Few fish on the bite for fishing ski contest
As perfect as the conditions were, the fishing was tough
THE 2015 Winkle fishing ski competition was held in superb sea conditions after having been postponed on two previous occasions due to poor weather.
As perfect as the conditions were, the fishing was tough and only 12 fish were weighed in from just over 80 anglers.
Team ‘Must Bite’ took first place honours through some hard effort from each member, namely Nick Kraus, Warren Jensen, Quinten Fraser and Darryl Brokensha. Darryl also managed to ensure his team’s first place by landing a fantastic 21kg couta which also won him the voucher for a fish-finder from Lowrance, for the biggest fish of the competition.
Second placed team was ‘Factory Seconds’ made up of team members Paul Blaine, Zane Smit, Shaun Elliot and John Shum.
Third placed team was ‘Mamba Ballies’ made up of Bert Palmboom, Blackie Swart, Warren Korr and Paul Graham.
The first placed club team (made up of members who represent the same club) was ‘Mixed Bag’ of Winkle Fishing Ski Club with members Trevor Watson, Jaco Greyvenstein, Norman Hulme and Marthinus Heunis. They won the club trophy and secured WFSC the bragging rights for the next year.
A superb specimen of a GT kingfish, estimated to weigh 35kgs, was caught by Bradley Turner. As it did not form part of the target species for the competition and in the spirit of the sport, Brad had a picture taken, some measurements documented, gave it a peck on the cheek and after much effort with the help of fellow paddlers, released it to fight another day.
Winkle Fishing Ski Club members extend a huge thank you to all sponsors for their various contributions towards this event, without which it would have been impossible. Also a big thank you to all competitors who stood by while the weather continued to cause delays. The club finally got it going and by all accounts, it was well worth the wait. The club hopes to see everyone again next year.
Anyone who is interested in the sport and looking for a club to join, contact a committee member on winklefsc@gmail.com for more details.
