The waters off Gordon’s Bay were transformed into a high-stakes arena of skill and endurance as the Gordon’s Bay Boat Angling Club (GBBAC) hosted the 2026 Black Pearl Offshore Classic.
The event officially started with an opening function on Friday 24 April, drawing a massive turnout that underscored its growing prestige in the angling community.
By the time the closing function wrapped up last Thursday (30 April), the competition had firmly cemented itself as a landmark occasion.
This year’s Classic reached a new level of intensity, boasting a fleet of 40 boats and more than 200 anglers.
Over three gruelling days on the water crews battled for a wide array of prizes. The coveted Top Boat award – presented to the crew with the heaviest bag across the full event – went to the crew of Gotcha, a testament to their remarkable consistency throughout the competition.
The headline achievement of the tournament, however, belonged to James Wait.
Aboard Carry On 3, Wait landed a staggering 96,4 kg yellowfin tuna to claim the overall heaviest fish title.
The depth of talent on display was evident in the final standings, with all top 10 anglers reeling in specimens exceeding 79 kg – a remarkable reflection of the quality of the local waters:
1. Carry On 3 – James Wait – 96,4 kg;
2. Maverick – Lauren du Plessis – 92,5 kg;
3. Gotcha – Tim Bearman – 85,9 kg;
4. Bad Romanz – Dewald Smith – 83,0 kg;
5. Reel Fortune – Charl de Bruin – 82,1 kg;
6. Tyler – Jarred Beighton – 81,9 kg;
7. Cap Tuna 2 – Martin Vorster – 80,9 kg;
8. Viskoors – Casper Lotter – 80,8 kg;
9. Carry On 3 – Jan Hendrik – 80,0 kg;
10. Black Pearl – Dirk Uys – 79,3 kg.
The success of the 2026 Black Pearl Offshore Classic was very much a collective effort.
The GBBAC extended its sincere gratitude to the skippers, anglers, families, volunteers and supporters who contributed to the memorable atmosphere, and to all sponsors whose generous contributions made the extensive prize pool and functions possible.
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