Yzerfontein’s premier angling competition another huge success!
What better way to end the year than competing in one of the Cape West Coast’s most popular and prestigious angling competitions. The annual Yzerfontein Snoek Classic 2011 attracted hordes of spectators and anglers, all eager to land the biggest Snoek and compete for the ultimate first prize – a Yamaha Sea Cat 465.
I arrived at the Yzerfontein Boat Club, situated near the harbour, with sublime weather conditions overhead. A scorching 32°C temperature, a bright sunny, cloudless sky and hardly any wind to speak of was at the order of the day — as opposed to last year’s event, when cloudy, overcast skies were predominant throughout the event.
Also, unlike last year, the Snoek were running strong, and anglers managed to land far more Snoek than on previous occasions.
The annual Yzerfontein Snoek Classic was held at the start of the December holidays (16-18 December 2011) in near perfect sea conditions on both event days. The event attracted just over 300 anglers who participated on 73 boats.
The total number of anglers included 14 lady anglers and 13 junior anglers under the age of 16 years, making the event a true family affair. And although the event was dominated largely by men, the women and juniors were as competitive and willing to fight for Snoek.
As always, the event boasted some serious prizes valued around R350 000, with the main prize for the heaviest Cape Snoek catch being a brand-new Sea Cat 465 complete with twin 30 HP Yamaha motors and a galvanized trailer, valued at around R190 000.
For more information on this year’s Snoek Classic, anglers can visit the Boat Club web site on www.yzerboatclub.co.za
TRAVEL TIPS AND PLANNING:
How to get there:
From Cape Town travel northwards along the R27 West Coast Road, and about 85 km from Cape Town take the R315 turnoff to Yzerfontein. Airplane arrival from Cape Town International Airport, take the N2 to the Goodwood turnoff and at the traffic light, turn right. Pass the Grand West Casino to where the road becomes the N7. Take the Melkbosstrand turnoff, and continue until you reach the R27 crossing. Turn right onto the R27 and again right onto the R315 to Yzerfontein. GPS co-ordinates: 33° 21’ 44.55”S 18° 16’ 14.12”E
Best time to visit:
The region enjoys fine weather throughout most of the year. The best time for whale viewing is between August and November when the Southern Right and Humpback Whales frolic in the bay. You might be lucky enough to see a calf being born and raised up into the air by the attending “nurses” in order for it to gulp down its first breath of fresh air.
Where to stay:
Blombosch Hideaway Lodge is a secluded venue on the outskirts of Yzerfontein providing an exclusive and unique venue for weddings, receptions, conference, 4×4 trail, break-away and Cape West Coast tour groups. Blombosch has eight fully-kitted, self-catering twin rooms on the edge of a vlei with prolific bird life, while offering a rustic and affordable means of accommodation. Contact (022) 451 2790 for more information.
Who to contact:
Contact Yzerfontein Tourism on (022) 451 2366 or email yzerfontein@polka.co.za. Alternatively, their physical address is 46 Main Road, Yzerfontein, 7351
