R50K up for grabs at bass angling event this weekend
Bass anglers near and far will head to one of South Africa’s top fishing destinations this weekend in the hopes of bagging R50 000.
The proceeds of the competition held at Driekoppies Dam on Saturday will go towards father and son, André and Philip Whitfield’s dream to take part in this year’s Bassmaster Team Championship to be held at Lake Eufaula in the state of Alabama, USA, from December 8 to 11.
Lake Eufaula, known as the big bass capital of the world, has a shoreline of 1 030 kilometres, so the boys will have to pull out all the stops.
André is the owner of Wittus Angling Store in White River and Philip is a veterinarian of the White River Animal Hospital. They will be participating under the name “Team Wittus Angling”.
“We have arranged the event to contribute to the immense cost of the trip, which will include accommodation, flights, visas and boat hire, just to mention a few,” said André.
“To say participating in the Bassmasters is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity does not even do it justice. For any angler to go over to the States to not only represent their country, but compete against anglers who live and breathe the sport, gives you goosebumps. The USA has long since been the driving force of the sport with so many superstars, and the feeling of being able to participate is indescribable,” he explained.
Enquiries: André on 084 816 5497.
About this weekend's competition:
• The entry fee is R3 000
• There are a maximum of two fishermen per team
• A maximum of five fish will be weighed
• The team with the heaviest bag in kilograms will win R50 000
• Second place is R10 000
• Third place is R5 000
• Through generous sponsors, they have managed to put together R20 000's worth of lucky draw prizes.