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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.
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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
LIVINGOUTTHE FISHERMAN’SPRAYER
LORD, give me grace to catch a fish so big that even I, when telling of it later, never need to lie. So goes a commonly quoted fisherman’s prayer.
And with 70-odd years of fishing behind me, I can tell you it’s absolutely true! As any angler reading this will know, every time an angler goes out on the water he’s hoping for a really special, out-sized catch, although nowadays any catch will do.
The memories of such catches build up a virtual caleidoscope of recollections dating back to the very first time a fish attached itself to one’s hook. That moment burns into one’s brain the excitement and pleasure not only of that moment, but also simultaneously the desire to experience over and over again the joy and excitement of that first fish.
I my case, about 75 years ago I caught a “pinkie” in a small gulley at Brighton Beach in Durban. The memory of that, my first catch, is still as bright today as it was then.
When I got home, I proudly showed the fish to my grandfather who praised my feat and said, “Now, Lad, scale and gut it for Granny to cook. Any fish not required for eating has to be thrown back into the water.”
It was not a concept, but rather a decree. That was way before the era of catch and release and the modern trend that has evolved mainly due to coersion and legislation. Grandpa was right, and he instilled in me the importance of wisely managing our fishery resources.
This was long before even the “Box Brownie” camera, never mind cellphones, so the memories were the sole “photographic proof” of those long ago catches.
As I write, I am dredging out all sorts of fishing memories, from tidal rock pool catches – including a beautiful yellowbelly rockcod caught on red bait – and Durban Bay fishing, to bass fishing in a dam at Hilton College, trout fishing in Underberg and my first ’cuda off Les Buckle’s ski-boat S44. These are but a few of the more humble but memorable moments of my fishing “career”.
Even now, as I cast my mind back to those early days, the memories have brought me a great deal of pleasure, not only with regard to the many fish I have caught, but also the many different places in which I have targeted fish, whether rivers, dams, bays, estuaries or deep sea.
The mental pictures of specific catches – even many years thereafter – are as vivid in my mind now as they were at the time the fish were brought to the net, gaffed or dragged up the beach.
During the last couple of hours, with the crack of Sheena Carnie’s whip still audible as she drives me to finish my editorial before the deadline, I have had a wonderful time reliving my career of catching fish. Some – not our readers, of course – may scoff at the time “wasted” fishing, but for me it has certainly been time well spent and both the big and small catches have brought untold riches to my life.
Reliving the memories is also time well spent. Go ahead and try it: picture one of the fish you’ve caught and appreciate how stunning the mental picture still is of such a momentous achievement – regardless of the size of the fish.
Now go fishing and create even more memories.
Tight lines.
Erwin Bursik
MYBROTHER’SFIRSTFISH
Dear Editor,
It was a bright,sunny morning in Richards Bay,and the anticipation was palpable as the All-Stars Fishing Tournament was about to begin.
My 18-year-old brother,Angelo,and I were on the edge of our seats,excited for what the day would bring.Angelo lives with severe autism and is non-verbal,but has always loved the sea.He had been on deep sea boats before,but this would be his first time fishing.For him,this was a new adventure,one filled with the promise of excitement and discovery.
As we boarded the boat,Angelo’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.The crew explained how deep sea fishing worked,demonstrating how to handle the rods and reels.Angelo watched intently,his expressions and gestures showing his eagerness.Despite his inability to speak,his enthusiasm was clear.His eyes followed every movement,and his small nods indicated he was ready to give it a try.
Once we reached the perfect spot in the open ocean,the boat began to sway gently with the waves.The crew helped us cast our lines,and Angelo held his rod with a mixture of concentration and excitement.It was a serene, beautiful day,and the deep blue water stretched out endlessly,creating a sense of both calm and anticipation.
For hours we enjoyed the rhythmic
dance of the waves and the quiet hum of the boat.Angelo sat patiently,occasionally glancing at me with a hopeful look.He knew that fishing required patience,and he was determined to make the most of this opportunity.
Then,out of the blue,Angelo’s fishing rod suddenly began to bend.The line tautened with a strong pull from below.Angelo’s face lit up with a blend of surprise and joy.He looked at me with wide eyes,his excitement almost tangible despite the lack of words.I could see that this was a moment he had been waiting for.
With a focused effort,Angelo started reeling in the line.The crew gathered around,offering encouragement and guidance.Angelo’s hands moved with determination and care.The boat seemed to hold its breath as we watched the line come closer to the
surface.
Finally a flash of silver broke through the water.It was a snoek,its sleek body glistening in the sunlight. Angelo’s eyes widened in amazement. He had done it – caught his first fish ever.The snoek was a beautiful sight, and Angelo’s smile said more than words ever could.
The crew gaffed the fish and quickly brought it on board,then they took a few photos,capturing the moment when Angelo proudly held his prize. Even though he couldn’t speak,his happiness and accomplishment were evident in every gesture and expression. We all shared in his joy,celebrating this significant milestone with him.
As we returned to shore,the day’s events replayed in my mind.Angelo’s first fish was not just a catch;it was a testament to his patience and spirit.The All-Stars Tournament had provided him with a chance to experience the thrill of fishing,and he had embraced it fully.
Angelo’s successful catch of the snoek was more than just a personal achievement,though,it was a shared triumph that brought us closer together.It reminded us of the power of perseverance and the joy of experiencing new things with loved ones.
The memory of that day and Angelo’s beaming face as he held his first fish will remain a treasured part of our lives forever.
LORENZORITCHIE (14 years old)
Wayne Ritchie, Angelo, Danie Visser and Lorenzo clebrate a great day’s fishing – and Angelo’s first fish.
AWHALEOFATAIL
Everyone on the boat gets excited when they see marine life, whether it be the fish we’re targeting,or some dolphins,turtles or whales,but Justin Paynter recently had a close brush with a whale that got a little too close for comfort,and has this cautionary tale for readers...
Dear Editor, It was quite the experience –though not in a good way! Dave Hewison,his son Declan and I were fishing deep off Umhlanga on 3 August 2024,cruising at around 38-40km/h,when suddenly a humpback whale appeared just 5m ahead of us.
Skipper Dave quickly threw the boat in reverse,but it was too late.The whale’s tail rose and came crashing down on the boat with a thunderous bang,drenching us in water! If the whale had been 20cm closer,we might not have made it back to shore!
The entire hectic experience lasted just three seconds,and the whale swam away apparently unharmed,leaving the stunned crew to check the damage.At first it didn’t seem too bad.Despite our shock,we continued fishing,unaware of the serious cracks that had formed along the gunnels and where the main hull joined.It was only later that we realised how much damage had been done.
Fortunately we’re all safe and able to fish another day,although the boat wasn’t that lucky!
JUSTINPAYNTER
Whale photo by Justin Klusener.
BACKTOBASICS
By Ewald Crause and Connie Garstman
KNYSNA,a gem of the southern Cape coast,is a destination that offers anglers an unparalleled variety of fishing experiences.From the serene,sheltered waters of the Knysna estuary (perfect for light tackle enthusiasts),to the thrilling challenge of navigating the iconic Knysna Heads,this region is a paradise for those seeking diverse fishing adventures.Whether you choose to fish the estuary’s abundant channels,venture offshore towards Plettenberg Bay,or head west towards Walker Point, Knysna serves as a gateway to an array of species and fishing techniques,catering to both novice and experienced anglers alike.
KNYSNA ESTUARY
A haven for light tackle fishing and family fun
For those seeking a relaxed and accessible fishing experience,the Knysna estuary is an excellent location.Its calm waters make it ideal for light tackle fishing,with species such as leervis (garrick) and spotted grunter being common targets.Early mornings and late afternoons are productive times to fish,and livebait like prawns or small mullet work well.
The estuary is also a great place for families to enjoy fishing together.Children can easily catch baitfish and gorries (pinkies),providing an engaging introduction to the sport.The area is also frequented by skates and smooth-hound sharks,which offer a fun challenge for young anglers without being too difficult to handle.For those interested in flyfishing,the estuary’s waters provide the right conditions,with leervis often going for surface poppers and clousers.
The combination of productive fishing,ease of access and family-friendly appeal makes the Knysna Estuary an ideal destination for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
THROUGH THE KNYSNA HEADS
Navigating between the Knysna Heads – two towering cliffs that frame a narrow channel between the estuary and the open ocean – presents a serious challenge due to the unpredictable nature of the conditions.
Skippering through this passage requires skill and a solid understanding of local sea conditions.Many local skippers regard successfully passing through the Knysna Heads as a mark of experience and boating proficiency – essentially a rite of passage.It’s not a route recommended for novice boaters,but for those who manage it,the waters beyond offer rewarding fishing opportunities.
The tidal currents between the Heads are strong and fast,funnelling through the narrow gap and creating turbulent waters,especially during the outgoing tide.For boaters,timing is critical.Passing through the Heads at slack tide,when the current is at its weakest, is strongly recommended to ensure a safe journey.
Right: Ewald Crause with a lovely leervis/garrick caught west of Knysna.
In addition to the strong currents, waves at the Heads can become unpredictable,with larger swells pushing into the channel and creating rough conditions,even when the sea appears calm from inside the estuary.Skippers must be aware of both the tide and the swell size when planning to exit or enter through the Heads.
Once they’re out on the ocean, anglers gain access to a variety of fishing options,with the choice of location often depending on the type of fishing they prefer.
DALGLEISH BANK
Key features:
Dalgleish is an offshore fishing ground where the depth rises sharply from around 65m to 30m.This depth change attracts both pelagic species near the surface and reef species near the bottom.Trolling along the edge of the bank often produces good results.
GPS Coordinates:
S 34°11.662’E 22°57.403’
This mark is pretty central to the reef, and there are plenty of beautiful pinnacles here.
Target species:
Pelagic:Yellowtail,bonito.
Bottoms:Carpenter,red Roman,rockcod,geelbek,kob.
Best time to fish:
Pelagic species like yellowtail and bonito are most active from October to March.Bottomfishing is productive year-round,with the cooler months from April to August offering good chances for carpenter and other reef species.
Preferred fishing methods:
Trolling along the edge of the bank is effective for yellowtail and bonito.For bottomfishing,targeting the deeper areas (back of the bank) yields carpenter and typical reef species.Drifting near the rise or anchoring near the reef can be effective,depending on conditions.
HAKE GROUNDS
Key features:
The Hake/Stokvis Grounds are a prime area for targeting this delicious table fish,particularly during the winter months when hake and other species like gurnard move into the region. When water temperatures drop,hake can be found as shallow as 50m,though
Dalgleish
FISHINGSPOTCOORDINATES
34°11.662’ S 22°57.403’ E
Hake/Stokvis Grounds34°10.652’ S 23°03.394’ E
Blackrock
Kolkgate
Plantasie
= launch sites
34°03.748’ S 22°49.827’ E
Between 34°03.259’ S and 34°02.644’ S
Between 22°49.052’ E and 22°46.959’ E
34°04.601’ S 22°45.917’ E
the most productive depths are typically between 70m and 80m.
GPS Coordinates:
S 34°10.652’E 23°03.394’
This mark serves as a good reference point,and fishing within a 3- to 4-nautical-mile radius around it is productive for hake in the colder months.
Target species:
Hake and gurnard
Best time to fish:
The winter months (April to August) are best for Cape hake,particularly when water temperatures drop.Early mornings and late afternoons are productive times,with the best catches coming from the 70m to 80m depths.
Preferred fishing methods:
Bottomfishing is the most effective method here.Drifting allows you to cover some ground,and you may cross paths with the hake,but anchoring up and ensuring sufficient bait reaches the bottom will bring the fish into your patch,producing more consistent results.
Bait and tackle:
Pilchards are the go-to bait for hake and gurnard.You have to keep your bait on
or near the bottom,so ensure you have plenty of weight and a healthy supply of patience.
PLATBANK INSHORE
Key features:
Platbank Inshore is characterised by shallow reef structures.These reefs are productive year-round,attracting a variety of bottom-dwelling species that frequent rocky environments.
Target species:
Miss Lucy,geelbek,santer
Best time to fish:
Miss Lucy can be targeted throughout the year,with summer months being particularly productive.Geelbek fishing (drift fishing) is best from February to May,typically early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they are most active.
Preferred fishing methods:
Anchoring near the reef structures is the preferred method for targeting bottom species like Miss Lucy and other reef species.Drifting can also be effective,though care must be taken around the rocky terrain to avoid losing tackle.
Bait and tackle:
Medium tackle with strong leaders is recommended to avoid getting snagged on the reef.Use pilchards,mackerel or chokka for bottomfishing.For geelbek, live bait or pilchard baits on drift rigs are effective,especially during their active months.
PLATBANK DROPOFF
Key features:
The Platbank Dropoff is a well-known fishing area located where the reef drops sharply from shallow waters into deeper areas of about 40m.The key feature of this spot is the dropoff,which is easily visible on your plotter.Fish often gather near this underwater structure, making it a great spot for targeting kabeljou and other species.The sandy bottom near the edge of the reef is especially productive for kob.
Target species:
Kabeljou (kob)
Best time to fish:
The best fishing at Platbank Dropoff is typically from December to May.Early mornings and late afternoons are especially productive times.
Preferred fishing methods:
Drifting or anchoring close to the dropoff while working bait or lures along the reef edge is effective.Trolling along the drop-off can also yield good results, particularly for pelagic species.For bottomfishing,focus on positioning near the sandy bottom and reef edge to target species like kabeljou.
Bait and tackle:
Pilchards and chokka are the preferred baits.Dropshots can also be used for kabeljou and other bottom-dwelling species.For pelagic species,trolling with live bait can also be effective. Medium-heavy tackle is recommended, with a strong leader for larger fish.
BLACKROCK
Key features:
Blackrock is easily recognisable by the prominent rock structure on the beachfront.It is a versatile fishing area with depths ranging from 8m to 35m,making it suitable for a variety of species. The area is known for its many pinnacles,and targeting smaller pinnacles that hold fish is key to a successful trip. Due to the rough terrain,it is not advisable to drift fish here,as tackle loss is likely.Instead,anchoring is recommended to keep you in the productive areas. Ensure you have a steady supply of burley (chum) to attract fish.
GPS Coordinates:
S 34°03.748’E 22°49.827’
Target species:
Kabeljou:Common around the pinnacles,particularly in deeper sections. Geelbek:Often found around the pinnacles,especially during their active months.Santer:Found year-round,particularly near the smaller pinnacles.Red Roman:Common in rocky environ-
Ewald Crause with a beautiful Miss Lucy caught at Platbank Inshore.
ments.Rockcod:Yellowbelly and cat-eye rockcod are frequently caught here. Best time to fish:
Fishing at Blackrock is productive yearround,with peak activity in the summer months for species like Santer and red roman.Geelbek is more active from February to May.
Preferred fishing methods:
Anchoring is essential when fishing at Blackrock due to the rough terrain.Use burley to attract fish to the area,and focus on bottom fishing near the pinnacles.Tackle should be prepared for the rocky environment to minimize losses. Avoid drifting,as the risk of getting snagged on the pinnacles is high.
Bait and Tackle:
Pilchards,squid,and chokka are effective baits.Use medium-heavy tackle with strong leaders to withstand the rocky environment.Be prepared for hard fights from species like kabeljou and geelbek.
KOLKGATE
Key features:
Kolkgate is characterised by numerous dropoffs and deeper holes that attract a variety of bottom-dwelling species. Anglers should use their plotter to locate these dropoffs and the area’s pinnacles as they are prime areas for catching multiple species.
GPS Coordinates:
Between S 34°03.259’and 34°02.644’
Between E 22°49.052’and 22°46.959’
Target species:
Poensies:Found in the deeper holes near the dropoffs.Red steenbras: Common in the deeper sections,particularly in rocky areas.Groot santer: Often found year-round in deeper waters.Yellowbelly rockcod:Favour the rougher terrain around the pinnacles. Geelbek:Frequently found near the pinnacles,especially from February to May. Best time to fish:
Kolkgate is productive throughout the year,with the best results seen during the cooler months for species like steenbras and poensies.Geelbek are most active in the late summer and early autumn months.
Preferred fishing methods:
Bottomfishing near the dropoffs and around the pinnacles is the most productive method at Kolkgate.Anchoring is recommended to effectively work the deeper holes and pinnacles.Keep a steady supply of burley/chum to attract fish,and be patient as the fish often hold close to the structure.
Bait and tackle: Pilchards,squid,and chokka are effective baits for bottomfishing.Mediumheavy tackle with strong leaders is necessary due to the rocky terrain and the
size of the fish typically caught here.For geelbek,livebait or pilchards on drift rigs are effective around the pinnacles.
PLANTASIE
Key features:
Plantasie is a sand-bottomed area interspersed with small rocky outcrops, which is exactly what anglers should focus on.These outcrops are prime spots for finding larger kob,particularly in the 25m to 40m depth range.The sandy bottom combined with rocky patches creates an ideal habitat for bottom-dwelling species.
GPS Coordinates: S 34°04.601’E 22°45.917’
Target species:
Kob:Large kob frequent the area,particularly around the rocky outcrops in the 25m to 40m range.Geelbek:Can be found occasionally in deeper sections of the area.Carpenter:Often caught near the rocks,especially in slightly deeper water.
Best time to fish:
The area is productive year-round,but kob fishing is especially good from late summer to early winter.They’re most active in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Preferred fishing methods:
Bottomfishing is the go-to method at Plantasie,particularly around the small
The fishing spots west of Knysna deliver a variety of species including rockcod, leervis and red steenbras.
rocky outcrops.Anchoring near these outcrops and working the bait close to the bottom is effective for attracting kob and other species.Drifting is also an option in this area,especially in deeper water where kob tend to be more active.
Bait and tackle:
Use live bait,pilchards,or squid for bottomfishing.Medium-heavy tackle with strong leaders is ideal,as kob can be large and will fight hard.Be sure to position your bait near the rocky outcrops for the best chances of success.
MARINE PROTECTED AREA (MPA)
The Goukamma MPA stretches from Walker Point to Buffels Bay and up to Groenvlei carpark,is designated as an MPA.The protected zone extends 1.8km (1nm) offshore,aimed at preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring sustainable use of the resources.The MPA plays a crucial role in protecting fish species,especially those that breed and feed in the area,contributing to healthier fish populations both within and beyond the protected boundaries.
LAUNCHING OPTIONS
The Knysna area provides several launching points for anglers,ranging from club launches to public access sites.Each has its own requirements and facilities,so it’s important to know the details before heading out.
1. Gerrickes – Beach launch
Description:
Gerrickes offers a beach launch facility, but access is limited to members of George’s Ski-boat Club.This launch site is located in a spot with direct access to productive fishing grounds,but launching from the beach requires experience,as the surf conditions can sometimes be challenging.This launch site is popular among local anglers due to its
proximity to key fishing spots.
Key considerations:Only club members can use this facility.The beach launch means you need to handle your boat through surf,which can be difficult in rough conditions,so it is best suited for experienced skippers.
2. Buffalo Bay – Open Public Launch
Description:Buffalo Bay provides an open public launch,making it accessible to all anglers.This launch site is a popular choice for recreational fishers as it offers relatively easy access to the surrounding coastal waters,including the popular fishing grounds around the Knysna area.It is less restrictive than club-based launches and doesn’t require membership.
Key considerations:As a public facility,it’s open to anyone,but the beach launch requires careful navigation because of local tide and surf conditions.Early arrivals are advised during busy periods,particularly in peak fishing seasons or weekends,to avoid congestion.
3. Knysna Lagoon – KADA
The Knysna Angling and Diving Association (KADA) launch point is available for anyone to use,but a public launching fee is charged.KADA offers access to the Knysna Lagoon,which is ideal for anglers targeting estuary species or for those looking for a calmer launching point before heading offshore.The safe,sheltered nature of the lagoon with easier access for small boats or beginners makes it a good option for those looking to avoid surf launches.
Knysna Lagoon – Leisure Isle Boat Club
For those looking to launch in more controlled conditions in the lagoon, Leisure Isle offers a more comfortable launch experience compared to beach launches.However,this facility is private,and more details about access
requirements should be obtained directly from the club.
RESCUESERVICES
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) branch in Knysna plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of those venturing out to sea along this section of coastline.Operating as part of South Africa’s national volunteer sea rescue service,the Knysna NSRI is on standby 24/7 to respond to emergencies and provide assistance to boaters,anglers, and the broader maritime community. Many skippers rely on the NSRI for updates on weather and sea conditions before attempting to pass through the Heads or head offshore.
For emergencies or assistance, boaters can reach the Knysna NSRI directly on 082 990 5956.I recommended that all skippers keep this number on hand if they’re heading out to sea, particularly when navigating the challenging waters around the Knysna Heads.
LOCALTACKLE AND BAIT STORES
When preparing for a fishing trip off Knysna,it’s important to have the right gear and bait for the species you’re targeting.Here are a few well-known stores in Knysna where anglers can get their supplies:
Astron Waterfront is the nearest fuel station to the main Knysna Lagoon launch sites,including KADA and Leisure Isle Boat Club.It provides easy access for boaters looking to refuel before heading out for the day.
Happy fishing.
SNAPSHOTOFHISTORY
SINCE we launched this new feature highlighting some snapshots of the history of ski-boat fishing off South Africa,we’ve had feedback from a number of readers who were astounded at the small size of the motors that were used back then and the boat designs.
The extracts from old copies of Natal Fishing News shown below and opposite give current anglers an idea of the fishing tactics that were used back in the 1950s,and also look
at the history of ski-boats and where some of the original designed originated,some of the mishaps that occurred with early prototypes,and how those challenges were overcome. We have very few photos of some of these unusual designs (especially of the boats with wheels built into their hulls),so if readers have access to any,please share them with us.Feel free to also send us other interesting historical photos you this other readers would like to see.
Getting into the jigging game in KZN
By Justin Paynter and Mark Brewitt
PANDORA’S Box – a metaphor for something that brings about great troubles or misfortune,but also holds hope.And what is life without a bit of hope?
Our country is on the rise,our fellow South Africans have hope in our new government of unity,we haven’t had load shedding for over 150 days, the petrol price has dropped and interest rates are set to be cut…This is all great news because my newest adventure has become a rather costly exercise!
For years I have been toying with the idea of trying vertical jigging (speed jigging) off Durban.Mark Brewitt,a
SADSAA angler and Shelly Beach local, has always said that us Durban boys don’t know what we’re missing out on and tried repeatedly to convince me to try it,but I resisted.Mark believed that the potential off Durban and the North Coast region was possibly even greater than at Shelly Beach and other well known jigging spots because of all the structure and wrecks – and lower jigging pressure – along this stretch of KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline.
This year,as the bottomfishing season started to heat up and I was dragged along with my fishing mates,I thought I might as well
give jigging a bash while they were bottomfishing.
I pulled out a brand new Williamson Benthos 200g pink jig and dropped it to the ocean floor in 50m of water.The jig hit the bottom,and then the hard work started.I was huffing and puffing by the third drop and quickly decided this was not for me.
On the next drop,the jig hit the bottom,I made one or two winds,and the next second my Daiwa Saltiga was screaming off.No sooner was I able to say “I’m on!”than bang! the fish took me into the reef,and all I was left with was a frayed leader and a bruised ego.
I quickly retied my leader with a PR Knot using a bobbin (in my opinion the strongest knot around),tied on a new jig,and down it went.
Well,let’s just say I went 6-1 on amberjack,and despite R2000 in lost jigs I had the most fun I’ve had in years. It reminded me of the first time I caught a ’cuda and the excitement I experienced on that occasion.
On my way home,I stopped in at the Kingfisher to stock up on some more Benthos jigs and some really deadly looking Mustad jigs.All my wife heard about the entire evening was how much fun I had.It wasn’t about the amount of money I had donated to the sea that day,it was the slight hope that I might be able to stop one of these steam trains and actually land one.
The next time,I went 5-1 on the ambers and the fish got a little bigger. Why did I keep going back when I was being beaten so badly? I can’t fully explain it,but I’ll try:One minute your jig is dropping to the bottom,the next minute your rod is doubled over and you are frightened to tighten up the drag any more in case you get pulled overboard! These fish have a special kind of brute force,and nothing we tried could stop them.No doubt some of you reading this will tell me that I should just put one foot on the gunnel,tighten up and pull. Well,good luck and send me the pictures!
It wouldn’t be fair for me to write this article and profess to
Justin Paynter with a juvenile amberjack caught while speed jigging.
be a master at speed/vertical jigging. I am still very wet behind the ears,so to speak,and am learning new lessons each time I go out,but if I had to choose one facet to fish for the rest of my life,it would be jigging.The bite,the fight,the brute force applied to fish,tackle and angler is just incredible.
There is no other way to say it:I am absolutely obsessed.I have, however,learnt some valuable lessons,and as a newbie to the jigging game,here is what I have learnt thus far.
LESSONSFROMANEWBIE
When it comes to gear,quality is everything.Don’t buy rubbish! If something is going to be properly tested,it’s going to be your rod and reel setup.Buy the best setup you can afford,even if you have to save and wait to buy the correct setup.My buddy Graham Joyce learnt this the hard way recently!
Brayden Kane,one of our upand-coming junior anglers,and I went out with Graham for a jigging session on Graham’s boat, G&T .Graham decided to bring along a “Gumtree rod”that was older than Brayden and I put together.No lies!
I had warned Graham previously about using the right setup,but he told me he was ready.As Murphy would have it, on Graham’s first drop he got absolutely smoked! He was pumping and winding,huffing and puffing and Brayden,like any young adult these days,had his phone out recording all of it.
Next thing – bang! Graham’s rod shattered in his hands!
His one-piece rod instantly became a three-piece with missing guides.
Fortunately,teamwork made the dream work and we ended up landing a 28.2kg brute of a greater amberjack (a Durban Ski-Boat Club record for an amber for 2024.) Let’s just say Graham is in the saving process at the moment, and hopefully Santa will have some new jigging equipment for him at Christmas time.
You can’t just throw money at the problem,but it does help when you lose the number of jigs I did.
It’s very important to understand about pairing the correct rod,reel, braid,leader line and jig type for the application – and also being on the mark.
At this point I’ll hand over to Mark Brewitt who has been jigging on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast for many years.He graciously shared some details on his recommendations for
Graham Joyce’s 28kg brute of a greater amberjack which was caught on a jig off Durban.
vertical jigging success:
WHAT IS MECHANICAL OR SPEED JIGGING?
Vertical jigging loosely describes the use of metal jigs paired with braided line to create an enticing vertical presentation in the water column to catch predatory fish.
With the recent increase in the popularity of slow-pitch jigging,it is important to note that speed- or mechanical jigging differs from slow-pitch as it uses a faster retrieve and jigging style with longer,narrower fast-retrieve jigs to entice a reactionary bite from species like amberjack,yellowtail,kingfish and yellowfin tuna.
SPINNING GEAR VS OVERHEAD (MULTIPLIER)?
This is always a great debate among jiggers,but at the end of the day it comes
down to personal preference.
If you are looking for an all-round, versatile option to jig different depths from 30m to 90m with a range of jig weights,then I would recommend a spinning setup.If you are going to focus on dedicated heavy-duty speed jigging, the multiplier (overhead) setups will provide more power,control and an easier jigging action for that application.
Each one requires some practice to get the correct cadence and rhythm for the right jig retrieve,but the spinning setup will be easier to adjust to for beginner and intermediate jiggers.
Reels require a robust design and sturdy drag system (drags should be around 15-20kg max drag),and leading brands such as Daiwa,Shimano,Penn and JigStar offer very good options in the mid- to high-end categories.
WHICH RODS ARE BEST?
Generally,a good jigging rod should be a one-piece blank with a parabolic action in the 5ft 6”to 6ft class.
Technology has come a long way in the past five years,and there are many great rod manufacturers out there. Without having to go for exotic options overseas,you will find great value locally from Daiwa,Shimano,Assassin,Penn and JigStar.
Be sure to note that jigging rods are also available in spinning and overhead versions and must be matched to the corresponding reel type – don’t use your overhead reel on a spinning rod.
The rod is a vital part of the gear as it has two jobs – to impart a tempting action to the jig on retrieve and to provide backbone and lifting power to get the fish away from the bottom.This is where a parabolic blank is excellent.
Next,make sure that you take note of the ratings on the rod itself.The ratings will usually include the rod length, blank action (medium,medium-heavy, heavy or extra-heavy) as well as a braid rating (in PE) and jig weight rating (in grams).
Let’s say you want to target kingfish, ambers and yellowtail in up to 50m of water with jigs up to 200g in weight. You would then match an 8000 to 10000 size spinning reel to a 5ft6 to 6ft jigging rod with a medium-heavy action and a braid rating of around PE5 (50lb).This would provide you an allrounder to jig 30m-50m depths with jigs between around 100g and 200g.
If you were looking to target larger amberjacks and yellowtail in 70-100m of water around heavy structure (reefs and wrecks) you would opt for a 10000 to 18000 size spinning reel (or heavy overhead reel) paired with a 5ft6 to 6ft jigging rod with a heavy action and a braid rating of PE6-8 (60-80lb) with jig weights from 240g to 400g.
WHICH BRAID AND LEADER?
Due to the aggressive nature of the fish being targeted and the fact that most of the time you are generally jigging in the lowest 10-20m of the water column, there is a tendency to get reefed or cutoff regularly.
A lot of people tend to over-gun their leader in the hopes that a thicker, heavier leader will prevent them from being cut off.The reality is that even 1mm mono easily gets cut off against hard structure.The drawback of a heavier leader is that it also affects the action of the jig and often results in a lower strike ratio.
I much prefer to use a smaller diameter leader to improve my jig action and get more strikes.
A rule of thumb that works for me is to match the leader size to the braid you are using e.g.50-60lb mono leader on 50lb braid,80lb mono leader on
Mark Brewitt with a beaut of a greater amberjack.
Dwayne Boshoff caught this stunning ’cuda while slowpitch jigging.
80lb braid and so on.This way you keep a balance and ensure your jig has a good action on the retrieve.
“What about fluorocarbon?”you may ask.Fluoro has many advantages including better abrasion resistance than mono becaasue it’s a harder material,but its two drawbacks in the jigging application are very low stretch and a tendency to crack or shatter under tension after heavy wear and tear.
I personally believe that due to the depths and lower light conditions encountered in vertical jigging there is no visibility advantage to using fluoro, and the higher stretch of mono gives a bit more cushioning to a hard fight on braided line which has no stretch.
To keep it simple,stick with a mono leader of around 4- to 6m.
HOW STRONG IS YOUR BEST KNOT?
When it come to knots and terminal tackle there’s no room for mistakes. Fighting large ambers,yellowtail and GTs will test all your tackle to its limits!
Pick a braid-to-leader knot that has a high strength rating and get good at tying it,even at sea.
My personal favourites are slim wrap knots such as the FG Knot and PR Knot (bobbin knot) that slide easily through the guides.Other favourites like the Bristol and Yucatan knots also work,although their tag ends can be a bit tricky through the guides.
It also helps to add a drop of super glue to the tag section of your braid-toleader knots just to prevent the knot wriggling loose under heavy tension.
When it comes to tying your terminal tackle (either with a solid ring or a heavy swivel) on to your assist hook, also use a strong knot such as a modified Figure 8,Uni or Palomar knot.Bad knots result in lost fish…
VERTICAL JIG BASICS
Generally speaking,vertical jigs (also called speed jigs or knife jigs) are long, slender jigs usually with flat sides and two attachment points at the top and bottom.
The weighting of the jig is very important,with most jigs needing a fast fall rate and very little side-to-side flutter action.You’re really looking for a vertical darting action.Most successful vertical jigs are centre-weighted or tailweighted to achieve this.Good examples of successful vertical jigs are the Williamson Benthos and Abyss,Zest Curved Slider and Deep Slim, Kingfisher Pinnacle and JYG Stryke.
The most common weights are 120g,150g,200g,250g,300g,350g and 400g.A good rule of thumb is approximately 100g of weight per 25m of water depth,obviously dependent on current.
Dwayne is acknowledged as Durban’s jigging godfather and has made some spectacular catches of numerous species, including this 102cm fork length greater amberjack, his most memorable catch while slow pitch jigging. Tackle used: PE1.5-3 with 6k grinder and 40 lb. 100g little jack type 5 jig.
Dwayne proves you really can catch anything on a jig, including daga.
Dwayne’s best blacktip kingfish on jig to date is this 96cm fork length specimen caught on his 40 lb setup.
As for colours,you don’t need to get too technical,but my experience leans towards these colours as personal preference:Pink/silver (everything eats pink!),green/silver (a proven amberjack favourite),chartreuse/glow (for green or discoloured water),and finally my absolute favourite – pearl/silver.
Try to pick jigs that include some glow features such as glow eyes,glow painted edges or dots – they add an extra element that fish love.
WHICH ASSIST-HOOK STYLE?
Good terminal tackle is vital.As Justin mentioned,don’t skimp on quality! Most jigs come with low-quality assists from the factory (to keep costs down); rather get into the habit of throwing those away and making your own assists.
Use good hooks – the fish you are targeting have big mouths and you need strong hooks.The general rule of thumb is that the gape of the hook should be wider than the body of your jig.That generally means a hook in the 8/0 to 11/0 size range for most vertical jigs from 120g to 400g.Mustad and VMC make great jigging hooks while BKK supply top quality pre-made assists.
Kevlar cord is the most popular material for making up your assist cords.The length of assist for a vertical jig is usually no longer than one third of the jig’s body,but having the bottom of the hook about 10mm below the eye of the jig delivers the least tangles and best hook-up ratio.For vertical jigging a stiffer Kevlar cord works best.Cord can be bought from BKK and JigStar.
My personal favourite,although it’s slightly more technical,is using crimped multi-strand steel wire assists with heat shrink.
SINGLE OR DOUBLE HOOKS?
This is up to personal choice,but these fish usually hit the jig with enough force that one hook does the trick. Double hook rigs can have the disadvantage of swinging around and hooking the fish outside the mouth,on the face or in the gill area.
My personal opinion? Use a single hook assist for speed jigging and leave the multiple assist hook rigs for slowpitch jigging.
HOW TIGHT MUST THE DRAG BE?
If you have bought the right type of reel for the job,max drag ratings will be in the 15- to 20kg range,but jigging at these drag settings on full-lock is not just impractical,it’s actually pretty dangerous! Rather have your drag set at around 75% of max and you can always tighten up once you’re hooked-up,or else palm the reel for extra drag.
The first 5- to 10m off the bottom is where you really need your drag to
Dwayne’s best catch to date on the pee shooter is this 96cm fork length GT caught in 20m of water. Tackle used: PE1.5-2 with 3k Twinpower, 15 lb braid and 40g Jigpara.
Dwayne caught this beautiful prodigal son off Durban on a jig.
Dwayne’s stunning bluefin kingfish caught on a jig.
Dwayne caught this 29kg yellowfin tuna on a DIY bullet spoon with an attest squidy on his 40 lb setup.
bully the fish away from structure;once he’s up off the floor you’ll be able to continue the fight with less drag.
Always jig with a firm stance –brace against the gunnel and don’t lean overboard or you may just find yourself taking a swim.Seriously though,respect how hard the Seriola species and kingfish fight and be physically prepared for a wrestle.
WHICH RETRIEVES WORK BEST?
Let’s be honest straight up:Speed jigging or mechanical jigging is hard work.But it is also hugely rewarding.To learn the cadence and timing requires practice,but there are some great tutorials online,particularly on the New Zealand jigging channels,where you can watch instructional videos to help you learn the basic action.
If I had to describe it in simple terms,the concept is one rod lift, half a reel handle turn,one rod drop,half a reel handle turn.This is synchronised,with each hand moving in unison.
The result is a fast pitch retrieve that causes the jig to dart rapidly upwards,triggering an aggressive, instinctive strike response from fish.
Basically,find a showing close to the bottom,and make sure your drift is set up correctly with light or slack current and no wind interference.Drop your jig and free-
spool until it hits the floor.Click over the bail or put your reel into gear,and take a large sweeping lift and retrieve to clear the jig off the floor.You don’t want to hook up right on the floor or get snagged.Begin your speed jigging action for 20-30 winds,then let the jig fall back to the bottom on free-spool (while you rest) and repeat.
Generally you don’t want to jig
much higher than 10- to 20m off the bottom or above the showing on your fish finder.Stay in the zone and you will get rewarded.
Don’t worry,there’s no need to guess when you hook up – your jig gets smashed and you are instantly thrown into a power struggle! Make sure you pull hard early on to keep the fish away from structure.Once you’ve turned his head,keep pumping with steady pressure until the fish is away from the floor.
selection of Mark’s favourite jigs and assist hook setups.
EXTRA TIPS
You can never have enough jigs! Make sure you have a good selection of sizes and colours and to try double-up on each;that way,if you lose a winner at least you have a backup.
Be organised – have a proper jig bag,spare leader line,knot bobbin,pre-made assist hooks,split ring pliers and a decent rod-bucket.These will all make life easier and limit time wasted when the fish are eating metal.
Jigging fitness comes with time,and in the beginning it’s normal to feel the physicality of this facet.However,nothing beats that first bump on your jig followed by battling the sheer power of an angry fish determined to cut you off on the reef.It’s an addiction and certainly something that you can’t get enough of!
A
Justin with another juvenile amberjack caught on a jig.
Mark was thrilled to catch this yellowtail on a jig.
Excellence propels Furuno to the top
FURUNO proudly accepted six Product of Excellence awards at the 2024 NMEA Awards,pushing their total to an impressive 260 NMEA wins since 1971.Each year NMEA members – dealers,distributors,industry professionals and certified technicians – vote for the industry’s top products.
The consistent recognition of Furuno’s products underscores their enduring reputation for excellence and reliability among marine professionals and boaters worldwide.
Furuno’s award-winning technology was once again the industry favourite at the 2024 NMEA Products of Excellence awards ceremony held in Providence,Rhode Island,USA. Nominated in all major categories,Furuno was awarded five category product excellence awards,while its sister company, TimeZero,was awarded one.
BEST RADAR: FURUNO DRS4D NXT
For the seventh consecutive year,Furuno’s DRS4DNXT SolidState Doppler Radar earned the top spot in the Radar category.This 24”compact radome boasts cutting-edge features like Target Analyzer™,Fast Target Tracking,and RezBoost Beam Sharpening,plus Risk Visualizer and AI Avoidance Route when connected to new NavNet TZtouchXL MFDs,exemplifying Furuno’s extraordinary commitment to innovation.
BEST NMEA SENSOR: FURUNO SCX-20 SATELLITE COMPASS
The SCX20 Satellite Compass celebrated its fifth consecutive victory in the NMEA2000 Sensor category.Its unique fourantenna design ensures accurate heading,pitch,roll and heave calculations,even when only a single satellite is in view.This makes it a rugged,dependable choice for marine environments around the globe.
BEST COMMERCIAL PRODUCT: FURUNO FAR-2228NXTBB
In the Commercial category, Furuno’s FAR2228NXTBB Radar achieved its fourth win, further solidifying its status as a game-changer.This 600-watt Solid-State IMO Radar integrates powerful technologies like Automatic Clutter Elimination (ACE) and Fast Target Tracking,while its lighter,streamlined antenna and gearbox minimise weight, drag,and maintenance.
BEST MARINE SPECIALITY PRODUCT: FURUNO
CSH-8LMK2 OMNI SONAR
Furuno’s CSH-8LMK2 Full-Circle Omni Scanning Sonar notched up its fourth consecutive win in the Marine Specialty category.A favourite among serious sportfishermen,this midfrequency sonar provides 360-degree detection of fish and schools,along with detailed seabed visuals in 16 colours.It has earned widespread acclaim in both commercial fishing and competitive sportfishing arenas,proving invaluable to midwater trawlers,purse seiners and tournament anglers .
BEST FISH FINDER: FURUNO DFF3D
Furuno’s unrivalled DFF3D Multibeam Sonar continues its reign in the Fish Finder category,securing its seventh consecutive Product of Excellence award.The DFF3D delivers unparalleled fish-finding capabilities,offering a 3D,120-degree view of fish and underwater structures from port to starboard.With its Personal Bathymetric Generator (PBG),users can create detailed bathymetric charts on the go.Features like Follow-it, which allows anglers to generate constant-depth routes along the ridges mapped by the DFF3D and send them to the autopilot,are continuously integrated into NavNet TZtouch3 and TZtouchXL software,enabling anglers to elevate their fishing techniques in ways unmatched by other fish finders.
BEST MARINE SOFTWARE: TIMEZERO PROFESSIONAL
TZ Professional software from Furuno partner MaxSea/Nobeltech claimed its eighth consecutive award in the Marine Software category.Known for its blend of safety and performance features,TZ Pro offers highly customisable features for navigators in many industries from sportfishing to survey and maritime security applications.TZ Pro integrates seamlessly with Furuno’s awardwinning sensors,making it a goto solution for professional mariners worldwide.
Furuno Electric Company of Japan,a leading manufacturer of marine electronics for navigation,fish finding,and communications products,is represented in South Africa by Taylor Marine South Africa.
For further information visit www.taylormarine.co.zaor www.furuno.co.za.
Left: Furuno USA team members with the awards.
Newbies take the win at 2024 Queens of the Ocean
By Sheena Carnie
THE Queens of the Ocean deep sea fishing competition is like no other event on KwaZulu-Natal’s annual fishing calendar,not least because it’s a huge ladies-only tournament.That’s not the only difference,though ...the vibe is just on a whole other level,largely thanks to the superb organisation by Velia Tonkin and her committee.And don’t let the beautifully manicured nails and carefully coordinated outfits mislead you – these women are serious about their fishing and are fiercely competitive,but they’re going to jol in style while they do it.
Even seasoned fishing tournament attendees like the sponsors from Lowrance and Yamaha,and photographer Justin Klusener remarked on the high level this tournament attains in every aspect,from the vibe and slick organisation to food and entertainment.
And the fishing doesn’t disappoint either – at least not once you’re out on the water.
This year,the last weekend in August saw 114 women anglers and their entourages take over the town of St Lucia on the KZN north coast.
Photos by Justin Klusener and Sheena Carnie
As always,the first night of the comp is a big reunion among anglers who may not have seen each other for a year,and a celebration in advance of the great weekend that lay ahead.The anglers were also blown away by the amazing goodie bags the ladies each received. This year a fabulous Polarbox was part of the loot for each entrant.
Sadly,on the first fishing day the cold,misty,wet weather did its best to dampen the ladies’spirits,particularly those who were fishing on small,open boats.For the team aboard Ocean Commotion,however,there was unanimous approval for their choice of boat which came with a bigger price tag than other charters,but also had a lovely big,dry cabin where we could shelter from the elements.
Despite the weather,the boats were all lined up at the boom gate to St Lucia beach by 5.30am,waiting for the gate to open.With the river mouth silted up,the boats would be launching at Mapelane rather than St Lucia,but only once we’d heard from the safety committee if it was a go or no-go.
The women anglers on Ocean Commotion – Udine Lourens,Antoinette Stock,Minette Johnstone and Melinda Scheepers – were hoping desperately they would be able to get out on the sea to try their luck,even if the conditions were unpleasant.Although they’ve all fished at Sodwana and Moçambique,this was the first time any of them had fished at St Lucia and in a competition.
It wasn’t to be though.Around 6.30am the safety committee postponed the final decision to 8.30am,because at that stage the mist was too thick to see the sea conditions properly,and they suspected the southerly wind would wreak havoc with the small boats once we were beyond the shelter of the Mapelane headland.Eventually the
call was made –no fishing on day one.
It didn’t take the ladies long to find alternative entertainment, gathering with friends somewhere in town or taking a drive through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park to while away the hours until it was time for the theme party that night.
This year’s theme was “Beach Party”and,as usual,all the teams went to town dressing up.A fabulous party was had by all,with the ladies dancing the night away to the sounds of the excellent live band,Ghapi.It was never going to be a late night,though,because for some the party had been raging all day,and the women were eager to get out on the water early the next morning.
Saturday dawned dry and less windy to start with,and the outlook was good.This year the organisers had opted for a shotgun start to make it fairer on all the anglers,so the early boats all bounced around on the bumpy swell behind the backline waiting for the rest of the competitors to launch.
And .....GO! Once the last boat was on the backline,all the skippers pushed their throttles forward and headed for their chosen hot spots.
Stuart Worthington,a St Lucia local and Ocean Commotion's skipper,had a strong game plan to get his ladies as many fish as he could manage.To start with,they headed south at top speed,ready to target some snoek before moving on to target other gamefish.
Even before any fish had been caught it was a good day, with the anglers being treated to displays of multiple whales breaching and slapping their tails,dolphins cruising by and even a turtle idly watching the boat pass nearby.
As Ocean Commotion slowly trolled south past the beautiful forested Mapelane dunes,with the easterly wind starting to pick up,Stuart noticed birds diving closer inshore.STRIKE! Udine was up first,and before long she had her blacktip kingfish alongside the boat ready to be measured and released.
The ladies knew Stuart’s tactics were spot on when they had another strike – this time a beautiful snoek for Minette. Two species ticked off and the ladies were starting to get excited.
With the water green and fairly cold at 22°C,it was clear the snoek and birds were both feeding in the shallows.A few minutes later Stuart’s hot spot produced another snoek,this time for Minette.The diving planers were clearly doing their job getting the lures down to the snoek, and Stuart was looking confident.Local knowledge is king.
A few minutes later Udine was on strike and landed a nice snoek,followed shortly thereafter by another fat snoek for Melinda and a sarda-sarda and snoek for Antoinette.Although the sarda-sardas still wouldn’t weigh,deckhand Dylan du Toit assured the ladies their fillets would be good on the braai.
With the north-easterly wind picking up,the snoek went off the bite and it was clearly time for a change of tactics. Stuart set course for the ledge out in 50m of water where the ladies could target tuna – or perhaps a billfish.
The boat hadn’t been trolling along the ledge for long when a proper commotion broke out.Melinda had hooked into a beautiful big dorado that sliced through the water,its electric blue fins putting on a stunning display.
Bringing the bounty to the boat was no easy feat,though, with the fish doing its best to escape,forcing the ladies to perform some nimble footwork on their tour around the walkaround cabin.Both skipper and deckie later confided they weren’t sure the ladies were up to the task,but these women were determined not to let their quarry get away,and eventually the gaff was sunk into a beautiful fat,yellow dorado.
The jubilation was raised another notch when the ladies realised they had their third species on the scoreboard,and the multiplication factor would make a huge difference to their score.
The tuna weren’t biting out deep,and with the north eastlerly pumping,even the ’cuda weren’t interested in the ladies’ offerings,so it was time to head back to meet the weigh in deadline.
On the ride back to beach at St Lucia,Minette could be heard joking nervously about eating her socks if their team won that night.Time would tell...
Back at the weigh in it was obvious the queen mackerel (snoek) were definitely out in force,with 46 of them being landed,the biggest a whopping 9.06kg.Although they’re usually summer fish,four big dorado were also weighed.Chriché van der Linde brought in the heaviest fish of the day – a stunning dorado that pulled the scales to 16.7kg.Ten yellowfin tuna also came to the scales,with the heaviest weighing in at 13.84kg.Two lucky anglers also released sailfish,adding some extra excitement to their day.
By the end of weigh in there was still no clear winner,and the anglers all had to wait until prize giving to see who would be crowned Queens of the Ocean for 2024.
A good win by the Springboks against the All Blacks set the tone for the evening,and then it was time to hand out the huge pile of prizes and trophies the organisers had gathered.
In the end,the top angler was Jacqueline Meyer fishing on Legasea,Top junior angler was Lana Leibrandt fishing on Free Spirit,and Team Ocean Commotion’s haul of snoek,a 15.32kg dorado and the released kingfish ensured they were top boat of the 2024 event!
Dinner and dancing continued into the early hours,none celebrating harder than Team Ocean Commotion,with everyone praising the organisers for raising the bar still higher than it’s been in years gone by.
It took the women on Ocean Commotion a while to fully grasp they had won,but soon they were ready to tell the tale ...
ROCKING THEBOAT
By Antoinette Stock, Team Ocean Commotion
INDEED,a commotion is exactly what it was. We newbies made sure we rocked the boat!
Leaving Pongola,all packed,ready and hyped about our first deep sea fishing competition,the question popped up:“What if we win?”The response:“Imagine that!”was quickly followed with laughter.
Day one:It was a great disappointment when fishing was called off,as we were ready to experience any amount of unpleasantness just to be able to fish,even though the short trip to the beach and back ensured we had almost frozen feet and four layers of clothing to undress.
Day two:By 5am we were ready to go.Directly after launching,sitting behind the backline waiting for all the boats to launch,we cornered our skipper:“What is the plan?”I mean we only had one day.Skipper Stuart,supported by Deckhand Dylan,comfortably and very calmly responded:“Well,firstly we will try to get a couple of snoek,then we’ll go deeper to try for tuna and other species.”It was clear we were in good hands.
We were all ready for action,and whenever there was a slight noise we were on it – whoever’s turn it was fought the fish and the rest secured the other rods;we didn’t want our lines crossing! While reeling in her line at one point,Minette said, “Julle,ek dink daar is iets aan die hierdie lyn!” In an instant our mindset changed from being there “just for fun”,to “What if there’s a chance we can win?”
By that stage we’d hooked a couple of bonnies and sardasarda (unfortunately too light to weigh),landed seven snoek and released a kingfish.With our confidence at an all-time high,now was the time to go deeper,as planned,to get another species.
The real commotion on the ocean for our boat happened when we heard a very loud “Zzzz”,as Melinda would say.She was next in line and very excited.It had always been a dream of hers to catch a big dorado,but that was definitely not an expectation for this day.
Based on the way the line just kept running and running, Melinda knew it was a big fish,and the thought that it might be a sailie popped up a couple of times.Imagine that!
Melinda fished clever,leaving the line to run whenever the fish took off,otherwise it would have been an endless battle with herself instead of the fish.With a possibility of a third species,we knew we needed to get this one on the boat! Ocean Commotion was perfectly equipped for this fight,but it was like this fish was testing all of Melinda and the team’s skills.
She started off fighting the fish standing in one place,but with too much effort going into keeping the rod in the bucket,I stepped in to offer that assistance from behind.The fish wasn’t going to give up easily and decided to run to the front
of the boat and then under the boat and around to the other side!
Our team was focused on trying not to panic and really appreciated,Dylan calmly instructing Melinda to follow her fish,with no shouting which would have panicked us even more.With me still helping hold the rod in the bucket, Melinda and I moved around the cabin as quickly as we could,with Minette lending a hand when Melinda lost her takkie along the way!
Of course even in the midst of chaos there needs to be a video,so thank goodness Udine is skilled at using a camera too,and not just at fishing.Although the others had seen the fish in the water,it was only when it jumped out of the water, that Melinda realised it was a dorado,and only at weigh in did we know it was over 15kg!
There was a lot of jumping up and down,plus shouting mixed with high fives on the boat when the dorado was safely onboard,and Stuart and Dylan were left to wrestle it into the hatch.
Happiness is a small word to describe the enormous emotions linked to the relief knowing we had our third species on our boat – just as Skipper Stuart had “planned”– and,with that,the possibility of a place at prize giving.
Standing in the queue at weigh in,the waves of doubt came from all angles as the other lady anglers also queued up with their bags of fish.
Finally it was time for the formalities and the prize giving: Ocean Commotion was announced as the top boat of Queens of the Oceans 2024! What a team,what a privilege, what an experience!
Our emotions were all over the place:Proud.Crazy – we actually won! Proud.A feeling one cannot explain with words,but one that will stay with us for a very long time.
Diarise the dates now for next year’s competition: 28 to 30 August 2025. See you in St Lucia.
TOP TEN ANGLERS
Eleanor Roode, Fintastic
10. Kendell Coombes, Nkunzi Malanga
TOP FIVEBOATS
1. Ocean Commotion
2. Free Spirit
3. Legasea
4. SMG Yamaha
5. Valhalla
TOPJUNIORANGLER
Lana Leibrandt, Free Spirit
TOPFIVEWEIGHED FISH
1. 16.70kg dorado, Chriché van der Linde
2. 15.32kg dorado, Melinda Scheepers
3. 13.84kg yellowfin tuna, Bianca Leibrandt
4. 11.80kg dorado, Jacqueline Meyer
5. 10.12kg dorado, Sammy de Robillard
By Elsabe Baker, Optometrist
WHEN anglers gear up for a day on the water,their minds typically focus on rods,reels,bait and lures. However,one essential tool that’s often overlooked is a quality pair of polarised sunglasses.
While they are often seen as just another accessory,these sunglasses are crucial for protecting your eyes and enhancing your fishing performance.In addition to making it easier to spot fish and reduce glare,they protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays,which can cause long-term eye damage.
Combining polarised sunglasses with other protective gear like hats ensures that you stay safe while enjoying your time on the water.
Fishing involves long hours spent outdoors,often in direct sunlight.While the warmth and brightness of the sun may be pleasant,it also comes with dangers,particularly in the form of UV radiation.UV rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun.There are two types of UV rays that are especially harmful to human eyes:UVA and UVB.Extended exposure to these rays can lead to severe eye conditions such as cataracts,macular degeneration,and even temporary vision loss from a condition called photokeratitis,which is essentially a sunburn of the eyes.
Many anglers may not realise that the water around them amplifies their exposure to UV rays.When sunlight reflects off the water’s surface,it increases the intensity of the UV radiation that reaches your eyes,heightening the risk of long-term damage.For anyone spending hours on a boat,dock or shoreline,this constant UV exposure is a silent but dangerous hazard.
Taking steps to protect your eyes from these harmful rays is critical,and one of the best ways to do so is by wearing polarised sunglasses designed for outdoor activities.
When sunlight reflects off surfaces such as water,sand or a boat’s deck,it creates intense,blinding glare that makes it difficult to see.This glare not only causes discomfort but also forces your eyes to strain,leading to fatigue, headaches,and reduced visual clarity.
The lenses in polarised sunglasses contain a special filter that blocks horizontally polarised light,which is the primary source of glare.By filtering out this light,the sunglasses allow you to see more clearly and with less strain.
This enhanced visibility can be especially beneficial for anglers,as it enables you to see below the surface of the water.Being able to spot fish,underwater vegetation and obstacles gives you a significant advantage.
Polarised sunglasses also improve depth perception and contrast,allowing for better judgement when fishing and skippering.For anglers who rely on visual cues to identify fish movements or subtle water changes,this enhanced vision can make a big difference.
While many sunglasses may block some UV rays,not all provide the full protection you need.When selecting sunglasses for fishing,it is essential to choose ones that offer 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays.This level of protection ensures that your eyes are fully shielded from harmful radiation,regardless of how long you’re exposed to the sun.
It’s important to note that darker lenses don’t necessarily mean better UV protection.Always check the labelling of sunglasses to ensure they meet the necessary UV protection standards.
In addition to clocking UV rays,quality polarised sunglasses are make from durable materials that are resistant to shattering or scratching.When you’re out on the water,sunglasses can be exposed to harsh conditions,including wind,saltwater and impact.High-quality lenses will ensure that your sunglasses continue to offer protection and clarity even in tough environments.
While polarised sunglasses are key to protecting your eyes,they work even better when paired with other protective gear.A wide-brimmed hat is an excellent companion to your sunglasses, providing an additional layer of protection by shielding your face,head and neck from the sun’s direct rays.The brim helps block sunlight from reaching your eyes at different angles,reducing your overall exposure to UV radiation.
Without adequate protection,the cumulative effects of sun exposure can lead to irreversible eye damage. Cataracts,which cause clouding of the eye’s lens,and macular degeneration, which affects the retina,are two of the most common eye conditions associated with long-term UV exposure.Both can result in significant vision loss, impacting not only your ability to fish, but also your general quality of life.
Beyond the immediate benefits of reducing glare and improving visibility, polarised sunglasses safeguard your vision for the future.If you consistently protect your eyes from UV radiation, you reduce the risk of developing these debilitating conditions later in life.
When selecting your gear for your next fishing trip,remember that investing in the right pair of sunglasses with proper UV protection is as important as choosing the right rod and reel.Your eyes will thank you for it,both now and in the future.
PRESIDENT’SREPORT: A UNIQUE FISHING TOURNAMENT
Photos by Justin Klusener
THE SADSAA All Stars is a remarkable fishing event that enables individuals with disabilities to enjoy a weekend of angling, camaraderie and celebration.After two successful years in Durban,the 2024 event moved to Richards Bay,offering fresh opportunities for participants,and setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.Hosted by the Richards Bay Ski Boat Club from 9 to 11 August 2024, this year’s event marked a new chapter in celebrating inclusivity within the fishing community.
More than just a fishing tournament, the SADSAA All Stars event is designed to show that the sea is accessible to every-
Chris Schorn, SADSAAPresident
one – with the right guidance and support. This year,20 teams participated,each consisting of a skipper (who provided the boat),a mentor (a provincial/SADSAA/Protea angler),a guardian,and of course,the All Star.Over the course of the weekend,the teams enjoyed two days of fishing and participated in both opening and closing ceremonies,all while gaining insight into the sport of angling.
DESIGNING THE SADSAA ALL STARS LOGO
When Neil Coetzer,the SADSAA developments officer,asked Brenda Boshoff to design the All Stars logo,she was thrilled yet faced with a challenge:how could she create a design that harmonised with the SADSAA logo and other fishing federations? The
task was personal for Brenda,as her journey in the world of fishing had a deep connection to her family.
Her son,Barend,joined the fishing community at the age of nine.Through hard work,dedication,and a passion for the sport,he quickly learned that persistence pays off.Although he didn’t fully grasp it at first,as he experienced new places,made lasting friendships and honed his fishing skills,his drive to succeed grew.
Supporting him at every step was his older sister,Annika, who,despite having special needs,never wavered in her pride and support.Every time Barend returned from a tournament,she eagerly awaited him on the shore,excited to hear how many fish he had caught.
As Barend progressed to high school and earned a spot on the SADSAA junior team,Annika posed a heartfelt question: “When will I get my chance to be nominated?”She too dreamed of being part of the SADSAA team.
This moment of innocence and ambition became the inspiration for Brenda’s design.Her vision for the logo was rooted in the belief that no matter what challenges we face, everyone has a dream,and Annika’s was to be an angler.
The marlin that tops the logo represents strength, courage,determination,and the will to be the best – a fitting symbol for the All Stars team.Known as one of the most beautiful and powerful fish in the ocean,the marlin reflects the qualities SADSAA instills in its anglers.
The vibrant colours in the logo,shaped to resemble children,signify the diversity of disabilities,including Down syndrome,autism,Prader-Willi syndrome and hearing impairments.The half-circle at the base symbolises SADSAA’s supportive embrace which nurtures,encourages and guides anglers to achieve their full potential.
In Brenda’s words,“We are all different,but equally important.”
LETTHEFUNBEGIN!
Months of preparation went into making this event possible.Led by Nikki Davies and Jean Schoonhoven,with guidance from Neil Coetzer and Anton van den Berg,the organising team worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth and successful event.
At last the day arrived,and the excitement was palpable as participants gathered for registration on the Friday,where each angler received a goody bag generously filled with gifts from sponsors. After all the fomalities and a hearty dinner,the anglers settled in for a good night’s rest ahead of the weekend’s fishing.
The Saturday morning brought perfect weather,with calm seas and winter sunshine setting the stage for a fantastic day of angling.Twenty vessels,each meticulously prepared, launched from Richards Bay,with participants boarding at the ski-boat club jetty.Safety was a top priority,and once the port captain granted permission,the fleet headed out,with many skippers planning to take advantage of the annual queen mackerel run.
In addition to the excitement of fishing,participants and their families were treated to breathtaking sightings of marine wildlife,including whales,dolphins,and turtles – a magical backdrop to an already incredible day on the water.Special thanks to photographer Justin Klusner and skipper Deon Labuschagne for capturing these unforgettable photos.
The day ended with an impressive haul of queen mackerel,bottomfish and a few garrick.After the weigh-in,participants gathered for a pirate-themed evening of fun and entertainment.
On the Sunday,participants made one last determined effort to get back on the water before the wind picked up at 11am.The game plan remained the same for most vessels,and once again,the ocean blessed the group with sightings of marine wildlife and another round of successful catches. Despite an early return to the harbour,the weigh station was
abuzz with excitement as more queen mackerel and bottomfish made their appearance.
Later that evening participants gathered for a group photo and the closing ceremony.Each participant was honoured with a medal,trophy,and certificate,celebrating their involvement in this unforgettable weekend.
This year’s All Stars event would not have been possible without the support of countless individuals and sponsors.A heartfelt thank you goes to Yvonne van Duyker from Zululand Deep Sea Angling,as well as the families who
entrust their loved ones to this special community,and the skippers and gillies who generously offer their time,vessels and expertise.Their dedication ensured that all 150 guests were graciously accommodated.
The 2024 SADSAA All Stars event will be remembered for its camaraderie,shared experiences,and lifelong memories. More than just a tournament,it highlighted the fishing community’s generosity and spirit,proving that this group of anglers is a family united by a love of the sport and a commitment to inclusivity.
Tips on buying secondhand boats
By Craig Stubbs
THE best boat you’ll ever have,is a friend’s boat,they say,and for the most part that’s pretty true, but every man wants his own boat sitting proudly in his driveway to greet him each and every day when he gets home.And nothing gives one as much joy as getting a good fish off one’s own craft,or having a great day out on the water with one’s mates,family or kids on one’s own boat.
Nowadays the boat market is much more accessible than ever before.At the same time,it’s also much more daunt-
ing,and one mistake on the buying journey can potentially lead to a disaster,ruining what should be an exciting and fulfilling experience.
In this article we are going to focus on the secondhand/pre-loved boat market,and I hope to give you some pointers and perspectives on this journey you plan to undertake.
My first piece of advice is to know what you want.I have seen a number of posts where prospective buyers ask:“Is anyone selling a good cat in the 16- to 21ft range? This is akin to shopping around for a double cab bakkie,but also considering a four-seater sedan.
Before you begin looking at boats you need to know a few basics:
•Where will you be doing the majority of your launching? Harbour or protected launch,tractor or hand push?
•How many people will you mostly be fishing with?
•Will you be towing long distances?
•Based on your experiences,what aspects of fishing off other people’s boats,appealed to you the most? Once you have properly considered and answered these questions,then you can narrow down the size and style vessel that will be most suitable for you.
Something few people get to see or understand when buying a second hand boat. This is the scale of work involved when a boat’s flotation and underdeck structure needs to be re-done.
Boats come in all shapes and sizes. When you’re shopping around,one of the first things you will need to consider is the great “cat vs mono”debate, although these days catamaran hulls are far more common than monohulls.
The saying of “bigger boats,bigger headaches”can ring true,but nothing beats the fishability of larger craft.Then again,the ease of launching and the “towability”of smaller vessels makes life a whole lot easier.
You need to accept that as much time is spent with your vessel off the water as on it,and aspects like manoeuvrability at home,maintenance and getting down to and on to the water are equally as important as your actual fishing time onboard.
Layout is another huge factor to consider,and by layout I refer to the design of consoles,transoms,hatches, roll bars and rod holders.I’ve fished on small boats that “fish”like bigger boats, as well as bigger boats that felt cramped due to their layout.Here again,use your experience aboard other people’s vessels to shape your thoughts.
To cut a long story short:Take your time to know what you want before you start the buying journey.
Now that you have narrowed down what style and size of vessel may be most applicable to your needs,you have two choices.One is working through a reputable boat dealer or trader,and the other is going it alone,and it is here that things can really go well – or end in disaster.
DEALINGWITHADEALER
Working with a dealer has some really positive upsides.They should be able to partner with you on that purchase jour-
ney and,using the feedback you give them,they could potentially recommend a suitable vessel from their stock. You also have the added security that –if you are partnering with a well respected dealer – they should be able to assist you both pre-sale and post-sale with any niggles or issues that you may notice when selecting a vessel or that may arise post-purchase.
Reputable dealers can also assist with finance applications through financial institutions,as many people simply do not have access to cash to purchase a vessel outright.
The downside of buying from a dealer is that they may not have a huge amount of stock,and may talk you into buying something that you didn’t initially think would be suitable.You may find yourself scratching your head a year or two later,wondering why you took that salesperson’s advice in the first place.
A dealer should be able to offer you some form of security and/or warranty on the purchase of a craft,but this is a discussion that you need to have upfront,preferably well documented,so that both you and the dealer are well protected going forward.
Of course buying through a dealer often comes at a price premium and you will generally pay more for a vessel purchased via a dealer than you would pay via a private sale.We need to understand,however,that dealers have businesses to run and overheads to pay,and often have to do a bit of work on boats that they trade-in before they go onto the sales floor,so this “premium”price tag is often well justified.Then again, there are also times when it is not.
Not too long ago,a mate asked me to go and have a look at a small second-
hand vessel that an individual was selling privately.We had a good look at the boat,and it was in pretty good shape and was “priced to sell”.For one reason or another my mate decided not to buy the vessel,but my jaw dropped when, less than a week later,I saw the exact same vessel listed via a dealer at nearly double the price it was advertised for privately.
A lot of people would accuse the dealer of “daylight robbery”and overcharging,and the thought crossed my mind too,but I think dealers,much like private buyers,are often faced with the consequences of buying stock and being met with hidden surprises.As such,they have to protect themselves and their operating model,and it is here that I turn to the world of “private buying”and the real crux of this article.
PRIVATE POSSIBILITIES
Never before have potential buyers and sellers been able to connect as easily as they can in these current times.The world of social media and online advertising platforms means that secondhand selling of most items – including boats – has become as easy as a few clicks of a button.
This is hugely exciting,as there are loads of potential bargains out there, but it’s equally daunting and extremely risky for the uninformed.
In the world of boats where so many potential pitfalls are hidden well out of sight,the excitement of purchasing can quickly turn into a nightmare. You really need to do your homework and be thorough if you are considering buying direct from a private seller.
Firstly,and in general,remember that you have virtually no recourse and
this is something you need to be comfortable with,as it means that every expense that happens “post sale”is going to be for your account,so make sure you know as near as possible what those expenses may be.
Never listen to a boat seller who says,“Yeah,that’s just a small issue and is quick and not too expensive to fix.” FACT:Fixing boats is not cheap and is often way more complicated than initially expected or envisaged.A small “soft spot”on the deck normally means the whole deck needs to be cut out,lifted and replaced.And when you open up said deck,you may often find that work is required underneath that, which can mean flotation,stringers, bulkheads,transoms etc,so never underestimate the costs involved in doing work on a boat.
Also,don’t think back to ten years ago when replacing a deck cost “X”. Raw materials and other costs have sky rocketed in the boat building world, and in some instances costs have doubled within a few short years,so you may well far underestimate what you are truly in for.
WHATTOLOOKOUTFOR
My rule of thumb when inspecting a boat is to always prepare for the worst case scenario.I inspect a vessel as follows:
• Deck and hatches
You need to check for soft spots on the deck and inside the hatches.To do this,using small,medium pressure footsteps,walk over every centimetre of the deck,especially around under-deck and above-deck hatches.Then check the insides of any above-deck hatches and the walls and floors of the below-deck hatches.If you find any areas where the floor feels inconsistent or softer underfoot,it’s virtually guaranteed that the deck is compromised and work is needed.In this case I would budget on needing a new deck and would talk to a boat builder to see what that might cost.
• Transom
For those who don’t know,the transom of a vessel is generally a separate structure – usually multiple layers sandwiched together to form a solid structure – which is then laminated to the back of the vessel and fibreglassed in place.
Thoroughly inspect the transom from outside the vessel,paying special attention to areas around the drain plugs and where stainless steel work and transducers etc are secured to the transom.Also check inside the boat where the transom meets the deck.
You are looking for any soft spots or paint bubbling on the transom itself and any water seepage or loose screws under the waterline where anything is externally affixed to the transom.
Remember that a vast area of the transom lies hidden away underneath the deck,inside the vessel,so any soft spots or irregularities discovered externally are normally a sure indication that something is not right internally.
Also check the transom from the side for any “bowing”or shape irregularities.It’s a big job to repair a rotten transom and involves removing the motors, cutting the old transom off the boat, building a new transom and glassing it in place before re-hanging the motors. There are no quick fixes to this,so if a potential boat seems to have a transom issue then budget on needing a full replacement.
The transom of a boat needs thorough inspection, especially around fittings and fixtures, for any signs of possible problems.
• Wiring and cables
My general rule of thumb – unless a boat is very new or exceptionally well maintained – is to always budget on
totally stripping a boat of most of its wiring and replacing it with new,highgrade wiring and cables.It is a job well worth budgeting for,as it can be really
frustrating to “fault find”out on the water and faulty cables generally expose themselves at the worst possible times.
Doing this job yourself is actually a very worthy exercise.It’s a bit slow and finnicky at times,but you’ll be thankful one day that you know each wire,its path and its purpose.
• Steering
These days most boats are equipped with hydraulic steering,and,thankfully, many of the units are serviceable,but it’s important to fully check out the boat’s steering,and if you notice a lack of full functionality,budget accordingly.
Also check if the brand of steering is still available locally and who the agents may be so you know what costs are applicable.Further to this,if you note loads of corrosion along with compromised functionality,you may wish to budget on a new setup,which is expensive.
Cable steering is nowhere near as expensive as hydraulic steering,and if that’s what the boat has,then I would recommend budgeting on a full new cable installation as a matter of course so you have peace of mind.
In the next issue we will look at the potential pitfalls of buying secondhand engines and trailers.
In the meantime,don’t discount either avenue if you’re looking to buy a boat.Whether buying from a dealer or buying privately,each option has its own unique up sides,and possible down sides,so do your homework and take these into account.
The difference between badly done wiring and well done wiring is enormous.
Moments like these are what makes owning a boat so special.
2024 Tigerfish Bonanza
By Mark Wilson
THIS year’s Sodwana Hengelklub Tigerfish Bonanza was the 29th since the inception of this massively popular freshwater fishing competition which is ranked as the largest of its type on the African continent.Having missed the last two Bonanzas,the prospect of wetting a line in the Pongolapoort/Jozini Dam in search of a trophy-sized tigerfish had me chomping at the bit.
For the 2024 event Yamaha and D7 Unique Boats who are both longstanding sponsors of the event teamed up to put up an awesome first prize – a D7 Waveglider 520 powered by a single Yamaha 100hp four-stroke outboard motor.
The Tigerfish Bonanza’s popularity has only grown over the years,with 217 boats entered for the 2024 comptition, which converted to 715 anglers fishing.Most of the participants make use of the campsites provided by Sodwana Fishing Club,and every day and night it’s a hive of activity with tents scattered all over,boats of all sizes ready on trailers, camp fires ablaze and the aroma of braai-vleis on the coals ever present.We may be faced with many constant challenges in South Africa,but a braai is the perfect antidote everytime!
Francois du Plessis with his team, Osprey 3, takes home the boat as the 2024 Tigerfish Bonanza winner.
This years Bonanza was due to be fished on 19,20 and 21 September,with the winning fish being decided based on length as opposed to the weigh-in which was practised in the early days of this event.This ethic has been embraced to ensure minimal mortality of the tigerfish and requires some nimble work from the anglers.
When a tiger is caught,the crew has to submit a video via the Keepnet app,showing the measuring and safe release of the fish.Only fish 400mm or longer could be submitted for consideration,so all the smaller fish were immediately released.
In past years,under the old rules,when a fish was caught, one had to up anchor and run to the closest weigh-station on the water which meant giving up your productive fishing spot and losing valuable fishing time.This new system was implemented at the 2023 event but seemed to have been perfected this year.
The longest fish would win the main prize,and prizes were allocated for all the top 15 longest fish.In the event that two anglers on different boats caught the same length fish, the one caught first woud be considered the leader.Also on offer was a team prize which would be calculated by adding up the lengths of a team’s top four fish over the minimum length.
The Thursday morning dawned and the first day’s fishing of this year’s Bonanza was officially underway.With the flares due to be set off at 6am on the water,signalling the start of proceedings piscatorial,what seemed like a never-ending armada of craft lined up to launch,eager to get a line wet and hopefully bragging rights as champion of the 2024 Tigerfish Bonanza.
This year the dam was near holding capacity,unlike previous years when the rain had been scarce and water levels low.It would be interesting to see if the quality and quantity of fish would improve accordingly.
The first day offered clear skies and a hot day on the water,with high winds being the only challenge,especially for the much smaller craft.Catches were recorded on a regular basis,and by the end of Day One Dreyer Smit on the boat Obsession topped the leaderboard with a 695mm tigerfish.
On the Friday anglers were greeted by an icy morning with grey skies forecast for the entire day.This was a real
anomaly.In general,there is never cold weather at this event; instead anglers are usually faced with blistering high temperatures where using sunblock isn’t a choice but rather a necessity.
On the positive side,the wind had settled down to a moderate speed which made proceedings on the water slightly more comfortable.Frequent catches were registered on the Keepnet app during the course of the day,and by the time lines up was called at 4pm,a new angler now topped the leaderboard.Francois du Plessis fishing on Osprey 3 had caught an impressive 710mm tigerfish!
Various methods are employed to catch these much sought after predatory fish.Lures and spinners,livebait in the form of tilapia,and dead baits like sardines,chicken hearts and chicken livers were all put to the test.Steel traces are also employed,and that helps prevent these fish from using their impressive dentistry to slice through the anglers’lines like a hot knife through butter.
On our boat,this year we found all of the above tactics provoked interest from these wily adversaries.Fishing for these magnificent fish can be frustrating and requires patience and perseverance,but still any day’s fishing – irrespective of the results – will always trump a day in the office.
Rain started during the latter half of the second day’s fishing and settled in properly during the evening,amid reports that snow had started falling in various parts of the country. More than one angler was perplexed as to what weather might be in store for the third and final day’s session.
Saturday dawned with a temperature of 10°C and unabating rain.While many anglers remained cozy under their duvets,some anglers took these adverse conditions on the chin and launched in one last attempt to eclipse the leading fish – or at least improve on their team’s standings,with every millimetre counting.
At Saturday night’s prizegiving,the results showed that the top ten fish averaged out at 677.50mm.Francois’s fish proved impossible to improve on,however,and he kept his spot at the top of the individual leaderboard,taking home the first place prize.
The fish clearly didn’t mind the cold weather,and the anglers on Fm Charlie managed to get several good fish on the final day,improving the combined length of their top four
fish to a total of 2,5 metres.That is an average of 625mm per fish which is a fantastic achievement by anyone’s standards. This effort placed the team in top spot and earned them a trip to Cahora Bassa.Well deserved and congratulations,gentlemen.
I would be remiss if I didn’t pause here to congratulabte the Sodwana Hengelklub chairman,Simeon van Heerden,and his committee on another well organised and very smoothly run Bonanza.
It is my firm belief that this particular fishing event will continue to remain the highlight on many an angler’s calendars for many years to come.Avoid disappointment and make sure you register your team now for the Tigerfish Bonanza 2025.
ABOVE: Dreyer Smit with his 695mm tiger. BELOW: Dreyer walked away with second place prize.
Francois du Plessis showing off his winning tigerfish measuring 710mm in length.
TOPTENTIGERFISH
du Plessis, Osprey
Maree, fm Charlie
5Zyl Janse van Rensburg, AluBoats
Reinstorf, Thunder
OURMOÇAMBIQUEADVENTURE
by Alex van Emmenis (14)
OUR adventure started on 18 March 2024 at Macaneta, Moçambique.We crossed the 42km to Santa Maria on my dad’s boat, Shamwari.This could only be done at high tide,to follow the deeper channels.Very excited,we started our 212 hour trip following my dad’s homemade map based on explanations from friends who often cross by sea,usually taking 112 hours for the trip – much quicker than travelling through the Maputo National Reserve in a 4x4.
My dad’s friends reassured him that prior to the cyclone and heavy storms a week or so earlier it was still safe for the crossing.The water was calm in the river,but as we passed Xefina Island the swells picked up in the southerly wind.Out in the open water,the waves started growing even more – to about 3m.
We quickly got into our raincoats,but we were soaked anyway.Slowly the Butt Cat carried on through the rough sea,and we could see Inhaca Island ahead.Some very big cargo carriers and ships passed us.
Suddenly there was a crack and a jerk,and Shamwari started spinning in circles.Our steering cable had snapped! My dad managed to steer the boat by sitting on one of the motors,forcing Shamwari to go straight, while I had to man the throttles until we got to shallower channels.
Dad then phoned his friend Oom Henk Swart who knew Ricardo at Camp Carlos in Santa Maria,and asked him to help us.After a long soaking wet wait,Ricardo came to tow us to safety.
We were desperate to get Shamwari going,but our new steering cable would only arrive with friends a week later.Meanwhile,my dad and grandad built a homemade steering rod using a garden tripod sprinkler, and a local man,Petrus,helped to install the steering cable when it arrived.
Our bad luck wasn’t over,though:On our first day going out,the trim and tilt broke! Back on land in the rain,we managed to fix it and we took Shamwari out again.
Eventually Shamwari could take us fishing! With only five days left, we got busy! In that time,we caught 15 ’cuda and a big prodigal son that weighed 15kg.The biggest ’cuda was mine,and weighed in at 8kg.We ate fish and chips every night for the rest of the holiday.
There were plenty more adventures on this trip too:
• My brother,Liam,caught himself in the leg with his 4.9kg ’cuda.
• We forgot the gaff the day my mom caught her ’cuda,so we hit it once with the “moerstok”and it came off! My friend Flippie Nieman immediately jumped in and luckily retrieved the fish.
• My sister,Minki,also caught her first ’cuda which weighed 5.3kg.
At the end of our holiday we crossed the bay in less than an hour and we were dry! It was one of the most exciting holidays for us all and I can’t wait to go back for another adventure.
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.
Digital emailed photographs should be high-resolution.
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.
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.
Gavin van der Merwe has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this 14.7kg garrick caught on 10 August 2024 off Ballito.
Wesley Uys has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this 37kg dorado caught on 26 June 2024 off Shelly Beach, KZN.
Jason Farland has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this amberjack weighing 29kg caught off Richards Bay, KZN, in February 2024.
Joanie Viljoen
has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this 6kg Natal snoek caught off St Lucia, KZN, in June 2024.
a Gold Meritorious Award for his outstanding
He wins this issue’s great prize for
This stunning ±30kg sailfish caught and released off Richards Bay, KZN, earned Arno Stander
catch.
KZN Boat Storage has moved to new premises at 82 South Beach Avenue, just 1.2km from the Durban Ski-Boat Club! The new warehouse is ideally situated,with easy access to get in and out with your boat and is larger than the previous warehouse.
They also have a freshwater test tank for full immersion of trailers and boats to run and flush pumps,engines etc.The tank will have SaltAway for effective flushing. Their mechanics will also be on hand to help anyone who has mechanical problems on the beach or at the club,or clients can drop by the shop for help.
Despite the move,KZN Boat Storage’s hours are still 24 hours a day,seven days a week.They are looking forward to offering you a perfectly situated home for your boats.
For more information regarding what is included in your storage fee,visit <www.kznboatstorage.co.za> or contact Mikhael on 078 3245 409 or Charles on 083 6297 500.
GETTING HOOKED
By Kayla Meiring
FISHING has long been perceived as a male-dominated pursuit,often sidelining women who seek to carve their own niche in the sport.My own journey began with little enthusiasm for fishing,but today,I thrive in an environment where my skills and passion shine.
Taking up fishing as a hobby has become one of my greatest joys,transforming an occasional outing into an exhilarating passion.The thrill of being out on the water – whether on calm seas or riding the adrenaline high in rough 2.2m waves –has captivated me.Each trip is filled with unforgettable moments,laughter,and sometimes a little tension and a Rapala Lip or two – especially when I’m fishing with my partner,Alister.
Our fishing adventures often take place on a jetski,where the excitement of the chase mingles with the occasional argument.There have been times when we’ve sat back-to-back in silence,the tension palpable,until suddenly,the line screamed off – a sign that we had something on the line.
In moments like those,all our frustrations dissipate, replaced by the rush of the hunt.Some of the highlights for me have been reeling in impressive snoek and ’cuda weighing over 9kg.These triumphs remind me why I love this sport.But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.
Initially I thought dolphins were our allies,but soon realised they could be mischievious.I remember hanging over the side of the jetski on one occasion,pole in hand,trying to chase them away.They just looked back at us,seemingly laughing,and more than once managed to steal our fish right off the line!
On one trip I managed to snag the line in the engine,lead-
ing to a moaning partner with a big Rapala Lip who had to scramble to free it.Yet those moments are also part of the adventure.I’ve even experienced the thrill of a double catch, reeling in a nice fish as well as a shark that added an unexpected twist to our trip.
Another time it was snack time,and Alister was so focused on the mussels in his hand and navigating the waves that he almost rolled the boat! I found myself clinging on for dear life, laughing at the absurdity of it all.Alister was covered in oil and – obviously – I got the blame.Then there was the unforgettable trip to Moçambique,where we nearly had a whale breach right next to us.
One of my proudest moments was during a tigerfishing competition,where I managed to beat Alister (who is a great fisherman)! It was a perfect illustration of how fishing can bring friends and family together,igniting friendly rivalries and shared joy.
In 2022,a stunning 20.62kg tuna and a formidable 15kg queenfish earned me the title of “Queen of the Ocean”– a personal victory and a statement against the stereotypes that often cloud the female fishing experience.With every cast, I’ve found that fishing is more than just a hobby;it’s a way to bond,to escape,and to embrace the unpredictable nature of the sea.Each adventure leaves me eager for the next,firmly hooked on this beautiful pastime.
This transformation is not merely personal;it speaks volumes about overcoming gender biases and redefining what it means to be a female angler in a traditionally male space.
My evolution from being an indifferent participant to an eager angler is a firm reminder that passion can ignite even the most reluctant hearts,and,with hard work,we women can earn our place among the greatest anglers.
