Wimpie reels in big fish, nets E5.4k prizes

MBABANE – Wimpie Bouwer emerged as the big winner at the successful Sandriver Fundraising Competition held over the weekend at Sandriver Dam.

The champion walked away with E5 460 in cash along with an impressive haul of collective prizes. Bouwer hooked the top spot in the competition by reeling in a massive 4.4kg bass, outshining a strong field of local and international participants who gathered for the event hosted in support of the Eswatini Angling Association (EAA).

Jaco Stroh secured second place with a notable 3.1kg bass catch, while Morgan Rudd rounded off the top three podium finishes with a 2.9kg bass.

In the heavily contested barbel category, Curtis Mathews claimed the coveted Biggest Barbel Prize after weighing in an impressive 6.83kg barbel, drawing immense excitement from the crowd.

Organiser Chad Kelly praised the overall success of the event, which brought together passionate anglers from across Eswatini and South Africa to revel in the renowned waters of Sandriver Dam.

Due to the generous contributions of various sponsors, organisers were able to award prizes down to the 10^th-place finisher.

Support for the tournament was provided by Eagles Nest, The Fridge Factory, FUCHS, Dyson and Lincoln, Elangeni Poultry, Hungry Lion, Pick ‘n Pay, Toolrite, Custom Bait Shack, Explores, Willows Lodge, Outdoor Paradise, Eswatini Breweries, Rig Tog, Mbilibi Towing and The Rolling Pin.

Building on the event’s momentum, organisers have confirmed that the Sandriver Bucket List Challenge will return in 2027. Anglers and supporters are encouraged to follow the Eswatini Bass Facebook page for future updates and tournament announcements.

Meanwhile, the local angling focus now shifts to the upcoming Maguga Cash Challenge, which is scheduled to take place at Maguga Lodge from September 26 to 27.