VEREENIGING – Samuel Tsoabi (73) has caught a grass carp fish weighing 9.7kg at the Klip River. Tsoabi says in his history of fishing, this is the biggest fish he has ever caught.The fish was caught using a locust as bait on March 10.

This species occurs in lakes, ponds, pools, and the backwaters of large rivers, preferring large, slow-flowing, or standing water bodies with vegetation.

Tsoabi says he fishes at various areas within the Vaal Triangle.

“I fell in love with fishing at the age of 8, and it has been my passion ever since. It took me 20 minutes to retrieve the fish from the river. I have been fishing since 1965, and this was my first time catching this type of fish. This has made me very proud.”

Tsoabi says that when he offloaded the fish from his car, his family members were so frightened because it was the first time they had seen a fish this size.

“This breaks all the records that I have attempted to make. I am very proud of myself, and this serves as a sign that I should continue to pursue my love for fishing.”

Mamosweu Tsoabi says she feels very proud because her father has been fishing since she was a child.

“I’m 48 years old, and I have never seen such a big Grass carp. We had a special family feast on the day. I’m blessed to see him this happy.”

Mamosweu said the greatest thing her father taught he is how to fish. “I was eight years old when I learnt how to fish, and this taught me how to get by and get a meal for the next day.”