By Mail Foreign Service January 8,2010

Surging out of the water, this seal makes a bold attempt to make off with an angler's prized catch.

The dramatic tug of war between man and seal took place near the town of Mossel Bay in Western Cape, South Africa.

At stake was a kob, also known as a kabeljou or daga, which is found in large numbers off the country's coast.

Wow, this fish weighs a ton: The well-built angler suddenly realises a seal is trying to make off with his catch

 

Tug of war: The other anglers become aware of the struggle and either stare in amazement or come to their companion's aid

The anglers were showing off their catch, with one of them draped his fish over the side of the boat, when the Cape Fur Seal made its move.  

 

The fisherman was surprised but after a short tug of war to retain his catch the seal was left fishless.

That's mine: The cob fish is dragged further into the boat pulling the seal with it just before it gives up, lets go and falls back into the sea