This bundle of pure muscle was released unharmed to fight another day

Three members of the 'B' team The Fishingowl Tackle Shop arrived at Shelley Beach on the South coast of Natal(last week June) to be greeted by a very rough sea much to the disappointment of Tim & Wayne, who were booked to do their practical skippers course with well-known ski-boater, Anton Gets. Fortunately the heavens opened up during the night and flattened the sea.The young lads were able to pass their test with flying colours.

The Shelley Beach launch site was extremely busy with boats taking out whale and dolphin watchers, divers, trippers, shark net tours and of course anglers. The sheer volume of boats leads one to believe that the call for Province to build breakwaters to facilitate small craft launching will lead to a boost in tourism and the resultant job creation and aid the ailing Kwa Zulu Natal's economy.

On enquiring about the offshore fishing Anton said that very large fish; even marlin were being caught, but unless one managed to get a hooked fish out quickly the taxman took his cut. On hearing this, the youngsters decided to organise some offshore shark fishing they contacted Chris Korsten (039 315 0105) and advised him as to their requirements, Chris told them in no uncertain terms that he did not have a fighting chair or harness and that he did not cater for wimps. His was a stand up and fight the fish craft Ð may-be that is why his boat is called Viagra. Surprisingly in this day and age some of the local Shelly Beach ladies have objected strenuously to the boats name. May-be they think it would contribute to the delinquencies of the octogenarians.

Using a fix 4 kg yellow fin tuna as bait Wayne was soon vas used to fishing with 4 kg line he was shocked as the shark steamed off unhindered with most of his string. Eventually the shark got the better of Wayne and Chris took over and he also tired and it was left to Tim to bring a very mean up-tight and irritable bundle of muscle in the form of a 3 metre long bronzie estimated at 100 kgs to the boat, pictures were taken and a very much alive shark was released in the water to fight another day.

At the moment Natal has been hit by an epidemic of sardine fever, but the small beasties are waiting for cooler water before they invade the South Coast. Rock & Surf anglers are having good sport with garrick and shad at Port Edward.

It was decided to stop off at Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve on the way home to wet a line. The reserve is situated close to Underberg and is well worth a visit for the discerning trout angler, who wants to test his mettle against free-spawned rainbow and browns in a pristine environment. The reserve is managed by well known author, photographer and fly-fishing 'fundi' Wolf Avni. The Drakensburg waters are crystal clear and the best method is to fast fish minnow imitations. The team then reluctantly made its way back to gangsters paradise - end

July 4th and 5th

Shelly Beach Tune Bonaanza was won off the boat "Viagra" with a beautiful fish of 29.5 kgs - Skipper Chris Korsten