalana and Birha.

If you’re not confident launching safely in this region,professional charter companies are readily available in Port Alfred.Their services are generally well priced,and the skippers have intricate local knowledge and experience thanks to spending hundreds of hours on the water.This is a great option for a family day outing for those roadtripping down to the area.

If you are visiting and want to meet up with some of the locals,then stop by at the Port Alfred River & Ski-Boat Club situated along the Kowie River.It is a good place to pick up some local information and there’s a great pub and restaurant where you can enjoy the

Colin Fletcher with a nice poensie (aka black steenbras/musselcracker) caught near Lighthouse Point.

MARKS, SPECIES AND NOTES:

1.Boknes: S33°45’ E26°36’ Reef fish such as red Roman, soldier, carpenter

2.Dias Cross: S33°43’ E26°37’ Poensie, dageraad, red Roman, soldier. Good on flat sea days.

3.Mushroom Rock: S33°49’ E26°47’ Kob, poensie, dageraad etc

4.Kowie Breakwater: S33°37’ E26°52’ Poensie, dageraad, red Roman, soldier

5.Rondebos: S33°39’ E26°52’ Kob, geelbek, hake

6.Fountain Rocks: S33°36’ E26°55’ Kob, carpenter, soldier

7.Stockfish Mark: S33°40’ E26°55’ Hake, gurnard. Good during cold water spells.

8.Gumboot: S33°50’ E27°05’ Carpenter, dikbekkie, red steenbras. Best when the current and wind is low because of 80-100m depths.

9.Riet Point: S33°60’ E27°03’ Kob, carpenter, geelbek

10.Lighthouse Point (Fish River): S33°32’ E27°08’ Kob, dageraad, Miss Lucy, red Roman. Great mark when the water is warmer.

11.Waterloo Bay Breakwater: S33°48’ E27°16’ Geelbek, kob, red Roman, soldier

12.Stalwart Point: S33°28’ E27°13’ Big kob, geelbek, red Roman, poensie

generous hospitality.

Contact the club on 046 624 4532 or visit their Facebook page <www.facebook.com/parscpa/>for further details.

SPECIES

Kob

A highly sought after fish along the South African coastline,kob are great fun to catch and are great eating too.In this area they range from1kg to 20kg,so you never know what you are in for.

The daily bag limit,according to www.saambr.org.za,is one per person per day if caught from the shore and in estuaries east of Cape Agulhas,and five per person per day if caught west of Cape Agulhas or if caught anywhere from a boat offshore.

Minimum size limit is 60cm total

length if caught from the shore and in estuaries east of Cape Agulhas,and 40cm total length (KZN) and 50cm total length (EC & WC) if caught from a boat offshore or from the shore west of Cape Agulhas.Only one kob greater than 110 cm total length may be caught per person per day regardless of area or sector.

You’ll often catch slightly undersized kob that have to be put back,but when you get into a shoal of keepersize fish,great fun can be had.The smaller fish,around 60cm,are best for eating.

Chokka and sardines are easy and popular baits for these fish.A great option on a spinning setup is to use paddletails or dropshots.

Kob can be lazy fish and will sometimes lie in water sheltered by struc-

ture,waiting for prey fish to swim past. Smaller fish tend to shoal when feeding,and when you tuck into a shoal it is great fun.With a more aggressive bite than geelbek,shoaling kob closer to the bottom will more often than not bite in an upwards direction and you will feel an upwards bump followed by momentary slack,then SMASH!

Poensie

Black steenbras aka musselcracker aka poensie is probably the most prized bottomfish species in this area.A big specimen is both memorable and extremely fun to catch.

These fish occur along most of the east coast of South Africa and are most abundant along the Eastern Cape/Transkei and KwaZulu-Natal coastlines.

Joe Lee (left) and Clinton Schultz (right) show off some of the kob and geelbek they’ve caught off the coast around Port Alfred

Chokka strips/legs,fresh fillet,a dead Frans Madam (big-eye) or sardine are all effective dead baits for these “cracker”fish.I have been smoked by big crackers on a maasbanker live bait, so that is also a good option to try.

Some people choose to keep the daily bag limit of one per person but I personally choose to release them.

Be extremely careful when handling these fish,especially on an inflatable boat,as they have a few sharp spines.

Dageraad

These fish are endemic to South Africa and are only found in the waters stretching from the lower South Coast in KwaZulu-Natal to Cape Point in the south-western Cape.They are most common along the Western and Eastern Cape coast.

Dageraad are generally found around offshore reefs between depths of 20m and 100m,and will bite on chokka,sardine and fillets.

They are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red data list,so the current bag limit is one fish per person per day at a minimum size of 40cm.

Red Roman

Arguably one of the prettiest reef fish

on the Eastern Cape coastline,red Roman are also tender fish to eat.These beautifully coloured fish can weigh between 1kg and 3kg on average,and a big Roman provides a fun fight on lighter tackle.

Caught throughout the year,these fish can be caught on red bait,worms, chokka,fillet and sardines.Look for them around reefs or pinnacles in shallow water.

The minimum size is 30cm with a daily limit of two per angler.

Carpenter/Dog/Silverfish

These fish are abundant along the Eastern Cape coastline and are found in waters anywhere between 20m and 100m deep.

They have a vicious tooth structure and will eat almost anything.Adults feed on anchovies,sardines and squid,while juveniles feed mainly on crabs,crab larvae and worms.It can be frustrating when you get into a large shoal of small dogs and nothing else bites.

These fish are underrated as a table fish but are fast gaining popularity among South Africans.The current bag limit is four fish per angler per day,with a minimum size of 35cm.

Geelbek

These fish are sporadic and unpredictable.You might see a shoal on the finder and drop a bait,only for it to be left completely untouched.We call this “bek lockjaw”.The daily bag limit for these fish is two per angler with a minimum length of 60cm.

In the months following the sardine run these fish will be caught around the deeper reefs,but they are often found on shallower reefs as well.

They bite very distinctively,creating slack in the line on their way up,and fight aggressively.Geelbek are great fun on light to medium tackle.Bait options include sardines,fillets and chokka.Due to their big mouths,large hooks (around 10/0) should be used .

Miss Lucy

These beautiful fish,with their banded shades of red and white and large forehead bumps,can be enticed to bite by chokka,sardine and octopus.The bag limit is one daily per angler with a minimum size of 40cm.

Gamefish and billfish

A variety of gamefish including yellowfin tuna,marlin and dorado can be found around the area off Port Alfred

Colin and Megan Fletcher with a few pan-sized kob and a carpenter

known as “the eye”.

For years this area has been frequented by migrating populations of smaller tuna,mostly in the 10- to 30kg weight class.However,in the last year or so there has been a noticeable increase in the number of big tuna in the area,50kg-plus bullets which have offered plenty of fun.

Dorado have spoilt us with their presence for many years.These beautiful fish are found in warmer water (around 25 degrees) and congregate around floating objects in the current. Keep an eye out for small baitfish around floating debris,and the dorado won’t be far away.

Marlin and dorado seem to like hanging around deeper depths around the 100m drop-offs and current lines, where floating debris can be found.

Marlin are definitely more difficult to target,but many have been hooked in this area and some landed.

A big marlin will bully you on a light tuna or dorado trolling setup,so ensure that you are well prepared if you plan on targeting these majestic creatures.

A variety of diving lures and spreads at staggered distances can be used to pick up a bite at a trolling speed of around 12 kph.A good setup for targeting these species in the warmer water is something like a Shimano Tiagra 30/50 stand-up rod with a Shimano

Tiagra 50W reel.This setup provides a fun fight but is powerful enough to wrestle a big tuna or marlin.

TACKLE

Generally,in the shallow waters,a light rod of around 7- to 8 feet can be used, along with a matching reel of your choice and light braid or nylon up to around 20kg.This will give the angler the most fun when fighting a fish.

When dropping deeper,scale up your equipment in accordance with your preference and target species – as long as it still offers a fun fighting experience.There is nothing worse than pulling in dead weight on an ultraheavy setup.

Scarborough reels,multipliers and spinning reels are all good,versatile options for the fishing in this area.

Hook sizes will vary from species to species,but you can’t go wrong with an 8/0 for most applications.You can,however,go as small as a 4/0 when fishing in shallower water for smaller reef fish such as Romans.

Use whichever trace is easiest for you to tie quickly;I use a very “rural” double loop trace which my late grandfather taught me.Believe it or not,with this simple trace you can comfortably handle larger fish.It is,however,a lazy trace and a split swivel trace is ideal.

When it comes to sinkers,I have

used ones as light as 3oz in shallow water,but current can mess you around quickly.Local commercial boats prefer 10- to 12oz sinkers for the 20- to 70m depths.Just remember that when you are dropping deep,you have to pull that sinker up every time peckers clean your hook,so don’t go excessively heavy.

JUDGINGCONDITIONS

Sea conditions in this area can vary dramatically with wind and current variations.As an example,a south easterly to south-south easterly wind can create very choppy seas,and the more southerly the wind,the worse it gets.

This wind also pushes the cold water to the shore.Water temperatures in these conditions can plummet to 12/13 degrees and this brings out critters like the dorrie shark and barbel.

In these conditions,you’ll find tiny shoaling carpenters and baitfish are abundant,so it’s not ideal for most types of bottomfishing,except for stockfish and gurnard in the 50m-plus depths.

Conditions most ideal for going deep off this stretch of the coast,are after a day of light westerly winds.In these conditions the wind drops off and the surface water warms,heading inshore,which improves inshore and deep sea fishing.

Dave Duncan was thrilled with this beautiful yellowfin tuna he caught near The Eye.

2024 Durban Ski-Boat Club Festival

By Mark Wilson

THE Collins Dictionary defines a festival as “a day or time of year when people have a holiday from work and celebrate some special event”.I have been attending the Durban Ski-Boat Club Festival on behalf of SKI-BOAT Magazine as the appointed scribe for over two decades now,and this event is certainly special and worth celebrating.In fact,I rate this year’s festival as the best yet.

Oft times great success is the result of facing challenging times and overcoming them.Durban Ski-Boat Club is not only one of the oldest and largest such organisations in the country,but also had to navigate displacement from their original club house after it was demolished,occupy a temporary site for over three years,and eventually settle underneath the Point Promenade with direct access to the beach.

Those were definitely challenging times.Despite that,throughout the transition to the five-star club house they now call home,the festival has always been on the yearly calendar come hell or high water,with the obvious exception of 2020 thanks to Covid.

The main prize for the heaviest ’cuda weighed — a Seacat 565 with trailer and 2 x

100hp Yamaha motors.

This year the festival took place on 27 and 28 April,with two days dedicated to fishing.The main prize is always guaranteed to motivate anglers to do all they can to catch the heaviest ’cuda,and this year the prize was a Seacat 565 and trailer,powered by two 100hp Yamaha outboard motors,all worth over R850000.Natal Caravans & Marine who have been part of the festival since its inception once again stepped up to make this prize possible.

The main prize is already a great drawcard to anglers nationwide,but,in true festival fashion,Durban Ski-Boat Club strives to ensure as many participants as possible walk away with fantastic prizes.This year those prizes were valued at over R350000.

Substantial lucky draw and family prizes,along with entertainment for both the young and old ensured the club was filled to capacity over the whole weekend.

The organisers decided to limit this year’s entry to 250 boats and 700 anglers,and this was achieved easily.This festival has,in the past,drawn over 500 boats,so I wasn’t surprised it met its target by close of registration.I also attribute the ongoing success of this event to them investing in advertising well in advance through various media which gives all the sponsors exposure leading up to the event.A collective prize value of R1.2 million certainly sets this festival apart from most.

DAYONE

The first day of fishing was greeted with a light south-westerly wind and a partially cloudy sky,and the majestic sunrise was a

beautiful backdrop for the launch and start of the competition.

With all the craft safely launched thanks to the energetic beach staff and efficient beach control,they were let loose to chase that winning ’cuda.

I made my base at the weigh station in anticipation of what the sea might give up to the enthusiastic anglers racing to get live bait or to their favourite GPS marks according to gameplans which had been discussed in fine detail before the day’s launch.It proved to be a long wait,as boats only started beaching with their fish at approximately 12.30pm.However, the wait was well worth it as the weigh station only closed after 4pm with all catches verified and signed off by the respective skippers.

The mood in the weigh-in area was electric,with the original leading ’cuda being eclipsed on three occasions.The area was packed with onlookers and anglers alike,all eager to know who was top of the leaderboard.I have developed a brand-new respect for the weigh masters who have to work under tremendous pressure and make sure all the details recorded are 100% correct.

The anglers who stood out on day one in the ’cuda category were Wian Jacobs with his 14.28kg fish,Etienne Diener with his 19.56kg specimen and finally Rudi Venter who topped the standings with a 21.38kg ’cuda,setting the benchmark for day two.

Prizes are also allocated to species other than ’cuda,and a number of anglers made their mark on day one catching yellowfin tuna,snoek,dorado and bonnies.

Wian Jacobs with his 14.28kg fish. Ettiene Diener with his 19.57kg fish. Rudi Venter with his 21.38kg fish.

DAYTWO

The second and final day’s fishing dawned with Rudi Venter’s ’cuda set as the benchmark to beat.

Again all the participating craft launched without incident,although strong winds were predicted in the afternoon. That would make angling more challenging,to say the least, but the men,women and juniors who make up the ranks of this sport are a hardy and determined breed and no boats beached early when the wind picked up.

The first ’cuda eventually made its way to weigh-in just after 12 noon and was a sign of things to come.Once again a seemingly never ending queue of anglers started lining up and the excitement was tangible

We had to wait a full hour until,just after 1pm,Coenie Vermaak and a very nervous crew weighed in a very

healthy’cuda.The crew and the massive crowd of onlookers erupted in roars of delight when the weight was confirmed as 24.26kg.Would that be this year’s winning fish?

Many more ’cuda and other species were brought to the scales,but the buzz running through the crowd was that a bigger fish still was on its way.

Just after 2pm a nervous looking angler,21-year-old Joshua Holdstock,helped haul a croc of a ’cuda onto the scales.

The crowd went dead quiet and you could have heard a pin drop… The scale settled on 25.96kg! The applause and cheers were deafening!

Joshua Holdstock,fishing on Lady C,had officially joined a select bunch of anglers and was named the top angler and winner of the main prize at the Durban Ski-Boat Club Festival 2024!

Coenie Vermaak and his crew with a 24.26kg ’cuda.

Joshua Holdstock, with the winning fish, a 25.96kg ’cuda.

Jack Cheney,owner and skipper of Lady C, a DSBC registered boat,told us about their day ...

Jack,his son Cameron,and Joshua were on the boat for the comp.Joshua works for Ant Smalberger as a trainee marine specialist,and is dating Ant’s daughter.He is crazy keen on deep sea angling,but finds little time to enjoy the sport,so Ant asked Jack to take Joshua as part of their crew, offering to sponsor Joshua’s entry fee.

After a rather “tough”launch on Saturday,during which the prop touched the tractor’s push pole causing a minor ding,they were out to sea.

The crew aboard Lady C had a very firm game plan: (a) They were going to fish up north in the Umdloti area; (b) if they won the boat they would share equally in the

spoils;and (c) they would rotate turns on the rod –first Jack, second Cameron and third Joshua.

More drama ensued when a rod went overboard on a striking fish and Jack dived into the water to save it,but the challenges were leading to a great victory.

The team managed to land one ’cuda on day one,and when they got home and gutted it,they saw it had a walla walla in its stomach.As a result,the game plan the following day was to catch walla walla for bait and then visit the same area they’d been lucky in on the first day.And – BANG – they had the formula for the winning fish!

As it was Joshua’s turn on the rod,he landed the croc and the rest is history.Incredibly,this was Joshua’s first ’cuda,but it certainly won’t be his last.This is definitely a case of hooked for life!

The top ten ’cuda weighed were all in excess of 17kg, with five of those over 20kg.

Here are the final standings in all the various categories: Joshua Holdstock

Craig Bashford .

JJ Slater

William Dowsett

Storm Dalton

Jono Watkins

Sally Seppings (top lady)

Hassan Ahmed (top junior)

.25.96kg ’cuda

.6.28kg yellowfin tuna

.5.06kg snoek

.12.12kg dorado

.3.54kg pick handle barracuda

bonnie

’cuda

.15.62kg ’cuda

Mark your diaries now for the last weekend in April 2025 –it’s a festival you don’t want to miss out on.

2024 Champions, Lady C Team, Jack, Cameron and Joshua with Natal Caravan and Marine’s Bill Harrison.

Prepare

well if you’re hunting croc ’cuda

By Justin Paynter

THE big fish months are upon us and we can expect some screaming reels and probably some heartache at losing a big fish or two. Most guys you speak to will tell you they lose big fish,however,a good ’cuda angler knows that those little ones sometimes hit the bait a lot harder than the teenagers do.

When you really get that fish over 20kg,it will hit the bait and,when it realises it’s been hooked,you can hear it speeding up,changing gears as it goes.Then all you can do is try to pick up your rod which is probably wedged so deeply in the holder that it almost feels impossible to get out.

Looking down,you’ll notice the spool of line is getting smaller,and your backing is starting to show.It’s in that moment you know it’s game on!

As you settle into the fight,you start to wonder,if the number 3 lead wire is going to hold up and if your bite trace of no 5 is sufficient.

What I have learnt over the past 18 months,is that you shouldn’t be having that internal discussion with yourself. You should be better prepared and must ensure in advance that your tackle is ready for the challenge.

A good friend of mine and a Protea angler,Douglas Dustan (pictured right),has a few All Africa records,so when he speaks I listen.While we were fishing at Maphelane,he said,“Listen here,dickhead,you’re not putting that trace in the water! We here for big fish.That means big baits which need big hooks and upsized wire!”

He was right.

Above: A dead bonnie ready to catch a croc ’cuda. This is a good example of a Pulsator duster and chinweight being used. Instead of using toothpicks the author has used pins and says they work a charm. Inset: Close up of a chin weight.

When we got stuck into the fish,we had peace of mind knowing we could pull those fish hard because we were well prepared.

Another good friend and co-owner of Pulsator Lures,Matt Swemmer,and I have managed some really good fish of late, using the same mindset Douglas spoke about.A lot of guys have questioned,the thickness of the wire,the hook size and the number of hooks we’ve used,but we haven’t failed yet.We seem to be getting as many if not more pulls than the other guys,and this is mainly down to good quality bait,bait presentation and specific size chin weights and dusters to compliment the water colour.

Okay,so all you have taken in so far is “upsize everything”? Yes and no.Let’s break it down.

BAIT

Most croc ’cuda are caught on either bonnies or walla wallas. Yes,you will get one of these prize fish on a mackerel,but a big bait pulled past its nose is getting scribbled.

LIVEBAIT

A live bonnie or frigate is a guaranteed pull – either from a nice fish or possibly a shark.Nine times out of ten it will be a good fish.

It’s worth spending time fishing for these baits.Any size

will do,but the best is that 25-40cm jub jub.

We general use daisy chains,pulled at Rapala trolling speed through the bait balls busting on the surface or in an area where they are known to be.Throwing a small Halco Twisty or Kingfisher snoek spoon will also get a bite.

Once you have caught them,don’t just chuck them in your live well.You need luna tubes.These are very specific, and ensure clean,bubble-free water passes over the fish.

The portable luna tubes sold by Patat De Jager from Teasers Tackle in Richards Bay have become very popular.I recently fished in the Gamefish Nationals and most anglers had a set of these luna tubes and used them over the boats’ built in ones.

What makes them so unique is that you just dump them into any live well and connect them to the battery.They work like a charm,keeping baits alive for hours,can be taken off when you don’t need them and can also very quickly be set up on a boat that doesn’t have luna tubes.

No good ’cuda angler will leave home without them.

Back to the baits themselves ...

These baits are normal fished on the surface without any downrigging needed.The vibration these fish create in the water attracts most predators at any depths.

If you want to downrig them,don’t use anything heavier than a 4ounce.

Below: Matt Swemmer shows off a croc ’cuda caught off Durban. Inset: Teaser Luna Tubes are invaluable on a ’cuda hunting expedition.

Everything you need to make your trace.

A completed trace with the Tails Up wings, and (inset) the holographic wings in action in the water.

Another big mistake most ski-boat anglers make is that they pull a live bonnie too slowly.

These are naturally fast moving fish,and you want to pull them up to 5km/h (size dependant).The rod will have a massive vibration through it,and that’s what you are looking to create.

We’ve got the bait,sorted,now to get the right trace set up.

TRACEFOR A LIVE BONNIE

•No 6 power swivel

•Lead wire,no 5 or 7

•Pulsator IGFA clip

•Two no 7 or 8 Mustad Big Guns

(I prefer using singles as they present themselves better in a live bait)

•Bite trace wire,no 7

•No duster or bead in front.The bait needs to have as much clean water running over its mouth and gills as possible.

DEAD BAIT

Dead baits are generally very underrated by most ski-boaters. My enquiries show that anglers fishing from kayaks usually pull dead baits and get plenty of fish.

We ski-boaters tend to waste time catching live bait and then arrive at the fishing grounds an hour too late when the show is over.Meanwhile the kayaks have their hatches full and are beached again by 8am.

If I can give you any advice,it’s to spend time this winter catching good quality bait.Look after it and it will change your catch rate in the gamefish months to come.

Matt Swemmer and Justin Paynter went two sticks away on live bonnies using the Pulsator IGFA clip.

The top three dead baits of choice will be three:Mackerel on the top,a walla walla on the downrigger (I like the Seahorse downrigger from MH Tackle with a Teaser downrigger flasher),then a bonnie on a 10 ounce sinker and another bonnie on a 4 ounce sinker.

These will most certainly excite any hungry fish swimming past.

Before we move onto the right trace for these baits,I want to make mention of the importance of a downrigger.

A downrigger,is as important,if not more so,as the luna tubes,because the downrigger will get your bait to the required depth where the fish are sitting.(Obviously you need to ascertain this depth by checking your fishfinder.)

I like to use the heavier ball because it creates a better up/down effect. Again,don’t leave home without a downrigger.

TRACEFORADEADBONNIE

•No 6 power swivel

•Lead wire no 5 or 7

•Pulsator 2 or 212 ounce chin weight

•Tails Up holographic bait wing (This allows the bait to swim beautifully. They make different sizes for smaller and larger baits).If rigged correctly,you can use a 1 ounce chin weight.

•Pulsator duster H004,H005,HD65, HD66,or pink Yamashita

•Three to four no 2 or 4 treble hooks

•Bite trace wire no 7 or 9 (You can use heavy wire as you don’t have to worry about restricting the bait’s movement.)

TRACEFORADEADWALLAWALLA

•No 6 power swivel

•Lead wire no 5

•Pulsator 1 2 ounce chin weight

•Pulsator duster H004,H005,HD65, HD66,or pink Yamashita

•Five to six no 2 or 4 treble hooks, spaced 8cm apart

•Bite trace wire no 7

TRACEFORADEADMACKEREL

•No 6 power swivel

•Lead wire no 5

•Pulsator 1 or 112 ounce chin weight (I love the 112 ounce,but Matt from Pulsator insists on a 1 2 to one ounce.)

•Duster (live glow,pink or pink Yamashita)

•Green bead if I don’t use a duster

•Two no 2 or 4 treble hooks

•Bite trace wire no 7

The menu for the big fish is now complete! I wish you screaming reels and toe-touching ’cuda.Till we meet on the water ...tight lines!

Follow Justin Paynter on social media on @jt_paynter or @saltwateroracle.

Patat de Jager, owner of Teaser Tackle, caught this croc with the aid of his luna tubes and Teaser Flasher.

THE secret is out! Furuno’s highly featured range of NavNet TZT3 multi-function displays are as easy to use as one,two,three!

Commercially proven,recreationally trusted,FURUNO is the marine electronics name most commercials and serious offshore sports anglers trust.However,when it comes to recreational fishermen,we hear people say that despite Furuno being a much-desired brand,their units are often perceived as being rather difficult to operate – and expensive.

This might have been true twenty years ago,and as much of that equipment is still working,by today’s standard of swipe and tap,we fully agree.BUT,Furuno has come a long way and we realised that we need to bust a few myths and set things straight about our newer machines...

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

“The Man-Machine Interface”of FURUNO’s NavNet TZT range is as simple as it gets.Swipe and tap and you have all your favourite displays,menus and settings at your fingertips.The QUICK ACCESS display mode is customisable and allows you to set six combination modes of your favourite navigation or fishing screens.Simply swipe down and select the display.

RETURN OF THE HYBRID CONTROL

Skippers who have smaller boats know that when you are crashing through the waves,it can be difficult to get an accurate tap on the screen.That’s why FURUNO made a TZtouch3 MFD with Hybrid Control.You get the best of both worlds with a full multi-touch display and a handy built-in keyboard that features a Rotokey™,cursor pad and dedicated buttons.

TAP AND GO!

It’s that simple.Want to drop a new waypoint? Simply tap the screen or set up the FUNCTION KEY to drop a mark.Got coordinates from a friend? Quickly enter them on your large on-screen keyboard.

SWIPE RIGHT

This simple,one swipe feature gives you access to track recording ON/OFF,PBG recording ON/OFF,start route,position entry,measure distance,tide and other features.

SWIPE LEFT

This move opens a customisable DATA BOX where you select the navigation,fishfinder or radar information that’s important to you.No fiddling with menus within menus or hidden soft keystrokes.It’s all there – trip,depth,SOG,SST etc.

SWIPE UP

This feature puts the most important options of the control screen right at your fingertips.For example,in sounder mode you “swipe up”to control gain,range,TVG,frequencies etc;in plotter mode you swipe up to get instant access to important plotter settings like overlays,marks,tracks etc.

PRICE

When debating whether Furuno is “expensive”,always remember to compare apples with apples.For the average boat owner there’s a huge choice of consumer marine brands available,but when you’re serious,demand the best – FURUNO –and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

PRESIDENT’SREPORT

THE 2024 SADSAA Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held in April and the attendance was excellent.

In general the AGM went well with all matters being dealt with in a constructive manner.The minutes will reflect that all reports were accepted without correction and that we have a group of portfolio holders who are working well together,with each looking after their respective portfolios.

We voted in a new Public Relations Officer,Jean Schoonhoven,but most of the other office bearers are continuing in their current positions.We welcome Jean to the team and know that he will bring a fresh set of eyes and energy to the Association.

Chris Schorn, SADSAAPresident

Sadly,our long-serving secretary, Vikki Bezuidenhout,has decided it is time to move on.We thank Vikki for all the years of service she has given to SADSAA.We will announce her replacement as soon as the appointment has been finalised.Suffice it to say that Vikki has set a high standard,and we ask that you all support the new secretary as they find their feet in this challenging position.

SAFETYCOLOURS

Our National Safety Officers were pleased to announce that the following SADSAA Safety Colours will be issued from the provincial nominations received:

• Gary Lunt (BDSAA)

• John Luef (BDSAA)

• Keith Schmidt (EPDSAA)

• Tim Leach (FSDSAA)

• John Pumphrett (GDSAA)

• Abrie Coetzee (GWDSAA)

• Willem Pretorius (MDSAA)

• Jan Harm du Plessis (NDSAA)

• Herman Fourie (NDSAA)

• Johan Kuit (NDSAA)

• Chris Schorn (SCDSAA)

• Frank de Oliviera (SGDSAA)

• Pieter Welgemoed (WPDSAA)

• Gerry Delport (ZDSAA)

Special safety awards go to:

• Late Markus Fourie (GDSAA)

• Late Andrew Bowie (GDSAA)

We congratulate all these members and thank them for their dedication to SADSAA and the safety of small craft in South Africa.

TWOINTERNATIONALSINAMONTH

The month of May was a busy one! For the first time since 2019 when we hosted the Angling World Games in South Africa, we have been able to host not one,but two fully fledged international championships.

Five years ago,EFSA,the European Federation of Sea Anglers,asked us to host the 2024 EFSA Big Game Championships.EFSA has been hosted in South Africa in the past,and their members remembered it fondly and were looking for an opportunity to return to our fair shores for another go at the prolific tuna found in our Cape waters.

The initial request was for the tournament to be hosted from Simons Town, but due to a few logistical issues we moved it to Hout Bay and the Atlantic Boat Club (ABC).Plans could not have worked out better, and on 6 May we were finally able to welcome eight different nations and so the Championship began.

In the lead up to the EFSA Big Game Championship,our bottomfish anglers,having been made so welcome overseas at previous EFSA tournaments,approached various countries to come out earlier and join us at our SADSAA Bottomfish Nationals.The hope was that we would be able to run an international tournament alongside our nationals.

This invitation was eagerly accepted by Iceland and Gibraltar,and so,alongside the planning for the EFSA Championship,Nick Nel (SADSAA Local and International Tournament Officer) and his team started preparing for a second international.That competition would be held the week before the Big Game Championship,and was hosted by the Struisbaai Deep Sea Angling Club and Western Province.

The full report on that event appears elsewhere in this magazine,so I shall just say that it was a resounding success,and congratulations must go to all those who jumped in to make it so.

Before I share more about the tournament itself,allow me to give a very brief history of who and what EFSA is. According to their website,the European Federation of Sea Anglers was formed in 1961 by a group of international anglers who were taking part in a fishing festival being held out of Looe in England.

Many of these anglers had fished together for several years and seven nations were represented in this formative group:England,Belgium,France,Holland,Denmark,Norway, and Scotland.Within six months of its formation,no less than 16 countries were represented in the Federation, either by formation of member sections or affiliation of existing clubs.

The objects of the Federation,as laid down at the time of its formation and which are still in force today,are to promote the sport of sea angling and maintain the list of European Sea Fish Records,and to keep a watching brief on all commercial fishing activities in European waters.

As EFSA has grown,it has included countries such as South Africa and has hosted tournaments all around the world.Big Game is just one of the many facets of Saltwater Angling that they support and promote,with others being Shore,Boat and Species Angling.South Africa is active in most if not all of these disciplines,and so we are privileged to be able to compete in these various championships.

Back to the 2024 EFSA Big Game Championship.On the evening of 6 May,all the participating nations paraded down the quayside of the Hout Bay Harbour to the sound of the minstrels of the local Cape Malay marching band. Atlantic Boat Club,using the premises of their partner – the Lookout Restaurant,welcomed everyone to a three-course meal and the welcoming speeches and formalities.

Sadly,the one and only thing we were unable to control – the weather – did not play ball and so day one was a blowout.This did,however,allow the competitors time to get to know each other a little better and it was a merry group that found their way home that evening.

The opening parade of the 2024 EFSA Big Game Championship was a grand affair.

Our South African team took second place at the 2024 EFSA Big Game Championship.

Day two promised great weather and delivered.All nine boats got away without incident,and it was with great anticipation that we awaited the first call up at 10am. Unfortunately it was disappointing to say the least,with no fish being intentionally released.

Our tuna fishery is amongst the best in the world with yellowfin,bluefin,big eye and longfin all present in our Cape waters,but it seems the fish were just not that hungry after such a bad blow the previous day.

Even the commercials were finding the fishing slow,but by the time the next call up came through,there were at least some numbers to indicate that the bite had come on a little later.

The tournament was fished on 24kg/50lb line and was

a full measure and release competition,with the fish not being extracted from the water.A measuring tape was trailed alongside the catch and a video recorded the approximate size.This was then converted to points and the fish was released to swim away and fight another day.In the unfortunate situation where an animal did not survive,it did not count towards that team’s points for the day,so it was paramount that the teams handled all their fish with care and consideration.

As the boats started coming into the harbour,the videos started hitting the desktops of the adjudicators,and it was time to start reviewing them and assigning points to the individuals and their teams.The Protea Green boat took the day with four beautiful yellowfin counting to their tally.All in all,the teams had a good day on the water,but not many fish came out.

Day three was a go,and again all the boats got away well.This proved to be a far more productive day, despite the big swells that were pushing through,and as the call ups came in,it was obvious that the fleet had found the fish and were having some great fun.

By the end of day three,36 yellowfin had been measured and released.Sadly,this is where it stayed as day four was again a blow out.

The closing ceremony and medals prizegiving was held on Friday,10 may,and again we had an amazing evening with another superb three-course meal.One thing our visitors will not be able to moan about is the quality of the food throughout the tournament – it was truly first class!

The final standings saw Iceland taking gold with an incredible performance of seven fish caught on day three. Our South African team of nine anglers took silver,with the Barbarian team made up of anglers from Iceland,Belgium and Portugal taking bronze.The way the scoring went,a country could enter as many as three boats (nine anglers) and their score would be an average.

This was an excellent competition,and we thank all the skippers and deckhands who stepped up with their time and their vessels,for their dedication to our sport.

Thanks and congratulations to Nick,Vikki,Sonja and Roger Marias,and Chris Day and his team from ABC – we salute you.

Until next time,we wish you all tight lines.

Keep up to date with all the SADSAA news by visiting our website www.sadsaa.co.za or our facebook page @sadeepseaanglingassociation

The Barbarian team placed third.

Iceland’s team placed first.

SNAPSHOTOFHISTORY

OVER the past few years we’ve noticed the popularity of any articles that look back at the history of our sport,so we’ve decided to introduce this as a new feature in each issue.

For this first issue,we’ve scanned some old copies of Natal Fishing News from 1953.These articles by Billy Clarke and Noel Clarke give a small taste of what it was like to fish in

that era.It’s particularly interesting to compare the way things were done 70 years ago to the way they’re done now and see if anything has changed.

If any readers have old photographs of interesting catches, old tackle or other fishing accessories that they think would interest other anglers,feel free to email them through to <sheena@mags.co.za> for us to consider.

THELUCKIESTBOYALIVE

by Sebastian Jansen van Rensburg (14)

IWENT to Ponta do Ouro in Mozambique with my family in early May for a family member’s wedding,and we managed to get in some fishing too.We took our Stealth kayaks along and went out on the second day. Down at the beach we spoke to a local about all the pros and cons of fishing in the area.

The weather was perfect – no wind,not too hot and not too cold.As we got out,we set off to the spot for bait.We struggled a bit,but got a couple of maasbanker.

I put my line out and in just a couple of minutes my rod started screaming.“Dad,I’m on!”I shouted.I was so stoked! I fought the fish for about ten minutes while my dad was paddling around saying,”Just pump and wind,pump and wind.”

The fish finally got closer to my boat and I managed to gaff it well.I was worried about my feet getting in the way of those sharp teeth! I finally got it in the hatch and Dad and I were very happy as this is the first ’cuda (king mackerel) I have ever caught and it was off my kayak.

I put another bait on and paddled around for a few more hours,but the

water started to get dirty and the fish were off the bite.

We went out again on our fourth day.This time there was a bit more wind and there was a bit of a wave,but we managed to get out.

We easily got bait,and the water was blue and very clear,but the current was wild! I got my livebait on,and after a few minutes I saw some big fish under my ski.

I was just busy telling my dad there was something under my boat,when my line took off! I was shocked – this fish was HUGE! It towed me a kilometre into the deep,and my arm was paining.

My dad was near me the whole fight again,just saying “Pump and wind,pump and wind.”

After about a 20 minute fight the fish came up.My dad was so shocked about what it was,that he shouted “It’s a massive queenie!”

The pressure was really on now.I struggled,but managed to gaff the fish and get it into the hatch.My first ever queenfish,also caught on my kayak,was a monster weighing 12kg!

The paddle back was hard as the current was so strong, but we reached the beach safely and I felt like the luckiest boy alive.

2024 Bottomfish Nationals and EFSA International

By Francois Beukes

Photos by Helen and Earl Fenwick

THESouth African Deep Sea Angling Association (SADSAA) and Western Province Deep Sea Angling Association (WPDSAA) were proud to host their first Bottomfish International in conjunction with the annual Bottomfish Nationals from 26 April to 1 May 2024.The event was hosted in the picturesque Overberg town of Struisbaai which is situated on the southernmost tip of Africa,where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet.

A highlight of the opening function was an emotional march,for some,from the Struisbaai harbour breakwater pier to the tournament venue at the Catch and Cook Struisbaai Harbour Cafe.The resturant was the base of the Struisbaai Deep Sea Angling Club and hosted the opening and closing functions.

Braving a 30 knot south easterly wind,eleven teams from various provincial bodies and six international teams,including from Iceland and Gibraltar,proudly carried their flags,undertaking the procession in their full step-outs.

After the welcome speeches by the President of SADSAA, Chris Schorn,the President of SASACC,Andries Marias,and the Mayor of Agulhas,Paul Swart,it was time for the traditional capping of provincial anglers representing their provinces for the first time at a Nationals,and the Protea anglers fishing at their first international event.The anglers were thrilled to receive their provincial-,national- and international colours.

The practice days leading up to the tournament yielded some big yellowtail on 6kg line,including a pending South African and African record of 15.65kg caught by Charles Lara from Gibraltar.That’s truly an amazing achievement on such light line,as most avid fishermen will tell you that these fish are,pound for pound,some of the strongest fish to land,even with conventional tackle.Pictures of these fish well over the 10kg mark gave the other competitors an expectation of what was to come.

The format for the competition,although foreign for some anglers,was based on the European Federation of Sea Anglers (EFSA) boat and line class rules.This includes splitting the teams so that each boat has three anglers from different teams fishing against one another individually,with the aim of “winning the boat”.Points are awarded for targeting various species in the allocated fishing time.

Three pegs are allocated daily per boat,and each angler draws a peg for the day to determine where he\she fishes from for that day.At the end of the day,the points are tallied up and the angler with the most points on the boat earns 100%.The other anglers then earn a percentage proportional to their points compared to the boat winner’s points.

At the end of the tournament,the winning teams and individuals are determined based on these percentages,points allocated per fish,and the total number of fish caught for those days.This method is used in most EFSA species competitions abroad.The events also promote catch and release of all fish caught.

During the competition we were fortunate to witness Michelle Richards (captain of the Protea ladies team) landing her personal best yellowtail.This beautiful 12.4kg fish is a pending 6kg line class Womens’South African and All Africa record.

Sadly,the weather did not play ball,resulting in only two days fishing out of four.Taking into account the various calculations,fishing conditions and peg draws,the competition was tough and extremely competitive.

The South Africans did well on their home turf,and when the competition was finally over,it was confirmed that the Protea men’s team won gold.They were closely followed by the SASACC team in second place,and the Gibraltar team finished third.

Michelle Richards sporting a beautiful 12.4kg yellowtail.

Smiles all round for Michelle’s potential record yellowtail.

In the international division,local Protea angler DP Burger was awarded a gold medal for the top individual angler,followed closely by Francois Beukes with silver and Kobus Koekemoer with bronze.

In the Nationals’division,Border came first,with the Natal team in second position and SADSAA third.Border angler Fred Clarke was awarded a gold medal as the top individual angler,with Sayed Cassim from Natal taking silver,and Ian Peinke from the SADSAA team taking bronze.

The ladies’section was won by Border,followed by Eastern Province in second and SADSAA in third.

A special mention must go to all the ground staff,organisers and skippers who gave up their week to make SADSAA proud of this unique and special occasion.Hopefully it will not be the last such collaboration.

DP Burger from the Protea team was top angler in the international competition.

The Protea Team of John Luef, Allen Ford (Captain) and DP Burger took gold in the international competition.

Gold for Border Men Fred Clarke (Captain), Andrew Harris and Gary Lunt in the SADSAA Bottomfish Nationals.

Gold for Border Ladies Dale Webb, Tara Roux and Adele Lunt in the SADSAA Bottomfish Nationals.

Michelle Richards Most Meritorious Fish on 6kg line.

YOUR favourite offshore angling magazine, SKI-BOAT , in conjunction with The Kingfisher and the South African Deep Sea Angling Association, is proud to offer all South African ski-boaters the unique opportunity to win awards for excellence in angling.

All deep sea anglers who achieve laid down standards of excellence will be entitled to apply for the KINGFISHER AWARD.Upon ratification by a panel of adjudicators,the angler will receive a handsome digital certificate,suitably inscribed.

The Kingfisher Award will be made for fish caught in two sections:

1) Meritorious Fish

This award is for a fish that’s a memorable achievement for the angler,if not

RULES:

There is no restriction on the number of awards which can be applied for.

Award applicants must submit a photograph of the relevant fish with the application form and a photograph of the angler with the fish.

SKI-BOAT reserves the right to use the photograph as it sees fit.

Entries must be on the official form which is included in all issues of the magazine.

Entires must be received within 45 days of capture.

No witnesses of the catch are required. The award is made in the true spirit of sportsmanship and relies on the integrity of the angler to make a just claim.

Aselection of award winners’names will be announced in future issues of SKIBOAT, along with relevant photographs. Award applicants should allow 30-45 days for processing of applications. There is no charge for Kingfisher Awards.

a personal best,and is not confined to the species listed below.

Tackle used is of no consideration here, the fish's weight being the main criterion.

2) Outstanding Catch

To satisfy the requirements for this award,anglers can catch any recognised fish species.As a guideline,the weight of that fish must equal or exceed the suggested weights below,or certain laid down fish weight:line class ratios.

Awards will be made in the following ratio categories:

3:1 – Bronze Award

5:1 – Silver Award

7:1 – Silver Award

10:1 – Gold Award.

Applies to IGFA line class 1kg ,2kg,4kg, 6kg,10kg,15kg,24kg,37kg and 60kg.

SPECIES: SUGGESTED WEIGHT:

Barracuda 15kg

Dorado 12kg

Kingfish (Ignobilis) 20kg

Garrick (Leervis) 12kg

King Mackerel (’Cuda) 15kg

Black Marlin 100kg

Blue Marlin 100kg

Striped Marlin 60kg

Prodigal Son 15kg

Sailfish (Pacific) 25kg

Spearfish (Longbill) 20kg

Spearfish (Shortbill) 20kg

Tarpon 45kg

Tuna (Big Eye) 50kg

Tuna (Longfin) 25kg

Tuna (Yellowfin) 50kg

Wahoo 15kg

Yellowtail 15kg

Kingfisher Award Application Form

I hereby apply for the Kingfisher Award in the category:

Meritorious Fish Outstanding Catch

Tick the appropriate box and supply us with the following information. Please remember to print clearly.

Applicant’s Details:

Name: ...................................................

Address: ...............................................

Code: ....................................................

Tel No: ...................................................

E-mail:

Club (if member): ..................................

I, the undersigned, agree to abide by the rules of this award.

Signature: ..............................................

Meritorious Fish

Species: ................................................

Weight: .................................................. Date of Capture: ....................................

Where Caught: ......................................

Skipper's Name: ....................................

Outstanding catch Category applied for (tick appropriate box):

3:15:1 7:1 10:1

RELEASED BILLFISH AND GT (Ignobilis) KINGFISH

With the strong trend towards releasing these and other fish, we have decided to amend the Kingfisher Award rules to provide for acknowledgement of all released fish. All we need is a photo of the fish being released or prior to release (e.g. GT held next to the boat) and the approximate weight of the fish which should fall in line with the stipulated weights set out above.

In line with this trend we will not be carrying photographs on the Kingfisher Awards page of any billfish or GTs aside from those that are released.

Species: ................................................

Weight: ..................................................

Line class: .............................................

Date of Capture: ....................................

Where Caught: ......................................

Skipper’s Name: ....................................

Digital emailed photographs should be high-resolution.

This stunning 39.6kg amberjack caught during February 2024 off Richards Bay earned Kevin Boyder a Gold Meritorious Award for his outstanding catch.

He wins this issue’s great prize for

Bradley du Plessis

has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this 13.2kg king mackarel caught on 18 July 2023 off Sodwana Bay.

Elliot Hall has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this ’cuda weighing 22.69kg caught off Scottburgh on 3 March 2024.

Friedel Kirstein has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this yellowfin tuna caught in December 2023 off Shelly Beach.

James Burns has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this ’cuda weighing 26.35kg caught off Tinley Manor on 11 February 2024.

Brighton Mashava has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this 24.7kg ’cuda caught

has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this ’cuda weighing 25.88kg caught off Barra in March 2024.

Michael Baines has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this 90.25kg yellowfin tuna caught on 23 April 2024 off Hout Bay.

Arno Stander has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this 47.5kg yellowfin tuna caught on 3 January 2024.

on 6 May 2024 off Inhaca Island.

Arno Neethling

GREATOAKSGROW

Two Oceans impresses again with its latest craft

By Erwin Bursik

WHEN I heard that Cape Town-based Two Oceans Marine was building an incredible 87-foot luxury custom power catamaran,essentially entering the superyacht space,I was blown away by how far they have come.This new craft is,without doubt,the finest power catamaran ever built in South Africa.

My mind immediately took a trip back through 35 years of history,to the first interactions I had with this firm...

In 1989,Rod Delany,an avid boater,and his family relocated from Gauteng to Cape Town.Rod had given up his engineering profession to chase his dream of dealing in boats from a fuel station in Newlands,Cape Town.

Encouraged by his solid start,and quickly establishing that it was more profitable to build and sell boats than to buy and sell them,Rod established Two Oceans Marine and moved his company to Paarden Eiland.

Their first craft was a Magnum 780 built on a mould

acquired from Supercat in Port Alfred,and this boat was reviewed in SKI-BOAT in 1994.

This highly rated craft found a strong following in Cape Town’s offshore sportfishing market and became the “acorn” that grew into the might oak that is Two Oceans Marine today.

Mark Delany,Rod’s son,had a significant role in the company from the early days.Thanks to his active involvement and far reaching vision,Two Oceans has crafted some incredible boats,both in the smaller class with the Magnum 23-,25and 28ft craft,and in the larger class with their 48ft sportfisher and the 55ft and 75ft power cats.These spectacular craft have certainly boosted the company’s status globally.

Two Oceans Marine has never pursued the lower and less expensive end of the South African offshore fishing market. They have focused all their efforts on ensuring excellence of design and manufacture and,since day one,have excelled in their execution of these aspects.Their crafts’finishes and interior layouts are further proof of their meticulous attention to detail.

They have also pioneered many of the innovations seen on the sportfishing craft at this level.These craft not only dominate the Western Cape market,but have also found favour up the west coast into Namibia and even more so in the Indian Ocean islands.

SKI-BOAT magazine is extremely proud to have been chosen to review virtually every sportfishing craft Two Oceans has produced since 1994,with each craft reviewed further cementing the firm’s credentials.

Left: The Magnum 780 reviewed in SKI-BOAT magazine in 1994.

Below: Two Oceans Marine’s Open Ocean 750 Expedition Catamaran and 48ft sportfisher.

FROMLITTLEACORNS

It has been an interesting journey,especially to see the strong influence the upmarket owners’wants and desires have had on the layouts and finishes that have become trends throughout our South African marine industry.

Two Oceans truly has perfected the art of producing craft that are world class in every aspect.

According to their press release,the soon-to-be-completed Two Oceans 870 Power Catamaran will be a “floating haven of unmatched luxury – a nautical masterpiece that seamlessly marries opulence with functionality”.

This craft sees a continuation of the long-term collaboration between Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing and Du Toit Yacht Design which has resulted in the build of numerous large full custom catamarans ranging from 60- to 110 feet,and a number of semi-custom Two Oceans 555 and 675 Power Cats.

The 87-foot luxury custom power catamaran will feature four distinctive levels,and the press release details them as follows:

“The main deck serves as the social nucleus,hosting a sophisticated saloon,a well-equipped galley,and fore- and aft cockpits.Descending to the lower deck unveils a private realm,with each hull housing two guest staterooms with ensuite bathrooms,ensuring unparalleled comfort and privacy for all onboard.

“The upper deck hosts the owner’s stateroom – a personal retreat complete with walk-in closets,a coffee station,and a

private aft cockpit.The upper-level flybridge,the vessel’s highest point,offers panoramic views,and features a spacious lounge area,a bar,and a nap station.

“More than just a catamaran,the Two Oceans 870 Power Catamaran is a floating home,offering the owner and their family an unparalleled lifestyle on the water.Designed with hospitality in mind,the catamaran ensures that guests experience the same level of luxury.

“Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing’s commitment to quality is a cornerstone of the vessel’s design.Renowned for their exceptional boat building prowess,Two Oceans Marine has once again delivered a vessel that not only meets but exceeds the highest expectations in the world of luxury catamarans.”

The plans for the Two Oceans 870 Power Catamaran look incredible,and I have no doubt it will indeed meet the high expectations we’ve come to have of this company.It will also cement Two Oceans Marine’s position as the mightiest “oak tree”among South Africa’s offshore cruising and sportfishing manufacturers.I can’t wait to see this magnificent vessel on the water.

MARKETPLACE

MERCURY MARINE:

IN 2024,Mercury Marine commemorates 85 years of innovation,experience,inspiration and cherished memories formed on the water.

Despite the significant transformations over eight-and-a-half decades,their committed focus remains on empowering individuals to “Go Boldly”in the pursuit of their passion for experiencing the freedom of participating in waterborne adventures.

Mercury has a history of leading from the front,with advancements in every facet from digital controls and high performing,efficient engines to allelectric outboards.

These innovations have shaped the boating industry,redefining marine propulsion in ways that make boating easier,more connected and more sustainable.

Reliability and confidence go hand in hand,and generations of boaters have trusted Mercury to power their on-the-water experiences.Mercury Marine is exceptionally proud of the moments and memories that Mercury has helped make possible.

Mercury’s dedication extends beyond innovation to championing causes close to the hearts of boaters, from conversation efforts to supporting esteemed anglers,organizations and marine research institutions.

Mercury will celebrate its 85th anniversary throughout 2024 in ways that will reflect their strong heritage of innovation and leadership in the marine industry,and are excited to share this celebration with all those who have helped them grow and succeed over the past 85 years.

IVOTE WEGOFISHING

ELECTION fever has gripped South Africa for the past few months,with each political party drumming up support for their cause through thousands of Whatsapp messages,rallies and adverts on every social media platform they can squeeze onto.

To me it felt just like the lead up to one of our big bonanza competitions,with polls going about which species of fish was going to show up in numbers at what areas,and who was going to take home the biggest prize!

Come on,you know exactly what I’m talking about ...

As soon as you vote to enter one of these comps you get added to the Whatsapp group and then your phone lights up every ten seconds like a strobe light at an ’80s disco.Everyone starts sharing their big catches in the weeks before the competition,talking up such a storm about how hot they are that they begin to believe their own PR.

all the politicians are crooked anyway so it doesn’t really matter which one’s in charge,and they had better things to do with their time – like going fishing. There is absolutely no way they would stand calmly in a queue for hours letting the older folk cut in front of them.Have you seen them in the launch queue at the big comps? They race down the beach as fast as they possibly can to get in front of the next guy,not stopping to ask whether or not he’s a pensioner who can’t wait in line as long as the younger okes can.Although it has to be said that a lot of the “over 60s”in the voting queue looked a lot fitter than me and could definitely have waited their turn!

And can you imagine democracy in action on a ski-boat? “Raise hands all those who think we should head south.”Not a donder! It’s the skipper’s way or the waterway!

The political rallies leading up to the main event felt much like the skippers’briefings at our comps too.

That’s not to mention all the trash talk they throw at their fellow competitors,digging up every old photo or video they can find where a “winning”fish was lost by one of the guys who used to be part of their crew,but who jumped ship for one reason or another (probably over who got to drink beer and who had to wash the boat).

Much like in the weeks leading up to a big fishing comp, the growing election frenzy in May was quite alarming,setting nerves all over the country jangling in anticipation of the drama that was bound to unfold across the country on 29 May.And then? The millions of South Africans who decided to do their civic duty didn’t cause any drama after all.They obligingly stood in line with their little cups of coffee,shuffling forward at snail’s pace and making new best friends with the strangers who stood around them.

I even heard stories of students in Pretoria queuing for up to 12 hours to cast their votes in the early hours of the following day.With no drama.Well,none aside from the two stolen cellphones and the woman who pulled out her gun to deal with said cellphone thief but who dropped her weapon as the crowed shouted,“Shoot! Shoot!”By the time she was done scrambling and had her weapon back in hand,said cellphone thief was nowhere to be seen,and there was no shooting.

Based on the voters’(mostly) exemplary behaviour,I don’t think many fishermen were in those queues – except perhaps for the woman with the gun.She sounds like an angler to me – all the right hardware at hand,but then,OOPS viskoors sets in and the big fish gets away!

Seriously,though,I’m sure South Africa’s fishermen figured

Nobody really listens to what the tournament director is saying because they’ve heard it all before – countless times –and they’re really just there for the goody bags anyway!

Then there are the last minute anglers (or wannabe politicians) looking to jump on a boat just a few days before the big comp because they’re suddenly feeling left out and couldn’t get their own party off the ground.Invariably someone feels sorry for them and lets the “guest”climb aboard,hoping they won’t regret their charitable actions.

And those “coalitions”you make before the flare has been let off and the competition declared open? We all know they only last until the flare falls back to the water!

Promises of sharing tips on where the bait are biting,how many units you have in the hatch and what your magic lure is today,all fade to nothing as the throttles are pushed forward and the fleet spreads out across the ocean.

Now that the political votes have been counted,the winner has been announced,and the grumblers have aired their grievances,the horsetrading has begun.

It feels much like those negotiations over how the prize boat is going to be shared – who gets to skipper it,who has to keep it parked at home and who has to bring the boat lunch. The negotiations are always a little more fraught when it was the “guest”angler onboard who caught the winning fish,but you have to include him because ...you know – he’s now your lucky charm,and he did add value after all!

Still,despite their often bad behaviour,I’ll take a fisherman over a politician any time.At least fishermen are (mostly) honest about what they want from you!

YOURCHANCETO TELLATALLTALE

LADIES — are you an angling widow? Are you a frustrated crew member? Do you outfish the men on the boat and have to deal with their Rapala Lips? Do you bite your lip at the comments coming from chauvinistic male anglers? Or do you just have great support from the skipper and anglers around you who want to help you catch a new PB?

We’re looking for new writers for our Rapala Lip column. All contributions are gladly accepted and they will appear anonymously if necessary to protect the writers from divorce suits, cold shoulders, banishments, cut up credit cards etc. Come on, ladies, share your fishing stories with us – you know you want to. Email them to <sheena@mags.co.za>.