Adaptive anglers hook huge smiles
A great time was had by all, especially the anglers.
Who could hook the big one was the name of the game when visually impaired and disabled participants took to Toti main beach for the first ever adaptive fishing event on Sunday, 17 April.
“It was a great success,” said Wesley Smith, who has joined forces with Sobantu Ngidi and Sandile Sikhakhane to start Adaptive Unlimited to give disabled and visually impaired youngsters the chance to participate in watersports and be empowered in their work places.
For their first event on Sunday from 8am to 11am, they roped in anglers from Reunion Angling Club and Comets Angling Club who not only provided rods, reels, bait, refreshments and lunch for the budding fishermen, but they also patiently assisted with baiting up and casting.
“Conditions were difficult with lots of weeds in the water, a strong south west blowing and a bit of rain, but our young fishermen still caught five fish,” said Wesley.
Amuri Mwanza of Burundi caught two tobies, which were released back into the ocean. Danito Mondlane, South Africa’s top seeded completely blind surfer, caught a blacktail and Dominic Gyongy a wave garrick. However, catch of the day went to Wesley’s son, Reece Smith who landed a banana fish.
“The Adaptive Unlimited team thanks beach manager, Jayce Govender for his assistance before and on the day, Sheila and John Court for the donation of two rods and reels which Amuri won in lucky draw, everyone who came to support and especially to Reunion Angling Club for supplying the fishermen, equipment, lunch, party packs and trophies,” said Wesley. “The adaptive fishing participants all contacted me afterwards and extended a massive thank you to the club for the awesome Sunday morning they experienced.
A great time was had by all, especially the anglers, which was very evident from the permanent smiles on their faces after they managed to catch a fish.”
