From the Chairman

A visit to the Eastern Cape and particular Port Elizabeth, is always an enjoyable occasion with lots of happy memories and plenty of fish!

Environmental and conservation initiatives are high on our agenda and we therefore acknowledge that the ocean and its rich resources do not belong to us. We encourage the tag and release system and adhere to conservation rules and regulations.

Martin Gierz

Notice Board

General

• The new VHF DSC Coastal Radio Infrastructure now available for testing.
• Protea & SADSAA Teams for the upcoming national and international events.
• Prohibited Fish Species List.
• SADSAA - Angling Road to Protea Colours.
• ICCAT - Tuna Tagging Program.

Tournaments / Competitions

• EPDSAA - Call for Nominations. (Provincial colors)
• SADSAA - Call for Nominations  (SADSAA colors)
• 02 - 08 June 2019 - 79th Annual International Light Tackle Tournament (ILTTA) - Cabo St Lucas, Mexico.
• 24 - 29 June 2019 - 2019 Junior Bottom Fish Nationals - East London.
• 27 July - 04 August 2019 - 2019 Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament - Kona, Hawaii.
• 13 - 18 August 2019 - 2019 Billfish International Tournament - Puerto Rico.
• 11 - 16 August 2019 - 2019 Bottom fish Nationals - Durban.
• 24 - 28 September 2019 - 2019 Bottom fish Interprovincial - Kleinbaai.
• 17 - 22 November 2019 - 2019 Heavy Tackle Billfish Nationals - Sodwana Bay.
• 17 - 22 November 2019 - 2019 Light Tackle Billfish Nationals - Sodwana Bay.
• SADSAA Tournaments Calendar 2019.

As of 01/01/2016 all small marine vessels are required to have a VHF radio as safety equipment.

The recent Marine Notice No. 06 of 2015 has announced the cessation of the 29 MHz SOLAS Distress Watch Keeping by Telkom Maritime Services and the implementation of the new digital marine radio safety requirements (VHF DSC).

The use of voice only operated VHF radios with an RT licence is still legal as safety requirement and channel 16 monitored by the authority. The requirement of a VHF radio with DSC will be phased in over a period (see Marine Notice No. 32 of 2016).

Skippers are however encouraged to switch over to a VHF radio with DSC capability and to obtain a Short Range Certificate (SRC) at their earliest convenience.

Your safety and that of your crew is at stake.

Please take note of the following closed fishing seasons:

• Elf / Shad (Pomatomus saltatrix): from 1 October to 30 November in any year.
• Galjoen (Dichistius capensis): from 15 October to the last day of February in the following year.
• Red Steenbras (Petrus rupestris): from 1 October to 30 November in any year.
• Chokka squid (Loligo vulgaris reynaudii): from 12h00 noon on 19 October to 12h00 noon on 30 November in any year

Reference: Recreational Fishing Brochure 2017-18, Recreational Angling items 9 to 12.