Deep-sea angler of colour lands SA colours
NISHAAD IBRAHIM, 47, from Rondebosch, this year became the first person of colour to get his Protea colours for deep-sea angling.
Fishing since the age of four, his dream was finally realised when he represented South Africa in the 26th Deep Sea Angling Championships in Portugal last week.
“The day I got the call to say I had made the team, I burst out in tears. It was such a proud moment for me, you cannot understand the emotion when you put on that green blazer,” Ibrahim said.
He said it had been a “tough journey” because on average it could take 10 years to get to Protea level.
“You first have to compete at club level, then you have to make it to province, then nationals, and only once you have fared well on all levels can you apply for a chance at the Protea team,” he said.
Ibrahim said he joined the Gordon’s Bay Boat Angling Club in 2000. “I was warmly welcomed. After six years of competing at club level I then tried for province. Then it took me three years to get to South African Deep Sea Angling Association (National) level.
“Once you make nationals, you have to be good at fishing two types of deep sea facets (species of fish). In Cape Town we fish tuna competitively at a national level and in (KwaZulu-) Natal you fish for game fish and marlin,” he said.
After having already caught many tuna at national level on a 10kg line, Ibrahim last year caught a striped marlin in the national competition at Sodwana Bay, which helped him be selected for the Proteas.
Ibrahim said he and his Protea teammates, Frank Sykes, David Murgatroyd and Nick Nel (captain ) placed 19th out of 26 at the championships in Portugal.
“This has motivated us, we know what we can do,” Ibrahim said.
Andre Stevens from the South African Shore Angling Association said: “In the past angling was predominantly white, but things are changing.
“We have started many development programmes in previously disadvantaged schools to encourage kids from all backgrounds to get involved in fishing.”