The contest between the Weather Gods and the Weather Committee continued today. The Weather Committee did not give up without a fight. They offered the gods a compromise – We’ll send the boats out for just a little while and if you insist on being nasty we’ll call them in at your bidding. The Weather Gods agreed and when they saw how determined the anglers were to stay out there all day, they held off the stormy weather and let them play till lines up at 16:00. The day at sea might not have produced the coveted marlin but at least they had fun pursuing the lesser species and enjoying the comeraderie of fellow anglers.
AI Generated Image of the boats at sea,
The evening function brought on the usual fun of disciplining those who dared to do mischievious deeds and get caught! Some of the charges are of course totally trumped up but others are well deserved! The case of the missing fire extinguisher was solved and the pretty little culprits appropriately dealt with! But to be fair, the wee lasses did return it before a potential fire raged through the clubhouse! Andrew Davidson who Andrew always addresses with a line from Billy Joel’s Piano Man – Davy who is still in the navy and he probably will be for life, was presented with a 20 year year Marlin Shirt as he has participated in every tournament since its inception. But that did not get him off taking a straf sniff and dop for some trumped up charge!
Dudley – Suidpunt’s President presents Davy with his 20-year shirt DavyGawieLourensDudleyAnd even Marinda!and youth won’t get you off!Naughty Boy PietGets the Naughty NecklaceThe Pretty Thieves!
The big event of the week though, was the Wine Auction. Every year at TOMT wine and occosionally other donated items are put up for auction to raise funds for Suidpunt Diepsee Hengeklub. The club generously offers their facility for TOMT and Marinda and her team work tirelessly to see that all goes well. This evening the anglers showed their appreciation by generousy bidding on the excellent wines donated by FPM Suppliers. Thank you Jacque van Niekerk!
The BiddersOne of the many bottles of wine on auctionWhat am I offeredMe pleaseThree ThousandTongs to make any master braaier proudOut the box!And there’s another one!
Friday 27 February 2026 The Weather Committee had no opposition from the Weather Gods today and the boats went out. Tonight is the final function and prize-giving. Watch this space for all the results.
On the first fishing day of the tournament, Bad Co was the only boat to catch, measure, and release a marlin. Matthew Paulsen tells the story.
There’s always an overwhelming sense of excitement at this time of year, knowing that we’ll all be heading down to Struisbaai for the annual TOMT event. The anticipation of possibly catching a marlin keeps our group of friend returning year after year.
After a good catch-up with the crew on Sunday evening and a good night’s rest, it was down to the harbour on Monday morning at around 06:00. Marlin Control confirmed that the comp was on, and we set our course for the 12-mile bank. The weather forecast was a SW swell of 2.1m and a westerly wind of about 15-18 knots. For us on BAD COMANY, that means putting on the waterproof jackets and holding on tight. The plan was to run out to the 100m contour line, put lines out, and plod our way into the weather towards the back of the bank.
About a mile from the 100m contour line, we started having coms issues and couldn’t seem to figure out why. Mike fiddled with almost every setting known to man on the radio and still couldn’t sort it out. After about an hour and a half of scratching our heads, Stuart came up with the idea that it could possibly be a loose connection between the antenna and the radio, and managed to find the problem. The fitting behind the radio had not been screwed in all the way, and that earned Mike a sniff of snuff and a strafdop at the club that evening.
Problem solved, we steamed west towards the 12-mile bank staring at the water for any signs of birds working or bait fish splashing. Eventually, we came across a huge flock of birds working some bait fish on the surface, but could not catch up with them. Just then, Jaques (MOJO) came over the radio to say that he, too had just been behind the birds and could not catch them. It is incredible to see how quickly the fish move in the water. After losing sight of them, we decided to stay in that area for a while. An hour went by and nothing….. another hour, nothing……
We decided to turn the boat and head with the wind, giving us a bit of a breather from clenching onto the rails. Once we had turned east and managed to dry off a bit, we started seeing some signs of life in the water again. We started seeing more and more birds diving and bait fish splashing. A big patch of bait fish popped up about 100m in front of us, and we headed straight for it. Once we were in the middle of the feeding frenzy, we heard one of the outriggers pop, and a reel started screaming. We were ON!!! That’s when the chaos began.
We weren’t prepared for it at all! Luckily, the crew made quick work of clearing the lines, and we could start fighting the fish. I only realized that it was me to fight the fish once I had cleared the first line. I pulled the rod out of the gunwale only to find that I had not yet put a harness on. In fact, we didn’t even know where they were on the boat. Scratching around frantically, Mike found one and made his way towards me. Getting the harness adjusted to fit me was yet another 10-minute fiasco. By then, all I was able to do was hang onto the rod for dear life. The fish was incredibly strong and took about 500m of line off the reel on its first run.
Harness on and I was able to start the fight. Trying to follow the line in the water and figure out where the fish is, is very difficult but I needed to see it jump. I saw a huge slash in the distance and was almost sure it was a marlin. Once I put sufficient tension on the fish I was able to turn it and start bringing it in towards the boat. The crew and I waited for it to jump again but it didnt causing us to second guess whether it was actually a marlin and not maybe a mako marlin. It felt like it took forever to gain a bit of line but slowly it started getting closer. I couldn’t take my eyes off the line waiting to see what it was. Eventually I saw the dark shape coming towards the boat and its distinct colors lit up. It was beautiful!!!! A first for me. Up until this day I had not yet had the opportunity to be up close with one of these magnificent fish. The amount of adrenaline running through my body was incredible causing my mouth to dry out, my arm muscles to cramp up and my hands to shake tremendously. A huge sip of cool drink managed to help and I was back into it. Up until this point we had forgotten to radio in and ask Marlin Control for a designated color. Andrew gave us a color and we could start landing the fish. Stuart was the trusty leader man and once he touched the leader it was all up to him. The fish came in up to the boat easily but once Richie grabbed the bill it was a different story. The fish went absolutely crazy but Richie was able to hang on. Stuart got the hooks out and we put the tape measure on it. After that it was time for the release.
Boat in gear and the fish looking great it was time to send it back. What an amazing feeling being able to watch the fish swim away strongly!! Its colors still lit up,it took off to the depths to fight another day.
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Sunday, 22 February 2026
The weather committee, consisting of Trevor Brinch (Spotter One), Marc Maximus, Julian Nina, Rikus de Beer and Ron Penninkhof, is responsible for ensuring the anglers’ safety at sea. Last night, it looked as though the first day’s fishing might go ahead, but before 7 am this morning, the weather gods had other plans, and reluctantly, angling for today, Sunday 22 February 2026, was called off.
Weather Gods vs Weather Committee – WG -1 WC – 0
Not only did the weather misbehave, but Struisbaai/Agulhas sat without electricity until just before 6 pm. So what to do? Easy — Marinda fired off a message letting the guys know the generator was running and the cricket was on TV!
Can’t go fishing so watch the cricket!Airmar on their caps and full of sparkly smiles, the bubbly bar girls were there to keep the spirits high!
By dinner-time the power was back and everyone was in good spirits and ready to tuck into Marinda’s fine food – delicious seafood was tonight’s fine fare.
Our amazing kitchen staff serve up smiles in their Airmar sponsored shirts and capsThe Kitchen Crew are sizzling hot in their Airmar Gear
During the evening teams mingled with other teams, stories were told and of course snuff sniffs and straffdoppe were metered out for a variety of trumped up misdemeanours.
Team Simrad on Piromero – Only Girl Team competing – Sponsored by SimradAlways well-dressed – Team NerinaStunning Team shirts for Team LoslappiesTheir names on the back!A Happy Reunion – Andrew and Lourens who sponsors Lamb for the tournamentBad Boy PietEk is ‘sorrie’ almalDon’t come late to the tournamentYou get to wear the ‘stupid’ sashand take a strafdop
And if you’re a girl it doesn’t mean you’ll get away with it – Only girl team, takes it like the men!
Snuff? Sorted!Strafdop? Bring it on!These girls don’t scare easilyThe snuff burns and dop bites but the girls just laugh it offBring it on!It takes more than a sniff of snuff to conquer me!
Monday, 23 February 2026 The score between the Weather Gods and The Weather Committe was evened this morning when the tournament was called on! Watch this space for the exciting developments of the day!
Watch out for a grey-haired old lady standing on the jetty with her camera at the ready. She is waiting for the intrepid anglers to return from the deep. Hopefully they will pose and smile as they come alongside.
The stories that follow come straight from the decks of the boats that rose to the challenge in 2025 — tales of grit, camaraderie, and the sheer thrill of marlin on the line. Tonight, as we gather for the opening function, may these memories fire up every angler heading out to sea this year. The ocean is waiting, and so are the stories yet to be written.
Team Indigo, caught the first marlin of the competition and were the second prize winners. Monday 3 March 2025 Chasing Dreams: My Journey in the Two Oceans Marlin TournamentBy 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
For a boat to get one of the mighty marlin is amazing but getting two in the same competition is just the cherry on top! Team Dory, won first prize for measuring and releasing two marlin.
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 alongside. 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 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 TournamentByChris 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 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.
Call back the past is now over. Thanks for reading, and may the memories shared here set the stage for new awesome stories to be written in the days ahead. Tight lines to all the teams. May the weather Gods be kind, the sea generously provide the mighty marlin, and the camaraderie stay strong. Keep an eye on this space as we share each day of the Twentieth Two Oceans Marlin Tournament.
Only three boats caught marlin this year, but the radio crackled with enough “maco shark!” calls to keep everyone wide‑eyed and guessing. Hats off to the boys who kept their spirits high and pushed through to the finish.
Jaen van den Berg tells the tale Maverick Tale. With the help of the Maverick Team sponsored by Airmar he caught a Marlin on Monday 12 February 2024. He tells his story in Afrikaans. It is loosely translated into English below. Maandag gedurende hierdie kompetisie het een van my grootste drome gerealiseer -‘n gestreepte marlyn. Al die lyne was in die water gereed vir aksie terwyl ons besig was om te braai en ek die marlyn in die spread raaksien. Alles is net so gelos en die groot adrenalienloop my beet pak … die marlyn is aan die longrigger! Die dek word vinnig opgeruim en alles is reg en uit die pad uit terwyl ek die marlyn onder beheer probeer kry. Die geveg is aanen ek het ongeveer 45min gestoei en getrek met baie raad, bystand en groot opgewondenheid van die crew. Eindelik is die marlyn langs die boot getrek die hoeke verwyder, die marlyn getag en release.
English translation On Monday, the first fishing day of this competition, my biggest dream came true. I caught a striped marlin! All lines were in and ready for action while we were busy making a braai, and I saw the marlin in the spread. We left everything as the adrenaline kicked in. The marlin was on the longrigger. The deck was quickly rearranged, and everything was sorted out while I tried to get the marlin under control. The fight continued for forty-five minutes, with plenty of advice and support coming from the other crew members. The excitement was extreme. Finally, the marlin was brought alongside the boat, and the hook was removed. We also tagged him Thank you to the crew, JP Groenwald, Ron Penninkoff and Juan Needham, who helped me to shorten my Bucket List.
Maverick wapper met trots die marlynvlag
On Tuesday, 13 February, Simon Hipkin, with the help of his teammates on Sea Cat 2024 winner, caught his first-ever Marlin. This is his story Our day out on Seacatby Simon Hipkin It’s my third year here, and up until late yesterday afternoon, I’d yet to see a marlin. Yes, we have had strikes and near misses, but that’s not quite the same! As one of the smallest boats that enter the Two Oceans Annual Marlin comp, we don’t have the ability to run to Alfards and the 45 contour. We’ve had a game plan each year – get live bait and try to keep them alive long enough to get plucked by a marlin. We’ve stuck to this year-on-year and only trolled Conas when we were between spots. Yesterday, we tried everything but couldn’t find a single live bait. So, all in on black as they say. We rigged a spread of 5 Conas and that floppy floppy thing. With 30 minutes to go, my two teammates were both suggesting lines up. Fortunately, I declined, and with 5 minutes to go, we hooked into a black marlin. The exhilaration of that beautiful dark body leaping out of the water is all it’s cracked up to be! It’s a memory I hope I’ll carry with me to the day I die!
Chris Steyn, skipper and cameraman, and Ben Johnson, the leader man, you guys were incredible. Neither of them had skippered or leadered a marlin before yesterday. I’ll go to war with you guys at my side any day. The elation of getting the fish to the boat, Ben grabbing the leader, to the agony of it, to have it swim off again, just adds to the overall satisfaction. We managed to get it to the boat once again, leader it, remove the hook, and watch it swim off. I’m hard-pressed to remember a better day on the water, and if not the best day of my lifetime, it’s certainly right up there.
Sea Cat proudly flying the Marlin Flag
Baie dankie aan die crew JP Groenewald, Ron Penninkoff en Juan Needham wat gehelp het om my bucketlist korter te maak.
Andrew Pawson relates how he caught his marlin with the help of Team Multi We prepared well for this competition and decided to target a striped marlin. Although we did the “Livey” thing, having seen how successful that was for John Graeme last year, we still had no success. It was almost lined up, we were in the zone where our skipper had caught marlin before, so we changed the size of the lures and looked for a stripey. Luckily, the timing was right, and the first fish of the day was in my slot on the boat. I was on and quickly realised that if this was a stripey, it would complete the “Slam” for me. Black, blue and a stripey. What a relief when the call came that it was indeed my target fish. Needless to say, I had all the advice from an experienced crew with the normal amount of adjectives!
The fight was tough but worthwhile. We landed the marlin within the extra time. I have to thank my skipper and crew for the privilege. There is really no better feeling for me than landing a trophy fish like this. Maybe winning the World Cup, again!
Multi returning in triumph
It is always a privilege to be part of this tournament!!
Call back the past ends tomorrow when the Nineteenth TOMT tales will be told, but fear not. As the curtain falls on these historic stories, the Twentieth TOMT is already stirring on the horizon, and you can be sure the next wave of stories is waiting to break.
Last week, Mitchell, a little girl whom I have claimed as my ‘granddaughter’ brought home a form for a 5km Colour Fun Run at Zoetendal Academy, where she is in Grade 2. It was open to kids and any adults brave enough to join. “That sounds like fun!” I declared, and before I knew it, I’d filled in both our names and paid the entrance fee. What was I thinking? I haven’t jogged in eight years! Still, I walk regularly, so I figured I could give it a go.
My good intentions were to get fit during the following week, enough to jog at least a quarter of the way, but—well, life happened, and I didn’t! So, when the day dawned cool and cloudy (thank goodness for no heat exhaustion), my little lass arrived bursting with enthusiasm. We were among the earliest to register at the school, ready for whatever the day would bring.
The route was simply breathtaking. Zoetendal Academy is nestled in the picturesque village of Cape Agulhas, and we ran (and walked!) from the school, past the iconic lighthouse, all the way to the southernmost tip of Africa and back. The vibe at the school was electric—music played, kids danced and played, and everyone buzzed with anticipation.
Just before the start, buckets of poster paints were set out, and at a signal, everyone grabbed handfuls and threw colours over each other. Oh, what glorious fun! My friend Michele was there with a group of spirited ladies, including one who was 82 and game for it all.
When the bell rang, we all set off. Mitchell dashed ahead, not looking back to see if Granny was okay (I was, just at a much slower pace!). Yes, I did jog—very slowly—with long spells of brisk walking in between. Okay, mostly walking, and not so fast! But the route was stunning, the weather perfect, and the marshals cheered us on at every turn. It warmed my heart to see so many families supporting their children, even the tiniest ones riding on their dads’ shoulders when the going got tough.
Mitchell on left in striped t-shirt -rearing to go!The bell rings and they’re off!The famous lighthouse up aheadKeeping up the paceMarshal cheering us on A Shark encouraging our legs to last
I thought I was making pretty good progress to the half-way mark when I saw the front runners returning. They hadn’t even broken a sweat! And the toughies were even bare foot!
Here come the front runnersLook Mom – No shoes!Look Gran, I’ve also got no shoes! Mitchell did really well – Thanks to the mom in this picture for keeping an eye on her!
On the return route, I caught up with a woman about my age. We chatted in Afrikaans, sharing our walking histories. Near the finish, she said, “Kom, ons draf—Come, let’s jog,” and so we did—though she beat me. Well she is a year younger!
Hannetjie and Me
To our surprise, one of the lovely organisers offered us each a free hot dog for being the oldest participants. We declined (neither of us eat bread!), so we settled for jumbo sparkling waters instead. Then, to our delight, we were called to the podium—along with the 82-year-old mentioned earlier —and were each presented with a generous prize envelope. Sometimes, the elderly are NOT invisible and are truly appreciated for supporting the schools their young relatives and friends attend.
The winners in each category—men, women, boys, and girls—were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals and gift packs sponsored by Pick’n’Pay
Mitchell and her classmate proudly wear their medals.Mitchell and me – Proud of our medals!
My little grandchild was thrilled with her participant medal, but when she saw the champions being crowned and me being presented with something special, she asked, “Will I get a prize?” I gently explained that only three in each category can win, but there would be some lucky draw winners.
She smiled bravely and said, “I’ve had fun anyway.” “Of course you have,” I replied, “and that’s what matters most.” Still, I could see a tiny bit of disappointment, so I sent out positive vibes as the lucky draw prizes were announced. Prize after prize was called— my next-door neighbours each won a prize- two from the same family? How lucky is that! Then only two were left. “Oh, please, let Mitchell be one of them.” And YES—the very last name called was Mitchell! The look of surprised delight on her face was priceless. She was over the moon.
When we got home, she opened her prize—It was not gold – it was so much better – a beautiful pink handbag, perfect for a little girl who is mad about bags, especially pink ones. What a wonderful ending to her exciting day.
Champions for a day!
Zoetendal Academy, what an incredible event this was! The organisation was superb, the music uplifting, the food delicious, and the atmosphere simply amazing. Thank you for making this such a memorable outing for young and old alike.
Adventuring into Retirement 