The Nomads Game Fishing Club, one of six inland fishing clubs in Southern Gauteng, is making it their mission to promote and develop the sport.<\/p>\n
There are a number of inland deep-sea fishing clubs which all contribute to the revenue generated by recreational fishing in South Africa.<\/p>
\u201cThis revenue is arguably greater than cricket, rugby and soccer put together \u2013 if you consider the overall costs, including accommodation, fuel, tackle, bait, drinks, boating and towing equipment, it is not difficult to believe,\u201d said Mark Cockcroft, chairman of the club.<\/p>\n
Cockcroft said he would like to rekindle the interest in deep-sea fishing in Southern Gauteng and set the record straight with regards to the perception that fishermen are plundering our natural resources.<\/p>
\u201cI do not believe recreational catches are anywhere near the numbers caught by trawlers and illegal long-liner fishing vessels, but that aside, Nomads was the pioneer in promoting the catch and release of bill fish and this philosophy has been adopted in all SADSAA (South African Deep Sea Angling Association) competitions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were also one of the first clubs to promote the catch and release of non-pelagic game fish, such as kingfish, green job fish and the like, which are lifetime residents on our reefs.<\/p>\n
\u201cSADSAA competition rules now provide for the measuring, photographing and release of these fish.<\/p>\n
\u201cCompetitive anglers are leading the way in terms of environmentally friendly fishing,\u201d said Cockcroft.<\/p>\n
From a development perspective, the Nomads club sponsors the entry for six teams a year to attend inter-club competitions on the KwaZulu-Natal coast.<\/p>\n
These are weekend competitions and the feeding ground for provincial anglers.<\/p>\n
The Nomads Closed is held once a year. This year it will be held in June in Mapelane and all members are welcome to attend.<\/p>\n
Beyond the club competitions, there are inter-provincial competitions for game fish, light tackle bill fish, heavy tackle bill fish and bottom fish.<\/p>\n
\u201cNomads is always well represented in the provincial teams and we boast a large number of Protea anglers who have fished at international level,\u201d added Cockcroft.<\/p>\n
However, for the developing angler the first big test is the Rose Bowl, where Nomads compete against the other Southern Gauteng clubs.<\/p>\n
Camaraderie between the clubs is terrific but the competition is fierce, even greater than at inter-provincial level.<\/p>\n
This year the Southern Gauteng Inter-Club Competition was held at the end of February at Sodwana Bay.<\/p>\n
\u201cNomads fared reasonably well, achieving the bronze in a competition we are used to winning, but well done and fair play to East Rand Ski Boat Club, who won Rose Bowl 2017 with some good catches,\u201d said Cockcroft.<\/p>\n
All anglers of any age are encouraged to visit the club\u2019s website at www.nomadsfishing.co.za <\/a>or the Facebook page: \u201cNomads Gamefishing<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cJunior angling is growing rapidly in the zone and we are encouraging this area of development,\u201d added Cockcroft.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Other articles you may be interested in:<\/p>\n