07/09/2026
**Not the target… but we’ll take it!
Rigged up with a **BKK Inline Heavy Circle UA 8/0**, sending down a dangling squid bait on the middle banks — hoping for a proper Miss Lucy… but instead got surprised by a **young copper steenbras**
Not your typical squid taker either! Coppers usually go for fillet, live bait, or pilchards — landing one on squid is like catching a kob on prawn… possible, but not common
This beauty measured **650mm** (legal size 600mm) and after a solid fight with those classic copper head shakes, it was safely returned to the depths using a downrigger system
**Quick Facts:**
• One of the most prized bottom fish in the Eastern Cape
• Can grow up to 50kg
• Even the “smaller” ones fight like machines
Awesome to see the **circle hook doing exactly what it should** — clean hook-up and an easy, safe release
Big ups to the ocean and the unexpected catches that keep things interesting!
buckley