Sylvie’s hooked hook, line and sinker
Hazeldene resident Sylvie Richards is a young angler to take note of.
Although she is only the tender age of 11, Sylvie Richards is making a splash in the angling world and netting herself a lot of fish.
The Hazeldene resident and Simmer Angling Club member is full of enthusiasm and passion for fishing and is working hard towards the Junior SA and National Trials which are set to take place at Bloemhof Dam from December 9 to 16.
So far Sylvie has won a number of medals and trophies and is aiming to become a professional angler one day.
She started fishing in 2012 after her father Phillip thought that instead of heading to the golf course, he would rather take Sylvie and his wife Georgia fishing so they could all spend quality time together Georgia is the first to admit that fishing was not for her, but Sylvie took to it like a fish to water and has a natural talent for the sport.
“She is definitely better than I am,” said Phillip.
“Even though I have taught her a lot, she has gained knowledge by watching other anglers and also from being coached by her league coaches.”
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Sylvie recently attended a workshop held by the Central North West team for whom she is going to fish in the SA trials.
There she met one of her idols, Loutjie van der Merwe from Super Cast.
“I love fishing and spending time with my dad,” said Sylvie.
“I didn’t want to fish at first but once I caught my first fish, I was hooked.”
The youngster, who is a Grade Four learner at School of Achievement, also fishes for her school and has won three of the four competitions she competed in for her school.
At school she also loves taking part in athletics and netball, as well as the choir.
“I love singing,” Sylvie said.
“My favourite artist is Arianna Grande and last year I got to sing for our school with Elvis Blue, Karen Zoid and Gerhard Steyn at a fund-raising concert at Emperors Palace.”
Sylvie spends a lot of time practising her casting.
Phillip said she can now cast 60 metres on her own.
She competes in the juveniles’ section and at Simmer she is coached by Nico Terblanche, who has helped her improve her skills.
“I enjoy fishing as I find it relaxing and it teaches me patience,” Sylvie said.
“I am extremely excited about the SA trials and hope to do well.”
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