CAPE TOWN – A talented local angler and Marina da Gama son has returned home to Muizenberg on Friday 28 November after a decade in Colorado, USA bringing with him incredible fishing achievements.
The local angler, Chase Nicholson, who honed his fishing skills in the vlei as a child, has been on a winning streak scooping silverware in the United States and recently claimed his fifth consecutive Ridgway Bass Tournament victory in Colorado, earning US$10,000 in prize money this year.
At the Ridgway Reservoir Smallmouth Bass Classic, anglers are competing to catch the most invasive smallmouth bass to win a cash prize and help save native species.
From Muizenberg Vlei to world stage
Growing up in Marina da Gama, the young fisherman developed his skills in local waters before ascending to international recognition. He achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the number 2 junior flyfisherman in the world and went on to represent South Africa in the senior flyfishing team for years, competing internationally.
After completing university he moved to Colorado 10 years ago to work as an ichthyologist, continuing his passion for competitive fishing as well as privately.
Nicholson estimated that he paddles somewhere between 6 to 8 miles a day, enduring sore muscles and warm weather conditions.
Consecutive tournament success
The Ridgway Bass Tournament victories represent a significant achievement in American competitive fishing, with prize money typically ranging between US$5 000 and US$10 000. His fifth consecutive win demonstrates consistent excellence in a highly competitive field.
Despite no longer competing for South Africa, he has maintained his competitive edge while pursuing his career as a fish scientist in the United States.
His achievements at these competitions earned him a job at Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which hosts the competition. where he was hired as an aquatic biology technician.
Emotional homecoming
His proud mother, Jeanette, who still lives in Marina da Gama where she raised her son, expressed excitement about his first return home in a decade.
“After university he went to work in the US. I thought it would be great to let everyone in our beloved community know that although he has been away and missed terribly, he has finally back home for the first time in 10 years and we are still so proud of him,” his mother, Jeanette, recalled.
Nicholson is working as an Ichthyologist in the USA for the past 10 years and fishes privately and competitively over there, Jeanette adds.
“I thought it would be great to let everyone in our beloved community know that although he has been away and missed terribly, he is now on his way back home for the first time in 10 years,” she said.
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