SHORE ANGLING
CHAMPIONSHIPS
February 10th – 14th (including one training day)
248 Anglers from 19 countries competed in this event, which was held near
Langebaan on the West Coast. They were accommodated at Langebaan Coun-
try Estate and Saldanha Bay’s Bluebay Lodge.
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Fishing took place in hot windy conditions, on the
beaches from Dwarskersbos North to Lapa and
Bergriver mouth. Competitors started arriving
a week or two before the tournament, for pre-
fishing and to familiarise themselves with the
area and conditions. The practise day took place
on Sunday 10th (and some nice-sized fished were
landed) – followed by four competition days.
The Championship sectors included:
Ladies:
Senior Men
Masters:
Pairs:
- 60 anglers from 12 countries (five anglers per team)
- 90 anglers from 18 countries (five in a team)
- 50 anglers from 10 countries (five in a team)
- 50 anglers from 9 countries (six in a team but Greece
and Portugal were each short of a pair – this affected
their overall points and positions)
Organisers Pierre du Preez and Frans Claassen told us more.
The beach was divided into five Zones (A – E) with one angler from each country
in a zone - anglers competed for position within their zones. The heavier the
total fish caught for the day, the more points. So, anglers had to decide whether
to go for a maximum number of small fish or fewer big fish.
Each fish caught (between 1kg and 30kg) was measured and after a weight
conversion – points were awarded. (It took a minute at most, to measure the fish
and return them live to the water). After the four days the daily rankings were
added together for overall individual and team scores, determining the World
Championship winners.