HOEDSPRUIT – Two anglers from Hoedspruit joined 23 others in braving an icy morning on Saturday, July 5, for the seventh leg of the 2025 Northern Small Craft League season.

The event was held at the scenic Ebenezer Dam, a popular winter fishing spot known for its early morning mist and stunning sunrise views.

While the cold kept some anglers in bed, the 25 who registered were hopeful that the winter chill would deliver good bass fishing, as it often does at this time of year.

However, the fishing proved more challenging than expected. Only nine anglers managed to land a full five-bass limit.

Despite the tough conditions, the competition was tight at the top.

Johan Bezuidenhout continued his impressive season by taking first place with a total length of 162.5 cm.

He was closely followed by Jacques Louw from Tzaneen with 161.5 cm, while Adriaan Joubert secured third place with 160.5 cm, also maintaining a strong run this season.

Bezuidenhout also landed the biggest fish of the day, a 44 cm largemouth bass, which helped secure his win.

The largest smallmouth bass, measuring 34 cm, was caught by Johan Smith.

Meanwhile, the smallest catch of the day, a mere 16.5 cm, was reeled in by his brother, Theuns Smith.

The final leg of the season will take place on August 2 at Klaserie Dam, where the race for Angler of the Year is heating up, with the top two contenders running neck and neck.

For more on the league, contact Derick de Bruyn at 083 605 5612.