NMBM compliant – but most other ski boat slipways in a mess
THE ski boat scene is of real interest to me of late. This angling sector requires huge financial investment in tackle and equipment.
These folk are particular about their equipment and naturally expect facilities to complement them too.
We have many launch sites around our coast. Some are registered and others are in line to be registered and those that are not will otherwise sadly be closed.
However, it is the duty of the local municipalities to apply for registration and if this is achieved all relevant signage must be displayed.
It is then their duty to control access or delegate to a body that performs these duties. The emphasis is on safety and seaworthiness of craft.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is one of the few in the Eastern Cape 100% compliant with the off road vehicle launch site regulations. These sites are of great importance to the ski boat fraternity as much fuel is saved by being able to launch closer to the desired fishing ground.
I must add Kouga Municipality is sorely lacking in this regard. The Paradise Beach slipway has no signage. Vehicles just park on the beach.
There are no proper public launch facilities at the Kromme River except the bank launch under the bridge, which is far from standard and not recognised. The launch facility at the harbour in the canals is subject to a canal permit which is unaffordable to the average boat angler just to be able to use the river. On top of it, the general feeling is they have already paid registration, which should then avail facilities, but which is not the case.
Craft registration monies must surely be used to create and improve these facilities? I won't even talk about the state of the roads in the area.
North of Port Elizabeth lies the Border region which is really the prime ski boat area of our country. It is here that you can catch 10 species (your legal quota) in one day.
It is an excellent destination for the upcoming Easter holidays, but I must stress it is the "Wild Coast" and conditions can get dangerous, especially launching through river mouths.
Another very important point is there are three Marine Protected Areas (MPA's) in the Border region under the Amathole Marine Protected Area, and these are closed to angling.
They are known as Gxulu Area, south of East London, Gonubie Area, just north of East London and the Kei Area at the mouth of the Kei River.
These MPA's may not be entered if the vessel is not equipped with a Global Positioning System. The track log must be operational and it may not be deleted for 48 hours after a trip. You may not transverse an MPA slower than five knots and all fishing gear must be stowed and all rods unrigged. The only time a vessel may be stationary in an MPA is to prepare it to enter the surf zone.
Should angling visitors to the Border region have queries or want to report any irregularities, they may contact John Rance, Border environmental officer, on 082-659-8138. - Reel Time, with Wayne Rudman
