My take. No-one disputes the massive value and inputs to the facet of specimen angling and all the work he is doing now in terms of teaching people the skills and art of monster fishing. it is of immense value to the Carping society of South Africa
The question that Floatie tabled is also justified, I will mention that the way it was introduced left room for diplomacy but I am sure it can and will be maturely dealt with.
Regarding the Carp angling records, I am the current SA Freshwater Bank Angling records officer and custodian of organised angling Records which are maintained in an organisation approved and structured within the bounds of the SA Sport and Olympics Committee as designated by the Minister of Sport and Culture - this information to indicate that it is an organised body, recognised to Government level and appointed to be custodians of bank angling (Including Specimen) and to ensure a long term maintenance of records and achievement in the sport.
There are rules to ensure fair, representative and verified claims for record catches. It's fair and not as complicated as some make out on the thread.
There are 2 types of records. In competition (Controlled) this is where there are appointed officials / marshals to verify and weigh catches during SAFBAF sanctioned competitions.
The other type is the open record where the integrity of the angler is relied upon. Confirmation of the catch in terms of a Photo, where possible witnesses to the catch and weight and confirmation of the scale and if necessary have the scale presented for calibration but this is never done as the actual measurements that are called for and the weight would be proof enough.
I was also the same records officer when Martin applied for 2 records. He was then affiliated to SA Freshwater Bank Angling via Central Gauteng Freshwater Angling Association.
His applications at that time were for a Common, caught at Buffelspoort and that was ratified. At the same time he submitted a claim for the infamous yellow mirror from Klaserie, a beautiful fish.
I was in the process of registering the claim when there was an almighty public spat re the fish and many allegations. At some time during the processing of the claim I received instruction from Central Gauteng to cease the registration, and was told it was on request of the angler.
End result was that both claims were withdrawn and no certificates issued.
In short, no Martin is not the holder of the Official Sanctioned and Nationally recognised Carp records (I am sure he has caught huge fish and witnessed the pics of the huge Buffelspoort Common, as did I see the pics of Hennie du Preez huge 30kg+ Klaserie mirror[also not a record])
Anyone can claim to hold national records but if they truly exist or were a reality one will never know and if not in an organised system it will eventually become folklore and at every publication will change as there is no organisation entrusted with the record keeping.
I hold no less than 17 national records (Official and ratified) and if I was marketing a bait product I would and probably in the future "Will" make use of this fact.
I think what was being questioned about the records "Alleged Records" is the validity. How it was done is the question.
Climbing into one another's character is not going to salve anything. Addressing issues will however solve the problem.
Do it the Sealine way gents and respect, where respect is due.
