Poor catches mar opening fish-off

August 21 saw the cast-off of the Angling Professional League (APL) VME League 1.

The five affiliates all started the season with great anticipation.

Related article: Surf’s up for local anglers

Ladysmith Angling Club fielded a full squad, a show of its intent to make a mark on a day characterised by poor catches and elusive fish.

Conversely, Breakwaters found itself low in spirits and fish, its nets fairly empty.

However, the nearer the cut-off time drew, the more the keep nets of Breakwaters seemed to fill in its favour.

This comeback meant the club finished first on 29 points.

Challengers had to accept a second place, with 26 points, ahead of Stillwaters (23 points) and Ladysmith AC (20 points).

Ebrahim Mia of Challengers scored eight points, to claim the title of Angler of the Day.

Also read: APL rounds up the scores

After a day characterised by some unusual catches, Suvyn Budhoo of Stillwaters earned a ‘rare catch’ prize, with a bass of 1,09 kilogrammes.

Veruschka Boodhoo landed a scaly of 510 grams.

Vicky Dass reeled in an eel of 1,01kg, while Omar Paruk bagged a barbel of 4,875kg in the last half-hour of the competition.

The heaviest carp (3,375kg) was netted by Vernon Naidoo of Stillwaters.

Breakwaters and Stillwaters announced its top five anglers as Fanie Els, Terrence Chetty, Ashveer Singh, Tiaan van Wyk and Kobus van Wyk.

Fanie has already set the pace for the race to top honours, with 13 points.

The next competition on the calendar is the VME League Two, at Richgate Park – Ladysmith AC is on gate duty.

In other news, the APL recently elected its incoming Executive Committee.

Reflecting on the season thus far, management of the APL said the organisation prided itself on setting new standards and introducing new innovations, as evidenced by the day’s action.

The 2016/2017 leadership is follows:

Matthew Shunmugam – president

Vishnu Govender – vice-president

Ajen Goli – secretary

Gert Burger – records clerk

Anil Boodhoo – assistant records clerk

Javed Mohamed – treasurer

Monty Slabbert and Liaquat Ahmed – public relations.