Led from Springfield Park by Sibusiso Mthembu
Sibusiso Mthembu founded Catches in 2008 and still sets the tone for how the shop works day to day. As Managing Director, he keeps the focus on reliable stock, honest advice and making sure anglers can get what they need for coastal and freshwater fishing, whether they are based in Durban or placing orders from further afield. He knows that a good tackle shop has to do more than sell gear. It has to solve problems quickly and keep anglers prepared for changing weather, tidal windows and long weekends. Small detail matters here, even the way a reel comes back after servicing.
- Managing direction and store standards
- Guiding product selection for local conditions
- Supporting anglers with practical, direct advice
Store operations that keep the counter moving
Ayesha Naidoo manages store operations and keeps the Springfield Park shop running in a tidy, organised way. She handles the flow of stock, customer collections, enquiries and daily store support, so the team can stay on top of busy periods and packed weekends. In a shop that serves Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha, Johannesburg and East London anglers, that kind of order matters. Ayesha also helps make sure club orders, starter setups and trip gear checks are processed without fuss, which saves customers time when they are gearing up for a trip or replacing key items before the next tide.
Her work suits the realities of South African fishing. Heat, humidity and load-shedding can all affect tackle storage and customer timing, so keeping things organised and ready is part of the job.
Coastal tackle advice for Durban and beyond
Lwandle Dlamini is our Coastal Tackle Specialist and a key point of contact for anglers targeting surf, rock and estuary species. He helps customers choose the right rods, reels, traces, hooks and sinkers for local coastal conditions, from Durban beaches to the South Coast and farther afield. Lwandle is especially helpful when anglers want to match their gear to bait choice, swell conditions or target species. He is practical, not flashy, and that approach works. If you need help with a spinning setup or a heavier shore rig, he will talk you through the options and explain what makes sense for your budget and fishing style.
- Coastal rod and reel guidance
- Trace and rig advice for surf fishing
- Help with target species setups
Freshwater gear support from someone who knows the basics well
Pieter van Rooyen looks after freshwater gear advice for anglers fishing dams, rivers and inland venues across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. He helps with rods, reels, line choice, hooks and terminal tackle for bass, carp and general bank fishing. Pieter understands that freshwater setups often need to be simple, reliable and easy to maintain, especially for learners and weekend anglers who want good results without overcomplicating things. He also assists with starter setups, so first-time customers can leave with the right kit instead of buying pieces that do not work together.
His advice is grounded in what actually gets used. That means sensible line choices, proper knot strength and tackle that can handle South African conditions, from still water to windy banks and the odd muddy launch spot.
Bait prep and stock control that keeps the shelves honest
Nokuthula Khumalo manages bait and stock control, which is a bigger job than most people think. She keeps track of live and prepared bait, terminal tackle movement and the stock levels that matter when anglers arrive early on a Saturday or call in before a trip. Nokuthula also gives advice on bait preparation, storage and the best way to keep bait in good condition when the weather is hot or the drive is long. In Durban’s humidity, that attention is useful. It helps keep the shop dependable and helps customers avoid wasted time and spoiled bait.
She works closely with the rest of the team to make sure the right items are on hand for coastal and freshwater demand, including busy holiday periods and club order runs.
- Bait prep advice and stock handling
- Live and prepared bait planning
- Inventory control for high demand items
Repairs and servicing handled by Jason Petersen
Jason Petersen is the person customers turn to when a reel needs attention or a rod needs repair. He handles reel servicing, reel repairs, line spooling, rod guide replacement, rod tip repair and drag tuning with care and patience. That matters when a customer is relying on a setup for a weekend trip or a long session after work. Jason knows how to spot worn parts, poor spool lay and small faults before they become bigger problems. He also checks that rigs and setups are ready for the conditions they will face, not just neat on the counter.
His work supports anglers from all over South Africa, and it helps keep good gear in service for longer. That saves money and cuts down on frustration, which every angler understands.
The way we work with anglers every day
Our team is built around practical service and proper fishing knowledge. Some customers need quick bait advice, some need a full starter setup, and some walk in with a reel that has not felt right for months. We deal with each job properly and give clear guidance so people can make informed decisions. From Durban Store and Springfield Park to Umhlanga Area, Ballito Area and Pietermaritzburg Area, the same standard applies. For orders heading to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Gqeberha and East London, we keep the process straightforward and the communication clear.
If you need help with rig advice, trip gear checks or bulk club orders, you can reach the team through the enquiry form on our contact page. It is a simple way to start the conversation and get the right support for your next outing.