Caitlin talks about her love for fishing

Caitlin Adant has been a keen angler since the age of four but started competing competitively from Grade Eight.

This learner from Hoërskool Dinamika was awarded Victor Ludorum, as well as heaviest bag and most fish caught over the three-day South African Freshwater and Bank Angling Federation (SAFBAF) tour in Bloemhof during the school holidays, beating 60 of the best female anglers in South Africa.

She competed in the Elite Series under the juniors but often competing against senior men and Proteas even beating a few of them over the series. She placed third in the junior final.

We visited her and her mom, Ronelle, to talk about her love for fishing, her passions and her career highlights.

A young woman and fishing

Shawn, her father, exposed her to fishing at a young age and she just fell in love with the sport. “It is something we both like and enjoy,” said Caitlin.

She said that the best part for her is to catch a lot of fish. “Yes, and beating the guys,” she said.

One of the challenges for her is casting. “Sometimes it is a challenge to get the distances that the guys easily obtain.”

She also said that it is quite an expensive sport, as a lot of equipment is needed.

According to her, the fishing community is polite and welcoming. She has met a lot of new people and made many new friends.

Fishing is commonly thought of as a man’s sport, but Caitlin is proving society wrong as she has a big love for fishing, and she is good at it.

“I do feel that there need to be more bathroom facilities for women as some of the venues don’t have this. It is a drawback for a lot of women.”

Caitlin enjoys the sport and spending time with her father and sometimes her mother. Most of the preparation for a fishing day or competition is done the night before.

She will normally get up at 03:00, get dressed and jump into the car. They will then travel to the venue and get everything ready for the long day.

“I normally take an hour to set up everything all by myself, but with help, it takes about 30 minutes.”

The best advice she has ever received is that if one’s distance is not working, increase or decrease it by five meters. “And let me tell you it works,” she said.

Fishing on a competitive level

She said that there is much more to fishing than what the eye can see. There are strict rules and regulations involved in the sport, especially in competitions.

During a competition, she qualified to be part of the Top 20 of the SAFBAF. The event was held in Bloemhof and Caitlin outfished everyone.

She caught a Barbel, which is a catfish weighing 11.336kg. In total, she caught 101 fish over the period of three days weighting 102kg.

She said that it is all about the bait.

“The bait is what attracts the fish,” she said.

Caitlin is also part of the Requin Angling Club and she is also part of the A-team at her school.

“I can’t describe how I feel about my accomplishments. All I can say is that the hard work throughout the year paid off.”

On a personal note

When Caitlin is not in the waters, she enjoys horse riding.

“I adore horses and I have a big love for horse riding. Riding on a horse and feeling the wind in my hair is when I am the happiest.”

Caitlin is one of two children. She has an older brother. She has lived all of her life in Liefde and Vrede in the south of Johannesburg. She attended Waterstone College before starting her high school career at Hoërskool Dinamika. Caitlin described herself as a tall girl who is friendly, competitive and shy.

“I see myself as an introvert, but as soon as I get to know a person better the extrovert part of myself comes out.”

Her parents, Shawn and Ronelle, inspire her. “My father brought me into the sport and taught me everything I know. My mother always makes sure that I have everything from food to clothes to gear. She is my number one fan.”

Something not many know about her is that she is scared of goats. “I just can’t explain it. I am just scared of goats.”

A big thank you

Caitlin wants to thank her peg mates, Ryleigh, Elzari, AJ and Caitlyn for their support and help.

“Thank you to my managers, my captains and my parents for all your support and patience. Thank you for all the advice.”

She also thanked Jumbo from Jumbo Baits and Wesley from Champion Baits who have sponsored and supported.

Sponsorship

If there are any individuals or companies that would like to donate or sponsor the Gauteng young ladies’ team competing in Bloemhof this December contact Ronelle at rozafrica@hotmail.com

All donations will receive an 18A Certificate.