LIMPOPO – Two Phalaborwa anglers claimed first and second place, while a Tzaneen local took third, during the final Northern Small Craft League 2025 event on Saturday, August 2, at the scenic Klaserie Dam.

With just a few points separating the top five contenders, the final competition promised excitement, and it certainly delivered.

The weekend began with a relaxed braai and pre-competition briefing on Friday evening at the Klaserie campsite. Spirits were high, but so was the tension, as anglers discussed strategy and braced themselves for the biting cold front sweeping through the region, conditions known to make fishing significantly more challenging.

Despite the chill, 24 determined anglers launched their crafts shortly after 06:00 on Saturday, each hoping to climb the season leaderboard.

Remarkably, 16 of them managed to land full bags of five keeper fish, a testament to both their skill and Klaserie Dam’s continued reputation for quality fishing, even under adverse weather conditions.

The leaderboard was tight, with many fish measuring around the 30cm mark. However, the top five finishers pulled ahead with significant margins. The gap between first and fifth place stood at an impressive 44cm, proving that Klaserie can still produce standout catches when it counts.

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First place: Lourens Matthysen – 216cm

Second place: Johan Bezuidenhout – 200.5cm

Third place: Jacques Louw – 181cm

Bezuidenhout not only secured second place but also landed the biggest fish of the day, a stunning 2.8kg bass measuring 57cm. On the lighter side, Leon Grobler earned a prize for the smallest fish, a modest 18cm specimen.

League organisers extended heartfelt thanks to all sponsors who supported the 2025 season.

“We truly appreciate every single cent that went into making this league a success,” said Derick du Bruyn.

Next, the focus shifts to the national tournament, which will be held at Clanwilliam Dam from September 24 to 28. The top 12 anglers from the 2023–2024 season will travel nearly 4 000 km round-trip to represent their province and compete against four others for national honours.

The organisers welcome any contributions from individuals or businesses willing to support the team’s national journey.

The schedule for the 2026 season will be released soon. Those interested in joining the Northern Small Craft League can contact Derick de Bruyn at 083 605 5612 or follow the Facebook page, Northern Small Craft League, for updates and registration information.