SCL Small Craft League

The godfather of kickboats!

🚨 ILLEGAL GILLNETTING: THE FIGHT CONTINUES AT RENOSTERKOP DAM 🎣

Eco-Care Trust has returned to Renosterkop Dam for another major illegal gillnet removal operation — and what they found once again highlights just how serious the threat remains.

Illegal gillnets are indiscriminate killers. They don’t only target fish — they devastate all animals that come into contact with them, including fish of all species, turtles, terrapins, amphibians, birds, mammals and other wildlife. Even abandoned nets can continue to trap, injure and kill long after they have been left behind. 💔

🤝 SABAA & ECO-CARE TRUST

SABAA has been working alongside Eco-Care Trust, supporting their incredible conservation efforts across multiple events and dams throughout South Africa.

This isn’t just about protecting Renosterkop Dam. It’s about protecting all of South Africa’s fisheries, waterways and the wildlife that depends on them.

The work being done by Eco-Care Trust is vital — removing illegal nets, protecting aquatic life and helping preserve our natural resources for anglers, communities and future generations.

THE MESSAGE IS SIMPLE:

👉 Remove illegal gillnets.
👉 Protect all wildlife that comes into contact with them.
👉 Protect our fisheries and waterways.
👉 Support the people doing the work.
👉 Keep fighting until illegal gillnetting is no longer profitable.

A massive thank you to Eco-Care Trust and everyone involved in these operations. The work is difficult, often unseen and sometimes thankless — but it makes a real difference. 👏🇿🇦

Our waters. All life. Our responsibility. Our future.

📖 Read the full story and see why the fight to protect South Africa’s fisheries must continue:

https://foranglers.co.za/back-at-rhenosterkop-dam-removal-of-illegal-gillnets-by-eco-care-trust/

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Check out www.sakanaselectedtackle.co.za for more info.

Almost that time of year again!

The 2026 SABAA National Small Craft League National Championships will be taking place from the 26th to 28th September at Witbank Dam.!

Congratulations to Pieter, Charles, Coenie and Chris. These four have been at the top for years and now get to show case their skills internationally!

After further consideration and feedback regarding the conditions at Kwaggaskloof, the committee has decided to cancel this weekend’s competition.

While the venue itself may still be fishable from a safety point of view, the major concern is the logistics of getting anglers to the venue fairly and practically given the storm damage and uncertain access routes currently available.

Unfortunately, under the circumstances, we feel cancellation is the fairest and most responsible decision for all members.

Thanks to everyone for the understanding, and we’ll keep you updated regarding any further arrangements or changes going forward.

WPSCL Committee

⚠️ TOURNAMENT UPDATE ⚠️

The WP SCL’s 5th tournament of the season is scheduled for this weekend at Kwaggaskloof Dam outside Worcester.

Following the severe winter storm that recently hit the Western Cape — causing widespread flooding and multiple road closures — the committee is closely monitoring conditions in the area.

A final decision on whether the tournament will proceed will be made on Thursday. Please keep an eye on our socials for official updates.

Stay safe and travel carefully.

Last weekend the WP SCL circuit made its way to Poortjieskloof Dam for the fourth tournament of the 2026 season—and what a weekend it turned out to be.

Winter made its presence felt early, as a powerful cold front swept through on Friday, bringing heavy rain and even snow on the surrounding mountain peaks. Despite the harsh conditions, the anglers showed their commitment in full force. An impressive field of 51 competitors—the biggest turnout of the season so far—arrived ready to take on the challenge. Even more remarkable was the fact that every single angler managed to boat their full 5-fish limit.

Saturday greeted the field with cold but calm conditions, a welcome change after Friday’s weather. The day remained largely stable, with only a light breeze picking up around midday. The bass were cooperative throughout, with fish being caught consistently from start to finish. However, it was a game of half centimeters, as most anglers relied on small upgrades over the course of the day to climb the leaderboard.

As expected, the tight fishing conditions led to a closely contested event, with very little separating the top competitors.

Top 10 Results:

1. James Chislett – 217.0 cm
2. JP Conradie – 192.0 cm
3. Charles Pitout – 191.0 cm

4. Tim Erasmus – 188.0 cm
5. Reich Lategan – 182.5 cm
6. Neels Botha – 181.5 cm
7. Jurie Swart – 181.0 cm
8. Andrew Thomas – 181.0 cm
9. Jonty Vice – 180.0 cm
10. Fritz Dippenaar – 179.0 cm

Congratulations to Brendon Baxter with an impressive 52.0cm taking Big Bass and to James Chislett on a standout performance and a well-earned maiden victory, putting together an exceptional bag to break the 200 cm mark. With such a competitive field and consistent catches across the board, this event will certainly be remembered as one of the highlights of the season so far.

The WP SCL now looks ahead to the next stop, with momentum building and competition tighter than ever.

Quick turnaround from Lomond and we’re back on the road—heading down the iconic Route 62 to take on Poortjieskloof.

With one of the first cold fronts rolling in later this week, things could get seriously interesting out there.

This event also marks the halfway point of the season—everything to fish for from here on out. Let’s go!