Tanga angler Mike Graber from the popular ‘Timu Kichaa’ (Crazy Team), using a boat titled ‘Bob Cat’ has emerged the best angler of the two-day Tanga Cement Open Fishing Competition, which ended at Yacht Club here on Sunday.
The tournament attracted 11 boats used by anglers from Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Tanga. It was sponsored by Tanga Cement Public Limited Company (TCPLC), which has been bankrolling the event for the past six consecutive years.
The runner-up was Benjamin Lane also from Tanga while Neil Ashworth from Moshi was awarded for catching the heaviest fish.
The majority of the participants claimed that illegal fishing activities denied them the chance to catch enough fish. The greater competition was in the category of the best boat whereby another ‘Crazy team’ member Robert Walenberg put up a stunning performance to emerge winner.
Francesco Pierre from Arusha, using a boat called ‘Destiny’ settled second, while ‘Celtic Mist’ boat used by Asif Murtaza and his teammates from Tanga emerged third.
Speaking during the prize giving ceremony, TCPLC Managing Director, Reinhardt Swart said that his company is proud to be the main sponsor of the event, which is gaining momentum and popularity every year.
“We are delighted to be the main sponsor of this contest for six years now and we will continue to support the next year’s event,” he said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to invite other regions to come and participate in this unique competition which is open to everyone across the country.”
Tanga Yacht Club Commodore, Arvind Riat, commended TCPLC for its commitment in sports and called upon other investors and organisations to emulate the spirit shown by the company.
He, however, caution Tanga authorities to take active and strict measures against all people who are conducting illegal fishing by using nets with small vents and dynamites in fishing activities.
“The status of fishing in the coast of Tanga region and Pangani is not good at all and some of the fish are not available due to the environmental distraction, especially by fishermen who use dynamite fishing and small nets,” Riat said. This year TCPLC dished out 6.2m/- to sponsor the competition.
Other sports events the company has sponsored this year include the Kilimanjaro Marathon held on March 2 in Moshi and the Tanga Motor Rally that took place in Tanga in September.
Source Tanzania Daily News