This year the Williams Hunt Isuzu Tuna Classic seems to be heading for a big one in Algoa Bay with over R200 000 worth of prizes up for grabs.
Some large Tuna catches are expected over the fishing period of Thursday, April 22 to Saturday, April 24, while registration will start at the PE Deep Sea Angling Club (PEDSAC) at the Port Elizabeth Harbour on Wednesday, April 21.
Competing anglers from across the country will be vying for the mostly cash prizes. The Top Angler will walk away with R35 000 while the Top Boat wins R30 000.
The biggest Tuna ever caught at the Tuna Classic weighed a whopping 102kg and remains the record to beat.
Due to many angling competitions – including the 2020 Tuna Classic – being cancelled during the hard lockdown period last year, anglers are eager to get back on the water and fish competitively again.
While organisers are expecting a bumper turnout of both competitors and spectators, all Covid-restrictions will be adhered to – with three large main areas of controlled access.
For the third year in a row, Williams Hunt Isuzu Port Elizabeth will be the title sponsor of the Tuna Classic.
An Isuzu 4x4 Double Cab D-MAX bakkie will assist with boat launching and retrieval off the slip, when required to do so. The lucky winner of the competition (Top Angler) will also get to drive the D-MAX bakkie for two weeks, said Trevor Villet, Williams Hunt Isuzu Port Elizabeth Dealer Principal.
Williams Hunt Isuzu also sponsors the PEDSAC Club league - the Super Six - and has been doing so for the past four years.
“As a deep-sea fishing club steeped in historical angling success, PEDSAC has generated many national and even international anglers who are passionate about the club, and conservation-minded angling. Isuzu fits right into this type of recreational activity and many businesses support the club and our brand based on our continued sponsorship of their favourite sport, angling. If you have a boat, in most cases, you will own a bakkie or SUV in one form or another, and that’s where we fit in,” said Villet.
The Tuna Classic has since the hosting of the first competition in 1991 become known as an iconic fishing tournament that is synonymous with the Port Elizabeth Harbour.
Competitors are encouraged to extend their stay in the Friendly City and make a long weekend of the event, with Freedom Day on April 27 and the public schools closing on April 23.
It is expected that the Williams Hunt Isuzu 2021 Tuna Classic will be a welcome boost for the city’s coffers, in particular, the hard-hit tourism and leisure sector. “No doubt there will once again be a huge spin-off for the local economy. We have already had reports of angling shops locally and outside of Port Elizabeth having record sales of deep-sea related tackle purchases. We anticipate that the economy will receive a boost now and at the time of the Tuna Classic,” said Villet.
Ample security will be provided for vehicles and boats during the Williams Hunt Isuzu 2021 Tuna Classic, and spectators are invited to join in on the fun with music, bar service, and great food on offer.
For entry forms and more information, visit Port Elizabeth Deep Sea Angling Club.
