Japie’s love for fishing started with following in his Dad’s footsteps, though initially he mostly focused on bass fishing. Then, his friends introduced him to the world of lure fishing, and it opened up a whole new dimension to the sport. He was captivated by the challenge of catching different fish species, each requiring its own technique. Japie feels that beyond the thrill of the catch, there’s a deep sense of peace that comes from being out on the water, surrounded by nature’s tranquility. Over the years, he’s honed his skills and explored different dams, with Loskopdam, Boskopdam and Potchefstroom Dam becoming his favourites. Whether it’s the fight of a largemouth bass or the satisfaction of landing a cart full of smaller species, lure fishing offers an endless variety and it keeps him coming back for more.
- What is your full name and surname?
Jacob Francois Wessels - Date of Birth
03 Julie 1956 in Winburg - Current career
Retired - Since when have you been fishing?
1959. - Why did you start fishing?
My Dad was a “committed” angler and I followed in his footsteps. - What do you enjoy most about fishing?
What it takes to catch each fish species and nature’s tranquility and the calm of the water. - Why do you do lure fishing?
My focus was more on bass and I practiced it on a limited basis. My friends introduced me to lure fishing, and I love catching all kinds of fish with lures. - What is your biggest/best catch ever?
My top 3 catches are a catfish of 18.5 kg, a common/ king carp of 18 kg and a grass carp of 15.2 kg. - What are your favourite fish and your favourite dam to fish at?
Largemouth bass, carp, catfish, mackerel, kurper types (tilapia) and all of the small species. Loskopdam, Boskopdam and Potchefstroom dam are my favourite dams to fish at. - Do you get a lot of support from the community regarding your fishing?
Not really, it is more of an individual sport. - What was the most enjoyable tournament you ever fished and why?
SA’s on the Vaal River and Zone 5 against Namibia on the Zambezi River. - Do you spend a lot of time fishing?
When I was fishing seriously I spent a lot of time fishing to stay in shape. - How expensive is the sport you practice?
Very expensive. You’d need a boat, boat engine, electric motor, fish finders, boat equipment and fishing gear. I would guess approximately R350 000.00. - What do you see for the future of lure fishing in SA?
Bright, but expensive if you’re just starting out. If you want to determine what equipment you will need, I suggest buying it in phases and fishing with existing lure anglers. - What support do you get from your family?
Good. - Would you recommend the sport to others and why?
Certainly, it is not monotonous and you are busy all day with different plans to catch the fish. - What advice do you have for young kids who want to start lure fishing?
Parents must be committed. Start fishing from the shore and as you progress buy more of what you might need. - What are your favorite lures?
Junebug fluke, Rapala lures, pumpkin seed - How many different species have you caught in your life? Roughly.
About forty freshwater species including largemouth yellowfish, smallmouth yellowfish, largescale yellowfish, papermouth, common carp, mirror carp, grass carp, catfish, rock catfish, blue carp, red-breasted kurper, banded tilapia, dwarf kurper, canary kurper, green kurper, bluegill sunfish, leadfish, orangeriver mudfish, red-nosed mudfish, red-eyed mudfish, Moggel, one , two and three-spotted barbus, thick-headed barbus, Marico barbus, river sardine, mosquitofish, dwarf tigerfish, freshwater goby, tigerfish, largemouth blackbass, smallmouth black bass, bBalk Jewel fish, goldfish, rainbow trout, humpback largemouth and a thinface largemouth to name just a few. - How does it feel to have Protea colours?
Hard work but a great honour to represent South Africa. - Do you get angry easily on a boat?
No, I’m very patient person. - What message do you have for prospective anglers?
Always be yourself, read the water where you fish, try different lures and never give up. - What achievements have you achieved in fishing?
To fish for our Provincial A team, Club and Provincial Chairman, Provincial honourary colours and Protea Manager honourary colours.
