First of all the most recent BETT event was held at Goudetrouw Dam this past weekend. Being the signature spawning month for KZN and in particular this dam, anglers were more than willing to make the journey to hopefully stick some pigs!! More than 50 boats lined up for the 6:30am start. As usual I was unpacking my rod locker and laying my loaded rods out on the deck for the day ahead. I am not too sure exactly how I lost focus of what I was doing but in the process stuck a needle sharp treble hook deep into my thumb.

What away to start and what kind of misfortune lay ahead for the rest of the day was the question on our minds? With a start like this, what else could we expect? Anyway Garth hesitantly grabbed the hook with a pair of pliers and duly ripped it out, much to the disgust of some optimistic onlookers. With a bleeding hook free hand we raced to our starting spot and immediately put 2 keepers in the boat, good start! A few casts later and my Shaky-Head rig and been eaten again. I reared back hard without moving what was on the other end. The fish reacted with a passion and eagerly stripped line from the reel. Now we were in business.

Focus and concentration took over as I fought the fish with every bit of finesse needed. The fish jumped and jumped again stretching our emotions on each occasion. She eventually reluctantly came up at the side of the boat and Garth readily netted the giant. We weighed her in at 3.6kg’s, the largest fish of the tournament!! Unfortunately, we struggled to capitalize on our constructive start and ended up with a mediocre finish. The overweight bags weighed in this event have shifted the standings on the leader board dramatically with only one event to go which will be held at a new venue, Woodstock Dam!!

Grant Hewitt out!!