Norval Feuth with his PB Bass caught on Day 2
“Never before had so many Makriel been seen in the
dam. Conservation Officer, Andre Hoffman, said he’d
never seen anything like it – anglers were hauling them
in at such a rate! Romania excelled, catching 30 on Day
One and 131 on Day Two – giving them fourth place
overall.
All fish caught were measured (the longer, the better)
and immediately released, and points awarded
accordingly. There were two boats per country, each
with two anglers. Each pair contributed to the final
team score – which is based on a penalty points system.
(Yellow cards are given for breaking the rules).
At the final call for lines up - the Czech
Republic was declared the Overall
Champions (with an amazing 189 fish).
They were followed by Hungary in
second place and Nambia third. South
Africa took fifth spot.
The spirit among the anglers was
excellent throughout the competition.
When Ireland arrived in SA, they
Team SA. Seated (L-R): Wayne Naude, Fanie Fourie, Emile van Druten, Pieter
Reynecke (Captain), Norval Feuth, Damon Nell. Standing (L – R) Magriet Coetzee
found all their luggage had been
(Manager), Rennie Sada (Coach)
lost - including their tackle and other
equipment. Other countries (especially Latvia and South Africa) stepped in to help,
offering rods and gear and Ireland managed to come ninth overall!!
Outstanding organisation by Magriet and her team of volunteers drew endless compliments
- as one of the smoothest run World Championships ever. In fact, South Africa has been
put forward as the venue of choice for the next Worlds in three years’ time. Well done!!