There is no one who enjoys a challenge more than Bernard Venter, when it comes to outwitting fish with artificial lures.
- What is your full name and surname?
Bernard Venter - Date of Birth
24 February 1962 in Koster - Current career
State Legal Adviser - Since when have you been fishing?
Since childhood - Why did you start fishing?
My uncle showed me and since then I haven’t stopped. - What do you enjoy most about fishing?
To be able to outwit a fish on artificial bait. - What is your biggest/best catch ever?
For an artificial bait angler, this question is difficult because every species of fish has its big ones. Then you have catfish (22.5kg) in Bloemhof, yellowfish (10kg) in Vanderkloof, blue carp (2.2kg) in Loskopdam, carp (14kg) in Harties. - What are your favourite fish and your favourite dam to fish at?
From a big catfish to a little straight fin barb. There’s nothing better than a big catfish, the same goes for tigerfish, yellowfish, carp, and tilapia. At Vanderkloofdam, Richtersveld and Kafueriver in Zambia. - Do you get a lot of support from the community regarding your fishing?
Not specifically, but recognition from the fishing community and sponsors. - What was the most enjoyable tournament you ever fished and why?
Vanderkloof National Championsship, came overall second. - Do you spend a lot of time fishing?
Yes, every Saturday and whenever I can get a chance. - How expensive is the sport you practice?
Fuel for a boat and bakkie is expensive, before you get to the fishing gear. So it is quite an expensive fishing discipline. - What do you see for the future of lure fishing in SA?
It can be fantastic, if you see the great interest on social media and growth in our fishing club. - What support do you get from your family?
My wife gives me full support, for which I am very grateful. - Would you recommend the sport to others and why?
Yes, because it is a great fishing discipline. It’s almost like hunting, if the buck sees you first he’s gone. Lure fishing you hunt fish. You are never bored either because you constantly stay busy. - What advice do you have for young kids who want to start lure fishing?
Join the Junior and Development league of your province. This is where you will learn the fastest. - What are your favorite lures?
Salmo Hornet No 2.5, one of the most versatile lures. - How many different species have you caught in your life? Roughly.
More than 50 freshwater species. - How does it feel to have Protea colours?
It is an incredible honour. - Do you get angry easily on a boat?
If my fishing gear lets me down, yes but only for a moment. - What message do you have for prospective anglers?
Choose one of the many angling disciplines and become the best at it. - What achievements have you achieved in fishing?
Artlure Protea for Seniors. Many other awards in club and province. - Have you ever won the National Trials? If yes, where and when?
No. - Any SA records caught? If yes, where, when, and what fish?
I do not submit SA records, It is too cumbersome in our fishing discipline and the chance of your trophy fish dying is too great.
