Access to angling is just a cast away

The Nomads Game Fishing Club, one of six inland fishing clubs in Southern Gauteng, is making it their mission to promote and develop the sport.

There are a number of inland deep-sea fishing clubs which all contribute to the revenue generated by recreational fishing in South Africa.

“This revenue is arguably greater than cricket, rugby and soccer put together – if you consider the overall costs, including accommodation, fuel, tackle, bait, drinks, boating and towing equipment, it is not difficult to believe,” said Mark Cockcroft, chairman of the club.

Cockcroft said he would like to rekindle the interest in deep-sea fishing in Southern Gauteng and set the record straight with regards to the perception that fishermen are plundering our natural resources.

“I do not believe recreational catches are anywhere near the numbers caught by trawlers and illegal long-liner fishing vessels, but that aside, Nomads was the pioneer in promoting the catch and release of bill fish and this philosophy has been adopted in all SADSAA (South African Deep Sea Angling Association) competitions.

“We were also one of the first clubs to promote the catch and release of non-pelagic game fish, such as kingfish, green job fish and the like, which are lifetime residents on our reefs.

“SADSAA competition rules now provide for the measuring, photographing and release of these fish.

“Competitive anglers are leading the way in terms of environmentally friendly fishing,” said Cockcroft.

From a development perspective, the Nomads club sponsors the entry for six teams a year to attend inter-club competitions on the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

These are weekend competitions and the feeding ground for provincial anglers.

The Nomads Closed is held once a year. This year it will be held in June in Mapelane and all members are welcome to attend.

Beyond the club competitions, there are inter-provincial competitions for game fish, light tackle bill fish, heavy tackle bill fish and bottom fish.

“Nomads is always well represented in the provincial teams and we boast a large number of Protea anglers who have fished at international level,” added Cockcroft.

However, for the developing angler the first big test is the Rose Bowl, where Nomads compete against the other Southern Gauteng clubs.

Camaraderie between the clubs is terrific but the competition is fierce, even greater than at inter-provincial level.

This year the Southern Gauteng Inter-Club Competition was held at the end of February at Sodwana Bay.

“Nomads fared reasonably well, achieving the bronze in a competition we are used to winning, but well done and fair play to East Rand Ski Boat Club, who won Rose Bowl 2017 with some good catches,” said Cockcroft.

All anglers of any age are encouraged to visit the club’s website at www.nomadsfishing.co.za or the Facebook page: “Nomads Gamefishing”.

“Junior angling is growing rapidly in the zone and we are encouraging this area of development,” added Cockcroft.

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