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KNYSNA NEWS - Residents of Knysna might not know this, but they live among some of the top light tackle anglers in the country.
Gerrie Barnard from Knysna and Brett Wiehann from Sedgefield formed part of a team of seven Protea anglers that went to Olafsvik, Iceland to take part in the European Federation of Sea Anglers European Boat Championships from 28 May to 1 June.
The two men, who fall under the SA Light Tackle Boat Angling Association, had to take part in every national championship for at least the last four years to qualify for the team. "So you have to make sure that you take part every year and do well," says Barnard.
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According to Barnard, light tackle angling means you use a 4kg fishing line to compete with, and it is also the strength of the rest of your equipment that determines how big a fish you can catch. "And then, of course, it depends on the fight in the fish. Some guys catch 100kg-plus fish with that line," Barnard adds.
During the four-day competition, says Barnard, 138 anglers from across the world came together, using up to 30 boats at a time, spread over two angling sessions. "Out of 15 countries taking part, with somewhere between 32 and 38 teams, South Africa came seventh overall," he reports, adding that it is not only the quantity of fish caught but also the diversity of species you can pull out of the water, that count toward your points tally.
Barnard finished the event in 40th place, with Wiehann in 86th.
"It was my first time in Iceland, and what a spectacular place! The sun goes down for about three-and-a-half hours a day, which is a bit strange. Everywhere there's just water and ice and waterfalls – you'll be lucky if you take a photo with just one waterfall in it," he laughs.
What stood out for Barnard was the abundance of fish in Iceland. "It is unbelievable how much fish they have. You don't have to stand there and just hope to catch something," he says.
Barnard's next stop is the 54th FIPS-M World Championship in Portugal in September this year. Wiehann will not be joining him.
Brett Wiehann from Sedgefield with some of his catches during the competition in Iceland.
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