WATCH: Bluff angler makes country proud at international fishing tournament

FOR angler, Abed Khan, it is a dream come true and honour being able to compete internationally and represent the country. Khan, 60, of The Bluff, who received his Protea colours for two separate disciplines of angling, was part of the Protea angling team which recently competed at the Orascom Development International Fishing Tournament in El Gouna, Egypt.

The four-man team, who competed against 15 other teams from around the world, emerged with the bronze medal.

“It was definitely an amazing, but challenging experience. We spent three days and two nights out at sea aboard a 70 foot wooden boat. During that time, we had to use different techniques of fishing to catch certain species of fish. While it was no easy task, it was worth it when we learnt that we had scooped third place,” he said.

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Khan, a businessman, said he is now preparing to represent the country in his second international competition hosted by the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) set to take place in Florida, Miami from March 20 to April 4.

“It is going to be a very challenging competition as we will have to fish with a 6kg line, which is a very thin line that you have to use to catch sailfish such as marlin, as well as gamefish. I am looking forward to the experience and hopefully we can bring home the gold,” he said.

Khan, who is a member of the Natal Deep Sea Rod and Reel Club, said accredited South African Deep Sea Angling Association (SADSAA) anglers were able to nominate themselves to be part of the Protea team.

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“Over the past couple of decades I have fished for SADSAA and have earned seven caps in different facets, such as bottom fishing, which is to catch fish at the bottom of the ocean floor. I also earned a cap for game fishing, which is fishing for barracuda and tuna, among others, I also have my SADSAA colours for skippering.

The grandfather of six, said he started fishing at a very young age. “I must have been around seven-years-old when I would go fishing with my dad and uncles at the Durban Harbour. My passion just grew as I got older. It was just the best feeling, especially going out deep-sea fishing with friends. It is also very relaxing,” he said.

Khan said his greatest achievement is being able to fulfill both of his passions together, fishing and travelling.
“I have had the opportunity to fish in waters all around the world. It is always a different experience, and very rewarding. There is always a story to tell at the end of a trip. I have also had the opportunity to skipper boats internationally, such as in Seychelles, Mauritius, and Reunion Island, among other places,” he said.

He added that while he has caught an array of fish, one of his fondest memories was catching a 600 pound (272kg) bluefin tuna in New Zealand. Khan said his goal is to teach children in the community how to fish.
“I want to share my passion with the children, and show them how much joy it brings. I also aim to teach them a new skill, which may be beneficial to them in the years to come, such as representing the country internationally,” he said.

Khan said he thanked Adam Kamdar, from Township Hyper and Mohammed Asmal, from Fish Addicts, for their generous sponsorships.

WATCH some of the highlights of his trip to Egypt here.