My SAPS Nationals Journey 

Jan Visser

On Sunday, 12 October, I left Hendrina for Mihanzi, Vaaldam, near Oranjeville, where we would stay for the week and fish at Biermans. I was determined to do well in the Disabled division — and naturally, my tackle box was loaded only with Magic Baits products.

“When I arrived in Oranjeville, I decided to honour my late father’s final wish. I gently cast his ashes, still sealed in the velvet pouch with a one-kilogram sinker, into the waters of the Vaaldam beneath the Oranjeville Bridge. It was a deeply emotional moment — a quiet promise between a son and his father(Daan Visser) before the competition began”

Practice Day – 13 October

We had just one practice day. I used my 12-foot BAT rods with Mitchell reels, but struggled to get good distance — I suspected the rods were too soft and lacked backbone. Still, I managed to catch eight fish during the day and gathered a few clues for the competition ahead.

Day 1 – 14 October

The first day of competition started at 7 a.m., and I spent most of the morning testing combinations. With the help of a trusted source, I settled on the following setup: GTA Small Bleeding Floaties on the top hooks and RPA Small Bleeding Floaties on the bottom hooks, all rigged on sliding Rietvlei traces.

Click on each Floatie to read more …

My traces on the left rod was tied with Wizard no. 3 hooks, and the right with Wizard no. 2 hooks.

For feed, I mixed dam water with Magic Baits Cypri Liquid Carp Food Feed Booster, half Popcorn Feed and half Heavyweight Feed.

Click on each Boldip to read more …

On the bomb, I added GeeBee, Traction, and Escape — a combination that worked so well I never changed it again for the rest of the week. As backing behind the floats, I used simple white dough.

By the end of the day, I had landed six yellowfish, the heaviest at 665 g, and two carp, the biggest weighing 1.29 kg.

Day 2 – 15 October

The second competition day, I kept everything the same. A kind Samaritan lent me a Sensation DC Pro rod to help me gain distance — and it worked! I caught ten yellowfish, releasing five, and landed another two carp.

Day 3 – 16 October

On the final day, I continued with the same winning bait and feed combination. I swapped the DC Pro rod for a Razor, which performed just as well. I caught ten yellowfish and released another ten, with the largest yellow weighing 980g.

Victory and Gratitude

At the prize-giving ceremony, I was overwhelmed with pride.

I won heaviest bag, most fish, and 1st overall in the Disabled Division. To top it all, I was announced as Victor Ludorum — the official SAPS South African Champion (Disabled Class) for 2025.

This was more than just a competition for me — it was a journey of heart, faith, and perseverance.

I’m deeply grateful to Michael Cato and Magic Baits for their incredible support.

Blessings,
Jan Visser

Honouring a Father’s Legacy – and a Champion’s Spirit

Michael Cato

As I read Jan’s story, I couldn’t help but pause at the part where he honoured his late father’s final wish — a moment that reminds us all how deeply this sport connects generations and memories that never fade.

Jan, your gesture was powerful, and your dedication on the bank throughout the SAPS Nationals shows true heart and passion.

On behalf of the entire Magic Baits family, I want to congratulate you on your exceptional performance and the spirit in which you represented both yourself and the brand.

You’ve proven that perseverance, respect, and belief in your bait can truly make Magic happen.

Well done, Jan — The Magic Truly Lingers on…