Tuna classic ends on a spectacular note

The Algoa Bay Tuna Classic fishing competition off the Port Elizabeth coast ended on a spectacular note with more than three tons of fish caught on the last day. The total weight of the tuna caught over three days of fishing was nearly six tons, making it the best event of the competition in recent years.

The cut-off time for boats to be back in the harbour was extended by one and a half hours to make up for two days lost due to bad weather. The leading fish after the first two days weighed 51.4kg. But the other anglers made good use of the extra time. The fish to beat soon became a 56 kilogram yellowfin tuna. The cut-off time saw a long queue of anglers hoping to hook the top prize of a R100 000 boat.

Tielman Niewoudt, local angler, took the honours with a monster yellowfin tuna tipping the scale at just over 65 kilograms. It took him nearly two and a half hours to land.

The winner of the junior competition, 12-year-old David van der Westhuizen, landed a tuna of more than 27kg - nearly his own body weight. The 215 fish caught during the competition will be donated to various charities.