2008: a small start in Springfield Park
Catches opened in Springfield Park, Durban in 2008 with a modest selection of tackle for anglers who wanted proper gear and straight answers. The early focus was coastal fishing, because that is where many local anglers spend their weekends, from the harbour waters to the beaches and rocky points along the KZN coast.
From the first day, the shop was built around practical needs rather than display shelves. People came in looking for strong line, dependable reels, bait that matched the conditions and rigs suited to local species. That clear purpose helped shape the business from the start and set the tone for everything that followed.
2009 to 2012: building trust one trip at a time
During the first few years, Catches grew through repeat customers, word of mouth and the kind of advice that saves time on the water. Anglers started coming back for trace setups, rod suggestions and reel servicing because they wanted a shop that understood both coastal and freshwater fishing. The team learned early that Durban anglers often need two very different approaches depending on whether they are chasing shad, kob, carp or bass.
As the range expanded, the shop added more terminal tackle, bait options and entry level setups for new anglers. That period also brought a stronger focus on service work, especially line spooling, drag tuning and guide repairs. It was never just about selling a product, it was about making sure the tackle was ready for the next session.
- More choices in hooks, sinkers, swivels and trace materials
- Practical starter setups for first time anglers
- Reel servicing and repair support for regular customers
2013 to 2016: a broader range for more fishing styles
As demand widened, Catches began serving a broader mix of anglers across South Africa. Coastal anglers needed tackle that could handle saltwater, sand and humidity, while freshwater anglers wanted neat, balanced setups for dams, rivers and club waters. This period saw the shop strengthen its rod and reel range, along with more specialised bait prep advice and rig building support.
The team also became known for helping anglers choose gear that matched both budget and fishing style. Some needed a basic weekend kit, others wanted a carefully matched setup for regular trips to the coast or inland waters. That advice mattered, because the wrong reel or line choice can cost a full day on the water. The shop kept its approach practical, with clear product choices and honest recommendations.
2017 to 2019: service work becomes part of the identity
By this stage, many customers were not just buying tackle, they were bringing in gear for maintenance and fine tuning. Reel repairs, rod tip repair, rod guide replacement and drag tuning became a regular part of the work. Jason Petersen joined the team as rod and reel technician, bringing structure to the technical side of the business and helping anglers keep their gear in good condition rather than replacing it too soon.
This period also reinforced the importance of small details. A noisy reel, worn bearings, a damaged guide or badly spooled line can ruin a trip, especially when conditions are tough. Coastal anglers in Durban and Ballito had different needs to freshwater anglers in Pietermaritzburg or Johannesburg, so the service side had to stay flexible and careful.
- Reel servicing and repairs for salt and freshwater use
- Line spooling for smooth casting and better line lay
- Rod guide replacement and tip repair for damaged tackle
- Drag tuning and rig advice for better control on the water
2020 to 2022: staying useful in uncertain times
The early 2020s brought the same pressure many South African businesses faced, with changing routines, supply challenges and anglers trying to keep fishing as a steady part of life. Catches kept its attention on the essentials: bait, line, hooks, rods, reels and advice that made sense for the conditions. The business stayed close to its customers and kept serving orders for Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha, East London and Johannesburg.
Load-shedding also made service planning more important. Anglers needed gear checks before trips, spare parts kept ready, and repairs handled with care so there were fewer surprises when the time came to fish. That period showed the value of having a team that could keep things moving, even when trading conditions were not ideal.
2023 to today: a team built around real angling needs
Today, Catches is led by Sibusiso Mthembu as Managing Director, with Ayesha Naidoo overseeing store operations. Lwandle Dlamini supports coastal tackle choices, Pieter van Rooyen advises freshwater anglers, and Nokuthula Khumalo manages bait and stock control. Together with Jason Petersen on technical work, the team covers the full journey from selecting gear to keeping it ready for use.
The business now serves anglers through the Durban store and across key areas such as Umhlanga, Ballito, Pietermaritzburg, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Gqeberha and East London. The service list has grown to include trace making, starter setup, trip gear checks and bulk club orders, but the approach has stayed the same: speak plainly, stock what anglers need, and back it up with proper support. That is how Catches has continued from 2008 to today, one trip, one repair and one good catch at a time.
- Coastal and freshwater tackle for anglers across South Africa
- Support for individual shoppers, clubs and regular trip planning
- Practical advice based on local water, weather and fishing conditions