They do not like fishing. They love it. Sacrificing weekends, getting out into the country, maybe sticking a hook (accidentally) into their fingers, having fun and fellowship and exchanging bait secrets with fellow anglers.
That is the tale of the fisherman. And these and many more stories were recounted when the Dundee Angling Club marked their 90th anniversary last Saturday at the club house on Excelsior Lane. Former and current members got together in a wave of nostalgia following the club’s annual general meeting and prize giving.
Special guest, Dawid Beege from Vryheid is the secretary and registration officer from the KZN Fresh Water Bank Angling Association, and in his speech he remarked on the dwindling numbers of club anglers in KZN – from 593 in 2011 to 291 in 2017.

Mr Beege put this down to raising costs in equipment faced by fishermen. “If one travels there is also the cost of fuel to consider and accommodation if they are staying over for a competition.” He called on more for sponsorship for the sport. “Remember, our fishermen are also environmentalists. By teaching the youngsters to develop a love for fishing we are also inculcating a love for the environment which as we all know is under great threat.”
Once the formalities were done with, two of the ‘oldest’ honorary members, Tyrone Milne and Cliffie Gray, spoke of great deeds done with their fishing rods. It was all about fun and caring for the environment for these fishermen. The Club house has since transformed into the Hook and Sinker Club, run by Derek Nuss and his good lady, Leigh-Ann. The Club is open six days a week and is not only open to anglers.