Vryheid Luremasters – Bivane Bass Challenge a big success

THE ELEVENTH Annual Bivane Bass Challenge was proudly hosted by Vryheid Luremasters on May 23 and 24.

This popular tournament was attended by anglers from all over South Africa where they were warmly greeted on Friday night with a complimentary sheep on the spit (sponsored by Braytons Dundee and again the mouthwatering sheep on spit prepared by Louis Breytenbach and refreshments sponsored by Siyaxhasana Construction). The breathtaking scenery and excellent facilities set the backdrop for a festive and successful competition.

Saturday morning welcomed a warm Autumn day that was ideal for competitors. Due to low water level, a congested slipway and the complimentary beverages the night before there was a slight delay at the start, but the competition was well on its way at 7:15am. By 8:00am the first anglers began weighing in their fish. The reports during the day brought a about mixed reactions, with some mentioning that they had not had a bite whereas others were all smiles with their catches. The overall consensus was that the fish were “a tad on the small side” for Bivane’s standards. Saturday night was a rather peaceful evening and the murmur of the chatter of satisfied fisherman could be heard from all corners of the campsite.

Sunday morning brought a slight crisp breeze which didn’t damper any angler’s enthusiasm for their day on the water. Feedback throughout the day was similar to that of Saturday. Most of the bigger fish seem to have been caught in deeper water fishing very slowly or dead sticking. The shallower water was where the smallest fish appeared. Congratulations to Louis van Zuydam – from team Swazi- with the winning fish of 4.395 kg. The fish was caught in approximately 30ft of water on dead sticking a black fluke. Louis van Zuydam and Manny Rego also took the prize for the heaviest bag.

The top lady angler was Hannelie Coetzer from Vryheid with a fish of 2.61 kg. Her fish was also the second heaviest overall. The second lady was Corzelle Viljoen from Louwsburg with a fish of 1. 695 kg.

Unfortunately, the local anglers had high hopes at the beginning of the tournament but did not feature in the top ten, except for a lady angler, Hannelie Coetzer who was then the best local angler.

Vryheid Luremasters would like to thank our sponsors as well as all the anglers who took part as for without them the tournament would not be possible. Their contribution towards the event will always be greatly appreciated. A special thanks to Newcor Trading for their sponsorship of the first prizes. Another special thanks to Wayne Bissitt and Sunjay Benny from Siyaxhasana Construction for their major contribution. Thanks again, Wayne, for the hard work put in to make the competition a great success.

We would also like to acknowledge: Braytons Dundee; TM Williams; Red Dot Gutters; Anavey IT Systems; Mascor; Vital Signs; Radical Solutions; Vinko Enterprises; Ace Hardware; Bundu Outdoor; Liberty; RF Gevers; AfriMat; Form Scaff; Cash and Carry Liquors; Pick n Pay Vryheid; Strike King; Glasfit and Bivane Dam.

The results are as follows: Heaviest Bag: First place was taken by Team Swazi anglers Louis van Zuydam and Manny Rego on Boat 12 who won R5 000,00 with a weight of 13.085kg. Second place went to Boat 4 anglers, Shane Estran and Jon Kirk of Team Venom who won R2 000-00 with a weight of 10.360kg.

Heaviest Fish: 1st: Boat 12, Louis van Zuydam, 4.395 kg (R20 000,00); 2nd: Boat 23, Hannelie Coetzer 2.61 kg (R7 000,00); 3rd: Boat 4, Jon Kirk 2.475 kg; 4th: Boat 30, Dave Thompson 2.275kg; 5th: Boat 26, Mathew Van Dyk 2.155 kg; 6th: Boat 4, Shane Estran 2.125 kg; 7th: Boat 38, Bennie Wiese 2.100 kg; 8th: Boat 22, Willem Jacobs 2.015 kg; 9th: Boat 12, Mandy Rego 1.980 kg and 10th: Boat 31, Ryan Stewart 1.910kg. Ladies: 1st: Boat 23, Hannelie Coetser 2.61 kg and 2nd: Boat 2, Corzelle Viljoen 1.695kg. (R1 500,00). Stats: Total number of boats: 47; Total fish weighed: 232; Average weighed: 0.818 kg; Heaviest fish: 4.395kg and Smallest fish: 0.210kg.