Bass Digest/April, 2014
DECK TALK
So you want to know how the Pros get the job done? Then join us at Bass Digest for our newest segment called “Deck Talk” where we catch up with some of SA’s best Anglers and join them for a day’s fishing. We get the low down and reveal their techniques and strategies, which have helped them to become better anglers. We are grateful to our very own “Mark Zona” in the form of Paul “Madporra” Pereira who was our on the water correspondent.
For our first edition, we managed to catch up with SA’s current Wrangler Angler, Japie Botha, before he heads out to represent SA in the States later this year.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I stay in Pretoria, and am a Civil Engineer. I did an Honours Degree in Water Resource Management to complement my degree - pipeline design, open channel flow, etc.
And I do not own a TV.
What boat do you have, motor, trolling motor, electronics, etc...
16ft Bullet Bass boat with a Yamaha 200hp V-max; Minn Kota Maxxum 70lb trolling motor, Lowrance HDS7 fishfinder. The boat was made from scratch by a good friend of mine, Alwyn. I had them make the rod lockers a little longer, and make the cooler box a lot bigger than it was. I also had the transom made stronger in order for it to take the 200hp motor. It’s funny - I had the boat and trailer first, then I saved up for 9 months and bought the motor. Alwyn had to tow it around for a while as I didn’t have a tow vehicle then. I then got my Ford Ranger and my setup was finally complete.
What’s your dream boat setup?
I like the Maverick, but I would have to say the Ruffnek Viper S with a Merc Racing 250hp motor - Yes please! However, I love my boat and I really have no complaints. It’s manageable as I fish alone quite a bit.
WITH JAPIE BOTHA