Reeling in success for The Bluff angler
Making her mark in the male-dominated sport of angler fishing is Bluff Christian Academy’s learner Jeariya Mudray, who at 15 years old has secured the title of the youngest female athlete to fish at a national tournament.
BLUFF Christian Academy’s Jeariya Mudray, a Grade Nine learner, is rapidly becoming a notable figure in the angler fishing community. At just 15 years old, Jeariya has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication to the sport, earning her place among South Africa’s top competitive anglers.
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Jeariya’s passion for fishing began at a young age, inspired by her father, a rock and surf Protea angler. She recalls her father taking her to all his fishing competitions. “My dad bought me a Barbie toy rod when I was young, so I could also practise when he did. Eventually, we both realised I was getting quite good at casting, and when I was older, I got my first fishing rod,” she said.
She joined the competitive fishing scene two years ago and her dedication has quickly paid off. In 2023, she proudly received her Provincial Colours for the Free State province, marking a significant milestone in her angling journey.
Recently, Jeariya participated in the Senior Ladies South African National Shore Angling Tournament in Langebaan. Competing against seasoned anglers, she made history as the youngest female athlete to fish at the national tournament. Her remarkable performance earned her a spot in the top 10, where she also caught the biggest edible fish of the tournament. This achievement further solidifies her reputation as a rising star in the angling world.
Beyond her personal achievements, Jeariya is passionate about encouraging other youngsters to take up fishing. “I think fishing is an incredible life skill to have. It allows you to really connect with nature and the outdoors. It also provides you with the opportunity to travel the world,” she said.
She also highlighted that it feels empowering to be a woman in such a male-dominated sport. “I remember in one of my recent tournaments, they had all the men and women mixed, and I was sandwiched between two guys who were almost double my height and size. It feels good to be able to represent women so strongly in the fishing world,” she said.
Jeariya’s journey in competitive angling is just beginning, and her future looks incredibly promising. She will be competing in Ireland at the Junior World Championships in October.
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