The Melkbosstrand Galjoen Derby will take place on Saturday 5 August. Photos: Melkbosstrand Angling Club

The annual Melkbosstrand Galjoen Derby promises to be a shoal of fun. The derby, which is in its fifteenth year, will take place on Saturday 5 August. It will start bright and early, at 6 0’ clock in the morning. And it will take place along a vast stretch of beach – anywhere between the Cape Town Harbour and Yzerfontein, says the secretary of the Melkbosstrand Angling Club, Wayne Pratt.

Tasty prizes
Last year the 120 anglers took part. This year more than 140 are expected. What’s the allure? It’s all about the love of fishing, in the first place. And add to that the camaraderie experienced next to the briny big waters. And there is some rather tasty bait too. The first prize is a whopping R2000; the second prize is R1000; the third prize (for the heaviest bag) is R1000 and the fourth prize (for heaviest edible excluding galjoen) is R500.

According to Pratt,  “The 1st 150 entrants will each receive a t-shirt. It has also become tradition to try and ensure that each participant receives a prize during the lucky draws.”
The weigh-in will start at 17h00 ( 17:30 will be the cut-off ) at the Melkbosstrand Angling Club’s clubhouse in Robben Road. The
prize-giving will start shortly afterwards.

Interested in entering the Galjoen Derby? Contact Ashley Relf on 084-574 6140.  Tickets can also be bought at the clubhouse in Robben Road on the Friday evening (from 19h00 onwards) before the competition. Entry fee for adults R180, juniors R100.