First casts in for angling season

August 16 will see the first rods in for the Angling Professional League (APL).

The first leg of the new Vees Micro Enterprises league will be contested at Sandford, and already experts are calling it a difficult season to predict.

Breakwaters and Challengers will foremost resume their historical rivalry.

Comparable to El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, this season Breakwaters boast their full team, while Challengers have regrouped to form a formidable side.

League dark horses, Stillwaters have also borne a new set of recruits.

These new affiliates are currently untested under pressure, and the estimation is they could spring a few surprises during this enigmatic season.

Ahead of the first league, Stillwaters and Breakwaters met last weekend.

Contesting the Champion of Champion first round at Sandford, both teams found the day characterised by poor catches, most anglers ‘blanking out’.

Shakeel Sheik is first overall with two points, ahead of Nadir Chrisenduth.

This season, the APL has introduced a rewards system for the best angler on a competition day, including the coveted orange cap, an outright trophy and a cash prize.

Anglers leading the log can don the equally desirable purple cap.

This season, the top three anglers will be awarded branded angling tackle, as well as prizes including household appliances, office and outdoor equipment, estimated at R5 000 for the winner.

Affiliation to the APL is ongoing and prospective anglers are welcome to join.

To become a member, contact Terence Chetty on 072 786 0866, Sanvir Goli on 073 566 4052, Monty Slabbert on 082 391 6324, Barge Ramlal on 082 414 3915 or Matthew Shunmugam on 082 807 8919.

The APL hosts an overnight open in November – details are coming soon.