FROM not being able to touch smelly bait to becoming the youngest female to participate in a South African angling tournament, Jeariya Mudray has proven that girls are resilient.
The 14-year-old of the Bluff recently participated in the Ladies Senior National Angling tournament in Langebaan in the Western Cape where she placed sixth and won a trophy for the biggest edible fish caught at the tournament.
To add to this, Jeariya has been selected to join the protea junior team to represent South Africa at the World Junior Championship in Wexford, Ireland, from November 2 to 9.
“I’m filled with joy and pride for my achievement in Langebaan and getting to compete overseas. The most amazing thing is that a few years ago, I could not touch slimy, smelly bait. I have definitely progressed after overcoming that hurdle,” said Jeariya.
She added that her dad, Keith, who is her mentor, taught her to fish when she was around 10.
Jeariya, a grade 9 pupil at Bluff Christian Academy and a member of the Blue Waters Angling Club, said she enjoyed the peace and tranquillity of the sea and the excitement when the fish was “on the bite.”
“I try to go fishing at least once a week but more often during the school holidays. My goal is to be a senior protea angler and take part at the World Fishing Games and the World Championships."
Her advice to girls considering fishing: “Start by joining a fishing club. Fishing offers loads of fun in the sun as you get to wear cool clothing and make lots of friends from around the country. You also get to travel to beautiful places in our country or get lucky like me, to fish overseas. The good thing is you don’t always have to eat what you catch.”
She said her favourite subject in school was social science (history and geography) and she hoped to study somatology after she matriculated or go into business with her dad.
Aside from fishing, Jeariya enjoys cooking, baking, dancing, netball and doing her mum’s makeup.
Keith, 52, a consultant, who runs his own business, has his rock and surf protea colours and his protea colours in surf casting. He is also the coach for the junior protea team.
Keith started fishing from a young age.
“I learnt to fish from my father to provide for our family. Even after my father passed away, I continued to fish to put food on the table when times were tough. I was eventually noticed for my talent in fishing and was asked to join Sharkfin Angling Club based in Durban. I then fished for the provincial division and from there, I attained my protea colours,” said Keith.
“Jeariya took to fishing about two years ago and she has progressed so much. Her first experience in fishing was at a family trip where she caught a couple of karanteen. We gave the karanteen to a few guys, who helped her to put on the bait and take the fish off the hook. Now she can tie her own traces, put on her own bait, and take the fish off the hook by herself.”
Keith said he encouraged young children to fish as it taught discipline.
"Fishing is not just about catching fish. It’s the whole experience. The sport teaches you patience and a sense of grounding because you learn different techniques and disciplines, and the anticipation and waiting helps you be more grounded.”
Jeariya’s mom, Viloshni Mudray, 50, an employee at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, said: “We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments. My older son and I also assist with taking her to her weekly practice.”