Junior Region 5 International Hardap Dam 29 June – 5 July 2025

🎣 Junior Region 5 International Tournament 2025

Hardap Dam, Mariental | 29 June – 5 July

Namibia vs South Africa – Youth Angling at its Finest

Get ready for an unforgettable week of competitive freshwater angling as Namibia proudly hosts the 2025 Junior Region 5 International Tournament at the stunning Hardap Dam, just outside Mariental. From 29 June to 5 July, the best young anglers from Namibia and South Africa will battle it out in what promises to be a tournament full of passion, pride, and tight lines!

🐟 New Waters, New Challenges

The defending champions, South Africa, return to the scene of their 2024 victory—but this time, Hardap is nearly full, offering completely different conditions and new strategies for both teams. This tournament isn’t just about fish—it’s about resilience, sportsmanship, and growth.

🎯 Target Species & Competition Format

Anglers will be targeting five freshwater species:

Carp
Barber (Sharp-tooth catfish)
Yellowfish
Mudfish
Tilapia

Each day will feature fishing sessions from 08:00 to 16:00, with a bag limit of 20 fish per species, keeping conservation front and center. The first two days (Monday & Tuesday) are reserved for practice, followed by a rest day on Wednesday before the real action kicks off Thursday through Saturday.

Each competition day begins with a flag-raising ceremony and the playing of both national anthems—a stirring tribute to youth sport and international friendship.

🎖️ Opening Ceremony & National Colours

Wednesday marks the official opening ceremony, where NFBAA President Ronnie Meyer will deliver a welcome address alongside leadership from the Namibia Federation for Freshwater Anglers (NFFA). A proud moment for Namibia’s young representatives, as they are officially awarded their national colours—a rare honour for athletes of their age.

🏕️ Accommodation & Catering

Both teams will be accommodated by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Hardap, while delicious meals will be served at the Mariental Golf Club, under the capable hands of Wilma from Taihiti.

🙌 Gratitude & Support

The NFFA extends heartfelt thanks to:

The parents who continue to inspire and support their children in sport
The NFBAA leadership, team managers, and captains who give their time selflessly
Both teams managers and captains who sacrifice time and effort to guide the juniors.

💛 Saluting Our Sponsors

This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We ask our angling community to support those who support us:

Affieplaas
Maria Gariseb
Pieter Engelbrecht Agri
Visrivier Apteek
Ry en Kry
Flexicover Brokers
RPRentals
Easy on Angling
Safari Den
Netty Customs Clearing Agency
QSP
Bearingman
Windhoek Truck Port
Bushwhackers
Nicolette van der Westhuizen
Selar Solar
Nam Tyres
Paco Engineering
Agri Mark Mariental

🌟 Let the Future Shine

With rods in hand, national pride in their hearts, and eyes set on the prize, these young anglers are the future of freshwater sport angling. We wish both teams tight lines, new friendships, and a tournament to remember!

Namibia Freshwater Bank Angling Association (NFBAA)

A Team-Oriented Shore Fishing Sport

Namibia Freshwater Bank Angling is a captivating team-based sport where participants fish from the shore, primarily using organic substances as bait. This unique angling discipline emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and versatility as competitors target a variety of fish species.

Team Dynamics

Each team consists of six anglers, divided into pairs who fish at designated pegs across three zones. Points are earned individually based on performance, and these scores are then consolidated to determine the overall team results. The strategic pairing and placement of anglers are crucial for maximizing success.

The Goal

During an eight-hour event, anglers aim to catch as many fish as possible while adhering to a 20-fish-per-species bag limit. Points are allocated based on both the number and weight of fish caught, with every catch contributing to the team’s overall score.

Catch-and-Release Policy

While catch-and-release is strongly encouraged to promote conservation, the decision to release fish is left to the individual angler. This flexibility respects personal preferences while fostering awareness of sustainable fishing practices.

Global Recognition

Although Namibia Freshwater Bank Angling is not a direct CIPS FIPSed sport, it is a vital and celebrated facet of Namibian freshwater angling, providing opportunities for camaraderie, skill development, and competition on both national and regional levels.

Namibia Freshwater Bank Angling offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for teams and individuals passionate about shore angling. Whether competing or spectating, it’s a sport that brings together skill, strategy, and respect for the aquatic environment.