Friday, 26 April 2024

Today was registration day for The Bottom Fish International and National Tournament, hosted by Struisbaai Deep Sea Angling Club.

An amazing brochure filled with information regarding the events of the week, the rules of the competition and details of the boats, skippers and competitors was given to each competitor.

 Each angler received a goodie pack filled with some amazing treasures and the skipper of each boat received a cooler bag filled with gifts.

Thanks to the generous sponsors without whom such a tournament would not be possible.  The following sponsored this year’s Bottom Fish Tournament.

Harcourts, Afrimat, Africooler, Body Zone, Sceptre Fishing, Harbour Café Struisbaai, Fresh Stop Struisbaai, Astron Struisbaai,  Khulu Projects, NSRI Station 30 Agulhas, Viking Fishing, Glenwood Wines Franschoek, Struisbaai Angling Shop,  Link Sports, Hugeunot Valley Natural Spring Water.

This morning the International Teams registered and received their brochures and goodie bags, Click on the first photo of each gallery to enlarge, then use arrows to see a slide show. Press escape to return to the blog.

At 4 pm it was the turn of the National Teams to register. Some were already dressed formally for the opening function later in the evening while others were still in casual attire.

Before the Opening Function began all the teams gathered together on the pier and with their respective flags held high they marched in procession to Struisbaai Harbour Café who catered a delicious dinner.   As they entered they planted their flags and then took their seats at the beautifully set tables.   It was really a grand affair.  

Below are the photos of the parade Click on the first one to enlarge and watch a slide show.

Once everyone had found their places they stood to attention while the National Anthems of South Africa, Gibraltar and Iceland were played.

Roger Marais, the chairman of the Struisbaai Deep Sea Angling Club, welcomed everybody to the International and National Bottom Fish Tournament, said grace and then introduced some dignitaries who each gave a speech.

Chris Schorn and Nick Nel (SADSAA Tournament Officer) then began the capping ceremony. It was touching to see how many members of the same family were representing their province or country and the fathers were invited to help their sons or daughters into their blazers for the first time. The Gerber family had three members participating this year. Dad, Wayne was in the Barbarian team, Mom, Sheena captained the SADSAA Ladies’ team and son Christopher fished in SADSAA Men’s Seniors. John Leuf has certainly had a great influence on his daughter Jacqueline’s fishing career and it was his honour to help her into her Protea Blazer.

Special mention was made about Earl Fenwick who received Springbok colours for fishing in 1971 and 1972. He is approaching his 80th birthday but is still actively involved in the fishing fraternity. The dress code insisted that one wear their highest colours and he proudly wore his Springbok blazer. 

Once the honours had been presented dinner was served and the party began.  Old friends reconnected and a great time was had by all.