Spearfishing Competition

Cape Boat & Skiboat Club 41st International
USM was invited to the Cape to join some of the spearo's down there, who were diving in a skiboat competition. I know this is a bizarre thought, but some how the divers down there have forged a relationship with the skiboat guys and now they have climbed out of the trenches called a truce.
The word truce is really the wrong word, they are working together to organise and make events and competitions work for both the spearo's and fishermen.
The Cape boat & Skiboat Club have an annual tuna comp every year and this year they invited a a boat of spearo's to take part. The comp is by invitation only and also counts towards national selection for the fisherman. So it is no 'Mickey Mouse Comp' , and to be part of this was an honor and a privilege.

Some of the Spearo's involved in organising the event.
From Left - Louis Hattingh, Ryan Nienaber, AJ Rabie, Mossie, Stephan Giffiths
- Front Craig Haggen
We were given a weeks window opportunity to get on the water. The previous week saw a number of boats getting loads of good fish so every one had high expectations. The Cape of Storms lived up her name and it was took 5 days to get a gap to get to sea., and even then it was still quiet bumpy. Every thing looked good the water temp was right, but the fish however did not get the memo and were of else were.
Our boat managed to get on Longfin on the first day but we just did not come right on the second day. Overall even the fisherman did badly, and between 12 boats split between the provincial and club teams only 2 Yellow fin Tuna came out.

Steven Griffiths our boats Captain did us proud by getting a fish.
Even tho there weren't loads of fish the event was first class, and very well organised from breakfasts every morning to the guys launching the boats. It seriously sets a different standard as far as competitions go for the spearo's.
The guys are already talking about including more boats for next years comp, as well as setting up a Tuna spearfishing comp along the same lines in the near future. This from what I hear will be a premium event for South African spearfishing, and something we will be watching very closely.
Lets hope this serves as an inspiration to other fishing communities, I know it inspired me!
Chris Coates |