 BAMBA ZONKE — From bridesmaid to bride — by Erwin Bursik
2008 Mercury/Mallards OET Bill and Gamefish Tournament
WITHIN the cycles of the seasons of the universe many of the changes that take place each year follow fairly regular patterns. For those of us in the sportfishing fraternity it is this cycle of changes that governs our sport — and therefore our lives.
Early November, the onset of summer, brings with it the start of the flow of warmer water along the northern Zululand coast. Along with the warmer water come the major predators — the mighty marlin — which follow the migration of the pelagic gamefish from the tropical waters off Central Africa down to Southern African waters.
Also following the migration patterns are 400-odd Homo sapiens who time their arrival at Sodwana Bay to ensure that they congregate in a huge marquee on the first Sunday evening of November each year. Nearly 100 gleaming craft pulled by mighty 4x4 vehicles and as many supporting vehicles follow the well-worn path to Sodwana for the climax of this migration — the Mallards/Mercury OET Bill- and Gamefish Tournament — as they have done for nearly 40 years.
Regardless of what the early summer weather patterns throw at them, nothing will stop this migration of the OET manne to Sodwana Bay for the start of the marlin season.
The only thing that changes each year is the spectacular array of craft that line up on the beach for the start of this event. Those of us who have attended the OET since its early years, when an 18ft ski-boat powered by twin 60hp motors was the flagship of the event, watch in awe as the fleet readies itself to be slipped down the steep sand ledge into the Indian Ocean. Hot Line Black Magic, Big Time, Stainless, Joey II, B’s Nest, Perfect, Sky Bird, Golaza, Pulsator, Mr Ski-Boat and Lewellen are just a few of the craft that have changed the face of the OET and Sodwana Bay forever.
For this alone the OET can take the kudos for what it has done for the sport of deep sea sportfishing in Southern Africa. All of us who attend the annual event can only hope that, like 84-year-old Oom At aboard Dolosse, we too can experience the joys and camaraderie of the OET for a long time to come.
Yes, there’s no two ways about it, we had terrible weather during this year’s event and were only able to go out fishing on three of the five days. However, that aspect is already forgotten. All I want to remember is the excitement I personally experienced aboard B’s Nest along with what was experienced by all the others who landed fish, not forgetting the heartbreak of those who, like ourselves, lost excellent marlin.
Read the full story in the January/February 2009 issue of SKI-BOAT.
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