Fisherman reels in All African record

An Amanzimtoti fisherman has claimed an All African record. Bronwen Singleton (33) scooped the award for a 9.5kg pick handle barracuda she caught at the Warnadoone Ski Boat Club’s inter-club competition on 25 April in the 10kg line class.

Bronwen, who has been a member of the club for many years but only fishing competitively since 2013, fishing off ‘Pole Dancer’, skippered by Barry du Plessis. “When we boated the fish, we knew it was bigger than the average size those fish are caught at but I did not personally think it was a record.

The president of Natal, Nick Nel was the first person to draw attention to the fact that this may be a record fish. It was within a week after the competition that the record was confirmed to be a South African record and it took a bit longer for it to be confirmed as an All African record.

There are procedures which must be followed with regards to records. The weight of the fish, length, width and girth are contributing factors. They must also test the line and make sure that it was within the parameters of the rules and regulations.”

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She was presented with the award at the Natal Deep Sea Angling Association’s annual awards ceremony held at Umhlanga on Friday, 1 February. On the same night, Bronwen was awarded her provincial colours for excelling during the Zinkwazi Game Fish Inter-Provincial, to go with the cap she received for a bottom fishing comp held in Kleinbaai in Cape Town.

Bronwen’s mother Michelle Richard also holds an All African record for a wahoo catch, as well as club member Seth van den Berg. All three, as well as Henk le Grange, own Natal awards. “I am very proud of my achievement. It was lovely to receive the award in the presence of my friends and fellow anglers.”

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Browen admitted receiving the award has made her all the eager to throw a line. “I am always keen to hit the water, it truly is one of my greatest escapes. The serenity of being out on the open water, experiencing dolphins playing, turtles swimming past and of course screaming reels – not much compares for me.”