Jan Langenhoven  

The Breede river became famous as the home of the big cob.  Many fisherman came to this resort to try and catch a 100 pounder.  Some succeeded, some failed.  The cob (Afrikaans: kabeljou) enters the estuary from the sea with the incoming tide.  You can catch the elusive ‘big ones’ kilometers upstream in the river.  However, be sure to have the right tackle, be sure to have the right bait, make sure you know the marks, make sure you read the tide and the wind, be alert when it takes the bait and strike at the right time, then play it with patience and judgement, and bring it in with meticulous care and concentration.  There is no bigger thrill, no greater excitement for a fisherman to land a 100 lb cob.  Although not as abundant as in the past, the big cobs are still around.

Lukas Visser caught this monster in 1936 allegedly weighing 163 lbs from the kabeljoubank across the river and sold it for 2/6 (25 cents)

Hennie Langenhoven caught this one of 137 lb on 7 May 1966 on a 45 lb line

Salmon de Jager, Lang Nicky Beukes and Wolfie Wolfson with their magnificent catch in the 1960s

Johan de Lange and his friend showing off their big five

Not just cob - Cyril Germon and his wife with a 66 lb garrick

Grieta de Kock could never catch a 100 pounder but twice landed 90 pounders