LOWRANCE SOUTH AFRICA Issue 17 | Page 22

BRAND AMBASSADOR JASON PRETORIUS Like many enthusiastic anglers, our Brand Ambassador Jason Pretorius learned to fish on a farm when he was quite young. Although born in Durban, a farm in Kokstad provided the perfect venue for Bass and Trout fishing – as did his uncle’s place in Underberg. More often than not, he could be found fishing off the banks of rivers and dams and it was not long before he joined the Bassmasters Club in Pinetown. Being a kid without a boat proved challenging but his love of angling continued – even when he went to the UK, two years after matriculating from Weston College in Mooiriver in 2002. While there, Jason spent four years fishing for Pike, Greyling and targeting other fish we don’t get in this country. When he wasn’t fishing you’d find him working in his building and painting contracting business. On his return to South Africa four years later, Jason set up a similar business which eventually evolved into True Colours – a growing painters and decorators concern. While most of his fishing experience included freshwater or rock and surf, Bass fishing caught hold and he was delighted to win a Kickboat in a competition, which got him onto the water. About seven years ago, he started paddling to get fit and he sold the Kickboat to buy a basic Erics Tunny kayak which he used off Vetchies Pier. It took a while to learn how to fish off it (with no fishfinder) until some schoolfriends taught him some tricks – and he was hooked! After moving to Umdloti six years ago, he started paddleski fishing about four times a week and as he says.. “Luckily my company is my own – as is my time - so I can spend as long as I need to on the water.” Several paddleskis later, Paul Blane introduced Jason to a Pinnacle Kayak and he’s never looked back. He’s also a die - hard Lowrance fan who has progressed to a Hook 4 unit with GPS. His original Hook is used on his double kayak – a Stealth Duo which he bought to be able to fish with his girlfriend Sarah Gernetzky.