MARLIN FASCINATION
Observing the event from shore as it
unfolded, I was once again confronted
with the realities of marlin fishing.
“What makes this perfectly biologically
engineered noble oceanic masterpiece
such a pursued quarry, that it attracts
investments worth billions of dollars
worldwide, only to be challenged at the
end of a delicate section of fishing line
before being released again?” I won-
dered.
And why does the prospect of
catching that single marlin so success-
fully mesmerise myriad level-headed
human beings to such an extent that
they actually engage in pursuing them?
Is it perhaps the thrill of the chase? The
quest for that sudden hi-octane adrena-
line rush brought about by the loud,
whining sound of a fast spinning reel as
line is ripped off at an astonishing rate;
the loud shouting and chaotic actions
of the crew frantically clearing the deck
whilst the angler settles in for the exhil-
arating mêlée; that pure triple distilled
adrenaline deluge whilst getting into
the fighting chair working the brute
strength of this elusive animal. Perhaps
it’s the thrill of witnessing the most fas-
cinating ensign of this majestic sea crea-
ture in a lit-up condition; perhaps the
awe of fighting back the overwhelming
feelings of immense pride and fulfill-
ment as you unhook, revive and release
this marvellous creature. Or maybe it’s
for those jubilant high fives all around
celebrating the cherished catch and
watching it swimming away alive.CELEBRATING ACCOMPLISHMENTS
There is no doubt that the answers to
these questions would differ substan-
tially from one angler to the next, but it
might be food for discussion over a cou-
ple of frosties. Whatever your reason-
ing, I would like to share some accom-
plishments observed during the tourna-
ment which, in my opinion, solidly
underpin the ambiance of the event.
These new milestones are systematical-
ly and surely stretching the bounds of
this annual event.
An interesting observation to kick-off with is that over the eleven events
since inception in 2007, a new champi-
on stepped onto the winner’s podium
every single year. We are still eagerly
awaiting the first repeat winner.
We seldom take note of age-related
indicators, but the general age of partic-
ipants in the past was between 18 and
75 years. This year, however, 81-year-old
sea dog and veteran sportfisherman
Bob Busby, and 11-year-old greenhorn
Bernardt Pretorius (Koos Pretorius’ son)
fished together off Osprey. It’s really
heart-warming to see that marlin fishing
has no age restriction, still hypnotizing
both young and old regardless of that
large 70 year age gap!
Renowned as one of the foremost
fishing events on the southern Cape’s
angling calendar, the TOMT has always
been patronised by anglers who are
prepared to travel from afar. In
acknowledging some of the 2017 long
distance travellers, accolades must go to
Tokkie Hugo, a Sodwana resident.
Erwin Bursik travelled from Durban
while Louis Le Grange and his crew60 • SKI-BOAT May/June 201781-year old veteran Bob Busby (centre) received second place
honours from Paul van Niekerk while 11-year old
Bernardt Pretorious looks on.The winning team proudly pose with the
2017 TOMT winners’ trophy.