2 x Yamaha 60hp (4-stroke, power trim) motors on a galvanised breakneck trailer, hydraulic steering, plus much more!
Forward console: Now only R620 000!
Centre console: Now only R610 000!
Kosi Cat 16 FC
2 x Mercury F50hp 4-strokes (powertrim).
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.
Forward console: R729 000! Centre console: R709 000!
CENTRE CONSOLE Yamaha 100hp 4-stroke motor, galvanised breakneck trailer.
Kosi Cat 17 CC
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!
Seacat 510 Blast
2 x Yamaha 50hp 2-stroke motors, galvanised breakneck trailer.
Forward console: R559 000!
Centre console: R539 000!
CENTRE CONSOLE Yamaha 60hp 4-stroke motor, galvanised breakneck trailer.
R299 990! (REDUCED)
R269 000! (REDUCED)
May/June 2025 Volume 41 Number 3
COVER:Daga Champ!
Mark Justham with his personal best daga,a 42.16kg beauty.See page 23.
6Where to Fish
Part 19:Cape St Francis & Surrounds — by Wayne Gerber 17Never Say Never!
Why shift to a small boat? — by Justin Paynter 23Getting Hooked on Daga
Habit-forming fishing — by Mark Justham 34Shining Glory
Celebrating the Umhlanga Festival 2025 — by Mary Kane and Erwin Bursik
43Chasing Bills off Santa Maria
A marlin fishing dream come true —by Hailey Harris
48Marlin Dreams Come True
Two Oceans Marlin Tournament 2025 —by Helen Fenwick,Peté Kotze, Andrew Davidson and Chris Gillit
5240 Years Down the Line
Celebrating the ORI Cooperative Fish Tagging Project —by Gareth Jordaan
4Editorial — by Erwin Bursik
Publisher: Erwin Bursik
Editor: Sheena Carnie
Advertising Executive: Mark Wilson
Editorial Assistant: Lynette Oakley
Contributors: Erwin Bursik, Andrew Davidson, Daniel du Plessis, Helen Fenwick, Wayne Gerber, Chris Gillit, Hailey Harris, Mark Justham, Mary Kane, Peté (Jannie) Kotze, Rachel Ledsham and Justin Paynter
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
ANGLERSAS CITIZENSCIENTISTS
ALL of us ski-boaters are bound by one factor – the fish that swim in the oceans and which allow us to indulge our passion for this all-consuming sport.
“Obviously!” you may think.
While it’s true that the fish don’t need us and we do need them, in some respects it could be argued that anglers play a part in conserving the fish resource in our oceans.
Before you scoff, consider this: everyone knows that anglers are a great source of knowledge about the ocean and its inhabitants, and in order to conserve something you need to know as much about it as possible.
It goes much deeper than just surface knowledge of the fish species within the area we regularly operate in. Over time, anglers build up a treasure trove of information about these creatures’ habitats, their movement patterns, feeding habits, migration patterns – and the quality of their flesh when they ultimately end up on the dinner table!
Much like the birders, wild animal enthusiasts, and tree- and plant fundis who know a great deal about their subject of choice, we anglers of all facets build up a huge amount of knowledge about the fish that swim in our waters – be that the seas, estuaries, rivers or dams.
The genesis of this editorial was a photograph (right) that appeared in a local WhatsApp group with an angler displaying a fish of the kingfish species that he had caught and released, and requesting identification.
As happens often, this fish’s ID was not immediately discernable and had many, if not all of our group, rushing for authoritive literature and “pet” marine biologists for a definitive answer.
Rudy van der Elst’s A Guide to the Common Sea Fishes of Southern Africa (my personal “bible”), the highly scientific volumes of Smiths’ Sea Fishes, and a Google search eventually produced a possible ID: white kingfish.
Despite having fished all around Africa for over 60 years, I admit I had never heard of it let alone seen or caught one of that species. With my naturally sceptical nature, I delved into any literature I could to get an authoritative identification. After a number of personal queries, the result still seems to be white kingfish. According to Smiths’ this is an extremely rare species of the kingfish family that inhabits both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
With the specimen in question having been released after taking a few cellphone pics, a definitive ID can’t be made. This brings me to a more contentious subject: encouraging the release of rare or unidentified fish species.
My personal perhaps controversial opinion is that, instead of releasing such specimens, one should rather submit them to ORI or the Two Oceans Aquarium or other scientific institutions for full and detailed investigations such as fin count etc. In instances like those involving possible long-billed spearfish/white marlin/hatchet marlin, DNA analysis could be undertaken to remove any doubts about the identity.
Reverting back to the inherent study we as deep sea anglers do over the wide spectrum of pelagic gamefish and bottomfish species we intentionally or accidentally catch, it’s worth considering the actual scientific value of our contributions. Catching and keeping an unusual fish provides a great deal of interest and pleasure as we accumulate and add to the vast collections of knowledge about these species that others might consider to be “just another pretty fish”.
Personally, my copies of Rudy’s and the Smiths’ books are more well-worn than my Roberts’ bird book.
Till the next tide.
Erwin Bursik
Part 19:Cape St Francis & Surrounds
By Wayne Gerber
CAPE St Francis and St Francis Bay includes a beautiful little village nestled on the dunes about halfway between Port Elizabeth and Plettenberg Bay,100km by road to the west of Port Elizabeth.It is well known for its surfing hotspots and it has,over the years, become synonymous with the chokka (squid) industry.
Some interesting information regarding our local squid (Loligo reynaudii) is that they apparently do not return to the exact same spawning reef as the previous year,as it takes approximately 18 months for the left over gel from the eggs to dissipate from the reef.This species is also very fast growing and only lives for between a year to a year and a half.
Port St Francis is a privately owned and run port which is home to a large portion of the squid fleet,and is managed by the very capable and professional Johan Barnard.
St Francis Bay is home to a myriad different bottomfish species including kob,Cape salmon,black musselcracker, white musselcracker (brusher),dageraad,red romans,carpenters (silver fish),yellowtail and rockcods.Large breeding stock of Cape snoek can also be caught in the local fishing grounds between St Francis Bay and Plett.
That being said,the Cape St Francis fishing grounds actually start at Gamtoos River mouth.The river itself has amazing fishing and is home to numerous large dusky kob,spotted grunter and lots of garrick.
These species can also be found when fishing from the stunning sandy shore area which stretches from Maitlands on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth all the way to Jeffreys Bay where it is broken by rocky reef sections just off of the beautiful Marina Martinique,Aston Bay and Paradise Beach.
A beautiful red roman caught at The Caves.
Rêne Naude with a lovely santer/basterman.
Jamie Mante was thrilled with this beautiful carpenter/ silver fish. St Francis Bay has some of the best of this species.
TARGET SPECIES & BAIT
As Port St Francis is one of the two main squid-producing areas in South Africa,bait acquisition is easy.Ground baits consist mainly of squid and pilchards which are also locally caught.
Live baits such as shad and mullet are often used when targeting kob and garrick.When the Cape salmon are shoaling,they will eat anything – I once caught one on a potato peel! The stockfish prefer fleshy baits – mainly pilchards,or sardines as the chaps in KwaZulu-Natal call them.
Reef fish can be caught on a mixture between the two or even cut bait from other smaller reef dwelling species.
I’ve found – and this is only my opinion – that black musselcracker prefer Fransmadam,either in a flapper style or a fillet.Flappers are hardier than some other baits,and give the larger fish time to feed before the smaller peckers destroy the bait.
Sole can also be harvested between Aston Bay and Krom River in the shallow,sandy patches between the rocks.
TARGETAREAS
The area just offshore of the Gamtoos River mouth has some beautiful structure called The Caves,where the kob tend to aggregate during spawning season.From Gamtoos,the fishing area extends westward all the way up to Huisklip and the snoek banks.
To the south of Cape St Francis,the shore is caressed by the warm Agulhas current and the magnificent offshore zone there is home to some large yellowfin tuna and big marlin.
Back in 2005,Trevor Hansen was fishing aboard Reel Magic off Cape St Francis,when he hooked and landed a black marlin weighing around 420kg. The story gets even better,though,as the marlin was hooked when it grabbed the 27kg yellowfin tuna Trevor was fighting at the time!
The inshore area in front of the water tower off Paradise Beach holds good linefish stock and some nice black musselcracker,dageraad and santer or basterman as we know them locally.That area often also hosts some beautiful Miss Lucys (red stump).
The bay itself holds some beautiful Cape salmon and kob which can be found in abundance from November through to the end of May most years.
All along the backline from the Krom River mouth to the St Francis Bay point,garrick are abundant,and targeting them always makes for a fun day’s fishing.
There is shale ground and rocky outcrops to the east-south-east of the bay in the 60- to 80 metre deep water, and you’ll find plenty of decent sized carpenters there.
Hake are found a little more south
COORDINATES
1. Caves 33°58.604’ S25°01.078’ E
2. Water Tower Reefs34°06.583’ S 24°55.663’ E
3. Shallow Reefs34°07.473’ S24°53.770’ E
4. Deeper Kob Reefs34°08.911’ S24°54.774’ E
5. Carpenter 34°11.138’ S24°58.303’ E
6. Hake/Stockfish34°16.154’ S24°58.265’ E
7. Yellowtail 34°13.344’ S24°51.657’ E
8. Cape Salmon/Carpie34°12.497’ S24°45.390’ E
9. Cape Salmon 34°12.311’ S24°39.889’ E
10. Line-/Reef fish34°12.044’ S24°34.779’ E
11. Snoek Banks 34°13.830’ S24°04.556’ E
Bank steenbras like this are a rare catch in the St Francis area.
This red stump was caught on a flutter jig in 11m of water.
to south-east of the point in water between 80- and 110 metres deep.The hake catch was dismal a couple of years ago,but they have returned in numbers and nice sizes once again.Targeting them is hard work,but they’re my favourite fish to eat,and wow do they make great pickled fish!
Yellowtail or,as I call them,the reef thugs can be found just off the point of the lighthouse on the shallow water pinnacle.Cape St Francis has some decent sized yellowtail,and if you really want to have a challenging battle,spend a day catching them and then tell me that they’re not,pound-for-pound,the strongest fish in the sea.
The offshore fishing can be awesome off Cape St Francis,with a num-
ber of yellowfin tuna between 90kg and 103kg coming out.The current EP record yellowfin tuna was caught from here – a 102kg specimen landed by Warren Chapman.This beast was caught in 2021,and although bigger fish have been caught,the records have never been claimed.
The odd black marlin is caught in these waters,but the majority of our marlin are young blue marlin in the 80kg to 120kg range.
This past year has also been an amazing year for dorado,with them being caught in numbers.There was even one report of a dorado caught from the surf.It is unusual for us to find them in such number in our waters,but they are predominantly a summer fish
in our area.
We also have a fairly healthy population of mature Cape snoek in our waters.They can be found off what we call the Snoek Banks about 40 miles to the west of Cape St Francis.They usually make their appearance in late November through December,but don’t stick around too long.When targeting them,make sure you have plenty of ice so that you can keep them fresh and you don’t go home with “pap” snoek.
The Krom River holds some beautiful kob and spotted grunter,and you’ll find good garrick in the estuary almost all year round.This area also offers awesome rock and surf fishing for those bad weather days.You can fish both
Daga, yellowtail and Miss Lucy are all regular catches in the waters around Cape St Francis.
Chris Gerber with a beautiful poenskop, aka black musselcracker. The fish was safely released to fight another day.
Sheena, Chris and Shane Gerber with spoils from the Agulhas current that flows westward, 30- to 40 miles off St Francis. Wahoo have become more common in recent years, with quite a few being caught.
sides of the point.It is also one of the few places where good-sized yellowtail are caught from the bricks.
TACKLE
I use very simple tackle.For deep water I use a Poseidon Dorado rod and an eight-inch KP reel with 65lb braid.For the shallower reefs I use a Shimano Trevala rod and 50lb braid on a Saragosa 6000 reel.
Hooks vary from 6/O to 8/O when fishing in the shallows to quite large 12/O Kendal J hooks for the hake/stockfish and carpenters in the deeper water.
LOCALCLUBS
The local ski-boat clubs are SADSAA affiliated and form a key part of the Eastern Province Deep Sea Angling Association.Chairman of the Port St Francis Ski-Boat and Yacht Club is Richard Fullford,and he is ably assisted by Laura Robinson,the club secretary. For more information on the EPDSAA email admin@epdsaa.co.zaor visit <www.epdsaa.co.za>.
Port St Francis Ski-Boat and Yacht Club is very conservation conscious, with most of its league competitions being full tag and release events,with only the fish measurements counting.
Grant Marais proudly shows off the beautiful 91kg yellowfin tuna he caught off Cape St Francis.
Contact them on info@sfb-skiboatclub.co.zaor visit https://sfb-skiboatclub.co.za/.
Tim Christy is chairman of StFrancis Rod,Reel and Boat Club. Contact them on 082 569 3750 or look them up on FaceBook.
St Francis Bay really is a fantastic place to visit,with beautiful canals and stunning accommodation for anyone planning a trip.Some incredible restaurants are found in the harbour,where you’ll be able to enjoy the locally caught squid.And of course there’s great fishing too.All in all,it’s a magnificent place to spend some time.
By Justin Paynter
WHEN one turns 40,it’s often a time to really start analysing one’s life.You generally realise that you aren’t getting any younger,your friends circle is getting smaller,you wake up with a few more aches and pains,and your body isn’t recovering as quickly as it used to.
Having recently reached that milestone myself,and having come to those
Why shift to a small boat?
realisations,I decided to sell my rubber duck.Yes,I know I said before that I would never do that,and it wasn’t an easy decision at all,but my mind was made up.
Well,I thought it was… I rolled her out of the garage,gave her some TLC and advertised her on the web.Each time I had an enquiry my heart went into panic mode,but most of the guys enquiring wanted to strip parts off her.That most certainly wasn’t going to happen!
Then,early one Sunday morning,I got this message:“Justin,we want the duck.My brother will be there in the next day or two to pick it up.”
My heart sank.Everyone knows that when you own a boat it has huge sentimental value,so deciding to sell it is not a decision that is taken lightly.That evening,the deposit was paid and reality set in.I was about to let go of my baby.These were the last couple of days we would be together.
To cut a long story short,that
Saturday,the duck took her last voyage out of my garage.We hooked her up to her new owner’s bakkie and I watched her drive off.
With a huge lump in my throat and some tears running down my face,I had a moment – and then decided it was time to move on.A breakup is never easy,but hopefully this newer,sexier model is what I have been looking for.
So,why did I need a change,and does the new boat live up to my expectations? Let’s see...
I wasn’t ready to take the leap and buy a big boat,but I have always said that there is a huge market for small boats,and that’s what I went for.A small boat is versatile and easy to tow,beach work is a lot easier,and you don’t need to rely on crew.All these factors must be taken into account when you’re deciding what boat to buy.
There are three small boats that I have spent time on that I would possibly consider when purchasing this type of vessel:the Tomcat 450,Cski 444 and the Skivee 500.These boats have been tried and tested along our coastlines for decades and have stood the test of time.I also think these smaller boats are extremely eye-catching.A lot of thought has gone into their design and they are built for purpose.Everything that is on these craft has a function.
Let’s take a detailed look at the advantages small boats have over rubber ducks...
CREW
You don’t need crew because on a small boat,you can fish comfortably on your own.The way a small boat is configured,the skipper stands in the centre at the console which allows for perfect balance of the vessel.On a rubber duck you need two people as you need somebody opposite the skipper to balance it out.Launching through the surf when you’re unbalanced can lead to disaster very quickly.
On a small ski-boat you can also mount a push plate to pole launch which makes life a lot easier.This means you don’t need to get your trailer wet while trying to launch,so your trailer will last longer.
CONSOLE
The improved functionality of having a stand-up console is a game changer.
1.You have a better view while launching.In the past,I would have sat on the pontoon while launching and my view was really restricted. Standing up with a better view means you are better able to judge the gap required to safely reach the backline.
2.Everything is at your fingertips. You’ll probably have a flush mounted GPS/fishfinder combo unit,the radio will be properly mounted, gauges will be positioned so you can easily see them,and you’ll also have a compass readily available.
3.The battery storage area and dry hatch always comes in handy,especially for long days on the water.
4.Extra stability.The console’s grab rail gives the crew a place to hold onto.
5.Extra rod holder.I have mounted a Scotty rod holder onto my new boat’s grab rail,so in essence it acts as a stand-up rod holder like you would find on a big boat.This is generally my favourite rod holder as I have so much success with it,no doubt because that bait swims very far out,so it looks very natural in the water.
6.The console also helps protect the skipper from the elements like bad weather or spray,but my new little boat is extremely dry.
COMFORT
These little boats have different configurations to suit the owner’s requirements,preferences and application.As you can see in the photos,these three boats all have seats for both the skipper and the crew.These seats also double as extra storage space.
My new boat’s front seat folds up and you can store three fuel tanks underneath it.Then there’s a storage hatch above deck to store tackle or safety equipment.The back seat also has storage space underneath it.
Of course there’s also more space on these vessels to move around,either to fight your fish or just stretch your
Small boats have a number of advantages over rubber ducks, not least that you have place to properly store all your fishing gear and to mount your electronics. They also offer more elegant dismounts.
legs.When your legs get tired,you then have the option to take a break on a well-padded seat.(Some may say this is vital,especially the way I drive.)
FISH HATCH
I love being able to load four to six bags of ice into the fish hatch to ensure my catch is well preserved after it’s landed.
In the past,I would have had to hold the fish over the side of the duck while I got the fish bag out the front of the duck,and then would have had to strap the bag onto the side of the vessel before placing my catch in the bag – all without popping a pontoon.
NIGHT RATED
Small boats like these have the ability to be night rated which is another great advantage.Of course in order to get this certification,your vessel would have to go through a COF (certificate of fitness) inspection,which means you will have to adhere to SAMSA’s regulations.
Once you have upgraded your safety equipment,placed lights on your boat
and got the COF,you will be able to launch before the sun is up and fish into the evening.
Most clubs have their own regulations when it comes to this,but I do know that Durban Ski-Boat Club has allowed a vessel with one engine to get night rated.There are,however,time restrictions on when you can launch and have to be back on the beach.
ANCHOR HATCH
Having this extra hatch gives you the perfect space to store your anchor safely.I also like to keep my cleaning products in the front hatch.
LIVE WELL
Game changer! Now I can finally keep live bait alive all day.
In the past I have said that I will often just run with dead bait,and I still stick to this decision for the early morning bite.This is always important before all the boats move into an area and things get congested.However,by midmorning it is always nice to have the
option of a live bait because it creates a lot more activity in the water when the bite slows down and the fish seem to be feeding deeper.
I am so impressed that I am even able fit my luna tubes from Teaser Tubes into the live well.
ROD HOLDERS
On a solid boat you have so many more options for rod positions than on a rubber duck,including on the roll bar where you can place three rod holders.
On my new boat I have five rocket launchers in the front to store rods,and removeable rod holders in the gunnels. These will normally be used while drifting.I am now able to take six to eight rods on the boat instead of four.
My rubber duck will always hold a special place in my heart,but as I enter this new era of boating fun,I think of Buzz Lightyear’s famous words:“To infinity and beyond!”
I look forward to documenting my adventures and sharing lessons learned with SKI-BOAT magazine readers.
Small boats can be night rated if they get a COF, and anglers will discover they provide a better fishing platform than rubber ducks do.
Robert Schneidenberger (SkiVee 14’6”), Pete Jacobs (Cski 444), and Justin Paynter (Tomcat 450) are all passionate about fishing on small boats and the advantages that brings.
By Mark Justham
WHEN Jan van Riebeeck’s troops landed in Cape Town in 1652 they found the sea off False Bay teeming with fish.Abundant among them were biggish silver fish that were easy to catch and very good eating,reminding the settlers of the kabeljauw (stockfish) found in the North Sea off the Netherlands (Holland).
This fish was named kabeljou in South Africa,a name that still remains today,although they also have a number of nicknames too:kob,daga salmon and boer-kabeljou.Internationally they’re known as drum.
Daga are still found in good numbers in most areas off Southern Africa’s coastline,from Angola all the way around the Cape right up into Moçambique.To my knowledge,this is the fish that occurs along the greatest length of Southern African coastline.
Before the ski-boating fraternity started targeting them around 1945, kob were mostly caught on rod and line off the beaches and rocky ledges.In those days of cane rods,Scarborough reels and cord line,distance casting was restricted.A cast into the shore break was achievable,so the shad and kob that frequented this shallow,turbulent water became the main target species and a source of extremely tasty food.
Scientists have since confirmed that daga hunt in murky,turbulent waters where they use their sense of smell and lateral line more than sight to find and catch small baitfish,crustaceans and, occasionally,squid,cuttlefish and octopus,according to Rudi van der Elst’s book, A Guide to the Common Sea Fishes of Southern Africa.
Above: In the southern Cape, daga often frequent shallow reefs with steep sides. During the daytime they will stay on the sides and nearer the bottom, but they rise higher up the reef as it gets darker.
Left: This showing clearly illustrates a shoal of baitfish with some bigger fish predating on them.
Below: The daga generally move higher up the reef under cover of darkness and swim around the pinnacles, as shown, to feed on smaller fish such as pinkies and soldiers.
These fish are also often targeted at night,because their sense of smell and lateral line sense are not affected by the darkness and they continue to hunt,usually higher up in the water column than you would find them in the day.
With the advent of ski-boat fishing,anglers began to target daga at sea as well as in coastal estuaries where it’s believed that big,dark brown boer-kabeljou travel upstream to mate and disperse eggs.Many big specimens topping the 100lb (45kg) mark are still caught primarily in the deep estuaries of the Eastern Cape such as that of the Breede River.The South African record currently stands at 73.5kg.
According to Rudi van der Elst’s A Guide to the Common Sea Fishes of Southern Africa, these fish are actually found at depths of up to 400metres,but I haven’t ever caught them that deep.
Of specific interest to us ski-boaters is that daga like big pinnacles,reefs and especially wrecks and pipelines that run out to sea from the shore.
My experience targeting these fish is primarily from the KwaZulu-Natal coast,but I have also caught them out of East London and off the southern Cape coast.
Fishing methods vary slightly,especially in the southern Cape where daga are generally targeted in shallower waters using a sliding sinker to a single hook with primarily squid/chokka and seekat pootjies (octopus tentacles) as bait, or else sardines or even a bomb bait of a mixture of both.
Angling for these magnificent fish takes some skill,and you will need to know a thing or two if you’re going to be successful,including which baits and traces to use,which reefs they frequent,how to anchor in the correct position, and which tides and times of the day to catch tthem on.
TIMES, TIDES AND PRESSURES
These fish can be caught at any time of the day,but they are certainly more active in the early morning just before the “Golden Glow”,and in the late afternoon into the early evening,as they are sensory feeders.
I’ve always preferred fishing one- to one-and-a-half hours before or after the turn of the tide.
I place great faith in my barometer,and if you don’t have one,I would suggest getting one and learning how it works and how barometric pressure affects fishing.The pressures are important,and a barometer will help you immensely.Basically if the barometric pressure is over 1010 millibars it’s a good time to go fishing.
TRACE
Everyone has their own favourite trace configuration,and this is mine.I start off with a three-way power swivel 2/0X3/0 1mm hook snooting.I use fluorocarbon.I generally use a 9/0 circle hook or a 9/0 Kendall round hook,then 0.8mm sinker snooting.(See Figure 1 overleaf.) I have always used a longer sinker snoot than hook snoot.My hook snoot is 1.4m to 1.8m long and my sinker snoot is 1.8m to 2.5m long.
If you are getting “pin holes”in your baits and they are dying it’s because the daga has mouthed it.If I find that happening,then I change to a running trace,using two single swivels,with the sinker snoot sliding on your leader,and your hook snoot tied directly to the leader,to reduce tension on the bait.(See Figure 2 overleaf.) Make sure you give slack to allow the daga to eat properly before you set the hook.
TACKLE
I still use a Geelbek Ski rod and a nine-inch Scarborough reel, but tackle has evolved and a lot of guys are now starting to use slow pitch rods and reels to catch daga.
RIGGING YOUR BAIT
Daga generally prefer a live mackerel here in KZN,but don’t write off a live maasbanker or shad.It all depends on what they are feeding on at the time.To determine what they are feeding on,each angler on the boat must try to go down with
Above: Daga are often caught at night, like this one landed off Durban by MarkJustham. Below: These otoliths (ear stones) came from a ±30kg daga caught by Erwin Bursik.
1mm fluorocarbon hook snoot
1.4m to 1.8m long
9/0 circle hook or 9/0 Kendall round hook
Note that the sinker snoot runs freely on the main line
1mm fluorocarbon hook snoot 1.4m to 1.8m long
0.8mm sinker snoot
1.8m to 2.5m long
0.8mm sinker snoot 1.8m to 2.5m long
Above: The two styles of trace the author uses, and his preferred style of sinker.
30- to 50lb main line
1- to 3oz ball sinker
60- to 80-lb leader 50cm to 1m long
4/0 to 9/0 chrome-plated beaked hook
In the Cape, anglers generally fish for daga in shallower water, and use lighter tackle and this kind of trace setup.
a different bait.Once someone gets a strike you can all change to the bait that is working.
When fishing for them during the daytime,I usually use dead baits,mackerel,mozzies,sardines or red eyes.
When rigging a live mackerel,I generally push the hook through the top lip,but not too deep into the bait’s head as you may kill it and then the action of the live bait will change, and you won’t get a pull.You need to keep your live bait swimming as naturally as possible.
Another way to rig the bait is to push the hook through the meat on the back of the live bait.Mozzies are good for this as they are a lot hardier than the mackerel.
When pinning a dead bait,I push the hook through both the bottom and top lip to ensure the hook has a better grip
on the bait.There are also other ways of pinning dead baits by splitting the bait open and feeding the hook through from the back of the bait so that it protrudes through the bait’s head.
REEFS/WRECKS
I find that daga like to hang around wrecks or steel pipelines, and I believe they like to rub up against the steel to de-lice themselves.When it comes to reefs,they prefer certain reefs that carry bait on them as a food source and reefs that have certain corals or growth on them to attract the baitfish.That is what you need to look for on your sounder.
I have caught daga in depths of up to 100 metres,but I find they tend to stick to the shallower reefs/wrecks/pinnacles/ pipelines.
Figure 3: Cape trace
Figure 1: Fixed trace
Sinker
Figure 2: Running trace
Sinker
One way of hooking a live bait is through the meat on the bait’s back.
When rigging a live mackerel through the top lip, don’t push the hook too deep into the bait’s head.
The author’s usual way of pinning a dead bait and ensuring the hook has a good grip on the bait.
I’ve noticed over the years that during the day daga swim closer to the bottom of the ledge/reef,swimming almost on the sand,and as it starts getting darker,they will rise off the bottom and the showing on your sounder will rise.
ANCHORING
It’s critical that you anchor correctly when fishing for daga. You will need to know the structure of the seabed below you in order to know what anchor is best suited for the structure you are fishing on.This will depend on if you use a reef anchor or sand anchor.
You will need to sound around your structure or wreck for the showing of fish,and you will notice that the showing of fish will rise a few metres off the bottom once it gets dark. You will need to be on the showing,or you are wasting your time,and you are going to “hold pole”,so the position of your anchor is critical.
Please be careful if you’re anchoring in strong current,as this is dangerous,and is even more so if the current is running into the wind/swell which is very difficult to anchor in.
If you are fishing on a pipeline you will notice the showing coming and going on the sounder.This is because the daga will be swimming up and down the pipeline looking for the food source they want to eat as the current pushes it over the pipeline.
When it comes to pinnacles or reefs,they will swim around and come in to feed on the spot where the bait is.
On wrecks,they will swim around the wreck or even inside it,but will generally hang around the bait.
JUDGING THE FEED AND STRIKING
Daga,especially the big ones,are fussy feeders.Unlike their “cousins”the geelbek that don’t hesitate on the strike,resulting in a hit and wind scenario for the angler,catching daga demands a higher degree of angling technique and dexterity.
“Feel”is an absolute requirement,so don’t leave the rod in the gunnel and hope the fish will strike and hook itself.
They can be pernickety feeders,holding the bait – live or dead baits – tenderly in their mouths,then releasing the bait immediately if they feel any unusual tension on the bait.This leaves their telltale pin-like teeth marks on the bait.
When you do get a bite,knowing how much time to let the daga feed is important,and it all goes on the feel of the angler.Daga either pull you straight down or you will need to give them a few seconds to eat and swallow the bait,in which case you will wind into the fish,setting the hook for the best fight with beautiful head knocks as the daga tries to get the hook out.
The bigger fish will hold you on the bottom for a while before they tire out,and then you can start the slow wind up.
Mark Justham with another fat beauty, and different styles of rigging bait depending on the circumstances.
The original anchored position was nowhere near the bait showing
The author prefers to use a very long anchor rope –75m to 120m long
After cleating off, the boat is better positioned over the bait showing
Skippers need to make sure they know what they’re doing when it comes to anchoring to minimise danger and maximise fishing opportunities. This diagram shows how simply cleating off positions the boat right over the bait showing.
The initial bite and setting the hook and the head knocks is something every angler will remember forever.
FIGHTING THE DAGA
Whether the daga one has hooked into is in shallow or deep water,it is generally a fair sized fish and needs to be fought with a good deal of finesse.Unlike a geelbek or half kob, where the normal strategy is crank and wind,daga need to be fought with skill and patience,and you’ll need to work it up gradually.
It is generally not a dirty fighter like an amberjack but it uses its weight and head nodding to attempt to free itself. When one gets it up a fair way,the barotrauma starts to affect its strength,but one still needs to work it upwards as it won’t just swim up to the surface.
GAFFING OR RELEASING
Handling the daga when it is brought alongside the boat, especially the really big ones,is not an easy exercise,especially if one is going to release it and gaffing is not an option.
I use a gloved hand to initially control the beast alongside my boat,getting a grip of the fish’s head by lifting the gill plate and sliding my hand in to grab its “handle”to stabilise the fish while deciding whether to remove the hook and release the daga or boat it.
Once the fish has broken water on the surface,it’s easy to tell if it has popped – if it has,the eyes will be protruding out of its head and the stomach/gall bladder will be hanging out its mouth.If this is the case,I would gaff it as its chances of surviving a release are very slim.If the fish hasn’t blown and is still strong,I would say it has a great chance of surviving,in which case you can release the daga by sending it back down to live another day.
I was fortunate enough to catch my personal best daga towards the end of last year – a beautiful specimen weighing in at 42.16kg.
Please remember that these fish are under huge pressure and get targeted quite hard,so limit your catch and stick to the limits,bearing in mind that these vary depending on where you are fishing .
Anchor
SEEINGISBELIEVING
BathyVision is here!
FURUNO TZMAPS,now available for South Africa and Namibia,introduces a groundbreaking leap forward in electronic charting,and have been exclusively designed for the NavNet TZtouchXL series,FURUNO’s latest generation of multi-function displays (MFD).
Built to empower navigators and fishermen alike,TZMAPS is setting a new benchmark in marine cartography standards, seamlessly blending intuitive usability with unrivalled precision and detail.
At the heart of TZMAPS lies the revolutionary BathyVision technology,an advanced bathymetric charting solution specifically engineered for fishermen.BathyVision delivers unparalleled underwater detail,revealing seabed contours and structures with remarkable clarity.Anglers gain a decisive advantage, with the technology pinpointing prime fishing locations with accuracy never before achievable,significantly improving their catch efficiency.
tions to their specific visibility preferences and navigational needs.For navigators who prefer the classic visual style of traditional paper charts,TZMAPS replicates the timeless appearance and feel of raster charts,ingeniously delivered in a responsive vector format.This unique capability ensures seamless readability and consistent navigation accuracy,regardless of the magnification or environmental conditions encountered at sea.
The comprehensive TZMAPS cartography comes standard with BathyVision,offering a most sophisticated electronic chart experience.The powerful TZMAPS engine meticulously renders crisp,detailed charts,ensuring clarity.Whether you’re navigating coastal waters or venturing offshore,the extraordinary detail provided by TZMAPS far surpasses other premium chart options available today.
Every aspect of Furuno’s TZMAPS reflects cuttingedge innovation combined with user-friendly simplicity.Intuitively structured interfaces guide users effortlessly through the robust features,making complex navigation tasks easier than ever.The NavNet TZtouchXL platform,integrated seamlessly with TZMAPS,stands as a testament to Furuno’s unwavering commitment to providing superior performance and unmatched reliability.
TZMAPS isn’t just impressive technology,it transforms your navigation and fishing experiences,setting entirely new standards for electronic charting.Seeing truly is believing. Experience firsthand why TZMAPS,with BathyVision and its stunning clarity and versatility,is quickly becoming the gold standard among marine professionals and passionate anglers worldwide.
Important Note:TZMAPS and BathyVision is only compatible with Furuno TZTXL MFD’s and TimeZero Professional/ Navigator software V5.0 and later.
Durban Canyon
PE RIY Bank
False Bay
PRESIDENT’SREPORT
Deep Sea Fishing in South Africa:Thriving Waters and a Bright Future
SOUTH Africa’s deep sea fishing community has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s angling heritage.With a vast coastline stretching over 2500 kilometres,two major ocean currents,and diverse marine ecosystems,the country offers some of the best offshore fishing opportunities in the world.
From the warm Indian Ocean waters off KwaZulu-Natal to the nutrient-rich Benguela current off the Western Cape, South African waters are home to a wide array of gamefish,including marlin,sailfish,yellowfin tuna,dorado,and an incredible variety of bottomfish species like yellowtail,red steenbras and musselcracker.
Chris Schorn, SADSAAPresident
With such abundant opportunities for anglers,the sport of deep sea fishing in the country is not only thriving but also evolving,with strong leadership,growing participation and a renewed commitment to conservation ensuring a bright future for the sport.
THE DIFFERENT FACETS OF DEEP SEA FISHING
Deep sea fishing in South Africa encompasses several specialised disciplines,each requiring different techniques, strategies,and equipment.These include:
•Heavy Tackle Billfish – Targeting large marlin and sailfish using line over 10kg,involving trolling with large lures or live bait.
•Light Tackle Billfish – A more technical approach to billfishing that uses line 10kg and lighter to increase the challenge of landing these powerful fish.
•Gamefish – Encompassing a broad category that includes species such as dorado,king mackerel,wahoo,and queen-
fish,often caught using trolling or spinning techniques.
• Tuna Fishing – A specialised category focusing on species such as yellowfin, longfin,bluefin and bigeye tuna,using methods like chumming,live baiting and popping.
• Bottomfish – Fishing for reef-dwelling species such as red steenbras,musselcracker,and rock cod,using baited rigs and deep-drop techniques.
Each of these facets brings its own challenges and rewards,contributing to the rich diversity of the sport in South African waters.
THE STRENGTH OF THE SPORT
Deep sea fishing in South Africa has shown remarkable resilience and growth in recent years.
Thanks to the dedication of passionate anglers,clubs and the governing body,SADSAA,the sport has continued to flourish despite economic challenges and shifting environmental conditions.The rise of social media and digital platforms has further fuelled interest,allowing anglers to share their experiences,promote competitions and attract new participants to the sport.
One of the clearest indicators of the sport’s strength is the increasing number of competitions and tournaments held across the country.These events not only provide competitive excitement but also serve as platforms for camaraderie,knowledge-sharing and skills development.
The inclusion of all five deep sea fishing disciplines in tournaments,both national and international,ensures that anglers of all specialties have the opportunity to showcase
their abilities and contribute to the sport’s growth.
SADSAA: THE BACKBONE OF SA DEEPSEA ANGLING
At the heart of deep sea fishing’s continued success in South Africa is the South African Deep Sea Angling Association (SADSAA).As the governing body for the sport,SADSAA plays a pivotal role in maintaining high standards,promoting competitive angling,and ensuring sustainable fishing practices.With a dedicated team of leaders and volunteers,the organisation continues to uphold the values that have made South African deep sea angling a force to be reckoned with across the world.
One of SADSAA’s core missions is to provide a structured framework for competitive angling,ensuring fair play,high-quality tournaments,and opportunities for anglers to represent South Africa on international stages.The selection and development of anglers for national and Protea teams has remained a priority,with SA anglers consistently proving their mettle against some of the world’s best.
South Africa’s first all-ladies Protea fishing team of Candice Coetzer, Michelle Richards and Mariette Hendriksz represented SA at the 83rd ILTTA in Guatemala, showcasing their strength in the light tackle category.
isations such as the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) and the Department of Forestry,Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).By contributing valuable data on fish migrations,growth rates,and population dynamics,anglers are actively supporting the science behind sustainable fisheries manage-
THE FUTURE OF DEEP SEA FISHING IN SOUTH AFRICA
Looking ahead,the future of deep sea fishing in South Africa appears brighter than ever.Advances in fishing technology,improved boat designs,and the increasing accessibility of offshore angling have made it easier for more people to participate in the sport.
Additionally,SADSAA has worked hard to strengthen relationships between provincial bodies and local clubs.This has resulted in better communication,more structured development programmes,and increased participation at all levels. The organisation’s leadership understands the importance of grassroots engagement,ensuring that young anglers are given the opportunity to grow and excel in the sport.
THE ROLE OF CONSERVATION IN DEEP SEA FISHING
While deep sea fishing is fundamentally about the thrill of the catch,responsible angling practices are essential for the longevity of the sport.Conservation efforts,particularly in the realm of billfish-,tuna-,and bottomfish stocks,have become a focal point for SADSAA and its affiliated clubs.
Tag-and-release initiatives have gained significant traction in recent years,with more anglers recognising the importance of preserving fish populations for future generations. The use of circle hooks,careful fish handling,and participation in scientific tagging programmes have all contributed to the sustainability of the sport.Many tournaments now encourage or even mandate tag-and-release or measure-andrelease practices,ensuring that trophy fish are given a chance to fight another day.In addition,responsible size- and bag limits for bottomfish species are being promoted to protect vulnerable stocks.
The South African deep sea angling community has also played a role in marine research,working closely with organ-
SADSAA’s commitment to youth development is another encouraging sign.By introducing younger generations to the sport through mentorship programs,junior tournaments and training clinics,the association is ensuring that the passion for deep sea angling is passed down.The rise of female anglers in the sport is also a testament to its inclusivity and growing appeal.
Furthermore,international recognition of South African anglers continues to bolster the sport’s reputation.South Africa’s teams consistently perform well in global competitions,showcasing not only the skill of local anglers but also the richness of the country’s fishing waters.
Deep sea fishing in South Africa is more than just a pastime;it’s a way of life for many.The sport continues to thrive, driven by passionate individuals,dedicated clubs and a governing body that is committed to excellence and sustainability.With SADSAA at the helm,the future looks promising, ensuring that South Africa remains a premier destination for deep sea anglers worldwide.
Whether it’s the thrill of battling a marlin off Mapelane, the challenge of pulling a trophy-sized red steenbras from the depths off East London,or battling a mighty yellowfin tuna off Hout Bay,the camaraderie of a national tournament, or the satisfaction of releasing a tagged sailfish,the magic of deep sea fishing remains as strong as ever.As long as the angling community continues to adapt,conserve and grow, the sport will remain an integral part of South Africa’s coastal culture for generations to come.
Celebrating the Umhlanga Festival 2025
By Mary Kane and Erwin Bursik
THE first Umhlanga Festival,held way back in the mid 1970s,was really the first ski-boat festival ever staged in South Africa.This year’s event not only did justice to those memories in its staging,but also produced incredible catches.This shone a bright light on the Umhlanga Festival and also proved that the magnificent “silver fish”– king mackerel a.k.a.’cuda – are not merely a memory of the past, but are still here in numbers that equal if not better the ’cuda catches of those early events.
This year’s festival allowed the entry of jetskis and paddle skis in addition to ski-boats,making it a truly festive festival.As always,the event was well attended by some of the familiar and regular competitors,but 2025 also welcomed many new faces to the comp including some teams from Gauteng and beyond.In total 208 anglers and 85 vessels entered the 2025 Umhlanga Festival.
The 2025 Umhlanga Festival opened on Friday 4 April with the registration and briefing at the club.Anglers were
thrilled to hear that the prize categories were a repeat of last year’s event,with four species categories,namely:Tuna, Couta,Snoek and Other Gamefish. Within those categories the top three places were all awarded prizes.First place in any category would earn you R50000 in cash,second place got R15 000 in cash and an additional R15000 worth of prizes,and third place got R10 000 and an additional R10000 in prizes.In total,over R500000 in prizes was given away over the course of the weekend.
The 2025 competition also opened up the “playing field”,stretching the fishing area from Zinkwazi in the north, right down to the KZN south coast, ensuring anglers had access to a great spread of gamefish species.Evidence of this was seen in the wide variety of species including ’cuda,wahoo,tuna, dorado,queenfish and snoek which were displayed at the weigh station in the marquee at the Umhlanga Ski-Boat Club.
The weather played hardball,with rain on the Friday night and threats of a westerly coming through on Saturday, but that didn’t deter the anglers who
set off from their various launch sites in the morning.A couple of teams got punished by waves and sharks during the day,but many good stories were shared over a cold beverage at the club later in the day.
When the scales opened at 2pm, there was a huge buzz of excitement as some exciting fish were brought to the scales.The Tuna,Couta and Other Gamefish categories had a minimum weight of 6kg,and the Snoek category had a minimum of 4kg.Making those minimums was easy,and by the time weigh in closed on the Saturday,the various category leaders were a 21.06kg ’cuda,a 12.66kg tuna,a 6.68kg snoek and an 8.54kg queenfish.
The weather looked a bit more promising on Sunday 6 April,and although the sea still wasn’t very forgiving,the anglers were determined to go out and prove they had what it took to win.And indeed they did.The scales opened at 1pm,and by the time they closed at 3pm a much bigger variety and quantity of fish had been weighed in than the day before.Some very impressive ’cuda,dorado,wahoo and queenfish shook up the leaderboard.
Roscoe Rautenbach’s 23.18kg ’cuda came second in the Couta category.
Janine Morrison took top spot in the Ladies category with this 15.9kg ’cuda.
Brayden Kane was top Junior thanks to his lovely 17.12kg ’cuda.
Fergus Hopkins, winner of the Tuna category, received his prize from Nick Landzanakis (NPB), Tanja Maes (Suzuki Marine) and Ruli Sofilar (NPB).
Ava Burnand’s 6.68kg snoek won her a fabulous cash prize that was presented by Nick Landzanakis (NPB), Tanja Maes (Suzuki Marine) and Ruli Sofilar (NPB).
The impressive quality and quantity of fish weighed is a solid indication of the resilience and extent of the resource that the offshore anglers have at their disposal off the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
The fish weren’t the only commodity in ample supply at this year’s festival. Interest in the event and camaraderie were also at an all time high.The fun had out on the ocean and the social interaction off the water ensured that a huge number of anglers,families and spectators all got to participate and enjoy the weekend’s activities.
Prize giving on Sunday night was peppered with lots of lucky draws,raffles and giveaways all made possible by the sponsors’generosity.The beauty of the current Umhlanga Festival prize format is that so many anglers are able to win the top prize categories.The winners were all delighted with their haul, and it was encouraging to see all the promising junior anglers who are really showing what they’re made of as they
Shane Grove, Nick Landzanakis (NPB), Tanja Maes (Suzuki Marine) and Ruli Sofilar (NPB) congratulate Jason Pretorius on winning the Other Gamefish category with a beautiful wahoo.
Brandon Grant and Luke Gibson celebrate receiving their prize for winning the Couta category from Nick Landzanakis (NPB), Tanja Maes (Suzuki Marine) and Ruli Sofilar (NPB).
measure up against some of the country’s top men and lady anglers.
The event was incredibly well supported this year and we would like to take this opportunity to once again thank our loyal and generous sponsors; their support is what enables us to host such a prestigious competition.
To all the competitors who keep coming back,and to those who joined us for the first time this year,thank you for your entries,and we hope to see you again next year.To all the winners, congratulations on your achievements! The titles are now yours to defend,so we look forward to hosting you again next year.
Well done to the Festival Committee and everyone involved in the long hours and back-breaking work put in behind the scenes to make this competition the success that it was.We learn something every year and will continue to work towards making this tournament one of the highlights of the fishing calendar.
PRIZEWINNERS
TUNACATEGORY
Fergus Hopkins
Daryl Bartho
Luke Gibson
Roscoe Rautenbach
FISHINGFEATS
A marlin fishing dream come true
By Hailey Harris
THERE are fishing trips that are good,some that are great,and then there are those that change the way you see the ocean forever.My recent adventure in Santa Maria,Moçambique,was one of the latter – an electrifying journey filled with adrenaline,learning and sheer fishing magic.
After boarding Malakas with skipper Branden Brodell,I set out with one goal:to catch a marlin.Not only did that dream come true,but we landed four!
The trip started at The View at Santa Maria,a fitting base for an experience that would be nothing short of spectacular.As we made our way in and out of Hell’s Gate – a treacherous passage known for its shifting tides and strong currents – Branden navigated it with a confidence that only comes from years of experience.His knowledge of the waters,the fish,and the conditions was beyond impressive.
The first day started with a bang! At 8.30a.m.,we saw a fin chasing the first lure;no bite.We held our breaths as the
marlin fell back,chased the outside long kona,and ultimately hooked on that –my first striped marlin!
The fight was intense,the adrenaline coursing through me as I worked to bring in my dream fish.This was a tough fight – one that tested my endurance right from the start.The marlin,put up an incredible battle,peeling line off the reel.Every time I made ground,it would dive again,forcing me to dig deep and keep my composure.
After an exciting fight,I finally brought it in – a truly unforgettable first marlin.It was everything I had dreamed of and more.That single moment alone would have made the trip a success,but the ocean had more in store for us.
Over the next few days,we hooked three black marlin,each one a lesson in power and endurance.
The second marlin was a completely different fight to my first with the spripey.This time the marlin was hooked on a light setup with 50lb leader.I had to fight it differently,knowing that with 20lb mainline onto light leader,the line could snap at any moment.This time it was not only a
physical challenge,but one that would test my technical skills too.
Whilst reeling it in,I could feel this marlin had a different energy to the previous one – it was agile,making sharp runs that kept me on my toes. Compared to the first,it was a fight of speed as well as brute force,forcing me to adjust my technique to keep up with its unpredictable movements and immense power.
Finally,after about a 40-minute fight, I landed an estimated 120kg black marlin.The excitement aboard Malakas was unimaginable – not just marlin number two for me,but a black marlin, the fastest and strongest fish in the world!
We made sure to celebrate with a well-deserved local Mozambiquan beer.
The third marlin was the smallest of the blacks we caught,but it was just as fierce.Hooked in shallower water at 6.30a.m.on the fourth day of my fishing trip,it surprised us with its acrobatics,leaping multiple times and giving me a chance to test my reaction times. Just because it was smaller didn’t mean an easy fight,though;it still had that
relentless marlin spirit.However,after a shorter battle,we successfully brought it in,and it was wonderful to have another boat nearby,with those anglers screaming in excitement for us.
The last marlin of the trip,however, was the one that truly tested me.At 5p.m.on that fourth day,Branden had just put out a live rainbow runner in the hope that something would bite,as we’d had a long,quiet patch.Just as we were thinking of calling it,the line screamed,and we knew we had something big.
Both Branden and I had seen a splash as we hooked it,but we couldn’t quite tell what it was.For the next 15 minutes I battled the fish,still unaware it was a marlin,making me wonder if I was just lacking strength from the last few days of hard fishing,or if this was something really big.My back was sore, and eventually we both started to wonder if it might be another marlin.
Just as the thought crossed our minds,the marlin breached the surface! It erupted from the water in a display of power,its body twisting and thrashing against the setting sun.The moment
was mesmerising,but I had no time to admire it – I continued to reel furiously, knowing that every second counted.
Branden spoke me through the fight,his voice like a lifeline,reminding me to stay calm,to breathe,to keep fighting.For an hour I battled that fish, every muscle in my body burning and my mind locked in focus.Every time I thought I was making progress,the marlin would make another deep dive, stripping away all the line I had just gained,emphasising that this was a give and take relationship.The sweat dripped from my forehead as I pushed through the burning fatigue,refusing to lose this battle.
This marlin was the biggest of the trip.Estimated to be around 150kg,it was an absolute beast that pushed me to my limits.By the time we brought it alongside the boat,I was trembling from exhaustion,but the satisfaction of that final,massive catch made every aching muscle worth it.It was a moment of pure triumph and exhaustion.
Unlike traditional marlin fishing from a fighting chair,I fought all four of
these giants on stand-up tackle,my legs bracing against the gunnel,my core locked to maintain balance,and my arms burning with every turn of the reel.Each fight felt like a marathon, pushing me to the edge of my physical limits;it was a test of willpower as much as it was a battle with the fish. By the end of the trip,my hands told the full story – raw,blistered and sore from gripping the rod and working the reel,a testament to the sheer effort that went into landing every marlin.But every blister was worth it for the experience of fighting those fish,feeling their power through the rod,and ultimately witnessing them swim off strong after the release.It was brutal,it was exhilarating and it was unforgettable.
Beyond the marlin,the trip also delivered a bounty of gamefish – ’cuda, wahoo,dorado,GT and yellowfin tuna, each one adding to the thrill of the experience.The ocean seemed to be on our side,rewarding our efforts with incredible catches time and time again.
Fighting marlin is unlike anything else,and with Branden’s expert guidance,I learned the nuances of handling
Nothing to see here but a girl living her best life out on the high seas.
these magnificent fish – reading their movements,adjusting my technique, and enduring the physical challenge. It was a masterclass in big game fishing, and I relished every moment,including releasing the marlin and watching them swim away as the adrenaline rush in my body slowly turned to an overwhelming feeling of euphoria.
Many anglers go years chasing one marlin,and yet I managed to catch four in a single trip of four days.That kind of luck is something I will never take for granted.Fishing around Santa Maria with Branden gave me memories that will last a lifetime,and reinforced why I
After catching four marlin in four days, Hailey Harris’s hands told a tale of pain and perseverance.
love fishing – the unpredictability,the challenge and the ultimate reward of landing a dream catch.
Beyond the thrill of the catch,staying at The View @ Santa Maria was an experience in itself.Every time I visit,I’m left in awe of its breathtaking beauty – the endless ocean views,the peaceful surroundings,and the way nature seamlessly blends into the adventure.It’s a place that never fails to amaze me.
As a woman who discovered a love for fishing only two years ago,I’ve been fortunate to land some remarkable gamefish off Santa Maria,including a
40kg GT,a 13kg green jobfish and a 24kg ’cuda.
I am still at the start of my fishing journey,and there is so much I have yet to learn,but Branden has been an invaluable teacher,guiding me through each trip and slowly helping me understand different techniques,read the ocean,and improve my ability to handle big game fish.
Branden’s expertise,instincts,and deep understanding of the ocean made this trip unforgettable.Every time he had a gut feeling about what we were going to catch,he was right!
As I look back on this experience,I know one thing for sure:the ocean has so much more to teach me,and I can’t wait for the next adventure.
MY GREAT FISHINGADVENTURE
by Daniel du Plessis (12)
MY family and I were spending the December 2024 holidays in Richards Bay,and I was super excited because I was going fishing with my dad and grandpa on his boat.
I woke up at 4 o’clock,ready to face the waves and catch some fish.It was still dark as I walked over the deck towards the jetty.The sunrise was just starting to glimmer over the big blue.It was going to be a fantastic day at sea.
The night before we had carefully prepared our rods and reels so we were ready to hit the waves on Vanessa III, a Cobra Cat 525.Sandy,the Richards Bay Ski Boat Club radio operator,gave us the green light to exit the port,and we glided through the water heading south to the area known as Patinga,about 18km south of Richards Bay.
The day before we also went out fishing,but there was a soft drizzle and some wind that made the waves choppy, and we eventually had to put on our rain jackets.Then the fish started to bite! To our surprise,we caught three dorado in a row.We ate like kings that night.
Once we reached Patinga,we got busy setting up the outriggers and rods so we could get our first lines in the water and do some trolling.My dad asked me to name my bucket list of fish I wanted to catch one day.With a smile,I answered:“My number one is the great wahoo.”Call it fisherman’s intuition,but I had a feeling that this was going to be the day.I could feel it in my bones!
After two hours of catching nothing in that area,my high hopes were falling.I took my towel and rolled it into a pillow and decided to have a sleep. Perhaps one needs to be a bit sleepy to catch a great fish, I thought.
I woke up just as we went over the reef.
I took my rod fitted with a 160 Speed Pro Runner reel and searched through my tackle box for the perfect Rapala to put on.I eventually decided on the bright orange,red and pinkish one,and hoped for the best as I put my line into the water.
The moment the line started running and the drag screamed “ZZZZZZZZ”,time stood still.I grabbed my rod and raised the tip quickly to make sure that the hook set.
“Keep your line tight and reel!”was all I heard through my excitement.As the fish got closer to the boat,my dad shouted,“WAHOO,DANNY!”It was finally happening! I was super excited,and in my head it felt like only a few minutes had passed until I got the catch close enough to the boat for my grandpa to gaff it.I kept the line tight and the rod steady.What felt like five minutes was actually half an hour.
I had caught a wahoo and it was a big one weighing 12kg.It was the best day’s fishing with the best crew in the world! I am now hooked on fishing.
The next one on my list? A marlin!
Two Oceans Marlin Tournament 2025
By Helen Fenwick
THIS year’s Two Oceans Marlin Tournaments saw 24 boats participating in the 19th running of this popular billfishing competition.Most of these boats had participated in many previous TOMT events,but this year there were nine new entrants too.
The tournament typically draws a large number of male anglers,but this year we were thrilled to welcome five female competitors too.Ada de Wit,Idé de Wit (mother and daughter) and Monica Botha fished on Loslappie,Angelique Lotter fished on A-Lure and Leonie Penninkhof was on The Gambler.Their passion and skill is an inspiration to us all.
The Two Oceans Marlin Tournament is unusual for a number of reasons,not least because it truly belongs to all those who participate,and their influence over TOMT matters is proportional to the number of events the skippers have participated in since 2007.
The tournament is also an invitational event and is not associated with organised angling at local,provincial or national levels.In line with conservation ethics,the tournament is fished as a no-kill,measure and release event with no points being given for a dead fish.
2025 winners, Team Dory: Johan van der Walt, Andrew Davidson, Dudley Rosslee (skipper), Chris Gillit and Emile le Roux.
Every year one Two Oceans Marlin Tournament “legend”is honoured with a special award.This year’s Legend of TOMT is Koos Pretorius,and Gawie Bruwer presented him with a special award.Koos generously sponsored the purchase of our Delta 82 radio system, which benefits all the anglers who fish around Cape Agulhas and Cape Point.
Koos is an accomplished angler himself,and he was part of the Osprey team that released six striped marlin in one day in 2012,a record that still stands.
For the 2025 TOMT,fishing was supposed to start on Sunday 2 March,but – not unusually for Struisbaai – the wind was pumping,so the beginning of the competition was delayed by a day.Fortunately,conditions improved and the anglers were able to go out on each of the following five days,and marlin were caught on the Monday,Tuesday and Thursday.
Despite all the anglers’best efforts,the marlin were scarce this year,and only three came out – one for Indigo and two for Dory .A fishing story is always told best by the angler themselves,so I’ll let these marlin manne take it away...
CHASING DREAMS
By Peté (Jannie) Kotze, Indigo
For six years I have attempted to catch my first marlin in the Two Oceans Marlin Tournament.Would 2025 be the year my unfulfilled dream came true?
Above all,I participate in this tournament for the fun and camaraderie,but the desire to catch the elusive billfish remains strong.Last year I almost caught one,but it got away, and the sting of losing it was still sorely felt,especially as the crew did not let me forget it!
On the first fishing day of the 2025 tournament we were still finalising the kona position when the back line went off!
The skipper had spotted a single working bird,and putting our lines out early paid off.We were close to the 45s, a bank 45 miles due south of Struisbaai,and we’d got distracted on the way there with a good-sized dorado at Halfway House.
We were not expecting a strike just yet,and at first we were unsure if we’d actually hooked a marlin.It was too soon, and the pull was not very strong.Suddenly the Alutecnos 80 started shrieking,and we were in business!
Majestic aerial displays,excitement,anxiety and adrenaline followed,all keeping me fighting through the deep burn in my arms. Please may this be my first TOMT marlin,I prayed! Don’t let this be a repeat of last year’s loss! The fear of a recurrence kept me going.
The 49 minutes of the fight felt like an eternity.At last, Werner pulled in the leader,but this black marlin had the final say:it kicked under the boat before we could properly remove the hooks,swimming off through the engines’wake, still towing our precious pink and blue kona!
My marlin bogey is now off my back,but I’m already dreaming of the next marlin and the one after that.
“Is this normal?”my wife asked.
I just nodded.
My heartfelt thanks to my Indigo crew mates,Gawie Bruwer (skipper),Werner Kotze,Lourens Odendal and Craig Jenkerson.This one is for our dear friend Eugene,who passed away suddenly in January.His spirit was with us all the way on the boat.
Koos pretorius received this year’s Legend Award from Gawie Bruwer,
VAS! THE PURSUIT OF POWER AND GRACE
By Andrew (Davy) Davidson
On 4 March 2025, Dory left Struisbaai harbour at around 6.50a.m.and headed out to the Halfway House area.This is a well-known fishing spot en route to the famous Alphard Banks,about 40 nautical miles east of Struisbaai.
Sea conditions were close to perfect,with a light swell and nearly no wind,and when we reached the area,our team enjoyed coffee and a light breakfast.
As we began trolling and settled in for the day’s fishing, we chatted about how lucky we were to have been a crew for the past nine years.Suddenly,we spotted a black marlin approaching from the port side.It hit the short kona,then immediately moved to the starboard side long kona,striking it as well.The marlin then struck the long port side kona and moved away.
During all this activity,we continued trolling at about 8.5 knots,hoping to go “vas”,but it didn’t happen.The entire crew was happy to have had these strikes,but the marlin was not on yet.
We all thought the marlin had left us,but then it suddenly struck the “Hong Kong”kona with a massive hit.The game was on!
I took the rod and settled into the fighting chair as the battle began.We were privileged to witness a black marlin leaping out of the water, showcasing its incredible power and survival skills.The fish was about 350m behind the boat, fighting with all its might to free the kona from its mouth.
After about 30 minutes,I had retrieved most of the line the marlin had taken,and we could see it behind the boat.I thought the fight was over,but the marlin had other ideas.
As I got the fish closer to the boat,it decided to take a deep dive straight down next to the boat,taking my line with it.I eventually managed to turn it around,and the line-retrieval process began again.
This happened another two times before I finally got the marlin alongside.Emile managed to get hold of the leader line and pulled the marlin next to the boat.Chris was the video operator,and Dudley kept the boat on course next to the marlin.
As the marlin was next to the boat,Emile and I managed to remove both hooks on the kona from its mouth without any injuries to the fish.The black marlin was measured,and based on its length it weighed about 181kg.We released it in good condition and watched as it dived under our boat and swam away.
This was the second black marlin I have caught at a Two Oceans Marlin Tournament,but the power,and beauty of such a fish will never leave me;nor will my respect for them.It is an indescribable feeling to have one of the fastest fish in the sea fighting you,but the best feeling is releasing it and seeing the fish swim away uninjured and in good shape.
THE DANCE OF THE BLACK MARLIN
By Chris Gillit
As a team,those of us aboard Dory felt jubilant that Andrew (Davy) had caught and released a ±180kg black marlin on Day Two of the tournament.What were the chances that we could get a second one?
Nobody caught any marlin on Day Three,but when Day Four greeted us with fantastic conditions,we decided to go to our old hunting ground,the 12-Mile Bank,where we have had
great success in the past.
We reached the 100m contour and found shoals of mackerel like we’d never seen before.We were convinced there would be a marlin in the area.By early afternoon we’d had no luck,so we decided to go shallower and work some structure.This decision really paid off!
At 2p.m.,the Japan elastic broke,but alas,there was no hookup.We continued trolling and could see a marlin lit up and following the Japan.
After two passes,the Captain Morgan lure was engulfed and we were finally on! This fish was angry and jumped continuously as it headed for the horizon.
It was my turn in the chair.For the last 14 years I have been trying to catch a marlin,and to say I was nervous is an understatement.My teammates were fantastic,though,and their encouragegot me through the fight.With an 80 wide nearly empty,I knew this was going to be a tough task.
Fifty-five minutes later,we brought the fish to the leader.After a quick measurement,the tape showed she weighed around 220kg.We carefully removed the hooks and released her, watching as this magnificent fish swam gracefully away.
Thank you to the rest of my team:Dudley Rosslee (Skipper),Emile le Roux,Andrew (Davy) Davidson and Johan van der Walt.
INCONCLUSION
The last event of the tournament was of course, the prize giving.The clear winner was Dory with their two marlin.Second prize went to Indigo
And so ended another amazing Two Oceans Tournament.
Suidpunt Diepsee Hengelklub and the participants of the tournament,extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors of this year’s tournament.Their generous contributions not only enhance the experience for participants and attendees,but have also helped them to achieve their goals.It is through partnerships like this that we can create memorable and impactful moments.
Sincere thanks must also go to all those who work behind the scenes to pull off a fabulous event like this one.
Each evening the anglers gathered at Suidpunt Deep Sea Angling Club and enjoyed the excellent food provided by Marinda and her incredible team of catering staff and bar ladies. Thank you for making sure the anglers were well looked after.
Many other incredible individuals were responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the tournament:Dahlene kept meticulous records and handled the finances and also served on the judging committee,and Grant,the tournament director,and Dudley the Club Captain,co-ordinated operations and made sure that everything ran well.Andrew Perrins – with assistance from Trevor Brinch and Earl Fenwick – not only served as the safety officer,ensuring that everything was conducted responsibly and safely,but also entertained the anglers in the evenings,acting as a lively auctioneer and meting out strafdoppe and snuff sniffs for alleged misdemeanours which added to the fun atmosphere.
None of this would happen without all the dedicated anglers and organisers.Thank you one and all.We’ll see you next year.
Chris Gillit had to wait 14 years to catch this gorgeous marlin.
Andrew Davidson’s black marlin that put up a good fight.
Celebrating the ORI Cooperative Fish Tagging Project
MOST South African anglers have heard of the practice of tagging and releasing fish, and many have become regular supporters of it while others think it’s a waste of time and effort tagging fish that could well end up in trawler nets. The Oceanographic Research Institute’s Cooperative Fish Tagging Project (ORI-CFTP) has now been going for 40 years,gathering some truly mindblowing information that certainly proves the project’s worth to both scientists and anglers.
While scientists are more focused on conserving a species and anglers are more interested in catching a new PB,there is a lot of overlap between their interests.
Gareth Jordaan, the current ORI Tagging Officer, shared some interesting history and information about the highly successful project... A tagged giant trevally about to be released.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Daly.
By Gareth Jordaan, ORI Tagging Officer
THE ORI-CFTP has come a long way since its early beginnings in 1984 and has achieved some remarkable recapture records that highlight the project’s value.One standout case involved a raggedtooth shark that was at liberty for no less than 26.2 years before being recaptured, with its original tag still intact!
Another remarkable recapture was that of a red steenbras tagged by scientists in the Tsitsikamma MPA and recaptured by ski-boat anglers off Kei Mouth 25.4 years later.
Other impressive recaptures include a galjoen that travelled 1200km around Cape Point in just 90 days and a Roman (previously thought to only live for 19 years) that was recaptured after 22 years at liberty in the exact same spot where it was originally tagged.
The project has also contributed to groundbreaking discoveries about species like the giant kingfish.In 2018 Dr Ryan Daly tagged a 92cm individual in Bazaruto,Moçambique,with both an acoustic and an ORI conventional dart tag,and the fish was recaptured in the same place by a charter boat angler two years later.
This recapture might not sound like much,but recent discoveries about GTs from tagging research are nothing short of game changing.Thanks to advanced acoustic telemetry technology, researchers have gained fascinating
DID YOU KNOW...
• Galjoen can travel 1200km in 90 days.
• Roman can live for 22 years.
• South Africa’s GTs migrate to Moçambique to spawn.
• GT can travel 600km in one week
ORI CFTP STATS: 40 years
7300 participating anglers
387000 fish tagged
24600 fish recaptured
insights into the secret lives of these powerful predators.
For instance,we now know that all adult GTs found in South African waters migrate annually to southern Moçambique to spawn in a large temporally and spatially predictable spawning aggregation during the summer months (November to January) over the full moon.Once they have finished spawning,individuals return to their own home ranges along the coast, sometimes travelling distances of over 600km in one direction in less than a week! This clearly has profound implications for the future conservation and sustainable use of this species.
Conventional dart tagging methods used by the ORI-CFTP only capture the release and recapture points,leaving gaps in our understanding of what fish do in between.Acoustic telemetry is
This tagged GT was caught on the same reef off Santa Maria three times.
Originally caught in June 2019 by Peter Stewart (left) and tagged by Graham Pollard, it was recaptured in August 2022 by Barry de Beer (right), and again in April 2024 by a charter angler on Branden Brodell’s boat (below).
now helping to fill in these blanks by using acoustic tags (transmitters) and a large array of “listening stations”to track fine-scale movements,revealing a detailed picture of the movement behaviour of numerous species.
These exciting discoveries and the success of the project as a whole would not have been possible if it were not for the early pioneers of tagging in South Africa.
PIONEERSINSA
Tagging projects in South Africa have taken various forms over the decades, with varying degrees of success.Many initiatives,despite their good intentions, have faltered due to inadequate data collection or failures to publish the findings.However,amidst these challenges,South Africa’s Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) has emerged as a beacon of consistency and innovation in marine research.
Fish tagging in South Africa first gained momentum when Dr David Davies and Dr John Bass,researchers at ORI,started tagging dusky sharks along the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) coast in the 1960s.Their primary goal was to understand the sharks’migratory behaviour. Their work laid the foundation for a new era in marine research,and it wasn’t long before others were inspired to take up the challenge.
One such individual was Rudy van der Elst,who joined ORI in the late 1960s.Interested in what the Americans
and Australians were doing with tagging billfish,Rudy was determined to replicate similar efforts in South Africa.
In the 1970s,with the support of the Sodwana Bay Ski-Boat Club,Rudy spearheaded the country’s first billfish tagging initiative.Armed with a tagging pole and American-made Floy tags,the group ventured into the waters off Sodwana Bay and tagged the first marlin and sailfish off southern Africa.
Around the same time,Rudy was also focused on a contentious topic:the management of shad/elf.As he pursued his master’s degree,he noticed a significant gap in knowledge regarding whether the shad populations in the Cape waters were the same as those in KZN.This uncertainty sparked the creation of a dedicated shad tagging project,which Rudy led with the help of his colleague Simon Chater.
Thousands of shad were tagged along the South African coastline,and the results were groundbreaking.From this project,the scientists found that several of the fish that were tagged in the Cape were recaptured in KZN and vice versa,proving that they could be managed as a single stock with the same size limits,bag limits and seasonal regulations.
BIRTHOFTHEPROJECT
Building on the successes of these projects,1984 marked the official launch of
the ORI-CFTP.The project was Rudy’s brainchild,and he envisioned “a collaborative citizen science project between scientists and anglers to collect information on fish movement patterns, growth rates and population dynamics to help ensure their wise and sustainable use and to create awareness amongst anglers”.
Rudy’s vision for the ORI-CFTP extended beyond mere data collection. He also saw it as a way to bridge the gap between scientists and anglers,fostering a community united by a shared commitment to marine conservation.
THE UNSUNG HEROES
Any largescale conservation project has to have the right team in place if it’s going to be successful.Enter Elinor Bullen,ORI-CFTP’s first official tagging officer.
Elinor was a passionate angler with deep knowledge about fishing,and her organisational skills played a critical role in the early success of the project. Her no-nonsense approach ensured that anglers submitted their tag returns promptly.At a time when digital tools were limited,Elinor meticulously recorded data by hand in logbooks before transitioning to early handheld computers.Her dedication was instrumental in building the project’s credibility and popularity among the angling community.
After 26 years of dedicated service in this role,Elinor passed the baton on to Stuart Dunlop in 2010.A recent MSc graduate,Stuart was eager to take on the challenge of expanding the project. He brought a fresh perspective,leveraging the power of technology to modernise ORI-CFTP’s operations.
Under his leadership,the project embraced social media,launched a dedicated WhatsApp line (079529 0711), and revamped the tagging website (www.oritag.org.za) so that the project would be more interactive.
Stuart’s contributions not only increased engagement but also streamlined data collection processes,making the project more efficient and userfriendly.In 2018,Stuart and his wife took up an opportunity to work in the Seychelles,giving me the gap to take over as the new tagging officer.
Despite these transitions,the project continued to thrive,thanks in part to the unwavering support of Bruce Mann who managed the ORI Linefish Portfolio for an impressive 31 years until his retirement in 2023.
TRIUMPHS AND CHALLENGES
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024,ORI-CFTP stands as a testament to resilience,collaboration,and innovation,but the journey hasn’t always been smooth.
Like any long-term project,ORI-
Rudy van der Elst who initiated the ORI-CFTP in 1984, in front of the coral exhibit at uShaka Marine aquarium in Durban.
Elinor Bullen (tagging officer from 1984 to 2010) tagging tuna on a tuna poling vessel in the 1980s.
Bruce Mann (manager of the ORI-CFTP from 2002 to 2023) with a large speckled snapper tagged in the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area north of Cape Vidal.
Ryan Daly with a GT caught, tagged and released in the Seychelles as part of scientific studies monitoring the movements and activities of Caranx ignobilis in the Indian Ocean.
CFTP has faced its share of challenges, particularly in securing consistent funding.While the support from various organisations such as Sedgewick’s Old Brown,the Tony and Lisette Lewis Foundation and the KZN Department of Economic Development,Tourism and Environmental Affairs,has been invaluable,the uncertainty of future funding remains a constant concern.
In the early 2000s the project also experienced a dip in participation,with waning interest from anglers and management alike.Fortunately,these quiet years were only a temporary setback in the project’s overall trajectory.
On the flip side,the highs far outweigh the lows.The ORI-CFTP has grown into one of the most successful marine citizen science projects in Africa,earning recognition on the global stage.Since its inception,the project has recruited over 7300 anglers,with an impressive average of 483 active members per year.These dedicated participants have collectively tagged more than 387000 fish,resulting in a notable 6.3% recapture rate with over 24600 fish recaptured.
This wealth of data has not only enhanced our understanding of fish movement behaviour and growth rates, but has also informed critical management decisions that have contributed to the sustainable use of South Africa’s linefish resources.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCIENCE, CONSERVATION AND POLICY
The insights gained from tagging data have been used to refine size and bag limits,set open and closed seasons,and implement other conservation measures.
Most notably,the role played by the ORI-CFTP in monitoring the effectiveness of our marine protected areas (MPAs) has been phenomenal,giving us a better understanding of the residency of many of our reef fish species,as well as the benefits of spillover from our MPAs.
One of the most profound achievements of the ORI-CFTP has been its influence on fostering a culture of conservation among anglers.
The shift towards catch-and-release practices,partly inspired by the ORICFTP,has helped ensure greater sustainability of linefish populations.
The project’s efforts also led to changes in competitive fishing,with some official organisations embracing catch-and-release methods in the midto late 1990s already.
A SHARED MISSION
At its core,ORI-CFTP is more than just a data collection initiative;it’s a movement that unites anglers,scientists,and fishery managers in a shared mission to better understand and protect marine fish resources.
By actively involving the fishing community in research,the project has built a bridge of trust and collaboration that benefits both science and management.Participants have not only learned about the movement behaviour and growth rate of their favourite fish species,but have also contributed valuable insights that are critical to the long-term management and sustainable use of these fish populations.
The project’s success in fostering a conservation mindset among anglers cannot be overstated.
By educating members on proper fish handling and tagging techniques, the ORI-CFTP has helped ensure higher survival rates for released fish.This ethical approach to fishing has had a ripple effect,encouraging a new generation of anglers to prioritise sustainability over catch and kill.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The ORI-CFTP’s journey is a testament to the incredible thngs that can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.
As we look back on the past four decades,we celebrate the dedicated anglers,scientists and conservationists who have made this project a model for citizen science worldwide.
Here’s to another 40 years of tagging,learning,and protecting our pre-
Stuart Dunlop (tagging officer from 2010 to 2018) with a garrick he landed and tagged.
Gareth Jordaan (tagging officer 2018 to present) with a big catface rockcod tagged and released in the Pondoland MPA.
This GT, caught off Bazaruto in Mozambique, was tagged with an ORI-CFTP tag and an acoustic tag, and was recaptured two years later. Photo by Ryan Daly.
Dave Harwin (left) and Dave Brain with the recaptured GT that was tagged with an ORI-CFTP tag and an acoustic tag. Photo by Bruce Cooke.
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.
Pierre Viljoen has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this 12kg kingfish caught off St Lucia.
Wesley Uys has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this 55.3kg yellowfin tuna caught off Shelly Beach.
Theuns Theunissen has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this ±55kg sailfish caught and released off Sodwana Bay.
Shaun Mundow has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this 18.6kg amberjack caught off uMdloti.
Helena Janse van Vuuren has been awarded a Gold Meritorious Award for this 17.1kg kob caught off Walvis Bay in Namibia.
ST Francis Bay is a top year-round fishing destination,renowned among anglers worldwide,and Port St Francis is one of South Africa’s only privately owned ports. Known for its beauty and bay access,it attracts recreational anglers as well as a fleet of commercial “chokka”boats.
Recently named “The Calamari Capital of SA”,St Francis Bay boosts the local economy through sustainable fishing and high-quality calamari caught in and around the bay.
Tim Christy,a charter captain with over 30 years’angling experience,is the founder of St Francis Safaris.A Protea angler with numerous records to his name,Tim takes pleasure in sharing his expertise on the best fishing locations, reefs and techniques for the area with his clients.“Having travelled the world to many fishing destinations,I can assure you that St Francis Bay is world class,”he says.
The bay’s abundant baitfish,locally known as chokka (calamari or squid), attract various gamefish including yellowtail,garrick,geelbek and kob.A diverse array of trophy reef species is also present year round.
Out in the deep,pelagic species such as yellowfin tuna,marlin,broadbill swordfish and dorado are targeted from March to September.The current record is a 102kg yellowfin tuna.The 2025 season started well,with many yellowfin up to 85kg being landed in March,as well as marlin and broadbill being successfully released.
Rock and surf fishing are also very productive,and the 20km of river and
estuary fishing is exceptional.
St Francis Safaris offers fishing charters from Port St Francis,which are tailored to accommodate any level of angling experience.Their team will get you “on the mark”while you enjoy the beautiful setting.Contact Tim Christy on 0825693750 for more info.
In addition to the notable fishing,St Francis Bay offers a variety of accommodation and dining options.It is known for its safety,family-friendly environment,pristine beaches and various activities.
THESTORYOF DIAMONDS FROM THE SEA
MANY have called Jack Walsh a “sea freak”,and he has no argument with that.After a very varied career ranging from insurance broking to commercial fishing,he finally “retired”at the age of 76.With two non-fiction books and a fishing industry manual under his belt,he has finally achieved his goal of writing a novel based on his life’s experiences.
“This is the correct story of the development of sea diamond mining in Southern Africa,”said Walsh.“And,where it varies from what you have read in various publications,you should discard their and other people’s beliefs,as I was there,and when I wasn’t other people that I was close to were there.It makes an amazing story from whatever point of view you look at it, and I do believe that it should be recorded accurately.At one time I was the acknowledged expert in this field.”
He explains that Sam Collins found fertile ground to propagate off the hard,barren,and in many ways,frightening environment of the west coast of Southern Africa. De Beers inherited the operation and closed it down,but geologists realised the diamonds in the sea must have come from somewhere,and started investigating ...
For more info on the book contact Jack Walsh on <walshjackw@gmail.com>.
Breaking the Waves
By Rachel Ledsham
WHEN I first decided to join the fishing community,I braced myself for resistance.As a young woman setting out on my own,I believed I would not be welcomed.I had heard the stories and seen the stereotypes – fishing was a man’s world,and women were often met with scepticism or even belittlement. I expected judgement,maybe even exclusion.What I found instead was acceptance,guidance,and a new-found respect for a community built on shared passion rather than gender.
From the moment I stepped onto the docks I was met with curiosity,but not hostility.The men around me didn’t dismiss me;they taught me.They shared their knowledge with patience and respect, showing me the techniques,the tricks,and the unspoken rules of the sea.Whether it was baiting a hook, casting a line,or navigating the tides,they guided me,not as a girl who fishes,but as a fellow angler.
Of course,no adventure comes without its funny moments and a few Rapala Lips. I’ve met some skippers with uncanny talents for electrocuting themselves,whether fixing a motor or attempting to remove an eel from my hook,and I’ve slipped on my bum or wiped out on my back thanks to fish slime more times than I’d like to admit.
But even in moments where I thought my presence might be awkward or met with discomfort, even with the unavoidable necessity of peeing in a bucket,I found nothing but understanding.And when the fishing slows down,we turn the deck into a dance floor,blasting music and turning long days into unforgettable ones. There’s nothing quite like an impromptu boat party after hours of chasing fish that refuse to bite!
seems effortless.Other days,the wind howls,waves crash against the boat and the rain lashes down,making every task ten times harder.And then there are the long,silent hours of waiting,where patience is tested and all you can do is watch the horizon and hope for a strike.Those moments,though seemingly uneventful,are part of the magic.
What truly shattered my preconceived notions was the sheer camaraderie I found when I started fishing.Competition was fierce but fair,and when I out fished the men,they didn’t make excuses or belittle my success – they celebrated it.
Fishing isn’t just about casting lines and hoping for a bite,though.Some days I’m just a gilly,fetching bait and assisting wherever needed.Other times I’m at the helm,skippering the boat,and occasionally while trolling,if we’re not concentrating,all the lines tangle together and a chorus of frustrated F-bombs rings out around me.
Waking up at 2a.m.to prep,launching by 3or 5a.m., spending hours at sea only to return empty handed – it’s all part of the grind.And no matter how the day unfolds,it always ends the same way:gutting fish,scrubbing the boat and sharing laughter with the crew.
One of the most rewarding yet humbling aspects is the unpredictability of the ocean.No two days are ever the same. Some days,the sea is calm,the sun is shining and everything
The fishing community isn’t about who you are; it’s about what you bring to the water.Whether you’re a man or a woman,the only thing that matters is skill,dedication and a willingness to learn.
More importantly,this community encourages young women to step up and compete against the men,not as an act of rebellion,but as an affirmation that fishing knows no gender. It’s about growth,respect and pushing each other to be better anglers. The older fishermen have taken me under their wings,sharing their hard-earned wisdom,while the younger ones embrace the competitive spirit,turning every outing into a challenge to see who can reel in the biggest catch.
Beyond the thrill of the catch, though,my greatest joy comes from simply being out on the ocean.The unpredictability of nature is humbling – you never know what you’ll witness:flying fish skipping across the waves,massive rays,turtles,whales or dolphins. Some days,the sun greets us warmly, other days we battle rain,storms and raging winds.And then there are the silent moments when words aren’t needed – when you just soak up the rhythmic rocking of the boat and the vast,endless blue. Those moments remind me why I love this life.
Even on the rough days,when exhaustion sets in and muscles ache from hours of battling the sea,it’s all worth it.The struggle,the setbacks,and the perseverance make the victories that much sweeter.It’s a life that demands resilience,but the rewards are beyond measure.
Today,I no longer see myself as an outsider.I am not just a woman who fishes – I am an angler,plain and simple.
And to any young lady who wonders if she belongs in this world,my answer is clear:Yes,you do.The water welcomes all,and so does the fishing community.Whether you’re reeling in a record-breaking catch or spending an entire day getting nothing but sunburnt and salt-crusted,the sea always has something to teach you.
If you’re lucky,you’ll have a crew that makes every moment – win or lose – an adventure worth taking.
