CHARTER INFORMATION SHEET

We specialise in Blue-water Big Game fishing for Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo and Dorado, which we have done with unparalleled success to date. Notable catches included winning the first ever Blackwatch Billfish Tournament and boating the winning Capt Morgan Striped marlin of 94,5kg in 2005 More recently, on two consecutive days, we boated two of the biggest Blue Marlin ever caught in Richards Bay (270 and 316kg respectively) and managed to land 4 Yellowfin between 75kg and 87kg in one morning, the last one being the best of the season for angler Leon Maree of RBSBC

In the 2007/8 season, we caught the first big yellow fin tuna and  billfish of the season and did the first T & R. On 1 Sept 2007 we caught a Yellowfin of 43,4 kg and on 13 October a Blue of 143,8kg, released a Stripey of about 70kg and landed another 40kg class tuna - all on the same day! We came 4th in the 2008 Blackwatch Billfish Tournament after a failed hookup on the winning fish on the last day, and placed 12th in the 17th FIPS-M World Trolling Championships

Blackwatch was the first boat in Richards Bay that managed to catch and release 3 marlin from 5 strikes on one day, and followed that up with being the first to catch 3 different billfish species on one day (Unfortunately on the day, the charter party wanted to return early and we were unable to go after the blue required to get to the next step)

Our Boat is a top of the range Black Watch 34 FB with twin 330hp turbo-charged and after-cooled inboard diesel engines, giving it a top speed of 32kts. Fully imported from Australia, laid out with a comfortable cabin, on-board fridge, galley, toilet and a large teak clad fishing deck. With ample seating space in the cabin, outside close to the action and on the enclosed fly-bridge this boat is a true fishing machine, suitable for the connoisseur, able to get you to the fishing grounds and back, fast, yet in comfort and safety. Based on our catch rate per hour spent, it remains one of the most succesful marlin boats in the country.

It is comprehensively equipped for big game fishing with top of the range rods, reels, lures, outriggers, electric downriggers, electric teaser reels and an imported game chair. No expense was spared in this department. (We have 4 x 130lb, 4 x 80lb and 4 x 50lb penn International or Shimano Tiagra rigs on board)

Full safety equipment include a life-raft, EPIRB, lifejackets, 29MHz, VHF and HF radios, radar, GPS navigation and chart plotter system featuring a 15" full colour screen etc.

Our rates allow for a  recommended party of 4anglers maximum, include the use of all tackle, terminal tackle and a large selection of lures, a qualified skipper and deck hand. Transport, Snacks and Soft drinks can be supplied at extra cost by prior arrangement. A SECOND BOAT CAN BE ARRANGED FOR BIGGER GROUPS Currently the price of diesel is very high and unstable and a fuel levy will be added to the basic charter rate as necessary.

Although not compulsary, it is always wize to tip the mate generously, especially after a billfish capture

Bookings:       Due to "no-shows" bookings will ONLY be confirmed upon receipt of the full charter fee on a first come first served basis. Bookings cancelled more than two weeks in advance will qualify for a 50% refund. Bookings cancelled later will qualify for a 20% refund. There will be no refund for no-shows. Charters cancelled for safety reasons at the discretion of the skipper will qualify for a 50% refund. There will be no refund for an early return at the request of the charter party or due to bad weather after launching.

Banking details for payment: L M VD MERWE Standard Bank RICHARDS BAY Acc no             060337869 Branch Code  05803047

Contact details: KAS VD MERWE Tel: 0357891243 Fax: 0357892576 Cell: 0836295354 e-mail: norbolt@mweb.co.za

Click here to view the boat  http://www.blackwatchsa.co.za/UsedBoats_3.htm

Click here to view our catches http://www.blackwatchsa.co.za/Album.htm