Angler Jaco hooks two kick boats
Anglers were seen kissing their catches before releasing them.
THE third Port Edward Bass Classic held recently was dominated by junior anglers.
Fishing took place on 15 private farm dams and even though the weather was awful, anglers persisted and landed lots of large-mouth bass.
The South Coast Bass Association (SCBA) strictly practises ‘catch and release’ and not a single fish was killed in this event.
In fact, anglers were seen kissing their catches before releasing them – a phenomenon that the whole bass world enjoys.
Weighmasters were available at every dam to ensure that the rules of the event were adhered to.
Junior angler Jaco Pienaar caught the biggest bass at 1.98kg, landing him a kick boat from Custom Kick Boats and Feral Inflatables.
He subsequently also caught a bass that won the junior U18 section – and guess what his prize was – a Pisces Predator kick boat!
The women’s first prize was taken by Elloise Fisher with a 1.23kg catch, the junior U12 prize went to B Strydom (1.27kg) and the men’s first prize was taken by Reuben Venter with a 1.58kg fish.
Professional anglers Carl Gutzeit and Johan van Rooyen from Rapala, Big Bite Lures and Outdoor 365 donated lures and plastics to all juniors, which were received with great excitement.
Anglers have promised to return next year and the SCBA will host the event at a new venue because its popularity has doubled entries.
Sincere thanks go to all sponsors and farmers, without whom the annual Port Edward Bass Classic would not be possible.
