Once again the day arrived for the much anticipated 2nd league event, this time held at Scottburgh. Eager angler’s started arriving at the venue from as early as 5.30am. Registrations for the competition and for the Species Competition were soon underway and were completed before the 7am start time. All competing angler’s were registered, briefed and dispatched enabling them to have their lines in the water at the start time of 7am.

Competitor’s had different strategies and this ensured that the entire fishing boundary was utilised. Guy’s targeting the bigger fish chose the point as their target area, and this decision seemed to be the correct one as fellow KZN Fishing member Kamesh, within minutes of the competition starting, hooked and landed a small Black Tip Reef Shark. A wide variety of baits were then slid or cast out in the hope of enticing a hook up after this shark was landed. Shaan and Avesh adopted a different approach and started with ultra light tackle. Avesh managed to land himself a Ladder Wrasse of 35cm. Fishing in the bay on the right of the point, Jackie got herself a Stone Bream which was quickly measured in at 20cm. It iwas returned alive and flapping to be caught on another day. 

We’re not sure if it was pre-arranged, but Nic stood in for Ronald at this event by taking the mandatory 90 minute nap on the beach for him. Nic’s slumber came to an abrupt end when a cute young lady ran into his line and almost pulled the rod from his sleeping hand. The look on his face was priceless.  

To most of the angler’s surprise the dreaded South Westerly wind picked up. At first it was moderate, which pleased some of the anglers as the water started looking really promising. But alas it was not to be as the westerly grew in strength and ended many anglers hopes of landing decent fish. Before being blown off the beach Shaun managed a nice sized Catface Rockod of 37cm.

During the duration of the comp a variety of smaller species were landed, however these did not make the required minimum size limit of 20cm. Fish that were measured included Karranteens, Stone Breams, Blacktails, 5 Finger’s, Silver Bream and a decent sized 3 Spot  Pompano caught by Andy.

There was also some speculation about a fish caught late in the competition by Leon which many felt was the smallest Garrick ever landed. It probably measured a total of 15cm’s.

At the south end of the boundry Vischal and crew reported that it was hard work finding and hooking measurable size fish but they persisted and managed to get a variety of species onto their score cards, which just goes to show that even in the worst conditions, persistence does pay off.

Lines-up was called at 1pm and by this time our revitalised fire-lighter Nic, had everything ready for the braai.  With the wind howling, there was not much resistance from the anglers as tackle was hastily packed up and packed away into the vehicles.

Once all score cards were collected and scores tallied, our Most Species champion for the day was crowned and the winner was Vischal.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent around the braai discussing ideas and socialising with a few drinks a lot of good laughs.

It is worth mentioning that the turnout at KZN Fishing outings and especially at our social league competitions is growing with each event. It was great to see an increase in “families” at the comp and we believe that it is only going to get bigger and better.

A big thank from management to all that made this event a success.

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