Issued by: Biz Events


NBS 2008 will run from 15 to 17 August 2008 at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northriding, Johannesburg and shows every promise of being the very best show ever from an angler's perspective.

Every year, seasoned professionals and novices alike visit NBS to get the scoop on the latest fishing tackle, boats and accessories and to acquire all the knowledge the experts are willing to share. It's the ultimate one-stop shop for those looking to either raise their game or get into the game.

Want to update your tools and techniques so you're not left behind? Can't decide what type of fishing you want to try next? Want to find the best new tools for the job? Trying to determine which is the right boat for you and your kind of fishing? Want to attend useful workshops packed with the best information, practical advice, tips and coloured by the rich experience of leading fishing experts? Come to NBS to explore all of this and more!

Long, long before fishing became a popular pastime, it was of course exceedingly popular as a means of survival. Ancient though it may be however, about the only thing modern fishing has in common with the earliest variety, is the end-result! Technology has made its mark on this sport's gear and has greatly enhanced the enjoyment and competitiveness of its followers, in the process.

Everyone's Talking About Vertical Jigging

Strangely though, the latest trend in fishing is in fact a return to a practice that many suspect might well be thousands of years old, but which has recently become hugely popular, called ‘vertical jigging'.

According to Omar Mia, Managing Director of Solly's Anglers Corner, vertical jigging fishing tackle will be a major focus at his company's NBS expo stand this year. He says visitors will especially benefit from great show specials on the much shorter than traditional Shimano vertical jigging rods with their full graphite bodies, powerful bottom sections and flexible tops.

He explains: “Vertical jigging is a very technical and active style of fishing and is attracting an entirely different type of person to the sport - the kind who doesn't like to just cast off, then sit and wait. With vertical jigging you drop the line, then you're working at it all the time.”

Anglers around the world are using it to catch everything from Halibut to Black Bass and fresh water Trout in fresh and salt waters, stretching from Alaska to Australia and even the Amazon River. As Mia describes it: “The beauty of vertical jigging is that fish bite not out of hunger, but out of aggression, in reaction to the jigging movement.”

Nearby hot spots for vertical jigging include northern Mozambique, particularly Pemba and the Bazzaruto Archipelago, and even Seychelles and Madagascar, thanks to the compactness, portability and lightweight nature of Vertical Jigging rods.

Bass is Best!

On then to another trend that has been dominating the local angling scene since around 2005, when television and other local media started broadcasting and introducing the sport more thoroughly to local fishermen, that of bass angling.

Although it would be impossible to accurately quantify the size of the local bass angling market, a rough, but educated guess is about 30 000 anglers.

- according to Roger Donaldson, Editor of Bassafrica magazine, organisers of the Bassafrica Classic tournament.

At present, Zimbabwe is an appealing bass destination, with several of its lakes and dams qualifying as hot spots, where records are regularly broken thanks to its substantially warmer climate, which is favoured by large mouth bass and the more aggressive Florida bass. These fish are also active in South African waters, particularly in the warmer coastal regions like Goedetrouw Dam in Eshowe as well as Rust de Winter Dam, en route to Zimbabwe and its Lake Mteri, Lake Kyle, Lake Darwendale and Mayfair Dam. The Vaal River too remains a favourite spot, especially the Barrage where there is a very unique and diverse amount of structure available to the bass angler.

Finding the Right Fishing Boat

Buying a boat is a big step for an angler and one that demonstrates his or her commitment and readiness to take their passion to the next level. It's also a big investment however and therefore one that needs to be tackled systematically and entered into after thorough investigation of all the available alternatives.

There simply is no better place to find all the experts with all the available boats, under a single roof, in a single occasion than at the National Boat Show. Or as Greg Bennett, Chairman of the Boat Industry Association of Southern Africa (BIASA) and Marine Director of Yamaha says: “You will not find any other event in South Africa, where you can see the variety and focus on boating products under one roof. It is by far the most exciting boat show in South Africa.”

It would be extremely ambitious to attempt to describe how to choose the right fishing boat for you. So many different factors come into play and everybody's situation is unique. The best way to find the right boat is quite simply to do your homework. Visit all the various exhibitors, ask questions, get advice from fellow anglers and know your budget.

As a starting point though, some of the key things you'll need to take into account are whether the boat will be used in open or shallow water, if you'll be using live bait, which configuration will suit your needs and what size motor you'll need to drive it. Some universal angling considerations include ample fishing rod storage space, sufficient dry storage for gear and fish boxes of the right size and volume for the kind of fish you'll be after.

The great thing about NBS is that apart from the sheer number of boats on display, there are always new boats and motors being launched and new technologies being revealed. Here's a sneak preview of what you can look forward to.

Hansen Boatz and Toyz, owner of the beloved 40-year old Ski-Vee fishing boat brand, will be launching a club for Ski-Vee enthusiasts and also showing off a 16ft Ski-Vee, loaded with extras. The Ski-Vee has evolved from a deep-sea only fishing boat into a terrific utility boat that is now extremely popular among fly and bass anglers too. Make a note to visit this stand, for sure.

Sensational news is that Twin Boats and Trailers, of Sensation powerboat fame, will be entering the fishing boat market, with the launch of its brand new Sensation Angler boat, at NBS! This sea-going fishing boat has a centre console and mono-hull; reflecting the company's belief that it will change the recreational fishing market's preference from cats to mono-hulls, based on the sheer quality and performance of the Sensation Angler.

Broderick Sports is hoping to launch three new Prokat inland and offshore fishing boats at NBS. The company will also display a big range of Suntracker pontoon boats, which it says are ideal for fishing and cruising; a variety of sport fishing boats; the Unity Offshore boats, of which it is the sole distributor; the new Flamingo cabin cruiser for inland fishing, skiing or cruising, or with a wet-deck for offshore use; and most likely also a Cruisers motor yacht.

We also have it on the best authority that Yamaha South Africa will be using NBS as a platform to launch a new Skeeter Bass boat, as well as to show off a full house of new products, including boats designed to be towed by smaller cars, fuel efficient motors, adrenalin producing hi-tech Waverunners and imported pontoon, bass and waterski boats.

Motors have certainly come into their own in recent years and with the growing popularity and superb performance of the new 4-stroke outboard motors, there is more choice available to the boat owner, than ever before. Apart from Yamaha, other boat and motor exhibitors to look out for at NBS, are Suzuki South Africa and Honda South Africa.

See, Feel, Touch & Learn at Free Workshops

More good news from show organiser, Biz Events, comes with the announcement that NBS visitors will have access to free workshops, covering a wide range of fascinating topics.

Here's your opportunity to get thoroughly useful tips, advice and information, from those who have ‘been there and are doing that' on a wide range of angling topics including, at this stage: Tackle Selection Targeting Game Fish; and Targeting Bill Fish.

Regardless of whether you're an old hand at angling, or a complete novice, there is always something to be learned, lots to see and plenty to enjoy at NBS. Don't miss it! 15 - 17 August 2008 at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northriding, Johannesburg.

Until then, visit the website: www.nationalboatshow.co.za for more information and to sign up for regular updates via the Splash enewsletter.

Visit our PRESS OFFICE: Biz Events is a full-service event management company that is in the business of developing and executing events including management services and company owned events. - more....

[15 Jul 2008 13:55]

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