Avid angler makes President’s team

Two anglers from the South Coast, Niel Arlow and Freek Stander shone at the recent National Masters South African Shore Angling Association (SASAA) tournament.

Stander secured third place (third-best angler) and has been chosen to represent South Africa in the President’s Master team, which will compete later this year.

Arlow also excelled in the tournament and placed in the top 30. Over the last three years, he has ranked 19th.

Both enthusiastic anglers who have a serious amount of skill and talent are members of Marlin Angling Club in Port Edward.

The SASAA tournament was held in Jeffrey’s Bay from January 25 to 31.

About 130 fishermen from around the country competed.

The KZN Coast team consisted of Koot Scheepers (eThekwini), Ian Pretorius (eThekwini), Jacques Oelofse (guide from Port Elizabeth) with South Coasters Dean Pretorius (team captain), Alan Brummer, Pieter Noeth, Grame Bennet, Jacques Venter, Gert du Plessis, Arlow and Stander.

They fished for eight hours a day for three days at Papiesfontein, Kabeljouws and Sundays River.

Team captain Pretorius said it was a tough tournament for the KZN Coast team.

“There were a few lessons learnt, but we ended eighth out of 14, with the Eastern Province team winning the tournament,” said Pretorius.

“Teammate Stander fished out of his skins, going shoulder to shoulder with the best in SA angling. His selection to the President’s Masters team was the highlight of the tournament for all of us,” he said.

Stander said it was a privilege to fish for the KZN Coast team and to be able to take part in this event.

“This is definitely a dream come true. I thank my teammates for their support, Oelofse from Eastern Cape for his guidance and – last but certainly not least – my wife Sue-Ann for her support (and, of course, her permission for me to fish),” he said.

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