Nicola Joubert makes history, hooks a podium at Tzaneen Dam

PHALABORWA – A Phalaborwa woman, Nicola Joubert, has become the first woman to earn a podium finish at the Northern Small Craft League’s fourth competition of the 2026 season at Tzaneen Dam on Saturday, April 11.

Tough conditions greet anglers at Tzaneen Dam

According to league spokesperson Derick de Bruyn, 32 anglers turned out on Saturday despite tough pre-fishing reports.

Anglers who had scouted the dam two weeks earlier warned that fishing was extremely difficult.

Still, spirits were high as competitors launched at sunrise.

“Everyone knew it was going to be a grind, but the excitement of fishing with friends kept the mood positive,” he said.

Conditions improve as fish come to the net

Conditions improved slightly on the day, with 17 anglers landing a full five-fish limit and average fish lengths exceeding expectations.

Joubert makes historic breakthrough

History was made when Joubert became the first woman in the league to finish in the top three, securing third place with a total length of 187cm.

Lourens Matthysen of Phalaborwa continued his strong season by taking second place on 188.5cm, while Henko Austin of Polokwane claimed top honours with 190cm.

“A great honour” for Joubert

Additional prizes went to Marcel Coetzer for the smallest fish, a 12.5cm bass, and Theuns Smith for the biggest fish of the day, a 49cm largemouth bass that helped him finish in the top 10.

Joubert told the Herald that it is a great honour, especially in a sport like angling.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the people who supported me to get here.”

Next stop: De Hoop Dam double-header

The league’s next event will be a double-header competition at De Hoop Dam on the first weekend of May.

For more information on the league, call De Bruyn at 083 606 5612.