Louw tops podium at Ebenezer Dam fishing event
Cold weather and a reluctant bite tested competitors in a challenging two-day format on the water.
TZANEEN – Last weekend, 32 determined anglers from the Northern Small Craft League faced icy conditions and a demanding bite at Ebenezer Dam.
Most competitors gathered around the braai on Friday evening, swapping theories on bait selection and tactics, hoping to crack the code before lines hit the water.
This event introduced a new format: instead of catching five fish in a single day, anglers were allowed to record their five best fish across two days. As the bass proved reluctant to feed, many were grateful for the extra time. Even so, only 13 of the 32 anglers managed to land a full five-fish limit over the weekend.
Louw tops podium again
A familiar name once again topped the podium at Ebenezer. Jacques Louw from Tzaneen unlocked a reliable pattern to post an impressive 184cm total and secure the win.
Phalaborwa angler Lourens Matthysen followed closely in second with 178cm, while Logan van Zyl, also from Phalaborwa, claimed third place on 176cm. Matthysen and Van Zyl also lead the Angler of the Year standings, and with just one competition remaining, the title race is heating up.
Big fish honours awarded
The Big Fish award went to newcomer Dean Durrheim of Tzaneen, who landed a superb 46.5cm largemouth bass. Louw added another highlight by catching the largest smallmouth bass at 40cm, while Henko Austin of Polokwane took the small fish honour with a 19.5cm catch.
League race heats up
League organiser Derick de Bruyn congratulated the prize winners, and thanked the sponsors for their continued support.
For more information on the league, contact De Bruyn at 083 605 5612.
