A Close Contest at the 2018 Tuna Derby
A mere 4kg separated first and second place in this year’s Two Oceans Marine Tuna Derby, with Justin Karan’s 91,85kg Yellowfin tipping the scales as the individual winner. Izak Pieterse bagged second place with a 87,5kg Yellowfin.
The 15th edition of one the country’s top fishing tournaments, delayed due to persistent wind, saw 32 boats head out from Hout Bay over November 13-14.
The team competition was equally tight, with winners Silver Fox skippered by Heinie Strumpher weighing in with 153,45kg, edging second place Xtreme 1 (148.8kg).
Chris Shield, Hout Bay local and tournament organiser for the last 15 years, said the event “puts Hout Bay solidly on the map as a world-class sport fishing ground in South Africa.”
Mark Delany of Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing, title sponsor of the event over the years, said: “The Two Oceans Tuna Derby is an event we are proud to support and be involved with year after year. Kudos goes to Chris Shield and his team at Atlantic Boat Club and all the many loyal supporting sponsors who make this event possible.”
The tournament dates back to 2000 when the winning fish weighed in at 62kg. In the years that followed the dream of the Tuna Derby became a reality as fish in the 80kg – 90kg range were caught. Then in 2005 two tuna over 100kg were bought to the scales – the winning weight being recorded at a massive 107kg. It set a benchmark that everybody has since striven to achieve. Consequently, the “100 club” was started at Atlantic Boat Club for tuna caught weighing in at over 100kg. To date four Tuna Derby anglers have exceeded the 100kg mark.
See the full results below:
1st place – Silver Fox, with total entered catch at 153.45 kg, skippered by Heinie Strumpher (winning the Yamaha-powered Ski boat with trailer)
2nd place – Xtreme 1, with total entered catch at 148.80 kg, skippered by Bosman Swanepoel
3rd place – Real Time, with total entered catch at 143.30 kg skippered by Izak Pieterse
Top 3 individual catches:
1st place – Justin Karan, fishing on Reel Therapy, with a 91.85 kg Yellowfin
2nd place – Izak Pieterse, fishing on Real Time, with a 87.50 kg Yellowfin
3rd place – Tarryn Hemmes, fishing on Seasons, with a 87.00 kg Yellowfin
Top 2 woman anglers:
1st place – Judith Roetman, fishing on Xtreme 1
2nd place – Tarryn Hemmes, fishing on Seasons (Tarryn entered a Longfin in the ladies’ category and her Yellowfin in the overall category)