Ballito anglers bring back gold from masters fly fishing champs

Two local anglers reeled in gold for the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) team at the recent SA Masters Fly Fishing Championships.

Gillies McDavid and Graeme Duane of Ballito were in fine form at the Cape Winelands event at the Smalblaar River between 28-30 October.

Both anglers had to compete in a series of trials before being selected for the KZN squad.

“It was my first nationals, so I was really looking forward to it,” said Duane, who has been fishing for most of his life. He only started doing so competitively after his son took to the sport.

“I was driving him around and watching him, then realised it only made sense for me to get involved.”

McDavid, Duane and 3 others made up the 5-strong KZN team for the masters championships, open to anglers over the age of 50.

Competitors fished over 3 days – 3 sessions in the Smalblaar River and another 2 in still water.

“Over the 3 days you amass points based on the number and length of fish caught, while also gaining bonus points for winning individual sessions,” said Duane.

KZN took to the new surroundings seamlessly, dominating the competition.

There were 41 competitors and all 5 KZN anglers placed among the top 12 in the individual points returns, ensuring a comfortable team victory.

McDavid placed fifth overall, catching 16 fish with a best catch of 44cm, while Duane placed twelfth, reeling in 12 fish with the largest at 43cm.

Altogether, KZN finished on 47 100 points, beating Free State in second with 36 600 points.

The KZN team also hauled in the highest number of fish (69) and tied for the longest fish caught (47cm).

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