The 2014 St Francis Tuna Challenge

 Tree successful days of fishing took place earlier this month at the 2014 St Francis Tuna Challenge organised by Suzuki Bayview. With 67 fish caught in total and the largest weighing 41.8kgs it is safe to say that the event was a success.

Despite the windy weather of the Eastern Cape, the 2014 competition was a success with 14 participants who took part in fishing for 3 days in St Francis.

On the first day the weather wasn't pleasing with the wind blowing all day, making the run back a bit hairy for some of the boats. The anglers were able to catch some fish and the largest was 41.8 Kg's with the rest in the 17 to 24 Kg range.

On the second day of the event the wind picked up at night before eventually settling down at around 1 am. The forecast for the final two days wasn't looking good with 40 knot winds but to Bayview's Boating surprise the anglers had another decent day on the water with a number of Yellow fish been landed. Most of the fish caught on day two were in the 17 to 21 kg fish range with junior angler Rhys Fulford from Fully Hooked bringing in a 41.5 kg fish (300 grams lighter than Day 1's biggest fish).

 

The third day proved to be exciting when contrary to the weather forecast the previous day, the conditions turned out to be the best of the competition. The anglers had the best days fishing with 36 fish landed bring the total for the event to 67 Yellow fin. Although all the days fish were shoal size, with the biggest being around 26 Kg's, it is a good sign that the Yellow fin are starting to maintain a presence off the Eastern Cape.

Congratulations to all the winners - the largest tuna weighed in at 41.8kg and was caught by Barrie Webb on the Catemba, skippered by Garth Webb. Rhys Fulford was winner of the junior prize from Fully Hooked, skippered by Richard Fulford.  Bridget Rogers won the ladies prize on Inyati skippered by Time Christy and also off Inyathi the development angler prize was won by Zot Mtshenla. The boat that caught the heaviest weight of tuna over the three days was Get Hooked, skippered by Wayne Gerber and in second place was Fully Hooked skippered by Richard Fulford.

Well done to all the winners and to Bayview Boating and Suzuki Marine for a great event with great prizes.

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