Matthysen crowned Northern Small Craft Bass League champion

Lourens Matthysen has been crowned the 2026 Northern Small Craft Bass League champion, edging out Logan van Zyl by just one point.

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Adriaan Joubert and Lourens Matthysen represent South African in America in November.

LIMPOPO – Lourens Matthysen has been crowned the 2026 season champion of the Northern Small Craft Bass League Limpopo.

The league is a regional competitive bass fishing circuit operating under the broader umbrella of the South African Bass Angling Association (SABAA).

A championship decided by one point

Matthysen edged out Logan van Zyl by just one point in a closely contested fishing league season.

Matthysen finished the season on 591 points, narrowly securing the top spot ahead of Van Zyl, who ended on 590 points. The pair battled throughout the season, with the championship going down to the wire.

Henko Austin claimed third place with 582 points after another strong campaign on the water.

Logan van Zyl finishes second in the league (left). With him is Derick de Bruyn.

Season celebrated on September 5

The season came to a close with a celebration held on Saturday, September 5, bringing anglers, families and supporters together to reflect on a year filled with competition, friendship and memorable moments.

The event included the presentation of trophies to the league’s leading anglers, as well as several fun awards which added plenty of laughter to the afternoon.

While the focus was on recognising the season’s top performers, the gathering also highlighted the strong camaraderie that has developed among members of the league.

Selected to represent SA in the US

A significant highlight of the season was the selection of Matthysen and fellow angler Adriaan Joubert to represent the South African National Small Craft League in the United States during the first week of November.

The opportunity is a major achievement for both anglers, selected from small craft anglers across South Africa to represent the league internationally on one of the biggest stages in bass fishing.

New season kicks off November 21

The new season will get underway on November 21 at Klaserie Dam, and anglers can again expect more tight battles, big catches and the continued spirit of friendship that has become a defining part of the league.

For more information

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

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