BILLFISHING
Juba tackles Bazaruto’s grander marlin
By Erwin Bursik
A
S the 2023 black marlin season was drawing to a close, two buddies from KwaZuluNatal, Andre “Juba” Joubert (renowned Springbok fullback of the 1990s) and Ricky Jacobs (quite possibly the South African angler who has fished the waters off Bazaruto more than any other person alive or dead)
set off to Bazaruto, Mocambique, to target the area’s big black marlin. It would turn out to be a noteworthy test for Joubert – one that would require strength and stamina and splitsecond decision making, much like the countless rugby matches in which he earned his stripes. Ricky,Andre and a number of other anglers were fishing Ricky’s annual “Bazaruto Marlin Jol”, a week when
friends and acquaintances come together to target marlin in the tropical waters of the Bazaruto archipelago off Moçambique. It’s an event Ricky has organised for the past 25 years, but this one would be extra special. On 3 November 2023, the eastern horizon turned a beautiful red as Ricky Jacobs,Andre Joubert and Ricky’s son – Shaun, boarded their 28ft craft, Bazaruto Explorer. Expectations were
Andre “Juba” Joubert and gilly Shadreque were thrilled with Andre’s 950+ lb black marlin caught off Bazaruto in November. SKI-BOAT March/April 2024 • 27
