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Saturday, 21 February 2026
This year we are celebrating twenty terrific years of TOMT and this evening the excitement for the week ahead was tangible. The teams gathered to register, share a wonderful braai and enjoy a festive atmosphere as Lisa’s guitar and singing set the perfect tone.
Our theme for the week is – “I Can’t Believe You’re Wearing That to TOMT!” and ‘The Gambler started things rolling by turning up as gangsters with their molls! So come along, guys and gals, get creative – Be bold! Be daring! Be delightfully outrageous. It doesn’t need to be a full costume – just one small eye-catching addition to your normal attire is enough, but let it be noticed! At the end of the week, there will be a prize for the most creatively dressed team! Let’s make TOMT 20 truly memorable.
During the opening proceedings, we were reminded of how it all began and of the very important rules. Suidpunt’s Diepsee Hengelklub’s president, Dudley Rosslee, invited Gawie Bruwer to read the credo and then presented him with a special certificate of appreciation, in recognition of his pivotal role in founding TOMT.
History and Rules of The Two Oceans Marlin Tournament
The late Meirion Williams of Huck Finn fame was instrumental in establishing an annual marlin catch-measure-release competition. This was after he chatted with local commercial fisherman Trail Whitthuhn, who told him he had once landed a striped marlin. Meirion believed it would be valuable to investigate the population and sizes of marlin in the Agulhas area.
It is important to acknowledge that the project was not the work of just one person. Contributors such as Gawie Bruwer, Hannes Schreuder, Gerard De Kock, Johan Jooste, and Johan van der Walt played crucial roles in turning the idea into a reality, but after four years of discussion, Gawie Bruwer finally made it happen. He drove the practical organisation that transformed the idea into the first official tournament in 2007. When others were still talking about possibilities, Gawie stepped up and turned the tournament from an idea into a reality. He crafted the very first credo, laid the foundation for how the tournament would run, and set the standard that is still followed today.
Andrew Perrins was approached to take on the role of Safety Officer, and since then, he has been actively involved in setting up aerials and operating the radios. He has been supported by his reliable assistants, Trevor Brinch and Earl Fenwick, along with various other team members throughout the years.
The Two Oceans Marlin Tournament belongs to all those who participate, and their influence over Tournament matters is proportional to the number of events the Skippers have participated in since 2007.
The Tournament is an invitational event and is not associated with organised angling at either Local, Provincial or National levels.
Brief summary of the rules
Upon returning to shore, boats must display a flag indicating what they have caught, measured and released. Additionally, a video must be presented to the judges to verify the catch. In the event of a tie at the end of the tournament, the marlin caught last will be declared the winner.
| MARLIN | POINTS | FLAG |
| Black Marlin | 150 | White flag with Black Marlin |
| Striped Marlin | 150 | White flag with Blue Marlin |
| Blue Marlin | 150 | Blue Flag with White Marlin |
| Sailfish | 100 | Blue Flag with Black Marlin |
| Other Billfish | 100 | Two Oceans Flag |
| The above indicates the basic allocation of points. Bonus points may be given in certain circumstances. | ||
The 2026 Teams
This year, there are twenty brave boats entered in the tournament.
Below is a list of the participating boats and skippers. The number in brackets represents the number of years each boat has been entered in TOMT
| Skipper | Boat |
| PIETER STEYN | A-LURE (2) |
| MIKE BRODERICK | BAD CO (15) |
| PIET WESSELS | BAYSWATER (6) |
| ALLAN FIRMANI | BUTT CHEEKS (First) |
| MIKE RILEY | CATITUDE (10) |
| DUDLEY ROSSEE | DORY (14) |
| ANDREW VAN ZYL | GWAZA (19) |
| GAWIE BRUWER | INDIGO (20) |
| CHRIS GOATLEY | JOHN GRAEME (9) |
| JACO JACOBS | LE BOSS 2 (8) |
| PEET BOTHA | LOSLAPPIE (3) |
| RIKUS DE BEER | MARCO POLO (18) |
| JACQUES VAN NIEKERK | MOJO (8) |
| ROELOF VISAGIE | MULTI (12) |
| MARIUS LOODEWYK | NERINA (2) |
| JOVAN ERASMUS | ONLYFINS (first) |
| ROBIN VERMAAK | PIROMERO/TEAM SIMRAD (3) |
| JOHAN THEUNISSEN | SUN SEEKER (9) |
| RON PENNINKHOF | THE GAMBLER (2) |
| GERT VILJOEN | VISTROK (3) |
Below are some of the teams enjoying the evening. More to follow in the coming days.
Our Sponsors
This tournament is strengthened each year by the remarkable commitment of our sponsors, whose support makes all the difference. Please support them,
| AIRMAR | BALLYHOO MARINE |
| BLENCO | BON CORAGE WINES |
| CEMSTONE | CENTRAL FORKLIFT |
| CHAS EVERITT | ELEMENTS CUPBOARDS &DESIGN |
| FOUR COUSINS | CORNELIS HAM |
| FPM SUPPLIERS | GARMIN SOUTH AFRICA |
| HEINEKEM | JEBO CONNECT |
| OK Foods | |
| PENINSULA BEVERAGE | PULSATOR LURES |
| RATELONLINE.COM | RAYMARINE |
| ROBERTSON TOYOTA | ROBERTSON WINE |
| RUTHERFORD/MERCURY | M-RAD/SIMRAD |
| SKI-BOAT MAGAZINE | SOUTH AFRICAN BREWERIES |
| SPRINGFIELD WINES | STRUISBAAI SPECIALIST ANGLERS |
| SUIDPUNT SECURITY | VILJOENSDRIFT WINES |
Thank you to Suidpunt Diepsee Hengelklub for hosting
Behind the scenes, Marinda, indefatigable manageress of Suidpunt Deep Sea Angling Club and Dahlene, the club’s treasurer, work throughout the year to prepare for TOMT. When tournament week finally arrives, they, ably assisted by their ever-cheerful staff, transform the evening functions into something special. From the delicious meals to the décor and the unmistakable ‘gees’, their energy and creativity set the tone for the camaraderie we all enjoy.
During the coming days, I will be introducing you to the amazing kitchen staff, too.
Today, Sunday 22 February 2026, the weather gods have not played along, and the boats will remain on shore. But we’re confident their tempers will soon settle, the seas will calm, and the battle with the mighty marlin will begin in earnest. Keep an eye on this space for daily updates as the fun — both at sea and on land — unfolds throughout the week.
Adventuring into Retirement 