Fishing around Gansbaai with Oubaas Lesch - Introduction to Oubaas 

Oubaas Lesch is a legendary fisherman in Gansbaai who was a founder member of the Overberg Kushengel Klub. In-between his working trips as Mate on the trawler “Berggans”, Oubaas spends every free moment doing what he loves doing best… angling and helping others enjoy the sport. 

What makes a legend? A legend is someone who makes an unforgettable impression on others. Becoming one means finding your calling, following it, and in doing so, inspiring others around you. In Gansbaai, one such legend is Johannes “Oubaas” Lesch.

Oubaas was born in Caledon on the 23rd of May 1962. He spent an idyllic childhood growing up in various coastal towns where his father caught fish for a living. After matriculating from Hoërskool Overberg, he went on to obtain a Diploma in Architecture at Cape Technikon in 2002. Here is where his story takes an interesting turn, Oubaas then decided that his life would only be complete as a career fisherman in Gansbaai. In 1987 he received his SAMSA Ski-boat Skippers Licence and in 1996, Skipper Fishing Grade 4 for large fishing vessels was added to his qualifications. After working on the trawler “Runtu” he moved over to “Berggans”, as Mate.

Image: Berggans entering the old harbour in Gansbaai
 

In-between his working trips out on the ocean, Oubaas spent every free moment doing what he loves doing best,  fishing and helping others enjoy the sport. As a founder member of Overberg Kushengel Klub, he reflects on his first membership year as one of the highpoints of his life. It was a year spent winning accolades and breaking records, many of them his own. In 2012 Oubaas was invited to angle for Western Province as an honorary guest but due to work commitments, declined the offer. 

Image: Early morning fishing with Oubaas - White Steenbras

Nowadays it is the love, preparation and dedication towards fishing that puts an inner-happy smile on his soul. When not out fishing, Oubaas and his wife Sonja enjoy spending quality time with their children, and grandchildren, who have all inherited Oubaas’ fishing gene.

Image: Oubaas and Johannes (Oupa and Grandson) - Oubaas holding a his white steenbras & Johannes holding his Oupa.

 

• Advice from Oubaas on how to be an eco-friendly fisherman.

• Oubaas Lesch’s top angling bait to catch fish around Gansbaai.

• Fishing seasons in Gansbaai with Oubaas Lesch.

• Oubaas Lesch’s best fish to catch around Gansbaai’s coastline.