Angling prizes in the bag

Competition within the ranks of the Angling Professional Angling (APL) has certainly intensified, members said.

Considering its impressive form in the League competition, favourites to win the Transnat Knock-Out Championship, Paperhouse, were halted by a determined Fishing People team. The latter amassed 85 points against the 80 points of Paperhouse, during the Knock-Out finals at Sandford on March 15.

In the play-offs for third and fourth spot, Team Streetwire got the better of NFH Super Stars, beating them with the scoreline reading 45 points to 38. The top three anglers of the day were Monty Slabbert (21 points), Minesh Gopi (19 points) and Yusheer Govender (18 points).

Monty Slabbert is enjoying a good spell currently, having received the orange and purple caps. He is now considered the top pick for the coveted Angler of Year crown, especially when his outstanding performances in the last three competitions are considered.

The title contenders for the season include:

· Tony Singh for the heaviest scaled fish (3,49 kilograms)

· Faizel Seedat for the heaviest non-scaled fish (3,69kg)

· Shakeel Sheik with the heaviest scaly of 650 grams

· Monty Slabbert for the highest points scorer (28 points)

· Shane Mangaroo (Champion of Champions)

· Harry Singh (the Knock-Out Champion)

· Monty Slabbert (League Champion on 60 points) – he is being pursued by Oosie Oosthuizen (46 points) and Vicky Bhooli (42 points)

· In the bid for Junior Angler of the Year: Avi Buduram (7 points), ahead of Kameshen Govender and Preash Haripersad (4 points apiece)

· Dan Govender for Senior Angler of the Year (47 points) – hoping for some luck is Whitey Maharaj (29 points)

· Monty Slabbert leads the pack with the most fish caught (43), followed by Vicky Bhooli (39) and Oosie Oosthuizen (37)

Rishen Nankoo and Minesh Gopi have already been crowned Knock-Out Doubles Champions.

In the contest for Angler of the Year, Monty Slabbert is in a comfortable lead on 87 points, followed by his closest rival in Oosie Oosthuizen on 72 points and Vicky Bhooli on 67 points.

Paper House leads Vees Micro Enterprises League with 30 points, followed by Team Streetwire on 24, NFH Super Stars on 14 points and Fishing People with 12 points.

The winner of the Vees Micro Enterprises League will be determined on March 29, when League Five is contested at Richgate Park. The APL is currently taking membership for the new season.

If you are interested in joining, membership forms can be collected from Midas Spares, (Mr. Omar), the Fishing People (Shabir), Terence Chetty (072 786 0866) or Monty Slabbert on 082 391 6324.