After six continuous days of intensive fishing it was finally over and the anglers gathered at Suidpunt Deep Sea Angling Club to discover who the final winners were. The Two Oceans Marlin Tournament is more about comradery and fun as well as conservation but there is still an element of competition. All the teams received prizes thanks to our very generous sponsors.

Please take a look at Suidpunt’s Facebook page to see video footage of some of the proceedings.

Thanks to Sheila de Beer for handing out the prizes.

Third prize went to Marco Polo skippered by Rikus de Beer. Well done to all the crew and a special congratulations to the lady member, Linette.

There was a tie for Second Place. Congratulations to John Graeme and Bayswater. Please pronounce the latter in Afrikaans.

First Prize was also a tie between Dory and Lyfie.

There are videos of the marlin releases on Suidpunt’s Facebook page – unfortunately WordPress does not allow me to post videos on my blog.

Not all the teams posed for photographs but here are some that did. Well done to all the anglers. It was an awesome tournament, the best we have ever had in its fifteen year history.

Here are the stats of the tournament as given to me by Andrew Perrins

These are the stats as given to

HOOK UPS:

DAY 1……11, 1XMAKO, 1X RELEASE

DAY2….14, 1x BRONZIE NO RELEASES.

DAY 3….5,   NO SHARKS….2 RELEASES.

DAY 4…..4, 1X HAMERHEAD….. 1 RELEASED.

DAY 5 ….11, 1 RELEASED

DAY6….10…. NO SHARK…..2 RELEASES

TOURNAMENT RELEASES 7

Fishing in all its forms is a passion of my darling husband Earl Fenwick and so in spite of the fact that I do not fish myself, I have been drawn into the excitement of it all. Since retiring to Struisbaai I have become particularly interested and fascinated by the Two Oceans Marlin Competition. Having Andrew Perrins, the Safety Officer, spending a few days before and during the tournament adds to this. The radios are never quiet and listening to the banter and hearing the first call of a strike is a thrilling experience. I would like to just relate a little more of the history of this competition. Gawie Bruwer spoke of it at the prize giving in more detail but I am just giving a little background here too.

In my first post for this tournament I wrote about how it all began and I repeat that again here with additions as Gawie gave me the names of others who were involved right at the beginning.

Meirion Williams of Huck Finn fame, sowed the seed to have an annual Marlin catch, measure and release competition.  This was after he chatted to local commercial fisherman, Trail Witton who landed a striped marlin some years ago.  Meirion thought it would be of value to investigate the numbers and sizes of the Marlin swimming in the Agulhas area.

Of course it is never the work of just one man and mention must be made of others like Gawie Bruwer, Hannes Schreuder, Gerard De Kock, Johan Jooste and Johan van der Walt who were all instrumental in making the idea a reality.

Then Davy Smeda, a radio ham who has in the past helped with radio communications for TOMT, gave me some notes about how the aerial that was used for the first time in this tournament came about. – Thanks to him for the piece that follows.

It was the morning of Saturday 2 February 2019.   We went to inspect the new site that Earl had found for The Two Oceans Marlin Tournament’s temporary repeater. The original site that had been used since 2006 was no longer available.

We met the property manager who guided us to the spot.  While contemplating where to place the low mast and trailer we discovered a concrete base, complete with bolts where a tower had stood.  Everyone there was excited including the property manager and that was when the idea of a permanent repeater site was conceived.  

Thanks to the perseverance of Andrew Perrins and Earl Fenwick the project was completed in time for the 2021 Two Oceans Marlin Tournament.  Exactly two years from that first visit to site, on 1 February 2021, I heard Andrew and Earl test the channel.  You could say that since first hookup it took two years of playing that big fish until it was landed successfully.  It was catch, tag, release to the sport. We all know it costs a lot to monitor tagged specimens and it certainly costs a lot to monitor this big fish.  The equipment is expensive.  Thanks to Earl and Andrew and especially to Koos who sponsored these costs.

A tournament like this doesn’t just happen. It takes months of preparation to ensure that everything goes off smoothly. Many people are involved in this and they all do an amazing job. I cannot possibly name all those involved in the excellent running of this tournament but I know that a lot of blood, sweat and tears has gone into it. I would, however, like to single out Marinda who I think we all have to agree goes the extra ten miles to ensure that there are no hitches. We have all enjoyed the amazing catering and smooth running of an exceptional six-day tournament. On behalf of all the anglers, thanks a million, Marinda. Your organisation is exceptional and your staff are amazing.

PS – I have photographs of all the boats. If you would like them please email me and I will send them to you. fenwickh@jebomail.co.za

Not a day’s fishing has been missed this year and once again this final day dawned with awesome conditions. It was a tad overcast this morning with a spit and a spot of rain but Andrew was able to go live with the morning launch of the fleet. (See the Suidpunt Deep Sea Angling Club’s Facebook Page) As the day wore on the cloud cover lifted and it was once again sunny and bright. And wow what an exciting day it turned out to be.

At 08h25, position 59/50 Sea Cat called for a colour (orange) but the fish turned out to be a bronzie!

A call from Black pearl came in at 09h19, position 00/50 and a green armband was allocated. They fought for four hours and sadly dropped the black marlin.

Bayswater was next at 09h23 position 00/49 and a pink band was allocated but no luck in a catch and release for them.

The good ship Zeeman thought they would be the lucky ones at 09h58 position 01/53 but they too dropped their catch.

The excitement rose when at 12h55 Dory called in a double strike. Orange was allocated and a 272kg black marlin was successfully released.

At 13h02 Sea Cat had an on/off at position 59/40 The same for Indigo at 59/48.

Sea Cat dropped two at 14h16 position 59/50 and 00/49

Just when everybody was thinking it was all over as the time for lines up approached Dory called in at 15h20 position 59/49 and successfully released a big black marlin at estimated weight of 362kg at 15:35.

Please check Suidpunt Angling Club’s Facebook page for video footage of the prize giving. I will do a report on that later this evening when I have all the information needed.

Report by Helen Fenwick – Information from Andrew Perrins

Contact – fenwickh@jebomail.co.za

Click for a Review of A Judge Decided

Once again we had a splendid day for the marlin tournament. Andrew was live early this morning as the boats went out to sea. Take a look on Suidpunt Deep Sea Angling Club’s Facebook Page to see this footage.

The first few hours found the radios unusually quiet until a call came through from Koos Pretorius on G-Spot at 10:15 with a strike at 35/02S 20.51E on the Alphard banks but it soon dropped off.

Then 10:49 Catch Cook had a strike at the 06/53 South of the 12 mile bank. At 10:57 John Graeme to the west of the 12 mile bank at 01/51 confirmed a strike and identified a black marlin but they dropped it.

At 11:14 at position 07/57 hooked a black marlin but dropped it at 11h19. More action was called in by Reel Deal at 11h21 position 02/55. They asked for a colour (green) but lost the black marlin at 11h27.

There was an on/off for Sea Cat at position 00.49 but it was dropped at 11h47. At 12:25 Bayswater had a strike at position 51/50 but after five minutes the black marlin was dropped.

The real excitement began at 14:23 when Sea Cat had a hookup at position 58/50. He called for colour (green). It was a huge fish, seen numerous times jumping but unfortunately at 16:07 the huge black marlin threw the hook.

John Graeme at 14:40 position 00/41 had a hookup and dropped it at 15h47.

At 15h10 local time, Bayswater (Afrikaans pronunciation please) in position 00/49 had a hookup and at 16h15 on an orange band successfully released an estimated 170 kg black marlin. Well done team Bayswater! See Facebook for video footage.

There was a Pirate Dress-up at the evening function where delicious food was once again served. Andrew also did an auction where around R30 000 was raised.

Zeeman were the winning pirates and took home a package from Buffelsfontein Brandy.

Report by Helen Fenwick – Information from Andrew Perrins

Contact – fenwickh@jebomail.co.za Review

Going to sea three days in a row had taken its toll on a many of the anglers and a few boats decided to take an unofficial rest day so just three quarters of the guys were out on another beautiful fishing. There was a slight breeze blowing, the swell was moderate and the water warm.

The first call of a strike came from Marco Polo at 09h00 and by 09h50 Christo de Beer successfully released a striped marlin of an estimated weight of 100kg. A still photo will be posted on the blog tomorrow.

The rest of the day was quiet and in the evening there was not much action at the club either. Let us say that everyone needed an early night to prepare the final stretch. So not much to report today but watch this space as much is planned for the final days. Please take a look at Suidpunt Deep Sea Angling Club’s Facebook page to see the video of this catch.

In the meantime let me show you some photographs of our beautiful harbour. If you are from afar or have popped into this blog by chance let me encourage you to visit us here at the southern tip of Africa some time in the near future.

Report by Helen Fenwick – Information from Andrew Perrins

Contact – fenwickh@jebomail.co.za

Click for a Review of A Judge Decided

Thanks to Jen Brown for her review of A Judge Decided available directly from me. fenwickh@jebomail.co.za

Helen Fenwick’s debut novel ‘A Judge Decided’ is a tale deftly told. A touching story, which has all the elements that draw the reader in right from the start. Suspense, love, fear, joy, determination and despair all play out under the greater umbrella of universal human relationships.

Central to the novel are characters Leigh and Darren Jones, who marry in South Africa and move to England with hopes for a bright future. There, two baby boys are born to them, but their marital relationship quickly begins to deteriorate. The narrative accelerates and draws us back to South Africa, where Leigh’s father Derrick and loving step-mother Penny are waiting to offer unconditional support in any way they can, unaware of what lies in store for all of them.

We read about a family subsequently buckling under the strain of an emotional & legal crisis, and yet their strong ties serving to bind them even closer together. They pass through the fire of their circumstances, and become stronger, even as a sword is strengthened and proved after being forged in the fire.

Carey is the benevolent and gentle other-worldly spirit who watches over her beloved family. They feel her presence, and are comforted by it. Her commentary draws the threads of the story together, and it seems fitting that she is gifted the last word.

The themes of post natal depression, marital discord, divorce, emotional upheaval and ultimately a legal battle challenging the issues of child custody and abduction under The Hague Convention, combine to make this a riveting read.

It’s a page turner, and I found myself reading it straight through. As the pace of the narrative increased, I raced along with it, eager to discover the outcome of the court case, and where it had left the characters in the years after it all ended. Highly recommended!

By quarter to six this morning most of the boats were out and ready for action. We the support team, I am afraid, did not wake up to see them off!

Lyfie was the first to call in an on/off at position 02/55 at 08h11.

At 08h23 Mojo reported catching two dorado at position 05/54 and Zeeman a little later reported that they had four yellowtail.

Well done to Robin Vermaak on Lyfie who at 11h20 released a 120 kg black marlin caught on live bait. Position 07/57. At 13:17 Lyfie had another on/off. 13:36 Kinda Magic had an on/off too. At 14h08 Lyfie was once again vas on a marlin. They saw that it was a huge black, called for colour (pink) and then at 15h06 they successfully released a 2.72m estimated at 280 kg black marlin. The angler responsible for this was Louis Langeman.

At 15h00 Dory reported that a 3cm flying fish landed on their deck.

Here under are some photographs of the boats returning from sea

The Two Oceans Marlin Tournament runs from Sunday to Friday and seldom do the anglers get to fish every day as the weather is so changeable. This year, however, the forecast predicts that every day will be a suitable fishing day. Going to sea every day is exhausting and one would thing that the anglers would like at least one day to be declared a rest day. But, after a democratic vote 14 out of 22 declared that no rest day would be necessary and so unless there is an unexpected change in conditions the anglers will go to sea each of these six days! South African anglers are a hardy lot!

Please take a look at the Suidpunt Deep Sea Fishing Club’s Facepage to see live coverage of this evenings proceedings. Marinda and her team are producing the most amazing meals each evening and a great deal of fun is had by all after a hard, hot day in the sun and the sea.

Report by Helen Fenwick – Information from Andrew Perrins

Contact – fenwickh@jebomail.co.za Review

This morning the wind was under 10 knots from the south and it was 16 degrees C and overcast. Twenty-two boats ventured at 5:00 am all hoping to catch a big one.

The first strike called in was from Multi 08:47 local time. It was an on/off on a small black marlin. The next Mojo hooked up at 08:48 and dropped it soon after. At 10:56 excitement was high when Mojo hooked up and fought for twelve minutes before losing it on a Kona. At 12 midday Moondancer had a hookup on a Maco/Marlin so just let it go. Then at 12:03 Mojo reported seeing a free-swimming marlin on position 04/52S. At 12:37 a stripy was in the spread all lit up. At 12:59 Met Eish was hooked up, called for colour orange but dropped at 13:24 It was a double strike. At 13:15 Catch Cook had a marlin strike on the same lure twice. At 13:16 Reel Deal hooked up on live bait in position 35.04 019.55E called for orange and was still fighting at 14:00

At 13:17 position 03/56 Kinda Magic had a strike on live bait. He hooked up and at 13:44 dropped it.

By the end of the day nobody managed to successfully land and release a marlin. It was a long day of hard fishing and as you can imagine the anglers were really tired after going out three days in a row. The delicious beef kebabs, potato bake and salad were most very much appreciated and fortified the guys for another day’s fishing tomorrow.

Please go to Suidpunt Deep Sea Angling Club’s Facebook Page to see liYe coverage of this morning’s launch and this evenings function.

Below are some photographs a few of the participating boats. We hope to capture the rest tomorrow.

Report by Helen Fenwick – Information from Andrew Perrins

Contact – fenwickh@jebomail.co.za

Yesterday was not an official competition day but the competitors among themselves organised a friendly, Saturday competition and prizes were awarded at Suidpunt Deep Sea Angling Club last night.

Kevin Swart from Kinda Magic landed and released a black marlin so was declared winner of the friendly.

At 5 am this morning it was decided the weather was suitable and Andrew was on duty bright and early to see the guys off on their mission. See Suidpunt’s Facebook Page to see a recording of the live launch of the fleet.

In order to make sure that all the boats were all receiving well, Earl and Andrew went up to the high site to check on the aerial’s setting.

It was 8:30 when Mojo called in a strike but it off within minutes. Then eight minutes later Marco Polo was vas and a long battle to land a huge black began. At 12:54 the fish came along side the boat then went under, broke loose and swam to freedom. Congratulations to Anton for a long, hard battle.

Eight minutes later Mojo called in a strike but it was off within minutes.

At 10:am Jolly Roger got two strikes on the Alphards. Both were lost.

At 10:15 Reel Deal had a strike south east of the 12 mile bank. They called in on/off.

At 10:22 Catch Cook reported a hook-up. But sadly it turned out to be a Mako Marlin.

At 11:14 John Graeme reported a hook-up and a fight began. It was 14:34 when they called in to report that a black marlin had been successfully released. You can see the video on facebook. It was estimated to be 200kg.

At 11:30 Mojo had another on/off

Multi at 11:30 also called in an on/off

After a successful day’s fishing the anglers were presented with Marinda and her crew’s excellent catering and enjoyed a meal of crumbed Big Eye Tuna and delicious prawns, not to mention the fabulous koeksusters for dessert.

Hylton at the tender age of twenty-two landed a black marlin estimated at 200kg . Dad Chris is extremely proud and says his son started fishing as a toddler but has been competition fishing for the past four years. Like father like son, I would say!

Please take a look at the Suidpunt Facebook Page for live coverage of the evening’s festivities..

Report by Helen Fenwick – Information from Andrew Perrins

Contact – fenwickh@jebomail.co.za

Meirion Williams of Huck Finn fame, sowed the seed to have an annual Marlin catch, measure and release competition.  This was after he chatted to local commercial fisherman, Trail Witton who landed a striped marlin fifteen years ago.  Meirion thought it would be of value to investigate the numbers and sizes of the Marlin swimming in the Agulhas area.

Of course, it is never the work of just one man and mention must be made of others like Gawie Bruwer, Hannes Schreuder, Gerard De Kock, Johan Jooste and Johan van der Walt who were all instrumental in making the idea a reality.

Andrew Perrins was approached to be the Safety Officer and he has been involved in setting up aerials and manning the radios ever since. He does, of course, have his trusty helpers, Trevor Brinch, and Earl Fenwick as well as various others throughout the years – A great team effort.

For the past several years, Andrew who now lives and works in the United Kingdom, has come back especially to do his bit for this unique competition. The rules were drawn up by the competitors themselves and it is strictly catch, measure and release. The last boat to land and release a marlin is the winner.

Safety at sea is a priority and good radio communication is essential for this. Andrew from the UK and Earl locally in Struisbaai have spent months working on getting a high site for a new aerial which they along with some strong helpers have it erected and fully operational in time for this competition.

This year, because of the Covid 19 pandemic, things have to be run a little differently. All the social distancing rules have to be followed. When gathering together the competitors must sanitise and wear masks. At the clubhouse, seating must be arranged so that proper social distancing rules can be adhered to. Only fifty people may gather indoors and so meals will be served as take-away and seating outdoors will be available.

On Friday night the Opening Function and Skippers’ briefing went well. Goodie Bags were given to each participating boat and delicious shawarma wraps filled with spit roast lamb were served. Videos of the proceedings can be seen on Suidpunt Deep Sea Angling Club’s Facebook Page.

The competition begins on Sunday but today, Saturday, the weather was perfect and many of the boats went to sea to fish recreationally. A nice black marlin of around 200kg by Kevin on Kinda Magic was landed and released but will not count toward the competition. However, it’s good to know the big ones are out there.

Tight lines to all the competitors:-

Marco Polo skippered by Rikus de Beer

Black Pearl skippered by Harold Turner

Jolly Rodger skippered by Jannie

Kinda Magic skippered by Kevin Swart

Mojo skippered by Jaques van Niekerk

Amazing Grace skippered by John Burger

Met Eish skippered by Steven Griffiths

Lyfie skippered by Rudi Moolman

Sea Cat skippered by Chris Steyn

Reel Deal skippered by JB Snyman

Ziggy skippered by Alan Firmani

Multi skippered by Roelof Visagie

Duckbill skippered by Marius Grabie

Rampala skippered by Waldo Janeke

John Graeme skippered by Chris Goatley

Indigo skippered by Gawie Bruwer

Bayswater skippered by Piet Wessels

Dory skippered by Dudley Dory

Jolly Roger skippered by Jannie Allandale

Bad Company skippered by Mike Broderick

Catch Cook skippered by Byron Ashington

Zeeman skippered by De Wet Zeeman

Weather decision will be at 5 tomorrow.

Report by Helen Fenwick – Information from Andrew Perrins

Contact – fenwickh@jebomail.co.za