Kids get chance to learn angling basics at event
WE ARE reminded of the saying: Teach a child to fish and you will teach them to feed themselves for the rest of their lives.
I think this is pertinent to Sunday’s event where children are being treated to an outing at the harbour.
This weekend the People’s Port Festival Angling Event takes place and tickets are still available at The Trophy Tackle Den (Old Steffs).
A formal angling competition will be taking place from 6am to 2pm tomorrow, with a compulsory briefing session at 5am prior to the event.
Generous prizes (cash and hardware) are available and tickets cost R200 per person. The Top 10 points winners will be treated to an angling opportunity on the harbour break wall at a date to be announced.
This on its own is enough incentive to participate!
On Sunday a social event takes place along with the Children’s Charity Angling, Mentor a Future Angler Event, with tickets at R50 a head.
A number of children’s homes are participating too. Volunteer mentors are requested to provide rods and reels (six to seven foot (1.83m to 2.13m), on loan for the day only) for disadvantaged children.
The Portnet authorities are the custodians of this event and will appoint the beneficiaries of the proceeds of the event. Tickets will also be available at the harbour gate.
Tomorrow’s assembly point will be at the Charl Malan Quay where entrance through Green Street to the harbour can be made. For more information contact Brett Harris on 083-412-5316.
A point of interest: The commercial angling sector often gets criticised for the way business is conducted with regard to quotas and money that gets generated.
As of the end of this month, the squid fishing sector comprising about 135 vessels are to embark on a “voluntary lines up period” of three months. During that time no angling of squid will be undertaken.
The industry already has a compulsory closed season by legislation from October 19 to November 23.
This is a commendable action undertaken by a fishing sector where about 1 500 people are without earnings during this time, all in the spirit of protecting their futures.
Conditions have been favourable of late and good catches of bonita are still being reported from the St Francis Bay area.
Gamtoos is full up with juvenile fish at the moment and this is probably the result of the easterly we have experienced of late. The shad are in abundance as well as juvenile kob.
The sea is abuzz with dolphins and some spectacular sightings have been made. This can only mean there is an abundance of bait fish around, adding to the potential of good angling to follow.
As we approach the dark moon spring tide on Tuesday, prospects remain favourable as the weekend once again falls in the golden period (three days before or after spring tide) just prior the spring tide.
The westerly wind moderates throughout the day, turning light easterly around high tide at 2.22pm tomorrow.
Sunday experiences a light easterly with low tide at 8.53am. The possibility exists for early morning rain tomorrow.