
DEEP SEA ADVENTURE: A Monster Catch in Tough Conditions
WORDS: Juan Bekker Jnr IMAGES: Crew on boat, Lady Luck.
On Tuesday, 26 November we embarked on a late launch from Richards Bay Harbour, setting off into the deep blue in pursuit of the elusive amberjack. Our weapon of choice? Slow jigging—an art that demands patience, precision, and a dash of luck.
The conditions were anything but ideal. As we reached our target spot, we were greeted by off-colour water and a reverse current that, thankfully, wasn’t too strong. Undeterred, we dropped our lines and were soon rewarded with sufficient baitfish including bonito which certainly signalled the presence of something bigger lurking below, confirmed by the promising marks on the fishfinder.
With renewed determination, we focused our efforts, and the amberjacks didn’t disappoint. We managed to land several of these powerful fighters, their strikes electrifying the already challenging day.
But the real excitement came around 14:00 when our captain, Juan Bekker hooked into what we initially believed was a giant amberjack. Armed with his Shimano Saragosa 6000 reel paired with an Assassin Abyss slow pitch rod and 40lb braid, he was ready for a battle—but nothing could prepare us for what came next.

The fish took off with power, peeling line at an alarming rate. After 45 minutes of expertly managing the fight, we caught a glimpse of the fish and were astonished — it wasn’t an amberjack but a colossal giant trevally (GT)! This magnificent fish had taken our light tackle to its limits, and the battle was far from over.
For another gruelling 30 minutes, Captain Juan skilfully maneuvered around the boat, ensuring the GT didn’t claim victory by snagging the line. Finally, we landed the fish — a true monster with a fork length of 132 cm, estimated to weigh around 44 kg.

As responsible anglers, we quickly measured, admired, and photographed this breathtaking specimen before successfully releasing it back into the deep. Watching it swim away was a humbling reminder of the resilience of these incredible creatures and the importance of preserving their habitats.

Despite the tough conditions — choppy seas and dirty water — this catch was the highlight of our day and a testament to the power of perseverance. Fishing is never just about the fish, it’s about the challenges, the camaraderie, and the sheer joy of being on the water!
This giant trevally will remain in our memories as the fish that turned a tough day into an unforgettable adventure, and we can’t wait to see who it will challenge next.
Until next time, tight lines and fair seas!
[…] Fishing off Lady Luck out of Richards Bay in November, Juan Bekker snr (seen at right in the cover image) boated this GT with a fork length of 132cm and an estimated mass of 44kg. Read the full story in this issue. […]