LIMPOPO – Local angler Wynand Piek from Hoedspruit landed the biggest fish of the day during the fifth leg of the 2025 Northern Small Craft League (NSCL), held at De Hoop Dam near Steelpoort, a new venue for the competition.
The event, held on Saturday, attracted 28 dedicated anglers who made the long trip to the dam, many fishing there for the first time. The unfamiliar waters created a buzz of excitement and anticipation among participants.
“This turnout shows real dedication from our anglers, especially considering how far they had to travel,” said Derick de Bruyn of NSCL. “It’s not easy to commit to a venue so far from home.”
Anglers launched early on Saturday morning, and it did not take long before the bass started biting. Several competitors reported reaching their limits before 07:00.
With such a vast stretch of water, each angler chose different spots they believed might hold the prize-winning catch.
By 15:00, competitors returned to shore and made their way to ThandaBantu Lodge, about 10km from the dam, where they spent the night and attended a well-supported prize-giving event.
Leon Grobler, from Phalaborwa, clinched first place with a 5-fish total length of 204.5cm. Fellow Phalaborwa anglers Adriaan Joubert and Logan van Zyl followed closely, with 195.5cm and 195cm, respectively.
The biggest bass of the day, however, came from Hoedspruit’s own Wynand Piek, who hauled in a 59.5cm (2.6kg) largemouth bass using a spinnerbait near submerged trees. On the lighter side, Quintin Coetzee from Kampersrus earned the “small fish” title with a 15cm catch.
De Bruyn thanked the league’s sponsors for their continued support. “Our prize-giving was once again a success. These events wouldn’t be the same without our sponsors, their contributions make it all possible.”
The next NSCL competition will take place at Klaserie Dam on June 6.
For more information on the Northern Small Craft League or to get involved, contact Derick de Bruyn at 083 605 5612.
