Anglers eager to return to waters

As a non-contact sport, angling is now permitted during lockdown level 3. The members of Longtom Angling Club say they can now go out and participate in their favourite sport, although they have raised their concern about the new way of fishing.

According to Chris Heymans of the club, they are frustrated as they cannot participate as a team.

“We are allowed to go fishing privately, not as a team. If you go to Kwena Dam you will find anglers wearing their own private clothes too. When I go there I represent myself. We then compete against one another and the points we accumulate still count. Before lockdown we used to compete as a team.”

The new normal may affect their way of doing things. However, it does not stop them from going out to do what they love.

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The anglers need to adhere to the lockdown rules such as social distancing, hand sanitising, wearing a mask and having a fishing licence. The prohibition of groups and gatherings also apply.

“The local club consist of about 62 people and various age groups. “We are a family club that loves bringing families together. We consist of both men and women. We also have SA officials, provincial officials, cup officials, SASA, masters, seniors and many other categories,” explained Heymans.

He said they would like to invite community members who are interested to join the club.

“We are looking for children and people living with disabilities to join us. We would like to urge everyone who is interested to arrange their own transport to all the areas which we go to for training and competing,” he explained.

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They can contact Heymans on 082-469-1631.On July 4, they will host their annual general meeting and a prize-giving event at Kromklip Function and Recreation Resort.