The South African Hall of Fame is proud to announce the induction of Brian Cohen, one of South Africa’s most accomplished deep-sea anglers, into its esteemed ranks. The induction will take place on Friday, 18 September 2026, at the Simon’s Town Yacht Club, recognising a remarkable career defined by record-breaking achievements and a lasting contribution to South African angling.
A Record-Breaking Career
Born and raised in Simon’s Town, Brian Cohen was introduced to game fishing from an early age. The son of the late Vic Cohen, a pioneer of boat-based game fishing in South Africa, Brian developed a lifelong passion for the waters of False Bay.
At just 15 years old, Brian caught his first bluefin tuna. A year later, he established an All Africa junior record with a 600-pound tuna, marking the beginning of an extraordinary record-breaking career.
During the era when giant bluefin tuna were found in abundance in Fish Hoek Bay, Brian landed 42 giant bluefin tuna, ranging from 401 pounds to his historic record catch.
On 12 January 1973, Brian caught an 845-pound bluefin tuna aboard his boat, Kingfisher. The catch remains the official IGFA record for the largest bluefin tuna caught in Africa on rod and reel under IGFA rules, making it one of the defining achievements in the history of African game fishing.
His achievements were recognised with the State President’s Award in both 1972 and 1973, while he also earned his Springbok colours for angling.
More Than an Angler
Brian’s contribution extended beyond the water. He went on to build and chair the Tuna Marine Group, becoming an important figure in South Africa’s tuna industry, while also contributing to football administration and other sporting pursuits.
His remarkable life in and around the sport has been documented in his 2021 biography, A Life to Remember, as well as The Giant Bluefin Tuna of Fish Hoek Bay by Jill Altern.
A Legacy in South African Sport
Brian Cohen’s achievements are closely intertwined with the history of giant bluefin tuna fishing in False Bay. His record-breaking catches helped place Fish Hoek Bay on the international game-fishing map and inspired generations of anglers who followed.
His induction into the South African Hall of Fame honours not only an extraordinary record on the water, but a lifetime of achievement and contribution to South African sport.
Through Brian Cohen’s induction, the South African Hall of Fame celebrates a remarkable chapter in our sporting history and a legacy that continues to be remembered on the waters of False Bay and beyond.
