SHAWN NINJA MEY
New member
RASSPL NATIONALS 2014
PORT ALFRED
With the entrance to the Port Alfred Ski Boat Club set up for the 2014 RASSPL AFRICA Nationals, we were all set to go as the Die Hard Rasspl supporters and members walked into the registration room to enter their details for the following Catch, Tag and release event along the Port Alfred Coast line.
The talk was BIG amongst all the members and the main topic was the impending cold front that was heading our way for the next 3 days, but the men were ready and nothing would stop the enthusiasm for getting out there and starting what promised to be an amazing three days of Angling.
The camaraderie was at a high as all the members got together for a drink with the Western Province Bronzies team headed up by Franchisee member Julian Padua.
Entering in all their Franchise team gear showed they were ready for business and the Rasspl Africa Management and all members around realized that team competition was at a high, and it was time to chase the BIG Prize.
The EP Raggies, lead by Franchisee Zane Rudolf, John Frost and his team of Border Black tips as well as David Drenan who stood in for Ryan Reeves representing the Kowie Crackers were all present soaking in the festivities and hype of the evening.
The Captains brief headed up by Mike Pautz, Southern Cape Franchisee and RASSPL AFRICA chairman was held with a quick briefing of the weeks angling, rules and regulations and the support the New Rasspl Management would now share with its franchisee’s in the coming year and future.
As the doors opened for the opening ceremony and all members present, RASSPL CHAIRMAN Mr Mike Pautz together with Rasspl Partner and co owner Mr Andre’ Piguet kicked off proceedings with the welcome and promise of a good and well organized event.
As an important part of the “NEW†RASSPL AFRICA program, the Rasspl Management were honoured to introduce both Dr Paul Cowley, NRF and National Reasearch foundation and Dr Warren Potts, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, SAIAB SA Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity who gave speeches on their involvement and the rules attached to the new Catch Tag and release bucket to the members.
Dr Potts also did a video presentation, illustrating the use and methods of successfully landing and keeping a fish resuscitated during the competition.
The members appreciated the time and effort made by both Doctors and knew that the RASSPL CONCEPT had taken on a new level and were proud to be part of such event.
Amongst the contenders were big names in angling such as Mike Bailey, Protea Rock and Surf and Bass Master Angler, Darian Keeton and Eddie Clurr, SASAA Masters, as well as SASAA Senior Protea Anglers Gerard Guse, Dave Kemp, Neil van de Linde and Mike Pautz who were ready to take on the younger up and coming anglers of South Africa in a spectacular tournament.
The Taggers, dressed in the new RASSPL AFRICA’s tagging shirt were abuzz with excitement included Matt Parkinson, Amber Chiles, Rhett Bennett, Taryn Murray, Gareth Grant and Rachel Kramer lead by Steward Dunlop.
With GT Productions incorporating fishtube Tv, “Roam Free†a fishing conservation initiative by Mr Gareth George sent in camera man Mr Dustin >>>>>> guided by Mr Andrew Pautz who were ready and eager to capture spectacular footage of the tournament including the RASSPL concept of how important the Catch, Tag and release program will become in all angling facets along the South African Coastline in the future.
75 members registered to take part in the new RASSPL Africa’s National event and although the weather forecast predicted heavy rains with mini flooding for Day 1.
Such prediction not for one moment changed any of the ever so keen members minds as the competitors learnt that good catches were made over the last 10 days all still having their sights set upon the Nissan NP200 1.6i which would bring on stage on the night of the prize giving.
5 anglers each selecting a tackle box all holding a key, only one of which would start the Nissan bakkie, including the thousands of Rands worth of other Sponsored Prizes by Shimano, Rapala, VMC SA, Rawson Properties, T- line, Wild Africa Taxidermy, Perline, Blue Marlin Rod Specialists, Beach wheels and Ronat Nissan and Nissan SA.
Mike Pautz, RASSPL AFRICA Chairman and SASAA Senior Protea angler gives us a run down on the three days of angling
Day 1
This time the weatherman was 100% correct, not often right though but as sure as nuts at 4 am the heavens opened and down came the rain as predicted. The rain came from a SE direction and eased off for half an hour around midday when a light Westerly pushed it back again, so it was the same as before making wet which was still kept dry.
At this stage everything but everything was wet from Cellphones, TV cameras, Score cards, Anglers, soggy food which was only good enough as duck food, all absolutely drenched.
The outgoing flood waters from the Fish River was stronger than the start of the incoming neap tide push and within minutes besides smelling the fresh water the sea turned into a dark brown color with the hard hearted anglers sniggered to themselves as anglers steadily move towards the direction of the car park. Shawn Mey, Andre’ Piguet and Duane Ross decided to take a walk to Big Bay while the Dead Mullet gang from S/Cape decided to call it a day and went straight to the Laundromat where they stood in there shorts while they had the rest of the clothing dried.
John Frost and Theo Pienaar were left home alone and 2 hours from up lines... Halleluiah, the cleaner water moved around the point and pushed the flood water towards Bats Cave leaving and before Bob became John Frost’s uncle he hooked a good fish thought to be a Raggie on his slide bait which was successfully landed and released on the beach measurements to weights was 93.6kgs.
Fortunately this fight was captured on camera but the rain worsened and the cameraman had no option but moved off the beach to save the camera for
Day 2.
Not to be outdone by John, Theo was now on and soon moved off the point and walked towards me on the beach... hey uncle Mike! “care to grab my Raggie by the tailâ€. It took a little longer to pull the fish over the drop-off as the current was in the fishes favour, eventually after a good 10 minutes pulling to and fro over the lip she sailed and I managed to pull his catch where we could do the measurements giving him a male of 89.5kgs.
Meanwhile back at the ranch John was in again, this looked like a good fish, some 20 minutes later John arrived on the beach, Hell Uncle Mike, “this fish nearly stripped me†Wow!
I said, if it is a Raggie then you have foul hooked it in the tail, it took off like a Boeing man, I only had a couple of turns of braid left on my reel, this is a good fish man, I can’t believe that all the other anglers left this spot before the push of the tide, probably got too cold poor fellows!
Slowly but surely John managed to regain some good line as the fish turned and swam straight in towards the shore now only 50m out after nearly an hour’s fight. Over the lip she came and showed itself for the first time, I couldn't believe my eyes, this is a Bronzie and judging by it’s Dorsal Fin it must be a good 150kgs and I am the only one to get hold of it’s tail and I am touching 69 years old, weak and nimble as it is, anyway I am not a sissy, waited patiently to make a secure grip without ‘pro-gloves’ and bang, now's the moment and I went in for the kill!
I managed a good grip but the fish turned it’s head facing the deeper water and accelerated, I could feel the grip loosening and before I lost my grip totally I lunged forward griping the shark by the pectoral fin, now I was even closer to the sharks head and jaws and before I realized a wave knock me over and I fell backward with the shark tail right in my lap which I locked onto until John came to my rescue. A magnificent male measuring 175cm procedural but again I said that this doesn't look like a Bronzie, and it’s not a Black tip either as it’s Dorsal was not outlined by Black edging, needless to say Dr. Paul Cowley identified the shark as a Sandbar tipping the scale at 92.5kgs
Meanwhile Dr Paul Cowley successfully implanted several transmitting devices into some fair size Steenbras while stationed at Big Bay (Lighthouse) a Morne Bouwer caught a good size Black Musselcracker (Poensie) of 5.3kg also caught in the Big Bay which was tagged and released.
The main sort after specie namely the Bronze Bream were hard to find with only 10 or so caught on the day.
Stewart Brull and Fast Eddie Klurr parked off at the first hole they came across close to the Western boundary, Kleinemond East and had some good fish on the score cards one in particular was a Steenbras of 6.5kgs only to be beaten on Day 2.
Day 2
Once again our weatherman was spot on with his weather predications. We saw the sun rise and set without any wind blowing, what a pleasure. Our cameraman who was guided by Andrew Pautz took Dustin to the Riet Point area where they had a field day of capturing on camera 12 species been caught.
Unfortunately, when the news arrived on Andrew’s phone, time did not allow the cameraman to get to the 3rd Sister as Johan Kruger had hooked into a good Raggie, however this fish was fought from the top of the outcrop some 50m above the water level and after a hour and 15 minutes fight this giant Raggie was eventually landed between the rocks, measurements to weight 211kgs.
Rudolf Tome using his drop-shot rod baited with a Blood worm casted his bait into the middle of Stinkie Gullie a mere 15m out which was at this stage free of weed, then it all happened, what a terrific fight he had, the fish almost stripped him eventually with the aid of his fellow partner landed the biggest Steenbras of the competition tipping the scales at 8.5kg.
Another Rasspl record came from the “second Sister†when Johan Kruger from the Southern Cape team heard his reel scream with only 8 minutes remaining to lines up. Fighting a Raggie of 181kg of this spot was almost impossible, but his determination and the assistance of his mates made it possible to land.
Darian Keeton, Niel van de Linde, Dave Kemp and Gerhard Guse fishing between the Oysters and Blacktail rock had some good Kob and Steenbras as well but couldn't beat Rudolfs 8.5kg specimen. Darian’s Kob of 6.5kg was beaten 5 minutes before up lines, caught on a 1/0 hook and box prawn as bait.
Generally most anglers caught fish on the day and I must add that the WP Bronzie anglers led by Protea Angler Mike Bailey had a field day at while fishing around the corner of Riet Point catching 10 species.
Day 3
Anglers were happy to be able to leave there rain gear behind as the rain was predicted for 5pm and the days angling ended at 2pm.
Boots are made for walking so said Niel, Dave and Gerhard as they set sail for the Beacon found half way back to Port Alfred a good 7km walk one way. Most of these anglers caught there 6 species funny enough on red bait while closer to Ship Rock anglers found Sardine to be very productive.
Not to be outdone close to Kasouga mouth Marinda Venter landed a good Baardman on chokka tipping the scale at 3.4kgs.
Border Angler Eddie Klurr using 2 hooks on the surf moved to the rocks and decided to cast out leaving both hooks attached. Eddie hooked into a massive Musselcracker, unfortunately the second hook fouled up and Eddie desperately waded out only to be knocked and shunted around falling and dislocated 2 of his fingers eventually losing a winning fish without a doubt together with buckled fingers.
Speaking to anglers in the liking of Dave Kemp and Gerhard Guse, said that they will certainly be back next year hopefully bringing on board many more anglers who are all looking forward to the new venue chosen by the Rasspl
Franchise Exco members together with Rasspl Management.
I look forward to seeing all of you on the surf.
Tight Lines
Mike Pautz
PORT ALFRED
With the entrance to the Port Alfred Ski Boat Club set up for the 2014 RASSPL AFRICA Nationals, we were all set to go as the Die Hard Rasspl supporters and members walked into the registration room to enter their details for the following Catch, Tag and release event along the Port Alfred Coast line.
The talk was BIG amongst all the members and the main topic was the impending cold front that was heading our way for the next 3 days, but the men were ready and nothing would stop the enthusiasm for getting out there and starting what promised to be an amazing three days of Angling.
The camaraderie was at a high as all the members got together for a drink with the Western Province Bronzies team headed up by Franchisee member Julian Padua.
Entering in all their Franchise team gear showed they were ready for business and the Rasspl Africa Management and all members around realized that team competition was at a high, and it was time to chase the BIG Prize.
The EP Raggies, lead by Franchisee Zane Rudolf, John Frost and his team of Border Black tips as well as David Drenan who stood in for Ryan Reeves representing the Kowie Crackers were all present soaking in the festivities and hype of the evening.
The Captains brief headed up by Mike Pautz, Southern Cape Franchisee and RASSPL AFRICA chairman was held with a quick briefing of the weeks angling, rules and regulations and the support the New Rasspl Management would now share with its franchisee’s in the coming year and future.
As the doors opened for the opening ceremony and all members present, RASSPL CHAIRMAN Mr Mike Pautz together with Rasspl Partner and co owner Mr Andre’ Piguet kicked off proceedings with the welcome and promise of a good and well organized event.
As an important part of the “NEW†RASSPL AFRICA program, the Rasspl Management were honoured to introduce both Dr Paul Cowley, NRF and National Reasearch foundation and Dr Warren Potts, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, SAIAB SA Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity who gave speeches on their involvement and the rules attached to the new Catch Tag and release bucket to the members.
Dr Potts also did a video presentation, illustrating the use and methods of successfully landing and keeping a fish resuscitated during the competition.
The members appreciated the time and effort made by both Doctors and knew that the RASSPL CONCEPT had taken on a new level and were proud to be part of such event.
Amongst the contenders were big names in angling such as Mike Bailey, Protea Rock and Surf and Bass Master Angler, Darian Keeton and Eddie Clurr, SASAA Masters, as well as SASAA Senior Protea Anglers Gerard Guse, Dave Kemp, Neil van de Linde and Mike Pautz who were ready to take on the younger up and coming anglers of South Africa in a spectacular tournament.
The Taggers, dressed in the new RASSPL AFRICA’s tagging shirt were abuzz with excitement included Matt Parkinson, Amber Chiles, Rhett Bennett, Taryn Murray, Gareth Grant and Rachel Kramer lead by Steward Dunlop.
With GT Productions incorporating fishtube Tv, “Roam Free†a fishing conservation initiative by Mr Gareth George sent in camera man Mr Dustin >>>>>> guided by Mr Andrew Pautz who were ready and eager to capture spectacular footage of the tournament including the RASSPL concept of how important the Catch, Tag and release program will become in all angling facets along the South African Coastline in the future.
75 members registered to take part in the new RASSPL Africa’s National event and although the weather forecast predicted heavy rains with mini flooding for Day 1.
Such prediction not for one moment changed any of the ever so keen members minds as the competitors learnt that good catches were made over the last 10 days all still having their sights set upon the Nissan NP200 1.6i which would bring on stage on the night of the prize giving.
5 anglers each selecting a tackle box all holding a key, only one of which would start the Nissan bakkie, including the thousands of Rands worth of other Sponsored Prizes by Shimano, Rapala, VMC SA, Rawson Properties, T- line, Wild Africa Taxidermy, Perline, Blue Marlin Rod Specialists, Beach wheels and Ronat Nissan and Nissan SA.
Mike Pautz, RASSPL AFRICA Chairman and SASAA Senior Protea angler gives us a run down on the three days of angling
Day 1
This time the weatherman was 100% correct, not often right though but as sure as nuts at 4 am the heavens opened and down came the rain as predicted. The rain came from a SE direction and eased off for half an hour around midday when a light Westerly pushed it back again, so it was the same as before making wet which was still kept dry.
At this stage everything but everything was wet from Cellphones, TV cameras, Score cards, Anglers, soggy food which was only good enough as duck food, all absolutely drenched.
The outgoing flood waters from the Fish River was stronger than the start of the incoming neap tide push and within minutes besides smelling the fresh water the sea turned into a dark brown color with the hard hearted anglers sniggered to themselves as anglers steadily move towards the direction of the car park. Shawn Mey, Andre’ Piguet and Duane Ross decided to take a walk to Big Bay while the Dead Mullet gang from S/Cape decided to call it a day and went straight to the Laundromat where they stood in there shorts while they had the rest of the clothing dried.
John Frost and Theo Pienaar were left home alone and 2 hours from up lines... Halleluiah, the cleaner water moved around the point and pushed the flood water towards Bats Cave leaving and before Bob became John Frost’s uncle he hooked a good fish thought to be a Raggie on his slide bait which was successfully landed and released on the beach measurements to weights was 93.6kgs.
Fortunately this fight was captured on camera but the rain worsened and the cameraman had no option but moved off the beach to save the camera for
Day 2.
Not to be outdone by John, Theo was now on and soon moved off the point and walked towards me on the beach... hey uncle Mike! “care to grab my Raggie by the tailâ€. It took a little longer to pull the fish over the drop-off as the current was in the fishes favour, eventually after a good 10 minutes pulling to and fro over the lip she sailed and I managed to pull his catch where we could do the measurements giving him a male of 89.5kgs.
Meanwhile back at the ranch John was in again, this looked like a good fish, some 20 minutes later John arrived on the beach, Hell Uncle Mike, “this fish nearly stripped me†Wow!
I said, if it is a Raggie then you have foul hooked it in the tail, it took off like a Boeing man, I only had a couple of turns of braid left on my reel, this is a good fish man, I can’t believe that all the other anglers left this spot before the push of the tide, probably got too cold poor fellows!
Slowly but surely John managed to regain some good line as the fish turned and swam straight in towards the shore now only 50m out after nearly an hour’s fight. Over the lip she came and showed itself for the first time, I couldn't believe my eyes, this is a Bronzie and judging by it’s Dorsal Fin it must be a good 150kgs and I am the only one to get hold of it’s tail and I am touching 69 years old, weak and nimble as it is, anyway I am not a sissy, waited patiently to make a secure grip without ‘pro-gloves’ and bang, now's the moment and I went in for the kill!
I managed a good grip but the fish turned it’s head facing the deeper water and accelerated, I could feel the grip loosening and before I lost my grip totally I lunged forward griping the shark by the pectoral fin, now I was even closer to the sharks head and jaws and before I realized a wave knock me over and I fell backward with the shark tail right in my lap which I locked onto until John came to my rescue. A magnificent male measuring 175cm procedural but again I said that this doesn't look like a Bronzie, and it’s not a Black tip either as it’s Dorsal was not outlined by Black edging, needless to say Dr. Paul Cowley identified the shark as a Sandbar tipping the scale at 92.5kgs
Meanwhile Dr Paul Cowley successfully implanted several transmitting devices into some fair size Steenbras while stationed at Big Bay (Lighthouse) a Morne Bouwer caught a good size Black Musselcracker (Poensie) of 5.3kg also caught in the Big Bay which was tagged and released.
The main sort after specie namely the Bronze Bream were hard to find with only 10 or so caught on the day.
Stewart Brull and Fast Eddie Klurr parked off at the first hole they came across close to the Western boundary, Kleinemond East and had some good fish on the score cards one in particular was a Steenbras of 6.5kgs only to be beaten on Day 2.
Day 2
Once again our weatherman was spot on with his weather predications. We saw the sun rise and set without any wind blowing, what a pleasure. Our cameraman who was guided by Andrew Pautz took Dustin to the Riet Point area where they had a field day of capturing on camera 12 species been caught.
Unfortunately, when the news arrived on Andrew’s phone, time did not allow the cameraman to get to the 3rd Sister as Johan Kruger had hooked into a good Raggie, however this fish was fought from the top of the outcrop some 50m above the water level and after a hour and 15 minutes fight this giant Raggie was eventually landed between the rocks, measurements to weight 211kgs.
Rudolf Tome using his drop-shot rod baited with a Blood worm casted his bait into the middle of Stinkie Gullie a mere 15m out which was at this stage free of weed, then it all happened, what a terrific fight he had, the fish almost stripped him eventually with the aid of his fellow partner landed the biggest Steenbras of the competition tipping the scales at 8.5kg.
Another Rasspl record came from the “second Sister†when Johan Kruger from the Southern Cape team heard his reel scream with only 8 minutes remaining to lines up. Fighting a Raggie of 181kg of this spot was almost impossible, but his determination and the assistance of his mates made it possible to land.
Darian Keeton, Niel van de Linde, Dave Kemp and Gerhard Guse fishing between the Oysters and Blacktail rock had some good Kob and Steenbras as well but couldn't beat Rudolfs 8.5kg specimen. Darian’s Kob of 6.5kg was beaten 5 minutes before up lines, caught on a 1/0 hook and box prawn as bait.
Generally most anglers caught fish on the day and I must add that the WP Bronzie anglers led by Protea Angler Mike Bailey had a field day at while fishing around the corner of Riet Point catching 10 species.
Day 3
Anglers were happy to be able to leave there rain gear behind as the rain was predicted for 5pm and the days angling ended at 2pm.
Boots are made for walking so said Niel, Dave and Gerhard as they set sail for the Beacon found half way back to Port Alfred a good 7km walk one way. Most of these anglers caught there 6 species funny enough on red bait while closer to Ship Rock anglers found Sardine to be very productive.
Not to be outdone close to Kasouga mouth Marinda Venter landed a good Baardman on chokka tipping the scale at 3.4kgs.
Border Angler Eddie Klurr using 2 hooks on the surf moved to the rocks and decided to cast out leaving both hooks attached. Eddie hooked into a massive Musselcracker, unfortunately the second hook fouled up and Eddie desperately waded out only to be knocked and shunted around falling and dislocated 2 of his fingers eventually losing a winning fish without a doubt together with buckled fingers.
Speaking to anglers in the liking of Dave Kemp and Gerhard Guse, said that they will certainly be back next year hopefully bringing on board many more anglers who are all looking forward to the new venue chosen by the Rasspl
Franchise Exco members together with Rasspl Management.
I look forward to seeing all of you on the surf.
Tight Lines
Mike Pautz