Bass Digest/July, 2014
I remember the first time I met Shahid was at Klerkskraal Dam many years ago. We were there pre-fishing with Nico and a few other members. My son Anthony and I were hammering the bass on frogs in the midday. Shahid passed by and I informed him that the bass took frogs. He proceeded to catch a good 1.8kg close to us, much to our dismay, and also started hammering the bass.
He helped me a lot regarding echo sounders and GPS combos. I remember his e-mails requesting contour plans or maps when he went pre-fishing about 2 days before the Pre-fish. We had lots of contact during the writing of the articles, ‘How to contour dams’ and Shahid had to keep reminding that I'm writing for the general fisherman and not a technical article for a hydrographic journal.
I started on an article on how to build a jon boat, but my heart is saddened by his passing. It just raised the question of safety once again and shows that anything can happen on a boat.
Whilst working at Water Affairs we had to deal with accidental drowning’s regularly and I know the trauma, heartache, regrets and what-if's the members and organiser’s are going through
My prayer is that Shahid's family finds strength and condolence and that they will be blessed. I also pray that God will guide, protect and bring peace and consolation to the organiser’s and members that were present.
Stephen Kolenic
If I can help you at this time of sadness, I’m here