New fishing league makes waves
Fishermen who fish from float tubes, kick-boats, pontoon boats, kayaks, inflatables and small bass boats, not exceeding 4.2m, can now socially compete in a stress-free environment, thanks to the recent local introduction of the fastest growing bass fishing league in South Africa, the Small Craft Bass League Lowveld.
Bass fishing competitions, usually characterised by exorbitant, high-end equipment, were keeping a lot of talented Lowveld fishermen out of the sport.
But this has changed and fishermen who fish from float tubes, kick-boats, pontoon boats, kayaks, inflatables and small bass boats, not exceeding 4.2m, can now socially compete in a stress-free environment, thanks to the recent local introduction of the fastest growing bass fishing league in South Africa, the Small Craft Bass League Lowveld.
Its aim is not only to allow fishermen to compete with the bare essentials and without the hustle and bustle of the traditional bass tournaments in South Africa, but to grow in the sport and allow them to earn their provincial and national colours in the process.
This past weekend, marked the first competition of the league which saw around 15 anglers brave the cold at Longmere Dam.
The rules were simple. With five fish being the limit, participants took to the water bright and early.
The aim? To catch as many fish as you can, but submit photos of the five longest fish to the officials following the event.
The method used is CPR (catch, photo and release). Measurements are made using an official measuring trough.
With a total of 173.5cm, Johan Zaayman took the spoils.
“I was surprised at how many anglers braved the cold. I felt proud to be part of the Small Craft League,” Zaayman said.
He started out with an olive coloured Rapala X Rap jerkbait, to cover as much water as he could, and this tactic proved to be very effective. The five fish he caught ranged between 32 and 38cm.
He took home a R300 voucher sponsored by André Whitfield of Wittus Angling in White River, a R100 Mugg & Bean i’langa voucher sponsored by Herman Geldenhuys, and R900 in cash.
“I was grateful to have has such a blessed day on the water. I cannot wait for the next competition at Da Gama Dam.”
Herman Gouws caught the longest fish of 42.5cm, taking home a tackle hamper worth R1 500 sponsored by Etienne and Felicity Carey.
Paul van Wyk took second place, a mere 4cm behind Zaayman, at 169.5cm. He won a R250 Angling & Outdoor World voucher sponsored by Michael Cronje, and R600
in cash.
With a total of 95.5cm, Roland Smart took third place and and a R250 Angling & Outdoor voucher sponsored by Charl Carey, and R300 in cash.
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The best junior was Zack Roos, who won a hamper sponsored by Mohamed Aslam Shaik of Four Fish Trading.
A R200 lucky draw was sponsored by Renier Storbeck of Railworx. Johan de Lange was the lucky person to receive this cash along with a cap from Lowveld Agrochem.
To become part of the competition, Frik Roos can be contacted on 079 096 6880.
The next competition will be held at Da Gama Dam on September 11.
