Magoebas host young anglers

South African Junior National Fly Fishing Championship was hosted in Magoebaskloof for the first time.

Austin Johnson, left, and Aiden du Preez, both attending Stanford Lake College, were in the top 18 at the South African Junior National Championship held at Magoebaskloof.

MAGOEBASKLOOF recently played host to the 8th annual South African Junior National Fly Fishing Championship.

From October 7 – 10, hopeful young anglers took to the tranquil waters to represent their provinces and compete for an invitation to trials for the South African junior team. Winners and invitees were announced at a gala-event held at the Magoebaskloof Hotel on Friday.

An A- and B-team represented Limpopo. They performed remarkably well especially considering that this is only the second year the province has taken part in competitive angling.

Austin Johnson ranked sixth overall and received an invitation to the trials.

Aiden du Preez ranked sixteenth and, should any of the other invitees be unable to attend or withdraw, will attend the Protea trials.

Limpopo A ranked sixth overall and Limpopo B finished in tenth position.

The current Protea team.

The Boland B-team ranked third overall.

The WP A-team finished in second place.

The victorious Boland A-team.

These young anglers received invitations to the Protea trials.

The Limpopo B-team consisted of K Bain, AH Haas, M Stirling, B Penrose and A Kirten.

The Limpopo A-team finished sixth overall at the South African Junior Fly Fishing Championship. The anglers were: C Schmidt, DA Taggart, AS Johnson, AM du Preez and G Stirling.