However, a move to Pinetown, saw Gavin
pour all his energy into a new business
venture and fishing took a back seat. “I
didn’t touch a fishing rod for the next
20 years.” He says. It was only when he
bought a property and built a house at
Albert Falls Dam that his interest in Bass
fishing was rekindled.
Even though his business (Midlands
Office Automation) had relocated to
Pietermaritzburg and was extremely
demanding, Gavin could not ignore the
pull of the Bass.
At first his wife Linda, was unphased about
it - especially when he said, “Babes, I’m
just going to fish the odd tournament!”
But Gavin will be the first to attribute
much of his success to her patience and
unending support over the years, and that
of his four children.
Despite the long layoff, his growing
passion for the sport, hours of practise
and developing his skill… Gavin was
rewarded with provincial colours. There’s
been no holding back since, he’s managed
national teams, fished for the President’s
Team and earned his Protea colours.
One of his most memorable moments was
when he and Julian van Zuydam won the
Albert Falls Bass Classic in 2006. They won
the prize boat (4.5kg - caught by Julian) and
a trip to watch the Bass Masters Classic in
America the following year.
Meanwhile Lowrance SA has stood by him
all the way and he’s clearly a dedicated fan.
“Lowrance fishfinders are so easy to use,
the clarity is amazing and the information is
very detailed and accurate.
I am totally loyal when it comes to a brand I
like and I will never change from Lowrance
products. Liz and her team are always
approachable and ready to assist and I
always feel they’re on my side! Lowrance is
fantastic!” he says.
He and fishing partner Clifford Saville, fish
off Gavin’s Lowrance-equipped Ruffnek
Tornado with a 300hp Yamaha motor.
TAKE A LOOK AT HIS ACHIEVEMENTS:
MIDLANDS PROVINCE NOMINATIONS
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2016 = 10 times
NATAL DIVISIONAL TEAM NOMINATIONS
2002, 2003, 2204, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2016 = 10 times
PROTEA TEAM MANAGER
2002, 2003 – Protea Reserve, 2004 = 3 times
PRESIDENTS TEAM
2003
PROTEA TEAM NOMINATIONS
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 – Captain, 2009 = 5 times
NATAL BASS ANGLING ASSOCIATION
2007 – Awarded Honary Life Membership
2009 – Natal Vice President
NATAL MIDLANDS PROVINCE
Served as chairman for a number of years