SPORT NEWS - Former York High learner Aiden Jonck (18) shared his first shark fishing experience with George Herald, recounting his unforgettable trip to Mossel Bay on 11 June.
Aiden, who is still new to fishing, is fascinated by sharks and says he has always been curious about how people catch these "prehistoric beasts".
He motorcycled from George to the Point in Mossel Bay, where he prepared for his fishing trip with the help of Jason du Plessis and Jacobus van der Bank of Insanity Fishing.
"I loaded up two small mackerels onto my hook, had a kayak take it out at 17:00 and waited," says Aiden.
The waiting continued for four hours. "At 21:00, my rod began screaming," he says. "A big fish had picked up the bait. This inexperienced angler had no idea what he was in for or the fight ahead."
What followed was a battle lasting an hour and a half as Aiden fought to bring the powerful fish in.
Eventually, he landed a sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus), also known as a spotted ragged-tooth shark or "raggie", measuring 204cm in length and weighing an impressive 163.23kg.
"What a beast for my first shark!" says Aiden.
After taking a photo with his catch, he made sure the shark was safely released. The shark had already been tagged.
"It was an amazing feeling. I have seen other people catch sharks, but catching my own was something completely different," says Aiden.
Aiden Jonck ensured that the shark was safely released. It had already been tagged.
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