Tag Archives: adventure

Legendery Stories of The Sixteenth Two Oceans Marlin Tournament (2022)

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I’ve been blogging about TOMT since 2016, and the style has evolved quite a bit over the years. In the early days I simply snapped a few photos and wrote a short summary of the event. As time went on, I found myself taking more pictures and writing far more detailed accounts.
But of course, I’m not the one out there on the water. By 2022, I wanted my readers to feel the thrill and adrenaline of catching such an incredible fish. So I began asking—well, insisting—that the anglers send me their own stories.
There was plenty of resistance at first. Every one of them protested that they “can’t write”… and then proceeded to give me the most fantastic stories (which just required a tiny bit of editing).
In the final lead‑up to the 20th Two Oceans Marlin Tournament, I’ll be sharing anglers’ stories from 2022 through to 2025—one each day until the tournament begins

The Catitude Story As Told By Uncle Ted
Sunday 13 February 2022

The first day of the TOMT started with the team being in a high state of excitement as they anticipated a great day at sea.  But as the day wore on very little occurred. We considered throwing in the towel and heading back to shore but being at sea is always better than being at home.  Just half an hour, we said to each other and then another and another until the lines-up hour drew closer. Suddenly with one hour’s fishing time left, all hell broke loose when Mike spotted a black fin behind Catitude and yelled, “Marlin!” Ted was at the wheel and turned the boat and the boredom of the last few hours disappeared in an instant.   Adrenalin coursed through our bodies as we all sprang into action, Colin and Mike grabbing the spare rods, Michel struggled into the fighting harness and reeling in the aggressive fish.   The four other experienced fishermen yelled instructions in language that would make a pirate blush! 

All this swearing must have helped because soon a 60kg marlin was brought to the side, handled with the utmost care, and after being filmed and photographed by Ted and Mike allowed to swim away, none the worse for his little adventure with a very excited Frenchman.
By Ted Horn

Multi’s Story by Roger Barret
Sunday 13 February 2022

It was the first day of TOMT 2022. Team Multi went out to sea targeting the very elusive Marlin species and dream sport fish for many an angler.
Having a very quiet morning session changed to a very exciting late afternoon. At about 14:45, Team Multi hooked up on the Japan lure and things got interesting on the boat. The fish never showed itself and didn’t behave in any way like a Marlin usually does.
The skipper, Vleis Visagie, decided to back up the boat to the fish because we thought it was a Mako shark. When the fish showed itself at the boat and Darius Steyn touched the leader we all saw it was a Black Marlin. Then all demeanour changed. The Marlin lit up at the boat and for the first time, fought back.
The fish wasn’t tired at all. Luckily for us, Darius got hold of the leader again, and he just held on. Darius got some battle scars for grabbing and holding on to the bill. Everything happened so fast, but in the end, the fish was landed, measured, hook removed and the marlin was safely, and still full of energy, released. It wasn’t Andre Pawson’s first Marlin, but it was his first Black Marlin.
Thanks to the crew of Multi, who worked together extremely well to catch this awesome fish, and the unforgettable memories that were made that day. Thank goodness we landed and safely released the fish. And thank God for the privilege.

The Mighty Multi

Lega Sea’s Story By Crew Member Daniel
Tuesday 15 February 2022

Spykertjie the Marlin
Angler: Ruben Burger (Aged 18 years)

On our first day of fishing in the Two Oceans Marlin Tournament, we did not get a fish to stick. When we set out on the second fishing day, we were all positive and super excited as we had a good feeling about it this time. Throughout the day, we worked hard and listened to the reports on the radio of other boats hooking up and losing. Eventually, a fish was landed. Over the radio, they said it was on a Lumo Green Kona. We brought in the portside long and changed Konas. We put the Lumo Green Kona on and sent it back out. We watched the Kona to see if it was smoking properly.
JP even turned and said, “Check that thing, it’s smoking like a champ!” As we looked away to walk to the cabin, Julian said, “JP, there’s a marlin mark at 20m.”
JP looked on the sounder and said, ‘No, that’s not him. You are looking for a big red sausage.”
As JP said that, all we heard was a snap and a screaming reel. The fish screamed off at a rate of knots!
And JP yelled, “That’s him! That’s him! That’s him!”
We cleared the deck as fast as possible and just like that – fish on. Ruben had just hooked into his first-ever Marlin. After chasing this fish for 10 years, he finally had it on the line. After 40 minutes of intense and technical fighting with complex boat manoeuvres and a calm, collected angler, the fish came up next to the boat and was leadered, and the bill was grabbed. Ruben had done it! He had just landed the fish of his dreams! After a quick high five on the fin from Ruben, and the hooks removed, the Marlin swam off beautifully, completely lit up, showing off its magnificence before disappearing back into the depths. Hands were shaken, congratulations were given, and a tear of joy was shed by Ruben. He had done it! And we were back in the competition! All in all, it turned out to be a perfect day with a memory that will last a lifetime!

His face says it all
What a beauty! Black Marlin about 220 kg.

Mojo’s Story by Gareth Beaumont
Tuesday 15 February 2022

Marlin Mojo
After three days of not raising a fish, the mood on Mojo was a bit glum. The skipper even threatened to sell the boat and find a new hobby.
We had changed lures countless times, and with the sea being a bit short I was not happy with the way one of the lures were swimming. I decided to revert back to one of my old faithful Konas (even though it hadn’t raised a fish in 2 years). About 20 minutes later, I was checking the spread and as I looked at my old faithful there was a fin and a flash and a screaming reel, then the pandemonium ensued!
Rods cleared, teasers out, rigger up, some shouting and swearing and Hannes got in the chair. We were finally on a fish. The fish never jumped, and we were unsure whether it was a marlin or a mako, so we radioed in the hookup as such.
A few minutes into the fight, we were blessed with the sight of a beautiful marlin jumping out of the water a few hundred metres away. Now knowing it was a marlin, everyone settled down and focused on the task at hand, as calmly as one can in that situation. I cannot stress how critical good communication between the skipper and angler is while fighting a marlin. Fortunately, Hannes was very vocal and kept all of us well informed of every move the fish made! After about 20 minutes, I had the leader in hand, and as I put pressure on the fish, it lit up as only a stripey can, absolutely beautiful! We got her alongside and got the hook out quickly.
After a few photos, it was time to release the fish, and it swam away strongly back into the big blue. High fives all around on a job well done. It was back to work, now even hungrier for another bite. We had another strike about 2 hours later, but it didn’t stick. However, we were still happy and grateful for the one we had released.
Hannes got his first marlin in sixteen years of fishing in the TOMT. Jacques got his first marlin on Mojo and his first stripey ever, and most importantly, team Mojo got their mojo back.

Bad Company’s Story by Mike Broderick
Tuesday 15 February 2022

We were trolling near the 100m contour when the middle starboard rigger clip exploded with a bang that woke up the entire crew, including the skipper.
Stuart Campbell was the designated angler, and this would be his first Marlin. He had tried for years, all over the place, but always missed the magic time slot.
It sounded straight down for the first 20 minutes. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt crept in. Suddenly, the sea behind the boat exploded, and a beautiful black jumped completely clear of the water.
After another 20 minutes, the fish was safely released.
Stuart said, “This is the only other, first time I did it, that I will remember forever.” (If you know what I mean) 😉

Releasing the Marlin

And the winner of The Sixteenth Two Oceans Marlin Tournament was Bayswater. Their story appears in both Afrikaans and English.

Bayswater se Storie deur Piet Wessels
Donderdag 17 Februarie 2022

Die derde dag van visvang het ons geweet dit sal die laaste dag wees wat ons iets kan vang in die kompetisie. Ons het reeds twee visse veloor, een op dag 1 na amper ‘n uur en half 20 meter van boot af wat ons hom aangehad het en nog een op dag 2.
Ons het besluit om dieselfde Konas te sleep aangesien dit al drie visse geraise het vir ons die week sover. Ons het maar dieselfde area gewerk wat ons Dinsdag gewerk het, volgens my was dit die beste kleur water en temperatuur was goed. Die see was rof en dit het maar moelik gegaan om die Konas reg te laat swem.
Ons het nog getrol toe sien Kokkie ‘n vis wat swem agter ons right long. Dit was dieselfde lure waarop ons twee ander visse gehak het vroeer die week. Die vis het ‘n hele ruk agter die lure geswem maar wou nie byt nie.
Kokkie sê, “Toe kom ons maak ‘n lang draai en bly op die area.”
Ons was so halfpad gedraai toe klap die ourigger en die vis was aan. Hy het soos ‘n mal ding agter die boot gespring. Oupa Dawie was in die stoel. Ons het die vis mooi rustig baklei met die rowwe see. Vyf-en- twintig minute later was hy langs die boot en Kokkie het hom geleader. Dis was ‘n swart marlyn van ongeveer 100-120kg. Ons het die vis se hoeke uitgehaal, hom mooi laat swem langs die boot en toe laat gaan. Dit was n voorreg om weer ‘n vis te vang in die kompetisie.

Mooi Een!
Swart Marlyn

English translation

On the third fishing day of the tournament, we knew that it would be our last chance to get a marlin. We had already lost two, one on the first day after fighting it for an hour and a half, then losing it within 20 metres of the boat, and on the second fishing day, we also lost one.
We decided to use the same Konas, seeing that they had worked well for us thus far. We worked in the same area as on Tuesday, and I believed the water was the best colour and temperature for marlin. The sea was rough, and it was difficult to get the Kona to swim.
We trolled, and then Kokkie saw a fish swimming behind right long. We were using the same lure that we had the previous two fish on earlier in the week. The fish followed the lure for quite a while but would not bite.
Kokkie said, “Let’s make a wide turn and stay in the area.”
We had turned halfway when the outrigger was hit, and the fish was on. The fish went wild and jumped behind the boat. Oupa Dawie was in the chair. We calmly fought the fish in the rough sea. Twenty-five minutes later, he was beside the boat and Kokkie leadered him. It was a Black Marlin of about 100 to 120 kilograms. We took out the hook, and let him swim away next to the boat. It was a privilege to once again catch such a fish in the competition.

Watch this space for more exciting man vs malin stories.

Camping Etiquette: Essential Tips for a Harmonious Experience

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Introduction from Helen
Camping—what’s not to love? It’s the ultimate escape from the frantic pace of modern life.
But let’s be honest—while most campers are delightful, there’s always the odd one who is thoughtless and does not consider his/her fellow man. That’s where a gentle nudge toward camping etiquette comes in handy. Not rules, exactly—more like friendly reminders that keep the peace and preserve the magic. Perhaps these reminders should appear in brochures, blogs and signs in ablution blogs and reception areas.
Cathy, our guest blogger, has penned a brilliant guide to the unwritten rules of the wild. Her tips are thoughtful, practical, and worth considering.

(Images are AI generated)

Camping Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules of the Wild
There’s a quiet code among campers—an unspoken agreement that we’re all here to enjoy nature, not to intrude on each other’s peace. Whether you’re tucked into a remote corner of the bush or sharing space at a bustling national park, a little courtesy keeps the experience magical for everyone.
These were rules taught to me by my parents—simple, thoughtful guidelines for camping that I’ve lived by through all my years in the bush. They shaped how I move through wild spaces: with care, respect, and a touch of old-school courtesy. But lately I’ve found myself wondering—are these still relevant? Or have we moved on from these quiet codes of conduct?

Remember Your Manners

Respect the Soundscape
Nature has its own rhythm—wind through the trees, the distant call of a nightjar, the soft crackle of a fire. It’s a symphony that doesn’t need a bass boost. Keep conversations gentle, music low, and save the dramatic retelling of your cousin’s wedding for daylight hours. Quiet hours aren’t just campground rules—they’re a kindness to the early risers, the light sleepers, and the wildlife who didn’t sign up for your playlist.

Listen to the sounds of Nature

Stay in Your Lane (and Out of Theirs)
It might seem harmless to cut across someone’s campsite to reach the ablution block or a friend’s site, but it’s a bit like walking through their living room. Campsites are personal spaces, even if they’re just a patch of grass and a folding chair. Stick to paths, respect boundaries, and if you’re unsure—circle wide. A friendly wave from a distance is always better than a surprise appearance next to someone’s kettle.

Teach your kids to respect the space of others

Leave No Trace (and No Toast Crumbs)
The principle is simple: take out what you bring in or dispose of it in the proper place. That includes food scraps, packaging, and the dirty water from your in-van shower. Wildlife doesn’t need our leftovers, and fellow campers shouldn’t have to pick up or clean up after you. Use bins, if provided, or pack your waste out. Bonus points for picking up a stray wrapper that isn’t yours—karma in the wild is real.

Keep your space clean


Share the Space
Campsites aren’t private kingdoms. Be mindful of how your setup affects others—don’t sprawl across paths, block scenic views, or monopolize communal areas like picnic tables or fire pits. If your tent looks like it’s auditioning for a glamping magazine, make sure it’s not encroaching on someone else’s peace. A bit of spatial awareness and a friendly hello go a long way in building a respectful camping community.

A considerate set-up

Nighttime Courtesy: Torch Use and Awareness
Walking at night around the camp demands a little extra mindfulness. A torch isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. It prevents you from tripping over roots or stepping on something far less forgiving, like a snake or a scorpion. But how you use it matters.
It’s too easy to blind other campers with torches that are waved around. The trick is to keep the light low, pointed at the ground, lighting your path without disturbing others. Headlamps are handy, but they require extra mindfulness—tilt them down and resist the urge to look directly at people while chatting.

Use torches thoughtfully

Fire with Care
There’s something primal about gathering around a fire—but it’s also a responsibility. Use designated braai areas, keep flames manageable, and never leave a fire unattended. When the embers die down, make sure they’re truly out. Our Tearful Bokkie may be fictional, but the risk isn’t.

Make sure campfires are properly extinguished

Hygiene Happens
Washing dishes at the tap, brushing teeth next to the water tank, leaving a shower stall swamped, or rinsing muddy boots and ground-sheets in the shower block? Maybe not. Use proper facilities, biodegradable soap, and keep shared spaces clean for the next person. If you don’t want to step in it barefoot, don’t leave it behind. And yes, that includes toothpaste blobs, hair in the shower drain, and rogue spaghetti strands.
Camping is about connection—with nature, with others, and with ourselves. A little etiquette ensures the experience stays wild in all the right ways.

Use the correct facility and leave it spotless for the next camper

The Nineteenth Two Oceans Marlin Tournament – Anglers Stories

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These stories come directly from the anglers themselves with just the odd edit from me. The accompanying photographs are snapshots from cellphone videos, captured while the fish was in motion and the boat swayed with the waves so please forgive their less-than-perfect quality

Team Indigo, who caught the first marlin of the competition were the second prize winners.
Crew – Gawie Bruwer (Skipper) Peté (Jannie) Kotze, Werner Kotze,Lourens Odendal, Craig Jenkerson

Monday 3 March 2025

Chasing Dreams: My Journey in the Two Oceans Marlin Tournament

By

Peté (Jannie) Kotze

For six years, I have attempted to catch my first marlin in the Two Oceans Marlin Tournament. Would 2025 be the year my unfulfilled dream comes true?

Above all, I participate in this tournament for the fun and camaraderie, yet the desire to catch the elusive fish remains strong. Last year, I almost caught one, but it got away, and the sting of losing it was still sorely felt, especially as the crew did not let me forget it!

On the first fishing day of the tournament, we were finalizing the Cona position when the back-line went off. The skipper spotted a single working bird, and putting our lines out early paid off. We were close to the 45s, a bank 45 miles due south of Struisbaai. We got distracted on the way with a good-sized dorado at Halfway House, not expecting a strike just then.

We were unsure. It was too soon, and the pull was not so strong. Then the 80’ ‘Alutecnos started shrieking, and we were in business. What followed were majestic aerial displays, excitement, anxiety, and adrenaline, all keeping me fighting through the deep burn in my arms! May this be my first TOMT marlin, I prayed! Don’t let this be a repeat of last year’s loss! The fear of a recurrence kept me going.

Jannie working through the burn in his arms

The forty-nine minutes felt like an eternity. At last, Werner pulled in the leader. However, this black marlin had the final say. It kicked under the boat before we could properly remove the hooks. It swam off in the wake, released by the engine, still towing our precious pink and blue Cona!

Spot the bill of the marlin

My marlin bogey is off my back, but I already dream of the next and the next marlin. “Is this normal?” my wife asked. I nodded affirmatively.

My heartfelt thanks to my Indigo crew mates, Gawie (skipper), Werner, Lourens, and Craig. This one is for our dear friend Eugene, who passed away suddenly in January. His spirit was with us all the way on the boat.

Indigo flying the marlin flag

Team Dory, won first prize for measuring and releasing two marlin.

Crew Dudley Rosslee (Skipper), Emile le Roux, Chris Gillit, Andrew (Davy) Davidson, Johan van der Walt

Tuesday 4 March 2025

Dory’s First Marlin of the Tournament

By

Andrew Davidson

On the 4th of March 2025, Dory left Struisbaai harbour at around 06:50 and headed  out to the Halfway House area. This is a well-known fishing spot en route to the famous Alphard Banks, about 40 nautical miles east of Struisbaai.

Sea conditions were close to perfect, with a light swell and nearly no wind. Upon reaching the area, the team had their coffee and a light breakfast.

We had just started trawling and settling down for the day’s fishing, talking about how fortunate we are to have been a crew for the past nine years when we saw a black marlin coming from the port side.

It hit the  short cona, then immediately moved  to the starboard side long cona, striking it as well. The marlin then struck the long port side cona and moved away. During this, we continued trawling at about 8.5 knots, hoping to go “vas,” but it did not happen. The entire crew was happy to have had these strikes, but the marlin was not on yet.

We all thought the marlin had left us when the “Hongkong” cona was struck with a huge hit by the marlin.  It was game on. I was on the rod and got into the fighting chair and the fight started. We had the privilege to view a black marlin jumping out of the water and giving us an unforgettable show of its power and survival skills. The fish was about 350 meters from the boat at the back, fighting me with all its power to escape and get the cona out of its mouth.

After about 30 minutes, I retrieved most of the line the marlin took and we could see it behind our boat. My thoughts were that the fight was over, but the marlin had other ideas. As I got the marlin closer to the boat, it decided to take a deep dive straight down into the sea next to the boat. After taking line again, I managed to turn it around, and the retrieving process started again. This happened another two times before I managed to get the marlin next to the boat. Emile managed to get hold of the leader line and pulled the marlin next to the boat. Chris was the video operator, and Dudley kept the boat on course next to the marlin.

As the marlin was next to the boat, Emile and I managed to remove both hooks on the cona from the its mouth without any injuries to the fish. The black marlin was measured, and according to the tape, it was about 181 kg. We released it in good condition. We watched it dive under our boat towards the starboard side, and we had the pleasure of seeing it swim away.

The fish alongside the boat Orange band was assigned to this boat when they called in

This was the second black marlin I have caught at a Two Oceans Marlin Tournament, , but the feeling of absolute respect, power, and beauty of such a fish will never leave me. It is an indescribable feeling to have one of the fastest fish in the sea fighting you. The best feeling of catching marlin is releasing it and seeing the fish swim away uninjured and in good shape.

Dory flying the marlin flag

Thursday 6 March 2025

Dory’s Second Marlin of the Tournament

By

Chris Gillit

As a team we felt jubilant that Andrew (Davy), on Day 2 of the tournament had caught and released a 180kg Black Marlin. What were the chances that we could get a second one? 
Nobody had caught on Day three, but when Day Four greeted us with fantastic conditions, we decided we to go to our old hunting ground, the 12-mile bank, where we have had great success in the past. We reached the 100m contour and found shoals of mackerel like never seen before. We were convinced there would be a marlin in the area.  With no luck by early afternoon, we decided to go shallower and work some structure.
This decision paid off!   At 14:00, the Japan elastic broke, but alas, there was no hookup. We continued trolling and could see a marlin lit up and following the Japan, after two passes, the Captain Morgan lure was engulfed and we were on. This fish was angry and was jumping continuously as it headed for the horizon.
It was my turn in the chair. I have been trying for 14 years to catch a marlin and to say I was nervous is an understatement. My teammates were fantastic and with their encouragement the fight began. Again, with an 80 wide nearly empty I knew this was going to be a tough task.

The fish alongside – yellow band was assigned to this boat when they called in a hook-up


Fifty-five minutes later, we brought the fish to the leader. After a quick measurement, the tape showed she weighed around 220kg. We carefully removed the hooks and released her, watching as this magnificent fish swam gracefully away.

Stream Of Conciousness Saturday 28 December 2024

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I am participating in Stream of Consciousness for the first time in a while. The prompt is ‘My Year‘

2024 – A Year of Change

The post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write.

It can be long or short,one sentence or one thousand words, fact, fiction or poetry. Just let the words flow and stop when you’re done.

One thing is certain in life: Things will Change! No two years are ever the same. I have found this to be true throughout my life. Christmas as an adult was not the same as it was when I was a child. The way in which we have celebrated Christmas over the years has changed, too. It all depended on the age of the children/grandchildren and what had happened in everybody’s life during a particular life span. I tend to be one who goes with the flow and have welcomed and embraced the many phases that I have been through in life.

Looking back on my 2024 I realise that things have slowed down somewhat. We normally have a crazy year of travelling, visiting friends and family but this year has been different. Yes, of course, we have travelled but the pace has been so much slower. Ah yes, we are getting older! I am happy to say though, that we are in reasonable health. Neither hubby nor I have anything terminal! However, we have both made more trips to the doctor than in the past. I have had two attacks of diverticulitis this year, the most recent of which I am still recovering from. I also have some minor back issues but yoga is helping that. Hubby turned 80 in July so it is not surprising that he is slowing down a tad. Fortunately, he has no major medical issues but needs to take a few chronic medications.

It has also been a year of great change in the lives of our grandchildren. Grandson number two joined Youth with a Mission in Norway and has had some great adventures with them. Grandson number one has been living in Hungary for a year now and is doing well. Our granddaughter got married at Easter. Grandson number 3 had an amazing year at a post High School called Quest where he was physically, emotionally and spiritually challenged. During the course he travelled to different parts of the country, climbed mountains, forged rivers, captured wild animals for relocation, the list goes on. The experience matured him and in one year gave him invaluable life skills. Soon he will complete a deck-hand course and apply to work on super yachts. Oh to be young and adventurous again!

Granddaughter’s Wedding

In June Hubby and I enjoyed a two-week trip to London and a 10-day Mediterranean cruise with two of our daughters. It was idyllic and travelling with our kids was a very pleasurable experience and something we would like to do more often.

Dinner time on the MSC Splendida

Regular readers of my blog will know that for the past 10 years we have been on numerous caravanning holidays. The time has come now for us to sell our beloved Gecko and re-think how we will spend future holidays in game reserves. We could carry on a tad longer but on our last trip in August, I could see that Hubby was really struggling. I feel that he is doing it more for me than for himself and that he would be more comfortable with fresh linen and fluffy white towels. I would rather quit while we’re ahead than have something disastrous happen in the middle of the wilds where little help is available.

Our last trip with the Gecko

The little adjustments we have to make to cope with life as it progresses to different levels is all part of the journey. We will slow down but we will still have adventures and plenty of fun!