Derick de Bruyn won the second competition of the Lowveld Small Craft Bass League at Da Gama Dam on Saturday.

His catches measured a total of 190cm.

Second and third place were separated by 3cm. Herman Gouws’ catches measured 175cm, and Chris Cruywagen’s 172cm.

The rest of the top 10 were:
4. Francis Bach: 170.5cm
5. Allen Germishuys: 164.5cm
6. Paul van Wyk: 164.5cm
7. Wessel Cöhrs: 153.5cm
8. Lohan van Antwerpen: 135.5cm
9. JP Zaayman: 105.5cm
10. Johan de Lange: 104.5cm

Lohan was also the top junior.

The prize for the longest fish (51cm) went to Cöhrs. His catch is also the longest so far in the two competitions held.

This sport is growing throughout South Africa with various provincial/regional leagues established.

The Lowveld league is also spawning. Thirty-one anglers took to the water at Da Gama in a variety of small craft. Only 13 anglers took part in the first competition at Lake Longmere on August 14.

Small craft fishing is a fairly new competitive sport in the Lowveld and is more affordable than mainstream bass leagues.

The catch, photo, release method is used.

Anglers are required to use an official measuring trough, on which a catch is placed and photographed.

The results are determined by the total length of the anglers’ five-fish limit.

The third leg of the Lowveld Small Craft Bass league will be held on October 9 at Witklip Dam.

Top 10 points standings after two competitions
1. Herman Gouws: 196
2. Paul van Wyk: 194
3. Chris Cruywagen: 194
4. JP Zaayman: 192
5. Roland Smart: 185
6. Johan de Lange: 184
7. Zack Roos: 183
8. Jaco Jansen van Vuuren: 183
9. Faisel Patel: 182
10. Frik Roos: 179.