The 26th Stilbaai Galjoen Derby that took place on Saturday (5 August) was sponsored by Agio Baits and was the biggest to date with 432 anglers in 71 teams (a new record for this event) competing for prizes worth more than R130 000.
Anglers tried their luck from Stilbaai’s western shores all the way to Heuningnesbaai at Jongensfontein and despite conditions that were less than ideal, 104 galjoen were caught with 103 that were safely released again. This confirmed again that this event is still the biggest catch-and-release derby in the country.
According to Chris Nolan from Stywe Lyne Tight Lines magazine, who covered the event for a feature article, the southerly and south-western winds brought the icy cold, rainy weather while it also caused huge swells and under currents resulting in the galjoen keeping to the deeper waters. These conditions did, however, not stop the anglers from doing what they love at the derby: catch (and release) fish.
Two Oceans Aquarium was also involved and did DNA sampling and tagging of the galjoen, also known as the black bream or blackfish (Dichistius capensis). Says Graeme Forrer (@yo_fishing on Instagram) : “It is great to see these organizations siding with anglers to protect our future stocks.” Forrer’s team, Anysberg Biltong, scored bronze medals at the derby in conditions described by them as ‘super tough’. The Galjappers walked away as the winners with the Kinky Goblins finishing second.
According to Xander de Beer, organising member of Stilbaai Rots- en Strand Kushengelklub, the majority of the fish were not big and averaged between 38 to 40cm. The winning galjoen was caught by Stilbaai angler, Chris van Zyl from Team Galjappers. It measured 51cm and weighed 2.531kg. Anneliese van Lil (Team Guppies) was second with her galjoen measuring 49.1cm (2.248kg) with E. Tenggren (Team Swellendam Super Six) rounding off the podium with his 49cm galjoen that weighed 2.234kg.
A special mention goes to Celena van Zyl, a young lady angler that formed part of the team entered by Stilbaai’s Bertie Barnard Primary School – the youngest team to enter this competition – whose galjoen measured 46.8cm earning her the ninth place overall.
Lastly, some information supplied by Graeme Forrer for the ‘foreign fishing enthusiasts: “Galjoen is South Africa’s National Fish. They are caught from shore on a variety of baits, some including #polychaetes, #molluscs, #crustaceans and the very smelly and famous #redbait. They are strong, tough little fighters that can handle storm surge seas and are traditionally #braai‘d or baked in the oven. It will undoubtedly rival some of the tastiest fish in the world. Be sure to make a cast for one if you ever find yourself fishing our rugged coastline.”
The organisers would like to thank all the sponsors, teams and supporters and everyone who played a role in the success of the 2017 Agio Baits Stilbaai Galjoen Derby.
2017 Agio Baits Stilbaai Galjoen Derby – Photo Album (200 photos)
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