Honouring a Tuna Fishing Pioneer: Brian Cohen’s Night of Legends

Some fishing stories deserve to be heard by the next generation. At the inaugural Night of Legends, Cape Point Tuna Charters brought more than 100 guests together to honour the pioneers who helped shape False Bay’s tuna-fishing heritage. At the heart of the evening was Brian Cohen and his induction into the South African Hall of Fame.

Conceived by George Language of Cape Point Tuna Charters, the gathering gave fellow anglers, friends and supporters an opportunity to recognise a lifetime on the water, share memories and celebrate the people behind South Africa’s offshore fishing story.

Brian Cohen speaking into a microphone at Cape Point Tuna Charters’ Night of Legends.
Brian Cohen shares his fishing memories at Night of Legends.

A place in the South African Hall of Fame

Brian’s induction recognised his extraordinary contribution to the iconic 1968 Bluefin Tuna run and South Africa’s offshore angling legacy. It was a milestone for Brian and a chance to bring this chapter of False Bay’s fishing history to a new audience.

In the highlights video, Brian recalls encounters with giant Bluefin Tuna and long battles at sea. Historic photographs accompany his recollections, connecting the stories told around the table with the anglers and fish that made that era so memorable.

When accepting the honour, Brian thanked those who had supported him and dedicated it to old friends and fellow anglers who are no longer with us. That tribute gave the celebration a deeper meaning: the achievement belonged within a lifetime of friendships and shared experience.

Brian Cohen and fellow guests with a South African Hall of Fame trophy at Night of Legends.
A moment of recognition as Brian celebrates his Hall of Fame induction.

Celebrating the community behind the legends

The evening also honoured Andrew Perrins and Hennie Crous for their decades of service, skill and leadership in the seafaring community. Artist Gian Groen received warm appreciation for his creative contribution to the atmosphere of the night.

Alongside the celebration, guests and sponsors supported a practical cause. Just over R40,000 was raised for Andrew Perrins of Skiboat Mobile, whose ongoing safety-at-sea work has supported countless anglers and skippers around Cape Point. Their generosity helped turn a tribute to fishing history into support for the community on the water today.

Brian Cohen with fellow guests in front of the Cape Point Tuna Charters event banner.
Brian Cohen with fellow guests at Cape Point Tuna Charters’ Night of Legends.

Thank you for being part of the night

Cape Point Tuna Charters thanks every legend, sponsor, supporter and guest who made the inaugural Night of Legends possible. Bringing these stories together was a way to honour the past and keep False Bay’s fishing heritage alive for the next generation.

Make your own memories off Cape Point

Our connection to these waters continues every time we head offshore. Join Cape Point Tuna Charters for a fishing adventure departing from Gordon’s Bay Harbour, with shared and private charter options for experienced anglers and first-timers alike.