Monday, 3 March 2025

The boats began launching at various times this morning, but they all needed to be out of the harbor by 09:00 due to the outgoing tide, which would make the water level too low, especially for the larger vessels. Catitude encountered some difficulties and had to be assisted off a sandbank by the crew and others, as the recent strong southeasterly winds had blown sand into the harbour, making it even shallower than usual.
Thank you, John Paulse for sending me the following photographs.

The weather, though calm, was cool and foggy this morning, but it cleared up as the day progressed and it was a beautiful day out at sea. Once all the boats were out, Andrew read out The Fisherman’s Prayer and wished all the anglers, Tight Lines.

First Strike of the Tournament
At 11:55 the first excited call sounded on the radio. Skipper of Indigo, Gawie Bruwer, reported that they had a hook-up and had seen the black marlin clearly. Peté after a forty-one minute fight, measured and released the black marlin. Watch this space for the angler’s story.

The Fleet Returns
This morning’s launch took place at a very low tide, but by the time lines-up was called at 17h50, the tide had risen significantly, making the harbour somewhat choppy. The jetty was submerged underwater, and at times I found myself standing in knee-deep water as I took the photographs. It was quite challenging for the anglers to come alongside, as jumping off the boat became rather dangerous!

Two of the boats, Soo-Ja and Bayswater returned before 16h00 so I did not manage to get photographs of them. Watch this space tomorrow.
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Due to the later-than-usual lines-up today, dinner was served later, and most of the anglers left the clubhouse immediately after eating. They certainly needed to get a good night’s rest to be out bright and early again in the morning