2019 SABAA NATIONALS
ALBERT FALLS DAM
(September 18th – 20th)
Congratulations to KZN Bass angler
and Lowrance user Martin de Kock,
South Africa’s newly crowned National
Bass Champion – who out fished 70
anglers from across the nation. His
exceptional performance earned him
the coveted top spot, a place in SA’s
World Championship team, a trip to
the USA as our Wrangler Angler and
more.
Dominating the field from the outset,
Martin surged ahead on Day One with his
five-fish bag weighing in at 14.045kg.
He fell slightly behind on Day Two with
11.290kg’s to fellow Natal angler and
Lowrance Brand Ambassador Michael
Cannon’s 11.630kg but he regrouped
on Day Three, and while his 10.810kg
bag was not the heaviest – his overall
total points of 51.145 points could not
be beaten!
Justy Varkevisser from Limpopo came
in second with 45.400 points and
Gauteng’s Pieter Espag was a very close
third with 45.400 points.
This much-anticipated tournament of
the year kicked off to a great start on
Sunday evening (Sept 15th) as excited
anglers, organisers and many helpers
gathered for registration. The serious
practise day followed on Monday,
ending with a very festive welcome
braai that evening. After scanning the
next morning, competitors attended the
Sponsors afternoon to meet those from
the industry who offer loads of support
to the sport throughout the season.
Lisbeth Plotz, John Minnie and
Steph Geel were there to meet the
competitors and our Lowrance SA
Brand Ambassadors - and to introduce
the brand-new Ghost Trolling motor
which attracted much attention.
While there was great spirit among
the anglers, make no mistake, behind
the all laughter and camaraderie was
deadly intent, as each and every one
of them determined to give it their all
for themselves, their provinces and a
coveted place in the top teams.
According to Tournament Director
Shane Redman, they certainly lived
up to expectation and despite the
extreme heat on Friday (41deg) and