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Forward console: Now only R689 000!
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Kosi Cat 16 FC
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6 month motor warranties. T-top, Lowrance fishfinder, VHF radio, livewell with pump, etc. Nav lights, pushplate, anchor rope roller, full set safety gear and rodholders. Roadworthy galvanised breakneck trailer, 15” wheels + spare. COF with buoyancy certificate.
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2 x Yamaha F70hp motors (only 54 hrs + warranties till Apr 2026). Hydraulic steering, T-top, Garmin fishfinder, VHF radio, full set Cat C safety, boat cover, front jump seats, rear skipper’s storage box/seat, 2 x tackle cupboards, under-gunnel hatches, 2 x flush fish hatches, rodracks, rodholders, transom platform step. Roadworthy galv. breakneck trailer with galv. marine axle & rims. ONLY: R549 000!
CENTRE CONSOLE Yamaha 60hp 4-stroke motor, galvanised breakneck trailer.
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2 x Yamaha F70hp 4-stroke motors (only 36 hrs). 1 year motor warranties. Hydraulic steering, luna tubes, Lowrance Hook 7 and Elite 5 GPS/fishfinders, VHF radio. Full set safety gear, outrigger bases,
R439
July/August 2025 Volume 41 Number 4
COVER: ’Cuda King!
Roscoe Rautenbach caught this solid 23kg king mackerel off Zinkwazi. For tips on how to catch your very own croc ’cuda,see page 45.
FEATURES
7First Class!
40 years of SKI-BOAT magazine — by Sheena Carnie
11Party time!
Celebrating SKI-BOAT magazine’s 40th birthday
16Thank you!
SKI-BOAT honours the advertisers who helped us reach this milestone
19Wahoo!
Nailing the ocean’s speedsters — by Mark de lay Hey
22Where to Fish
Part 20:Stilbaai to Bossel Bay —by Shawn Mey
29Trouble-free Trailering
Your ultimate guide to safe,smart and claim-proof towing —by Cathi Warriner and Megan Shepard of Team CMI
38Whopper Takes the Win!
Durban Ski-Boat Club Festival —by Mark Wilson
45Taking Down the King
Tips for catching big ’cuda —by Gareth Brockett
50Back to Basic Joys
Santa Maria Fishing Challenge 2025 —by Erwin Bursik
54Historic Billfish Slam
A record-breaking victory at Sodwana —by Jean Schoonhoven
DEPARTMENTS
4Editorial — by Erwin Bursik
Publisher: Erwin Bursik
Editor: Sheena Carnie
Advertising Executive: Mark Wilson
Editorial Assistant: Lynette Oakley
Contributors: Gareth Brockett, Erwin Bursik, Sheena Carnie,Mark de la Hey, Shawn Mey, Hilton Kidger, Jean Schoonhoven, Megan Shepard, Cathi Warriner and Mark Wilson
ADVERTISING – National Sales:
Mark Wilson, Manager — 073 748 6107
Lyn Oakley — 082 907 7733
Lyn Adams — 083 588 0217
Velia Tonkin — 072 218 6383
Theresia Hartslief — 083 412 5918
Publishers:
Angler Publications cc POBox 20545, Durban North 4016
Telephone: (031) 572-2289
e-mail: angler@mags.co.za
Subscriptions to SKI-BOAT: R270 per annum (six issues).
New subscriptions and renewals: SKI-BOAT Subscriptions Department Telephone: (031) 572-2289
• e-mail: angler@mags.co.za
• Through www.anglerpublications.co.za, or E-zine through <www.issuu.com>
Printing: Novus Print, Cape Town
Distribution: On The Dot <Portia.Nguyuza@onthedot.co.za>
Full production is done in-house by Angler Publications & Promotions on Apple Macintosh software and hardware.
SKI-BOAT Magazine, ISSN 0258-7297, is published six times a year by Angler Publications & Promotions cc, Reg. No. CK 88/05863/23, and is distributed by On the Dot, as well as directly by the publishers to retail stores throughout South Africa.
• Copyright of all material is expressly reserved and nothing may be reproduced in part or whole without the permission of the publishers.
• While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this magazine, the publishers do not accept responsibility for omissions or errors or their consequences.
Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers, the managing editor, editor, editorial staff or the South African Deep Sea Angling Association.
Erwin Bursik Publisher
FORTYNOTOUT!
FORTY years is about half a lifetime in most offshore anglers’ lives and, as you’ll read elsewhere, it’s also the lifespan – so far – of SKI-BOAT magazine. When we look at the sport of offshore angling, its boats, outboard motors, fishing tackle and the resource we target, we notice some significant changes and great innovations have taken place within the sport in that time.
Being privileged to have witnessed these changes not only in my own life, but also to document them during 40 years of publishing SKIBOAT magazine, I feel both humbled as well as exulted.
Taking as one example the facet of offshore boats, SKI-BOAT magazine has reviewed in excess of 400 craft over the last 40 years! Being able to go back over all those magazines and absorb the degree of change and innovation we’ve seen brings to reality the immense evolution that has taken place.
For me personally, being so hands-on in documenting the ever-evolving designs and construction of these craft leaves me humbled and honoured to witness this incredible path forward from the frontlines.
Looking at the shift from the craft of the 1960s and’70s with their original meranti-framed hull designs covered with marine ply, to the composite laminated craft of today, makes one appreciate the innovative individuals who have created these magnificent boats. It’s got to a point where I wonder what can possibly be implemented in the years ahead to improve on what I deem to be the ultimate craft we have available today.
Having just spent six days on an out-the-box 6.3 metre craft off Santa Maria, Moçambique, I took time to scrutinise the craft – its finishes, its ride and the looks, and asked myself what could possibly be done to improve the ride, layout, finishes, etc. The simple answer? I don’t think one can.
Now extend this line of thought to all the other aspects of what we the offshore anglers have at our disposal – outboard motors, fishing rods, reels and terminal tackle, and of course the vehicles available to tow today’s rigs. The mind boggles when you relise just how far our sport has come in the last 40 years.
Again I must emphasise how honoured I feel to have been part of this progress and to still be able to enjoy the “outfits” of today while appreciating the road we have travelled.
In my case, I started out on a 16ft open-decked craft fitted with four chairs (pictured below, left). That boat had 30hp and 5hp outboard motors, a hand tiller bar and an overhead launching trailer. A few years later I upgraded to my second boat (below right), a 17’ 6” Acecraft. After that came my 21ft Robcraft, and now I’m the proud skipper of an F200 Z-Craft! What a ride I’ve had!
It is the ability to mentally revisit the experiences of the past and compare them to those of today that I really believe enhances the incredible adventures I have enjoyed in a lifetime of ski-boating. I hope that paging through our magazine – new issues and old – has the same effect for our readers.
Till the next tide.
Erwin Bursik
A VOICE FOR OUR SPORT Celebrating 40 Years of Ski-Boat Magazine
FOR four decades, SKIBOAT magazine has been far more than just a publication – it’s been a faithful companion to deep sea anglers around the country,and a powerful ally in the growth and visibility of our sport.
At SADSAA,we’ve come to value the magazine not only for its top-quality content but also for the way it’s helped stitch together our national community of anglers.
From the early days of black-and-white issues to today’s glossy covers and digital reach, SKI-BOAT has been documenting the evolution of our sport with unmatched dedication.The magazine has celebrated our biggest catches, covered our tournaments,introduced us to new tackle and techniques,and brought stories from remote coastlines right into our homes.
What stands out most is the way the magazine has consistently promoted responsible angling,conservation,and skills development – values that align perfectly with what SADSAA stands for.Whether it’s sharing the stories of provincial
juniors making their mark,or highlighting the achievements of Protea anglers on the world stage, SKI-BOAT has helped shine a light on the people behind the rods and reels.
For SADSAA,the magazine has been a key platform – giving us space to share updates, showcase tournaments,and celebrate the sport’s milestones.It has helped us reach anglers across all provinces, build pride in our teams,and grow support for the structures that keep deep sea angling strong in South Africa.
We’ve always appreciated that SKI-BOAT captures the heart of the sport:the early morning launches,the camaraderie,the thrill of the strike,and the quiet respect we all have for the ocean.
It’s a magazine written by anglers,for anglers – and that authenticity has made all the difference.
Here’s to the next 40 years of SKI-BOAT magazine – may the seas stay blue and the stories never stop.
– From the South African Deep Sea Angling Association (SADSAA) and all members
40 years of SKI-BOAT magazine
By Sheena Carnie
WHAT were you doing in May 1985?
Some of you weren’t even born yet,others were in primary or high school,still others were jolling to the sounds of Johnny Clegg and Mango Groove.Serious deep sea anglers may have been buying the very first copy of SKI-BOAT magazine,while Dave Rorke and Erwin Bursik no doubt enjoyed a stiff drink to settle their nerves after stepping out onto the water in faith as they began this new venture.
Over the last few years we’ve sadly lost some founding members of SKI-BOAT magazine, including Annie Bursik and Dave Rorke, along with other longtime staff who have left us, but these are the stalwarts currently holding the fort and making sure your favourite deep sea magazine is published every two months: Lyn Oakley, Michelle de Wet, Erwin Bursik, Mark Wilson and Sheena Carnie.
Just two months prior, Dave and Doug Steele were still working for SkiScene magazine,while Erwin and Anne Bursik (at that stage Annie Fulton) were working for Huletts.Erwin put his money where Dave’s mouth was,and while he continued working at Huletts,Annie and Doug joined Dave to see if they could make a go of a new magazine focusing on deep sea fishing.Their belief in what a magazine like this could offer and accomplish was well placed.In 1987 Erwin jumped aboard properly,joining SKI-BOAT fulltime.
In Dave’s very first editorial,he wrote:“ SKI-BOAT is a labour of love,my dream come true.”From that very first
issue,the magazine has received incredible support from the boating and angling fraternity,and some of the firms that advertised in our very first issue still advertise with us.We are eternally grateful.
Now,40 years later, SKI-BOAT is still standing strong ,while many other magazines have disappeared off our supermarket shelves,especially in the last ten years.
We are thrilled to have reached this milestone! Our sincere thanks to every single advertiser, whether they’ve advertised once or in every issue.Without you,we would not exist.A sincere thank you,also,to all of our contributors over the years.Without your fresh on-the-water knowledge,our articles would be very one sided and boring.We appreciate your time and effort and willingness to so generously share your knowledge with others.
Thank you also to the thousands of readers who buy SKIBOAT and who have sent through photos of themselves and their fish for inclusion in the magazine – we appreciate all the interaction and love seeing how keen everyone is to be part of our SKI-BOAT magazine “family”.
We’ve received numerous messages congratulating us on
this milestone,and it’s incredibly touching to see how much the magazine means to our advertisers, readers and other stakeholders.Of course we know that our articles help drive interest in the industry as a whole,and specific events in particular,but it’s still very validating to get messages like these, which confirm the positive impact we’ve had on the deep sea fishing industry in southern Africa:
FORTY AND FABULOUS!
“Over the decades your publication has become more than a magazine,it has grown into a trusted companion for the boating and fishing community,a source of inspiration for seasoned pros and eager newcomers.Your commitment to storytelling,education and the celebration of our shared marine passions has left an incredible mark on the industry. We at Yamaha Marine Southern Africa are proud to have shared the journey with you.Your support and partnership over the years have played a vital role in helping us connect with enthusiasts across Southern Africa and beyond.”–Yamaha Marine Southern Africa.
Somewhere along the way we managed to lose our only remaining copy of our first issue, but Daniel Oliphant stepped up and gifted us with his copy of the very first issue. Thank you for your kindness, Daniel!
“Reaching four decades in publishing is no small feat.It is a testament to your unwavering passion,relentless pursuit of excellence,and the deep connection you’ve built with the boating and angling community – not just in South Africa,but also across borders.Over the years SKI-BOAT has not only chronicled the evolution of the sport and lifestyle we all love, but has shaped it,inspired it and given it a voice.Working with you,Erwin,and your phenomenal team has been an absolute privilege.Your professionalism,creativity and collaborative spirit have made every partnership seamless and rewarding.More than just a magazine, SKI-BOAT has been a trusted platform,a beacon of quality,and a gathering place for like-minded enthusiasts who live for the open water.”–
Lowrance South Africa
“Erwin and his team continue to make a significant impact on the angling community with their excellent articles and reviews over the years.We thank you for your endless passion and dedication towards building the sport of angling in South Africa.”– Natal Deep Sea Angling Association.
As Erwin wrote in his editorial,a great deal has changed in our sport over the last 40 years,and a quick look through the pages of the old magazines will confirm this.The digital age has been a blessing and a curse – biting into our advertising
income,but also enabling us to spread our presence even further and share our content with more readers.Back in 1985 none of us would have imagined the possibility of flicking through a digital version of the magazine on our phones while jetting around the world!
Women’s representation in skiboating and deep sea fishing has also changed dramatically over those 40 years.Some of you will remember covers graced by beautiful women in bathing suits posing alongside boats and motors. Now our covers often feature women anglers who have caught spectacular trophy fish,making the men drool for entirely different reasons! Today we also see many more women fishing competitively than we did back in the ’80s.
While we still celebrate trophy catches,nowadays SKIBOAT also actively supports the tag and release of fish,and no longer publishes photos of dead billfish hanging from the gantry.These practices would have dumfounded anglers back in 1985.
Despite these and other changes,much has stayed the same,including the basic premise on which Erwin and Dave founded the magazine:a desire to educate,inform and entertain the ski-boaters of southern Africa.All of our readers will testify that we’ve stayed true to that.
Having covered so many decades of development in deep sea fishing,our magazines are also a repository of some very rich history.
In the 240 issues of SKI-BOAT we’ve published,we’ve carried around 400 boat reviews – most of them tested by Erwin Bursik.We’ve also covered hundreds of deep sea fishing competitions,shared thousands of articles on how to catch different species of fish,and reviewed dozens of beautiful venues around Southern Africa to enable anglers to find new favourite fishing spots.Our latest long-running series,“Where to Fish”has proven incredibly popular,providing anglers with specific tactics and coordinates to enable them to fish successfully in areas they may never have visited before.
With 40 years under our belts,we’ve only just reached middle age,so there’s still a lot more life in this magazine and we hope you’ll all stay aboard for the next leg of our journey!
FrancoisBeukesandHiltonKidger
A40TH birthday is always cause for a big celebration,and we recently threw a party and invited some of our nearest and dearest advertisers, contributors,friends and family to celebrate SKI-BOAT’s milestone birthday with us.
With the Natal Rod and Reel Club right alongside the water as the venue,Greg Rea as barman mixing traditional Kenyan dawas, and Lloyd and Debbie McNeill catering,a good party was guaranteed!
Thank you to everyone who attended.It was a fantastic opportunity to let our hair down and connect with people who mean a great deal to us.To those who couldn’t make it,thank you for your support in so many other ways;we really appreciate you all standing by us.
Cheers to the next 40 years of your favourite deep sea fishing magazine!
Andre Torr, Rick Ellis and Glen Kirkman
Dwayne Boshoff and Daniel Oliphant
Byron Kane, Peter Jacobs and Alan Gouveia
Greg Rea and Erwin Bursik
Eddie Bursik and Erwin Bursik
Erwin Bursik and Rob Downs
Darren Gray, Bill Harrison, Silan Naiker and Nick Landzanakis
Lyn Adams, Mark Wilson and Joan Wilson
Ryan Leary, Trevlyn de Wet, Michelle de Wet, Samantha Cragg and Shaun Cragg
Peter Symons and Erwin Bursik
Megan Shepard and Silan Naiker
Mark Manning, Tony Carnie and Nick Gray
Sheena Carnie, Mark Wilson, Silan Naiker and Erwin Bursik
Jackie Pratt, Erwin Bursik and Vince Warriner
Wesley Wareham, Ryan Hansen and John Frankiskos
Jo Hansen, Sheena Carnie and Lyn Oakley
MaryKane,LynAdams andTonyCarnie
Dirk Venter, Ryan Hansen, Anton van den Berg and Justin Paynter
Liz Plotz, Gareth Dreyer, Jo Hansen, Steph Minnie, John Minnie and Cathi Warriner
Lyn Oakley, Michelle de Wet, Erwin Bursik, Mark Wilson and Sheena Carnie (Team SKI-BOAT Magazine)
Francois Beukes, Russell Hand and Anton van den Berg
Daryl Bartho, Erwin Bursik, Brett Bartho, Bill Harrison and Roscoe Rautenbach
No magazine can hope to survive — in the long term,anyway — without advertising support. SKI BOAT thanks all its faithful advertisers who played such a vital role in the magazine’s success over the past 40 years.We salute you!
By Mark de la Hey
ARGUABLY the fastest fish on the planet,and definitely one of the most sought-after and difficult customers to catch, wahoo are found abundantly all over the world,both inshore and offshore. With their blistering speed and seamless changes in direction,they’re also one of the most exciting and challenging fish to keep under control right to the end of the battle.
In South Africa and Moçambique we find wahoo all year round,with the bigger fish generally making an appearance in the winter months.
There are a few different ways to target them,but my two personal favourites are on the Nomad DTX minnows and live bonnies.Both methods have their pros and cons,so depending on the area,you can come up with a game plan to suit your conditions.
TROLLING
The most obvious advantage with trolling is that you can cover a larger area and there is no time taken up trying to catch livebait.It’s also a lot less complicated and easy for everyone to do.You can basically take a Nomad out the packet,tie it on,let it out and you’re fishing!
A few adjustments that you can make are to the colours and sizes of the lures,their position in the spread, and the speed at which you troll them.
These are my personal favourite sizes and colours that work for me:
The Nomad 145 DTX HPM (Hot pink Mackerel)
This is a medium sized,high speed, shallow-diving lure that we have had endless success with over the past few years.It works for a huge variety of pelagic species,not only wahoo.
With it being a shallow diver,we like to pull it further back in the spread – usually 30m-plus.It works well at low and high speeds.
The Nomad 140 DTX MT (Mac Tuna)
This is another medium sized lure,but a deeper diving version of the 145. With a bigger lip,it pulls a lot harder than the 145 and dives much deeper.
AUTHOR’STYPICALLURE SPREAD
1. Large, deep-diving lure (Nomad 165 DTX HP) pulled about 10m behind the motors, under the wake.
2 & 5. Medium sized, deep diving lure (Nomad 140 DTX MT) pulled about 25m behind the boat.
3 & 4. Medium sized, high speed, shallow diving lure (Nomad 145 DTX HPM) pulled 30m-plus back.
This is a very natural colour and has been successful for a variety of species.
We have had a lot of success pulling it close and further from the boat,with the most common place being about 25m away.
The Nomad 165 DTX HP (Hot Pink)
This is a larger lure that pulls really hard,dives deep and swims true.We have found it to be most successful when pulled close to the back of the boat just under the wake,about 10m back from the motors.
There’s an age-old argument of whether to fish these lures with straight nylon or with a bite trace,and we have been using both methods with equal success.The only thing we would recommend when using wire is to join the wire to the leader using an Albright knot and not a swivel.This minimises the bubbles the swivel can cause and makes it look more natural.
LIVE BAIT
Although the lures work well,for me the most effective and exciting way to target large wahoo is by using a live bonnie as a bait.There are,however, many complications when doing it this way,none bigger than finding and catching the bonnies to start with!
So,where do you find them?
Bonito and other tuna species are commonly found around large offshore pinnacles that occur in depths between 40m and 60m of water.These shoals and reefs can cover vast areas,which can make them quite tricky to find. Luckily there are a few patterns that can make the job slightly easier.
Step 1 – Where?
You will almost always find them on the up-current side of the northern most side of the reef.You can also often find them on the up-current (or northern) side of the largest pinnacle on the reef system.This will at least give you a good starting point.
Deep-diving lure wire bite trace leader
Albright knot
If you decide to use a wire bite trace when trolling lures, attach the wire to the leader using an Albright knot, not a swivel.
No 4 power swivel
Lures work well, but using a bonnie as livebait is the author’s favourite way of targetting wahoo.
Step 2 – How ?
This is the million dollar question.On a good day,they will feed on anything – lures, spoons,daisy chains and surface lures.On a bad day it feels like a shot gun would be the only way to catch one!
These are the two most successful methods we have found:
A. The daisy chain
A daisy chain is a string of soft squids (normally between three and five) with a hook in each one.These can be trolled at a variety of speeds and in different place in the spread for different results.The location and conditions will dictate what colour to use.Some colours that generally work well in many different locations are white,pink,glow and clear.
B. Spinning
Throwing small spoons on light braid is often an effective way to target bonnies when you can see them on the surface.Three of the most effective spoons that we have used are:
• The Halco twisty in the 20g
• The Iron candy couta-C #1 28g glow
• The Nomad ridgeback 20g
LC Pink Sardine & Chrome
THE LIVE BAIT TRACE
There are many different traces that work for rigging live bonnies,but this is the one that has served us the best to date:
1.5m #7 lead wire
No 4 power swivel
2 x No 2 SSH Predator trebles 20cm apart on #7 wire
The reason we use a treble as a lead hook instead of a sin-
When the plan comes together perfectly, this is the result! Mark de la Hey with a beaut of a wahoo.
gle hook,is that most of the time if a wahoo gets snagged on the back hook of the trace and then speeds off,the front hook gets pulled against the fish.Nine times out of ten,that hook goes into the soft flesh around the gills or head of the fish.Once it goes in there the fish becomes hard to lose!
RIGGING THE BAIT
This is a crucial part of the process.It’s really important that the front treble goes through the bonnie’s top jaw from the top down,avoiding any chance of the mouth being closed by the other two hooks. It’s also very important that the second hook goes underneath the bait and just through the skin.When the wahoo chases the bait,when the second hook is underneath the bait,it avoids the hook getting caught up on your lead wire and “boxing”the bait.
THE TACKLE
When trolling lures or livebait, I use a Penn FathomII 40 NLD with 500m 50lb Berkley X9 backing and 100 Maxima 50lb IGFA top shot.When I’m trolling lures,I pair this with a Seeker Hercules 7ft H,and when I’m using livebait,I pair it with a Seeker 7ft Hercules M/H.
My spinning set up is a Penn Authority 4500 with Berkley X9 20lb braid,paired with a 7ft Penn Battalion M spinning rod.
When targeting wahoo,one of the most important things to remember is that wherever you find the bait,is usually where you’ll find the fish.Stick,stay and make it pay!
Treble hook
Treble hook
20cm wire
Part 20:Stilbaai to Mossel Bay
By Shawn Mey
THE stretch of coastline between Mossel Bay and Stilbaai offers some of the most diverse and rewarding fishing experiences in South Africa.Whether you’re a seasoned offshore angler or a shoreline enthusiast,this region is a paradise brimming with opportunity – if you know where to go and what to target.
This article offers a comprehensive look at the fishing hotspots from Mossel Bay to Stilbaai,including seasonal insights and proven tips to help you make the most of your time on the water.
THE SOUTHERN CAPE’S COASTAL GEMS: Mossel Bay, Gouritsmond and Stilbaai
Mossel Bay is a thriving harbour town that combines natural beauty with historical richness.Known for its mild climate and golden beaches,it’s also a hub for deep sea fishing,offering quick access to productive offshore reefs.
The town boasts a well-developed marina and plenty of services catering to the angling community.
Gouritsmond is a quieter,more laid-back coastal village nestled at the mouth of the Gourits River.Known for its unspoiled beaches and excellent river and reef fishing,it’s a favourite for anglers seeking a more tranquil experience
This stretch of coastline in the southern Cape is renowned for big kob/kabeljou like this one.
When your sounder shows shoals of reef fish like this, you know you’re in the right place!
Shawn Mey shows off a lovely fresh dageraad.
without compromising on fishing quality.
Stilbaai is a scenic seaside town situated on the Goukou River estuary.It’s a well-known summer holiday destination and a hotspot for inshore fishing,especially for kob.
Stilbaai’s waters are teeming with life,particularly during the warmer months.
Fishing from Mossel Bay – A Worldclass Start
Fishing from Mossel Bay offers a range of opportunities,starting with the hake-rich clay banks which are found between 45– and 80 metres.Key spots include Bob se Bank,Kooswol, Ou Wes,and the well-known Guide Bank.
These deeper areas produce exceptional results,especially for hake,but in the winter months,Kooswol and Ou Wes often surprise anglers with schools of loose kob cruising through.
Closer to shore,Danabaai offers access to productive mid-depth reefs (25–45m) such as Knol Draad and *Vlak Bank,where kob and red roman are regularly caught.
DRIFTING THE INSHORE WATERS
The sandy shoreline from Danabaai to Vleesbaai offers consistent summer action for garrick (leervis) and bonito.
Anglers drift slowly in this stretch,casting plugs and presenting live bait to surface-hunting predators.This style of fishing is exciting,especially when the water is warm and baitfish are abundant.
RUGGED REEFS AND REWARDS
From Vleesbaai,around Fransmanshoek and past Kanon Point,the coastline is marked by shattered,shallow reefs.
These nearshore rocks provide excellent structure for targeting species like red roman,musselcracker (both white and black) and yellowtail.
However,the real gem begins just beyond Kanon Point.
This area is known locally as “Die Rug”– a vast and complex reef system stretching all the way to the Gouritsmond River mouth.It is,without doubt,one of the top kob (kabeljou) fishing areas in the country during the summer months from November to March.
Here kob are caught on lures,jigs,dead bait and live bait. The reef spans depths from 15- to 45 metres,and fish location often requires sonar work and experience to pinpoint schools.
GOURITSMOND’S OFFSHORE GOLD
Just offshore from the Gouritsmond River,you’ll find the productive Klein Bank,a reef system in depths between 25– and 45 metres that consistently produces kob.
Slightly to the east lies The Hek,a legendary kob hotspot often considered one of the best-known reefs for this species in South Africa.
The reef features a mix of broken clay banks,with depths dropping from 22- to 40 metres.Aside from kob,anglers may encounter red roman,yellowtail and even schools of bonito during the summer season.
HIDDEN CHALLENGES AND RICH REWARDS
Further along the coast,The Wreck presents one of the more challenging spots to fish due to conflicting currents and swell,making anchoring difficult.
When conditions are unfavourable at The Wreck,many
anglers head inshore to Max se Bank,a dynamic reef system stretching toward Gouriqua Nature Reserve.These shallower banks (15- to 30 metres) are echo-sounding zones,meaning fish locations vary by day.
This area is known for diverse catches including musselcracker,roman and yellowtail.
GOURIQUA AND BEYOND – THE LIGHTHOUSE REEFS
In front of the Gouriqua/Ystervark Point Lighthouse,anglers can target nearly every major reef species found in South Africa.This includes trophy-sized yellowtail up to 20kg,red steenbras,roman,and both types of musselcracker.
From the lighthouse,anglers can also head offshore to the clay banks around the 80-metre mark,which are ideal for deep water hake fishing.
INVESTIGATING KOBCOUNTRY
The final leg of this angling journey takes you to the shallow-
er reefs from Stilbaai heading further west to Duiwenhoks River.These 15- to 30 metre deep reefs are ever-changing;fish move constantly,making sonar your best ally.
Stilbaai is renowned for kob,particularly in the warmer months.While most kob here range from 3- to 8kg (locally referred to as “korthol”),they often appear in dense schools, making for exciting fishing sessions.
FINALTHOUGHTS
Fishing the waters between Mossel Bay and Stilbaai offers both variety and abundance.Whether you’re hunting kob,reef dwellers or deep sea species,this stretch of coast delivers thrilling opportunities throughout the year.With a bit of local knowledge and the right gear,your next fishing trip could turn into the experience of a lifetime.
So,pack your rods,check your echo sounder,and make your way to the Southern Cape – world-class fishing awaits.
Garrick are often found along the sandy shoreline from Danabaai to Vleesbaai during summer.
TROUBLE-FREE TRAILERING
Your ultimate guide to safe,smart,and claim-proof towing
By Cathi Warriner and Megan Shepard of Team CMI (Club Marine Insurance)
IN the world of boating,if there’s one thing you don’t want to rely on,it’s hearsay.
Whether it’s your buddy at the marina or that Facebook group full of confident DIY captains,misinformation is a slippery slope,often ending with denied insurance claims or other tragedies.
At CMI Brokers,South Africa’s trusted watercraft insurance specialists, we’ve seen it all.From rookie oversights to seasoned skippers caught off guard, trailer-related issues are some of the most common reasons for towing troubles and repudiated claims.
In this article we’ll share some realworld advice to help you tow legally, avoid breakdowns,and have a betterchance of arriving safely.
DID YOU KNOW?
•Using a registered and roadworthy trailer is non-negotiable.That means working brakes and an inflated spare tyre – at the very least.And no,your car’s spare won’t do;it must be a dedicated trailer spare.
•Wheel bearings are the Achilles’heel of long-distance towing.Unless you have oil-filled axles,annual servicing is a must.Most trailer breakdowns, especially with longer trips,occur because of wheel bearing failure. The servicing of wheel bearings is a maintenance issue,so wheel bearing-failure which causes subsequent damage is generally not worthy of a claim.
•Your trailer’s coupler has a load rating.For bigger boats over 24ft,you’ll need a heavy-duty coupler (usually a pin coupling) that’s typically rated for up to 3.5 tons.
•Your vehicle’s tow hitch will have a towing capacity which must also match your trailer’s weight.Look for the stamped plate to confirm the maximum trailer mass allowed.
•Couplers and hitches wear out! Bumpy roads,heavy loads,harsh weather and salt exposure mean eventually you’ll need to replace both the tow hitch and coupling.
•Check your vehicle’s towing capacity on the manufacturer’s plate inside your driver’s door or in the manual. Total mass (boat + trailer + car + extras) must not exceed the recommended gross vehicle mass (GVM).
•Just because your car can pull the boat doesn’t mean it can stop it safely.Many rollover accidents occur on downhill sections of road or during emergency braking,usually due to inadequate trailer brakes or an underweight tow vehicle.
Claim example:
A 26ft ski-boat parted ways with its SUV tow vehicle while cornering. The tow hitch wasn’t rated for the load,so insurance didn’t cover the damage to the vehicle or the vessel.
TOWING LEGALLY; WHAT THE LAW SAYS
The National Road Traffic Act sets out very clear rules for towing.Ignore these at your peril!
Gross vehicle mass (GVM) = the maximum operating mass of the vehicle (or trailer) as permanufacturer,when fully laden.The tare mass is that of an empty vehicle (or trailer).
The maximum extra mass that can be carried by the vehicle (or trailer) is: GVM minus tare mass.
UNBRAKED TRAILER LIMITS
An unbraked trailer’s maximum GVM must be less than half your tow vehicle’s tare mass,and is capped at 750kg.
The braked trailer’s GVM must not exceed the tare mass of the tow vehicle,up to 3500kg.
Claim example:
A client with a CodeB licence towed a 1200kg trailer. After a minor accident,their claim was denied due to incorrect licensing, even though the trailer had brakes.
If your boat exceeds the tare of your vehicle,it’s time to call a professional haulier.
AREYOULICENSED?
Do you have the correct driver’s licence to tow a boat? You might be surprised at how many people don’t.
The older EB licences allow you to tow 3500kg with a fully functional independently braked trailer.However, after the year 2000,new regular driver’s licences were issued on code B which only allows you to tow 750kg.
Check your licence,as many people have had to upgrade their licences to
be legally allowed to tow over 750kg.
Code B:
Light vehicles – passenger cars and bakkies.Maximum tow weight = 750kg (unbraked).Vehicle must weigh twice as much as the trailer.For a 750kg trailer,the towing vehicle’s minimum tare must be 1500kg.Even slightly less is illegal!
Code EB:
Light motor vehicles;able to pull a boat, trailer or caravan.Can tow up to 3500kg with an independently braked trailer.Weight of vehicle must equal or exceed trailer weight.
If trailer weight is more than tare of the tow vehicle,a service brake should be installed.If GVM exceeds 750kg,you must have overrun brakes.
Claim example:
A client left their boat parked at a rural petrol station overnight. It was stolen by morning. With no locks or chains in place, the claim was declined due to negligence.
PACKINGYOURBOAT
It’s tempting to throw all the extra stuff into the boat and just go,but a bit of prep can save you from disaster.
Don’t overload
Tare mass minus GVM = Max load. Adding items such as heavily laden cooler boxes,bags,fishing or waterskiing equipment in the boat adds to the overall weight of your load which could put you over the legal limit.Traffic authorities sometimes check this at weigh-stations.
Pack smart
On single-axle trailers,heavier items should be packed just ahead of the axle.Too far back and the nose of the boat/trailerlifts;too far forward and the stability of the trailer is compromised
Other things to check
•Jockey wheel:Raise it,secure it tightly,or store it in the vehicle.
•Rear lights:Test the plug.Faulty lights increase your risk of having an accident and can also incur traffic fines.
•Spare wheel:Must be inflated,in good condition and securely bolted onto the trailer.
•Safety chain:Check it’s in good working order before moving. Loop it over your tow-ball mount
every single time you tow something.
•Brakes:Get advice from a professional on whether you need hydraulic,overrun,or electric brakes,and check them regularly.
•Tyres:Must match load rating. Insurers will check if the correct tyres were used,and using the incorrect tyres can result in a voided claim.
TRAILER AND BOAT SECURITY
When it comes to storage and theft prevention,insurers look for proof of violent and forced entry and evidence of secure storage.
•Store your boat and trailer in enclosed,locked premises or approved yacht/ski-boat clubs,marinas,boat yards or places of repair/sale.
•Use chains,Master Locks,or wheel clamps to secure it if it’s parked offsite.
•Lock away non-fixed equipment (coolers,tackle etc) in secure compartments or completely remove them from the vessel.
•Don’t leave your trailer unattended in isolated areas.At least keep eyes on your vehicle or vessel.
•Take photos of break-in damage if a theft occurs.If there’s no visible damage your claim may be rejected.
EXTRA TRAILERING TIPS
•While launching or retrieving a boat,trailer brakes get wet.They will dry while you’re travelling,but if you’re storing your trailer near the water,consider removing the brakes temporarily to prevent them seizing. Obviously remember to re-fit the brakes before you next travel! If your brakes seize,power exerted by a vehicle/tractor could force and damage the brakes with a knock-on effect on the rims,axles etc.
•If you’re using an imported trailers, use an override pin to stop brakes from locking while reversing.When you’re travelling,tape the reverse pin to the trailer to ensure the brakes don’t lock.
•Inspect your trailer while the boat is in the water.Check felt,cables,axles and rollers.
•Consider asking your marine service provider to inspect the trailer during your boat’s regular maintenance sessions.
FINALTHOUGHT
Whether you’re heading off for a day at the dam or trailering your craft across the country to reach the sea,being on the right side of the law isn’t just smart, it’s essential.It protects your safety,your boat and your insurance claims.
If you have any other queries about towing legally,feel free to contact us at CMI.Let us help keep your trailer trip trouble-free and your claims stressfree.
Claim example:
One client’s trailer broke down en-route to the coast due to seized wheel bearings. Result?
Holiday ruined,claim rejected. No service receipts = no payout.
HOW’STHE
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INTERACTIVE WEATHER ANIMATIONS
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Durban Ski-Boat Club Festival 2025
By Mark Wilson
WHAT a comp! The 2025 Durban Ski-Boat Club (DSBC) Festival was once again a huge success.
This year the festival took place on 26 and 27 April and brilliant sunny weather meant using the backup fishing day,28 April,wasn’t necessary, despite the preceding week delivering some of the heaviest rain Durban had seen for some time.
For those who have not yet experienced this annual festival,let me give a brief summary of what it all entails, which which will give you some idea why this particular offshore fishing competition is one of the largest and most popular of its ilk in southern Africa.
Just on 250 boats entered this year, which is proof that this festival is a “must”for offshore fishing and boating enthusiasts.Many past competitors return to fish each year,but there is always new blood,and this bodes well for the sport in general.
The main species targeted,which wins the top prize on offer,is the ’cuda (king mackerel),although prizes are also awarded for the biggest catches of other gamefish species.
As with all such events,sponsors are the life-blood of the festival,and the fantastic,hardworking organising committee makes sure to properly showcase the sponsors and all they provide, which has gone a long way to ensuring the longevity and popularity of the
DSBC Festival.
The main prize for the biggest ’cuda this year was a 565 Seacat with twin 100hp Yamaha 4-stroke engines,on a trailer,valued at R950000.Ladies and junior prizes,gamefish species category prizes and lucky draw prizes contributed another huge chunk to the pot.Add to that the excellent food, drink and music that flows from Durban Ski-Boat Club over the festival weekend to make it a real family event, and you have a guaranteed formula for success.
The weather gods had heeded our pleas for ideal weather,and the Saturday morning dawned with hardly a breath of wind and a forecast of typical Durban sunshine.
The 2025 Durban Ski-baot Club Festival winner, Gareth Brockett with his 29.86kg ’cuda.
Boats commenced launching at 4:00am in anticipation of the now traditional flying start.The fleet settled behind the NRSI boat that acted as the starting point,and throttles opened as soon as the hooter sounded.The serenity of another spectacular sunrise was shattered by the sound of hundreds of outboard motors carrying the skiboaters to their respective honey holes.
This is a sight I have never quite got used to in the over 20 years I have covered this event for SKI-BOAT Magazine.
Later in the morning,those of us waiting impatiently at the designated weigh-in station were thrilled to see the first ’cuda being weighed in around 11:30am.The 17.64kg specimen was caught by Jade Payne.
The women anglers are making massive inroads in a sport that used to be dominated by men.As far as I am concerned,this one of the few sports where juniors,ladies and men get to compete on the same level playing field,and it’s fabulous.
Anglers reported that the fishing was hard on day one because the rains preceding the event had cooled the water and also discoloured it.Despite that,a number of decent sized fish came out.
Troye Cauvin eventually set the benchmark for day one with a healthy ’cuda weighing 22.10kg.Although the pickings were scarcer on the first day than in previous years,it was hoped that the conditions would settle down and the sun would stay out for day two.
Yet another day of very favourable weather greeted all the anglers on day two.Once again the beach was a hive of activity from 4:00am,with those on beach duty expertly assisting with launches and parking trailers for the participants.It’s mind boggling to witness,and to the uninitiated it must seem like organised chaos.
At 11am we were treated to a simulated NSRI rescue which included the use of a helicopter and various seagoing craft no more than 100m from the shore.The NSRI is run entirely by volunteers and is a non-profit organisation,but the display they put on was world class.It reassured all of us that, should anything unfortunate happen out on the ocean,we would be in good hands.
On day two,fish were brought to the weigh-station from shortly after noon,and the quality,size and variety of gamefish improved dramatically over the previous day.
When Gareth Brockett stepped up with his croc ’cuda,the crowd gathered close,sensing this could be the fish that would top the tables.After what seemed like a lifetime,a loud cheer erupted when the 29.86kg fish was confirmed as the festival leader.
The two and a half hours between weighing his fish and the cut off time for weigh-in must have felt like an eternity for Gareth as he waited to see if his fish would be eclipsed.Some other healthy specimens did make it to the weigh-in,but finally Gareth claimed the accolade of winner of the Durban Ski Boat Club Festival 2025!
All indications are that this fishing festival will remain one of the premier events of its kind thanks to strong sponsorship and a dedicated organising committee that turns every festival into a great experience,so mark your diaries now for the Durban Ski-Boat Club Festival 2026!
BIGGEST ’CUDA Angler
BIGGEST OFOTHERSPECIES
Angler
Max Killan
Jacque van Staden
Colin Smith
Gavin Swart
TOPLADIES
Jade Payne . .
Juanita Bouwer .
TOPJUNIORS
Lilly Osborn . . . .
Claire Joyce . .
Daniel du Plessis .
.Weight & Species
.21.70kg wahoo
. .7.24kg dorado
.7.02kg bonnie
.7.22kg snoek
. . .17.64kg ’cuda
. . . .15.94kg ’cuda
. . .21.34kg ’cuda
. . . .8.50kg ’cuda
.7.84kg ’cuda
AWORDFROMTHEORGANISERS
By Hilton Kidger
THE 2025 Durban Ski-Boat Festival has come and gone, and what an enjoyable weekend it was!
Planning such an event takes many months and many meetings to make sure all the admin issues are sorted, sponsors are on board,entertainment is arranged,tasty food is freshly prepared, anglers have entered and paid,advertising has been organised,tow vehicles plus our four tractors are ready for action,AND that Mahogany Reef is well stocked for liquid nourishment.
Although we’ve had plenty of practice with all of that,and things generally run smoothly,one thing we cannot manage is the elements! Fortunately the weather played ball and we had a truly magical weekend.
Another critical area of an event like this is affordability,and the value it offers the entrants.We’re very blessed in this regard,and our many loyal sponsors and their contributions and service ensure the entries offer great value for money and there are some fabulous prizes on offer.This is vital,because,at the end of the day,our fishing guests are incentivised to enter because of the incredible prizes they want to take home.
This year was no exception,with the first prize being a 565 Seacat with twin 100hp Yamaha 4-stroke engines, valued at R950000.There was also another R600000 worth of other prizes up for grabs.The fact that everyone is in the mix for all the silverware
is another big incentive – the competition favours no angler! We also had many entries from juniors – both boys and girls.It was heartening to see them and the many women who entered this year. Another big draw card for fishing competitions is the gregarious nature of fishing folk.At the Durban Ski-Boat Club Festival,we are all part of a family where the joy of fishing in saltwater ignites a camaraderie second to none. Of course the stories flow all weekend, and if you could can “bull dust”,we would all be millionaires.In the meantime,we laugh!
One of the exciting features of the 2025 experience was the way the lead changed so often before the man of the match,Gareth Brockett,arrived with a fish of almost 30kg.
I phoned Gareth to get the story from “the ’cuda’s mouth”.He had this to say:“I arrived at registration with ten minutes to spare,and I struggled on Saturday but managed a garrick.On Sunday I was fishing alone off Peace Cottage over sand,no reef below,and the water was very discoloured.My bait was a walla walla,and I sent it down with an 8oz sinker in shallow water.I did two turns on the reel and slow trolled.Once hooked,the fish swam towards the boat,and when I switched on,it was swimming ahead of me.It fought more like a shark,and when it arrived alongside my Ski Vee,I could hardly believe my eyes! The speed at which I grabbed the gaff will be in the
Guiness Book of Records forever!
“Besides the excitement of winning such a beautiful prize,I reflected over my association with the DSBC Festival and recalled my first entry with my dad over 20 years ago.It was a moving moment of reflection.Thank you to the team at DSBC who put in the many hours for our enjoyment.”
We love the way this competition brings families together on the water over so many years!
In closing,two final thank yous:Our sincere appreciation goes to Rufus Chetty who manages the pumping station.With the dredger in for repairs,he kindly arranged for their bulldozer to flatten the beach which helped immensely with managing the launch of over 200 boats.
Also,to our mates at NSRI,a big thank you for your support as always and the recovery display using the Portnet helicopter.
See you next year!
Mark Wilson, Erwin Bursik, Liz Plotz, Cathi Warriner & Hilton Kidger.
In second place, Blayne Wareham and his team.
2025 winner, Gareth Brockett was thrilled with his new boat.
Third place went to Troye Cauvin.
Denis van der Westhuisen finished in forth place.
Lilly Osborne also came in at fifth place overall.
Jade Payne walked away as top lady.
Lily Osborne was the top junior.
TACTICS
Top tips for catching big ’cuda
Gareth Brockett – the man with the winning plan at the 2025 Durban Ski-Boat Club Festival. His tactics landed him this 29.86kg ’cuda and a brand new boat.
South
Ken Reynolds landed this 46.41kg ’cuda off Sezela on the KZN South Coast in April 1983. It still stands as the South African All Tackle Record for king mackerel.
Not quite a record, but still a beast! Byron Kane caught this 31.46kg ’cuda off Umdloti on 1 June 2025. It took a live mackerel in 20–25m of water.
By Gareth Brockett
THE sight of a big croc ’cuda (a.k.a.couta/king mackerel) is exciting for all South African deep sea gamefish anglers, especially those fishing KwaZulu-Natal waters and right up into Moçambique, who regard it as the “ultimate”prize, and often the trophy of a lifetime.
For those who don’t know,’cuda is short for barracuda,as those who first put to sea off Vetch’s in 1945 mistakenly called the silver speedster which we now nickname speed bream.
Ever since recreational deep sea fishing took off in South Africa,skiboaters have used 60lb (27.3kg) as the ultimate benchmark for the king mackerel or ’cuda.As a grander is to marlin anglers,so is a 30kg ’cuda to gamefish anglers.
Over the last 80 years,these magnificent fish have set the benchmark for offshore gamefish angling.It is a tribute to these fish that the annual Durban Skiboat Club Festival focuses on this species.
This year 250 boats and 700 anglers participated in the festival with a number of very decent ’cuda coming out. The 2025 event also fulfilled the dream of a lifetime for me when I won the Festival with a 29.86kg ’cuda,a solid “croc”!
If my intel is correct,the nickname “croc”was first given to big ’cuda caught off Mapelane in the early 1970s
during May/June when,for some reason,very big ’cuda were caught off the Mapelane lighthouse reef.The size and formidable array of big razor sharp teeth apparently reminded the locals of the big St Lucia crocodiles.
Over the years croc ’cuda have become trophies that most KwaZuluNatal (KZN) gamefish anglers strive to catch,but it’s a goal not many achieve. Nowadays a ’cuda over 20kg is considered a “croc”due to the scarcity of really big ’cuda.
The South African All Tackle Record for ’cuda stands at 46.41kg (102lb);it was caught off Sezela on the KZN South Coast in April 1983 by Ken Reynolds,while whipping a spoon.The All Africa All Tackle Record of 44.9kg was caught by IForbes at Cape Vidal in April 1990.Fred Steyn holds the SA record for king mackerel on 10kg line. His 41.75kg ’cuda was caught at Cape Vidal in February 1986.
These records are specific and not only pertain to line class,but were also caught with tackle complying with the IGFA standards.Many other big recordworth ’cuda don’t feature in these lists as they were caught on standard ’cudastyle traces with treble hooks,which IGFA doesn’t recognise.
A study of SADSAA records over all line classes,together with information gathered from general “bragging reports”,indicates that the main hunting grounds for really big ’cuda are from Richards Bay to Sodwana Bay,with
a few caught off Moçambique.Erwin Bursik tells me that the biggest ’cuda he ever saw himself was a 95- or 100lb monster that was being kept in a cold room in Inhambane,Moçambique,in 1973.
The area off Red Sands on the Eastern Cape coast also produces some really big ’cuda in the 40kg class every year just prior to the sardine season, and they’re mostly caught by boats running south from Shelly Beach and Port Edward.However,in my opinion,any ’cuda in the 20kg to 30kg class is a trophy and well worth pursuing and gaining as a personal best or trophy specimen.
As the croc I caught on Sunday,the final day of the 2025 DSBC Festival,slid over the gunnel and onto the deck of Pelagic ,I was completely overwhelmed.It was huge! With this came the feeling that it might just be the winning fish in the Festival,as the fish topping the leaderboard at the end of day one was just over 21kg.
After pulling the scales to 29.86kg, my fish raised the benchmark significantly,but had me stressing until the scales closed.At last I could take a good few deep breaths when I realised I had won the incredible boat on display in front of the DSBC club house!
GETTINGLUCKY
Whatever anglers say,Lady Luck plays a huge part being successful at any angling event.Anglers are lucky to be
Fred Steyn holds the
African 10kg line record for king mackerel thanks to this magnificent 41.75kg fish caught at Cape Vidal in February 1986.
taking part.Lucky to be in the right area at the right time.Lucky to have the right bait.Lucky to get the bite.Lucky to get the fish to the boat without it self-releasing.Lucky if the fish is not taxed by a shark.I was extra lucky that my fish was the biggest in the event.
Of course,luck isn’t everything, there is also a fair bit of skill and knowledge involved.During most of my fishing outings I target big ’cuda,so I have honed my skills,knowledge and methods of targeting these elusive “croc” ’cuda over many years.
Here are a few general tips I’ve picked up to give myself the best chance of catching them...
•Always take into account the sea conditions,including water colour, current direction and speed,water temperature and swell.
•Do your homework prior to the event on areas where ’cuda shoals are being caught.Then,work areas knowing that there is a likelihood of big fish being present.
Having said that,I believe that really big ’cuda don’t hang out with the shoalies.These big fish hunt in known areas and are largely found in the shallower water over structures or sandy travelling areas between points.
•’Cuda don’t get big by being stupid – they have seen countless spoons, lures,bait rigs,etc.during their migration each year from Moçambique to our area,and survived.As a result,you’ll need to be clever too.
•The saying “big bait = big fish”does apply,but,equally,small baits catch all fish.
•Finally,plan your strategy and don’t run backwards and forwards over the ocean.Make a decision and be patient.
DOWNTOTHE DETAIL
Let’s look at a few more specifics of how I go hunting for croc’cuda ...
Traces for big fish
My preferred baits for targeting big ’cuda are live or dead bonnies,walla walla and silkies (wolf herring).
My wire strength of choice is #6, and I use 4–6 x-strong trebles.
I like to run a wire down each side of my baits as big ’cuda can bite through wire,leaving the second wire as a back up.
Tackle for big fish
I use a multiplier reel with 300- to 500m of 12–16kg breaking strain line and a 7–8ft rod with a nice soft flex in it to handle the blistering fast runs that these ’cuda are known for.
Home of the big fish
My favourite areas for targeting larger
I position a row of trebles running down one side of the walla walla, and a stinger treble on the other side as back up in case the wire is bitten through.
For this bait I added a Pulsator chin weight. The silver trebles are positioned low in the silver part of the bait to camouflage them a bit more.
With this bonnie, the dorsal and pectoral fins are pinned to stand out so it better imitates a live fish. Again the trebles are staggered on both sides of the bait so there’s no way the ’cuda could bite the bait and miss getting hooked.
’cuda are St Lucia,Zinkwazi,Tinley and uMdloti.
Depths of the big fish
My preferred depths for targeting them are 15- to 30m.
Fighting big fish
When these fish bite,it’s best to have your drag pre-set and let the fish do as long a run as it needs.You want to keep just the right amount of pressure on it in the hope that it burns itself out,and that you can get it within gaffing distance as quickly as possible.
Sometimes there might be three or four of these long runs.Teenage fish have a much faster burst of speed than the larger fish which do longer,slightly slower runs.
Often,when the fish is tired and gets to the side of the boat,it’ll just roll over on its side and present you with a good gaff shot.Occasionally,you might need to use the boat to chase the fish to gain some of the line back that they have peeled off on their long,fast run.It is,however,beneficial to keep your engines and sounder noise to a mini-
mum so you don’t attract the everopportunistic tax man (sharks).
Boat tips for big fish
•It’s important to know how to read your fish finder and look carefully at the structure it shows to figure out where ’cuda would hunt bait around a structure.
•Trawl as slowly as possible and then occasionally speed up to give your bait some extra action.
•When a ’cuda runs,it’s advisable to wind in all the other lines to prevent them crossing over and burning each other off.
•Have a sharp gaff ready for when you get a fish to the side of the boat.
•When pulling the fish onto the deck,watch out for the razor sharp teeth and hooks that are flying around. Many anglers have their own ideas for targeting big fish with different baits and trace set ups.This all comes down to the individual and them fishing confidently with their own methods.All I know is that my tactics just won me a brand new boat!
BACKTOBASIC JOYS
Santa Maria Fishing Challenge 2025
By Erwin Bursik
THE second running of this gamefish species event was an outstanding success,with 27 Mozambican and South African teams competing against one another from 12 to 16 May 2025.
The Santa Maria community,using
their fairly limited resources,staged an extremely enjoyable and festive event centered around Bemugi’s Place.With the lineup of competing boats moored directly in front of the restaurant,it felt as though we were on a remote tropical island complete with sun,sea,sand and incredible sunsets.
In my opinion,this one of the most
Dirk
Ryan
incredible destinations on the southern African coast,with incredible gamefishing literally on its doorstep.
The competition doesn’t boast huge prizes,but instead the event goes back to basics – focusing on the fishing and the incredible hospitality at a brilliant destination.
Anglers at this event specifically tar-
Dirk Venter junior, Ryan Hansen and Dirk Venter senior with some of their catches at the 2025 Santa Maria Fishing Challenge.
Hansen was delighted with his sailfish.
Venter junior caught and released this beautiful GT.
get the gamefish found in southern Mozambique’s waters.No deep jigging is permitted at this competition,and no bottomfish are permitted to be weighed or targeted,all in an effort to preserve the area’s reef fish population.
Only five fish per species per day could be weighed,and points were determined based on a multiplying system depending on the number of gamefish caught each day.
All kingfish species had to be released after being photographed on a measuring chart,and this proved very acceptable and practical.
All sailfish and marlin were also released,with video recordings or photographs ensuring the angler received
the designated 20 and 40 points per release.This meant that even double strikes of sailfish,as happened with two boats,did not outrun the points allocated for capturing gamefish.
I was fishing aboard a new Seacat 63X – Filho de Praia – with Ryan Hansen,Dirk Venter senior,Dirk Venter junior,and our exceptionally knowledgeable local skipper,Thomas,and thoroughly enjoyed the event.
We fished from north of Portuguese Island down to Ponta Milibangalala in the south,and it was wonderful to see this area from the seaward side.That stretch of coastline offers some incredible reef structure and a good array of gamefish.
King mackerel and wahoo were the main targets,and they eagerly took the live bonnies which were abundant in the area.
Having such a diverse fishery in very enticing tropical waters gives Santa Maria a feel that’s very similar to the Bazaruto archipelago – but less than a 600km drive from Durban and Johannesburg.
The location,the hospitality,the fishing,the scenery and the conviviality of of everyone involved really grabbed my attention,and coming second in the competition was the cherry on top.
I’ve certainly set my sights on attending the 2026 Santa Maria Fishing Challenge.
Malakas took first place, and Filho de Praia came second.
PRESIDENT’SREPORT A Powerful Start to the Year
WE’RE only half way through the year,and already 2025 has delivered a lineup of tournaments packed with passion,pressure,and a few unexpected twists.From big blue marlin in Sodwana to cold-water tuna in Hout Bay,South African anglers have shown exactly why we’re a force to be reckoned with – at home and abroad.
Here’s a look at what’s gone down so far this year ...
2025 SADSAA Heavy Tackle Billfish
Interprovincial Sodwana Bay 19–22 February 2025
The season started with a roar up north in Sodwana – the kind of place where your drag screams louder than your crew.
Conditions shifted between perfect and punishing,but it was Southern Gauteng who brought their A-game,cool heads and calm calls,earning them a well-deserved gold.
Zululand,always dangerous in these waters,fought right to the end and walked away with silver – and a bit of unfinished business.
2025 SADSAA Tuna International & Nationals
Hout Bay, 20–26 April 2025
Chasing big yellowfin off Hout Bay is not for the faint-hearted.You need grit,layers, and probably a flask of something warm. The Protea Green team stayed focused, outmanoeuvring some serious international competition to snag gold,while their teammates in the Protea Yellow team weren’t far behind with silver.SASACC added flair and balance to the mix,claiming bronze and plenty of respect.
In the national battle,Western Province fished like they had something to prove – and they did – storming to gold on home ground.Eastern Province didn’t let up and secured silver,while Natal rounded off the podium with bronze after a gritty week in the deep.
2025 SADSAA Junior Bottomfish Nationals Port Elizabeth, 28 April–2 May 2025
Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth brought the wind and the waves, and was met with the wide smiles of young anglers who fished their hearts out.
Anton van den Berg SADSAAActing President
The Protea Green team fished well and took gold in the SADSAA Tuna International held in Hout Bay in April.
The Protea Yellow team also had an excellent performance, taking silver in the SADSAA Tuna International.
While the Protea teams didn’t collect any medals at the ILTTA tournament in Guatemala, they learned a great deal.
In the U16 division,it was Eastern Province A who kept their noses clean and their lines tight,earning gold.Southern Cape battled hard for silver,and a unique mix of Border and WP Barbarian juniors brought home the bronze,proving that sometimes the most dangerous teams are the ones with nothing to lose.
Over in the U19 category,SAQDSAA were electric.Their teamwork and tempo set them apart and earned them gold. Border came charging with some fantastic catches and took silver,while Eastern Province B made sure the medals stayed in the Bay with a solid bronze.
International Light Tackle Tournament Association (ILTTA), Guatemala, 12–19 May 2025
The waters of Guatemala are no joke – sailfish are everywhere,but so are the best anglers in the world.It was a tough,technical tournament.Protea Ladies finished in 17th position and the Protea Men in 16th,but,results aside,the experience was gold in its own right.The teams gained grit, growth and game plans for next time.
SADSAA All Coastal Interprovincial Knysna, 20–24 May 2025
One of the most inclusive tournaments of the year turned into one of the most competitive.
The Ladies division saw the Easten Province/Southern Cape Barbarians – a mix of talent and heart – come out
swinging to claim gold.Eastern Province Ladies delivered a classy,composed performance to earn silver,while the neversay-die Border Ladies battled for a tough but well-earned bronze.
In the Men’s section,Eastern Province Black fished like a well-oiled machine,taking gold with clinical precision. EPRed wasn’t far behind,finishing with silver,while Natal ‘s anglers proved they can adapt to any coast,and claimed bronze.
EFSA Championship Iceland, 22–25 May 2025
There are wins,and then there are statements.Team Protea sent shockwaves through Europe with a masterclass in coldwater angling,beating both Iceland A and Iceland B on their home turf to claim gold at the EFSA European Sea Angling Championship.The wind was icy,but the pride? Blazing hot!
SADSAA Gamefish Interprovincial Umhlanga, 23–25 May 2025
Umhlanga turned it on with sunny skies,strong currents,and plenty of surprises.Natal Black looked like they were fishing in their backyard – and they were – storming to gold with swagger.Griquas brought a quiet confidence that earned them a solid silver,while Northern Gauteng kept their lines tight and their minds sharper to grab bronze in what ended up being a very competitive field.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Upcoming tournaments for the rest of 2025
There’s no slowing down from here.These are the events where new legends will rise,reputations will be tested,and more unforgettable memories will be made:
1–6 June – SADSAA Gamefish Nationals,St Lucia
9–14 June – 72nd Ernest Hemingway International Billfish,Cuba (Protea)
13–15 June – Tuna Interprovincial,Shelly Beach
30 June to 4 July – SADSAA Junior Gamefish Nationals & SADSAA All Inland,Sodwana Bay
9–12 July – SADSAA Junior Bottomfish Interprovincial,Kleinbaai
14–18 July – SADSAA Light Tackle Billfish International & Nationals,Sodwana Bay
1–3 August – Junior & Senior Garrick Release,Richards Bay
4–9 August – EFSA European Sea Angling Championship,Norway
8–10 August – SADSAA All Stars,Richards Bay
13–16 August – SADSAA Bottomfish Interprovincial,Durban
23–30 August – FIPS-M Big Game World Championship,France (Protea)
1–5 October – Jebel Sifah International Championship,Oman (Protea)
9–13 October – SADSAA Light Tackle Billfish Interprovincial,Sodwana Bay
26 October – 1 November – SADSAA Bottomfish Nationals,Richards Bay
17–21 November – SADSAA Heavy Tackle Billfish Nationals,Sodwana Bay
The year’s off to a flying start.The fish are biting,the anglers are fired up,and the stories are writing themselves.Whether you’re chasing marlin in Sodwana,braving the chill in Norway,or backing the juniors on the podium,2025 is shaping up to be something special.
Keep your hooks sharp.Keep your hearts in it.Let’s finish the year the way we started – with pride.
By Jean Schoonhoven
EACH year the SADSAA Heavy Tackle Billfish Nationals takes place at Sodwana Bay in the week immediately after the Billfish 15000 competition. Last year the event was hosted by Mpumalanga Deep Sea Angling Association and I was honoured to be part of the 2024 SADSAA Heavy Tackle Billfish team.
The rest of the elite team comprised Gavin Heale (team captain) from Griquas,Jannas Henriksz from Gauteng,and Michael Fourie from Southern Gauteng.We had earned our places based on merit,and our selection symbolised the pinnacle of achievement in competitive billfishing,setting the stage for an intense and highly anticipated tournament.
PRACTICEMAKESPERFECT
Although the four of us had never fished together before,we were excited for what lay ahead.Michael and Jannas had both participated in the 2024 Billfish 15000 tournament, with Jannas fishing aboard Kit-Kat which took first place.Team Kit-Kat also equalled the tournament record with an impressive seven billfish releases.We hoped Jannas’s “luck” would continue!
Our team joined up on Saturday 16 November 2024,a day that was dedicated to tackle preparation as we’d planned a practice day for the Sunday.This was a crucial opportunity for us to refine our teamwork.
On the Sunday we launched at 5am aboard Dee-Jay,Gavin’s Citation 900 powered by twin Yamaha 300hp engines.The first couple of hours were quiet,but at 8.17am,I hooked a blue marlin on an Ilander Black Hole lure with a strip bait that we’d run in the shotgun position.
With Michael handling the leader,Jannas capturing video footage,and Gavin at the helm,our team worked together very efficiently,releasing the marlin at 8.33am. This promising start reinforced our confidence and readiness for the upcoming tournament.
We returned to shore around 11amto finalise tackle adjustments before attending the opening function that evening at the Sodwana Ski-Boat Club Clubhouse.
HISTORIC BILLFISH SLAM
Hendriksz, Gavin Heale, Michael Fourie and Jean Schoonhoven prepare for another competitive day on the ocean at the
A STRONG START
The 2024 SADSAA Heavy Tackle Billfish Nationals officially commenced on Monday,18 November 2024,at 5am,featuring 14 fiercely competitive teams.
The morning began slowly,with the first marlin release only recorded at 10.49am by the Griquas team aboard Certainty. Our team remained patient,working the Diepgat area,and our perseverance paid off when,at 12.19pm,I hooked a sailfish of approximately 50kg.The fish was successfully released at 12.27pm. Once again the Ilander Black Hole with a strip bait in the shotgun position was the charm.
Encouraged by our success,we continued working the Diepgat area.At 12.55pm,we had another strike – this time Gavin took the chair.Battling against increasing northeasterly winds and growing swells,he fought a 180kg black marlin which was successfully released at 1.27pm.For the third time in two days,the Ilander Black Hole with a strip bait proved its worth!
By the end of the first day,our SADSAA team topped the leaderboard with 352 points,setting the pace for the rest of the competition.
WEATHER CHALLENGES
Unfortunately,the second day of the tournament was declared a blowout due to adverse weather conditions.
This setback meant that standings remained unchanged going into day three.
HOLDING POSITION
Wednesday,20 November 2024,proved to be a testing day.Despite two aggressive billfish strikes on our teasers,neither fish switched to commit to the pitch baits.Our team ended the day in third place still on 352 points,trailing behind North West province in first place on 487 points and the SADSAA Masters Gold team in second place on 482 points.
A STRATEGIC SHIFT PAYS OFF
Day four marked a pivotal moment for our SADSAA team as we decided to tweak our strategy.We replaced the two hookless teasers on the left and right short positions with fully rigged lures. The decision paid off immediately.
At 5.25am,a fish was spotted in the spread,striking and missing the right short lure – a Bahama Phoebe 50 in Captain Morgan colours.Jannas quickly grabbed the pitch rod and presented a mackerel rigged with a circle hook, while I cleared the right short lure to make space.The fish took the bait,and Jannas carefully set the drag to secure the hook.The fight was on!
Battling the fish in a stand-up position using a Black Magic harness,Jannas held strong while Michael took the leader,I recorded the action,and Gavin expertly manouevred the boat.After an intense 25-minute fight,the fish was brought boatside.Initially mistaken for a blue marlin,closer inspection revealed it to be a massive sailfish –approximately 80kg – with a torn dor-
sal fin giving it the appearance of a marlin.At 5.52am,the first fish of the tournament day was successfully released.
We quickly reset the spread,and at 6.41am another strike came on the same Bahama Phoebe 50.This time, Michael took the chair while I handled the leader,Jannas recorded footage,and Gavin captained the boat.The fight on 80lb tackle was brief,with another sailfish successfully released at 6:56am –the second fish of the day.
At 7.17am we had yet another strike – this time on the short left lure,a Black Bart Marlin Candy in blue.I jumped into the chair while Jannas filmed,Michael worked the leader,and Gavin helmed. The fish fought hard,but the estimated 80kg striped marlin was successfully released at 7.43am – the third fish of the day.
The hot streak continued when,at 8.20am,we hooked into a larger blue marlin on the long right,which struck a green-and-black Pulsator Tube.Gavin took the chair as the fish peeled line well into the backing.Unfortunately,the line popped,and the fish was lost.Such is the nature of the sport!
The action slowed until 12.14pm, when the short left rod got hit again, with the Black Bart Marlin Candy proving irresistible.Jannas was back in the chair,Michael took the leader,and Gavin guided the boat.This was undoubtedly the biggest fish of the tournament for our team.After a grueling 50-minute fight,a stunning blue marlin estimated at 250kg was success-
Jannas
2024 Billfish Nationals at Sodwana.
fully released at 13.04pm.
This incredible achievement marked our team’s fourth release of the day,and gave us our third billfish species,completing the elusive Billfish Slam.With 1144 points,our SADSAA team finished the day in first place overall.
MAKINGHISTORY
The final day began quietly for our team,but patience paid off.
At 10.10am,the right long lure – a Pulsator Tube in blue,white,and purple – got a strike.
Jannas took the chair once more, with Michael handling the leader,me capturing footage,and Gavin at the helm.At 10.32am we successfully released a blue marlin estimated at
200kg – our seventh billfish of the tournament,tying the all-time record for billfish releases in any Sodwana tournament!
Momentum was on our side,and at 11.18am,the shotgun position got hit by a marlin attacking a chartreuse,yellow Ilander Express.The marlin missed the lure twice but committed on the third strike.
I took the chair,Michael grabbed the leader,and Gavin skippered the boat. After a 22-minute battle,another magnificent blue marlin – approximately 180kg – was released.This marked our eighth release of the tournament,setting a new record for the most billfish released at any tournament in Sodwana’s history.
A DOMINANT VICTORY
Our SADSAA team emerged victorious, securing an emphatic win with 1644 points – nearly double the secondplaced team,Western Province,who finished with 885 points.The SADSAA Masters Gold team claimed third place with 767 points.Over five launches, which included the practice day,our team released a remarkable nine billfish,including a billfish slam!
This victory was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first time in more than 15 years that a SADSAA team had won the prestigious SADSAA Heavy Tackle Billfish Nationals Tournament.It took an impressive combination of skill, teamwork,and strategic adjustments, but we did it!
With eight billfish of four species caught in the 2024 Billfish Nationals, the SADSAA team took top spot.
SKI-BOAT AWARDS
Application Form
I hereby apply for the following category:
Meritorious Fish Outstanding Catch
Tick the appropriate box and supply us with the following information. Please remember to print clearly.
Digital emailed photographs should be high resolution.
YOUR favourite offshore angling magazine, SKI-BOAT , in conjunction with the South African Deep Sea Angling Association, is proud to offer all South African skiboaters the opportunity to win awards for excellence in angling.
All deep sea anglers who achieve laid down standards of excellence will be entitled to apply for the SKI-BOAT AWARDS.Upon ratification by a panel of adjudicators,the angler will receive a handsome digital certificate,suitably inscribed.
The SKI-BOAT AWARDS will be made for fish caught in two sections:
1) Meritorious Fish
This award is for a fish that’s a memorable achievement for the angler,if not
RULES:
There is no restriction on the number of awards which can be applied for. Award applicants must submit a photograph of the relevant fish with the application form and a photograph of the angler with the fish.
SKI-BOAT reserves the right to use the photograph as it sees fit.
Entries must be on the official form which is included in all issues of the magazine.
Entires must be received within 45 days of capture.
No witnesses of the catch are required. The award is made in the true spirit of sportsmanship and relies on the integrity of the angler to make a just claim.
Aselection of award winners’names will be announced in future issues of SKIBOAT, along with relevant photographs. Award applicants should allow 30-45 days for processing of applications. There is no charge for Kingfisher Awards.
a personal best,and is not confined to the species listed below.Tackle used is of no consideration here,the fish’s weight being the main criterion.
2) Outstanding Catch
To satisfy the requirements for this award,anglers can catch any recognised fish species.As a guideline,the weight of that fish must equal or exceed the suggested weights below,or certain laid down fish weight:line class ratios.
Awards will be made in the following ratio categories:
3:1 – Bronze Award
5:1 – Silver Award
7:1 – Silver Award 10:1 – Gold Award.
Applies to IGFA line class 1kg ,2kg,4kg, 6kg,10kg,15kg,24kg,37kg and 60kg.
RELEASED BILLFISH AND GT (Ignobilis) KINGFISH
With the strong trend towards releasing these and other fish, we have decided to amend the SKI-BOAT Award rules to provide for acknowledgement of all released fish. All we need is a photo of the fish being released or prior to release (e.g. GT held next to the boat) and the approximate weight of the fish which should fall in line with the stipulated weights set out above.
In line with this trend we will not be carrying photographs of any billfish or GTs aside from those that are released.
Henry Devine has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this 14kg dorado caught off Sodwana Bay.
Claire Burger has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this 11.6kg ’cuda caught off St Lucia.
Carmen Breedt has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this stunning marlin caught and released off St Lucia.
Martin Burger has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this 15kg yellowtail caught off Plettenberg Bay.
Andre Grobler has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this jobfish caught and released off St Lucia.
IGOTAWAHOO!
by Hudson Puren (6)
Hand
With the help of his dad,he held tight,listened to every bit of advice,and battled the fish like a seasoned pro.The result? A catch nearly as big as he is and a memory that will fuel his love for fishing for years to come.
“I’ll never forget the day I caught my very first wahoo at the Santa Maria Challenge,”said Hudson.“I’m six years old, and fishing is my favourite thing to do.
“I’ve been learning everything I can from my dad – how to hold the rod,which lures to use and even how to reel in without losing the fish.But nothing prepared me for the excitement of hooking a wahoo in the deep blue sea.
UDSON has always had a passion for the sea and a serious determination to catch “the big one”.
With his dad being a regular fisherman he has had many hours on the water from a very young age,and has been fishing since the age of two.He watches everything his dad does – he doesn’t miss a thing!
At the 2025 Santa Maria Challenge held at Santa Maria from 12 to 16 May,Hudson caught his new PB – a 13kg wahoo!
Wahoo are known for their speed and fight,and the thrill and excitement were unreal when that wahoo hit the line! It was the moment Hudson had been waiting for!
“Going through Hells Gate is not my favourite thing to do,but I was brave and we got out so quickly that it actually wasn’t scary at all.We went far out to Santa Maria Reef. After trolling for a couple of hours with no bites,it finally happened – the reel started screaming,and I knew it was something big.My dad grabbed the rod and handed it to me.My heart was pounding like crazy!
The fish fought really hard,diving and running,but I didn’t let go.I listened to everything my dad told me:keep the tip up,don’t let the line go slack,stay calm.It was tough,but I didn’t give up.
And finally,there it was – my first wahoo! Long,shiny, and super fast,it was one of the coolest fish I’d ever seen.It was almost bigger than me.My mom,dad and sister cheered for me! I was so proud I could barely stop smiling.
Deep sea fishing is the best adventure ever,and catching that wahoo is only the beginning.I can’t wait to see what I catch next!”
Hudson and his proud dad, Brendan, with Hudson’s wahoo.
Hudson
Erwin Bursik at the 2025 Santa Maria Challenge.
Prejudiced Priorities
In line with this issue’s theme – our 40th anniversary and how much things have changed in those 40 years – we thought it appropriate to republish the very first Rapala Lip article that appeared in SKI-BOAT magazine. What a change to how things are now, with many more women out on the water alongside their men or even just with their girlfriends. BUT, as always, the more things change the more they stay the same, and you may find that there are still some prejudiced anglers out there who need an attitude adjusting klap (AAK) with a wet snoek ...
IT had to happen ...you realised that,of course! We “lips”seem to take this kind of unofficial,indirect abuse for ages and never let on that there’s a problem.Of course,in fisherman’s terms it’s not a hassle at all,and that’s just because they never stop long enough between hooks,sinkers,lines and fish to even begin to notice things that drive us ladies up the wall!
We,that being my man and I,shall remain anonymous for the sake of peace and to give some room for speculation, but I will share some of those private experiences that I guess are known to all of the fisherfolk we meet.
Here is the scenario (with liberal exaggerations) ...
The lady of the house has been dreaming for a while about getting some new curtains,a carpet for the lounge and a new Kenwood Chef. During one of hubby’s more mellow moments (those only occur after a good day’s fishing or when he’s spent time doing up lures with the crew),she knows she can sidle up to him – once he has a drink in hand,and a belly full of his favourite meal,and there are no outside distractions.
On one of these rare occasions,the conversation gets around to the “wouldn’t it be super if ...”stage and the scene is set! Wifey,of course,has more in mind than mere dreams,and she launches into the various attractions of the new curtains,carpets,etc.And hubby,being mellow and oh-so-amicable,comes along nicely.
After half an hour or so,she is duped into believing the carpet,curtains,etc., are hers for the asking and will be bought at the very earliest opportunity. Hubby,even more mellow by this stage, thinks that he has scored another hit against the female species by successfully fobbing her off with promises that any sane woman would know were out
of the question.
And so,with both parties feeling great,it’s off to bed,etc.,etc.,etc.
Comes the day that wifey thinks she is going to get this whole show on the road,hubby has lost all shades of mellowness.She prepares another good meal and sets the scene to launch part two of this operation.(And you thought bottomfishing was a drawn-out affair!)
He arrives home after a day’s fishing and she helps him clean the fish hatch or,if there’s no need to clean the hatch (OOPS!),she lovingly gets out a fresh pair of boxer shorts for him and a clean towel.She can see the mellowness has evaporated and she needs it back!
Meanwhile,he is quietly wondering what’s up,as she is acting really weird!
After his shower he grabs a beer and puts his feet up – I mean he has been up fishing since four and a guy has to have a break,man! In the meantime she slips into something cool and clingy. While lovingly rubbing his feet,she gives him the old “remember the other night”routine.He listens distractedly while he directs her to rub his legs, back,shoulders or whatever.She gets the idea this is a real giveaway,and she sets him up ...
You know what happens next,don’t you? Just as she is about to compliment him on his very fine torso – or whatever
– he sits up slowly and mentions,ever so casually,that he has bought “them”a new rubber duck.“You know,for the kids,Darl.”(She is never usually this friendly,so he decided to strike while the going was good.)
The fact that the kids either hate being on the water,get seasick or are out of the house most of the time seems totally irrelevant to him.She – at a loss for words,seeing her curtains,carpets, etc.,going out the window – looks at him in blank amazement which he,of course,believes to be sheer delight.
It happens every time!
Every time she (and I) get close to the point of no return and believe we’re going to score another hit,he drops another “something-WE-need,Honey” bombshell.
I mean,we’ve had tangerine curtains for 23 years now,and you know tangerine is a shade most folks have even forgotten the name of! I guess they’ll be there a while longer ...
BUT,I would hate for you to finish reading this and think I’m hard done by, so let me share a few things that work in the favour of us fishing widows,or me at least!
We have four deep freezers (“You gotta have place for the fish,darl”),two gas braais (“For the crew,sweets”),and two trailers (“Just in case we need to go in two vehicles,honey”).I also get to drive his second-choice of car which is also a four-wheel-drive,of course.We also save a lot on tackle,because my man has a pub full of rods and reels (allegedly all “gifts from my good friend Allan,darl!”).Must be a wealthy guy,this Allan,to be so generous! And tangerine does seem to be coming back into vogue ....
I’m not really complaining,it’s just that the grass mats that cover my lounge floor are no longer as cheap as they used to be!
LADIES — are you an angling widow? Are you a frustrated crew member? Do you outfish the men on the boat and have to deal with their Rapala Lips? Do you bite your lip at the comments coming from chauvinistic male anglers? Or do you just have great support from the skipper and anglers around you who want to help you catch a new PB? We’re looking for new writers for our Rapala Lip column. All contributions are gladly accepted and they will appear anonymously if necessary to protect the writers from divorce suits, cold shoulders, banishments, cut up credit cards etc. Come on, ladies, share your fishing stories with us – you know you want to. Email them to <sheena@mags.co.za>.
