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Art of Bass Fishing

MAY 2016

ISSUE 181

Fishing

Murray Park

How to…

Catch Lunkers

Autumn Lures What Sonar Shows >> SCHOOL OF BASS >> TECH OR TECHNIQUE >> SUBTLE DEEP WATER HIDEOUTS >> DESTINATION: LITTLE LONG CREEK FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES BASS FISHING

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DIGITALLY Whether you have been fishing for many years, or new to the sport, this time of the fishing session, the story will be the same. The air and water temperatures will start to cool down and you will hear anglers talk about water turning around. Many will pack away their fishing and camping equipment. We can’t disagree more because bassin’ isn’t only a warm weather activity. Bass are cold blooded and as the temperature drops bass will be less active as in the warmer months. They will become much more sluggish but it is not that bad. There will always be bass around feeding. Their metabolism will slow down but they still have to feed - that is a fact. If we look at the USA anglers, they are catching bass in lakes that are frozen over. Temperatures do affect bass but not to the extreme that we are assuming. As the water gets extremely cold it will let their metabolism slow down until it affects their feeding behaviour. Normally when the water temperature get to the lower tens their metabolism will slow down and they have to feed less. There will be days when they will be feed aggressive, especially when there were three to four days of consistent temperatures. If the opportunity is there they will feed. Regardless of where the bass are, some of the fish will be engaged in feeding behaviour although it will be fewer than there would normally be during warmer times of the year. You will find many anglers have something up their sleeves for the winter fishing, for instance scents that they use on lures. You will ask yourself; does it really work? Well, if I look at it, smell is the last sense they will use. Personally, scent has worked under some circumstances but I believe they first use their sense of sight, then their lateral line hearing and then lastly smell. For me there are always active bass in the morning that can hit fast moving lures. Try to take advantage of it. When you slow down your presentation and want to add aroma to the lures, it will also add a bit of confidence. It is also a good time to have a look at all your log books on previous sessions over the same season. That will even add more confidence to your fishing. Looking at your notes, you will see what lures, bait colours, fishing depth, structure, water temperature, water colour and weather condition worked well. Keeping record will help you to ignore dead water and save time and costly fuel during the winter season. It can make a tremendous difference in your confidence level to go and fish in cold weather. So go out and be prepared - plan ahead. Take all the essential lures, tackle and enough food and drinks. Appropriate clothing can also give you that confidence to fish cold days comfortably. Bennie Wiese / Editor

BASICS “Bass Fishing – An Intro” MicropterusSalmoides, commonly known as largemouth bass, are widespread in Southern Africa. MicropterusDolomieu, commonly known as smallmouth,bass are also found in Southern Africa, but are not as widespread – Richard Grant

TACTICS “Big Spoons for Big Bass” The Ben Parker Magnum Spoon from

“The Forgotten Topwater” Many years ago one of my friends introduced me to an awesome

MY CAST Cast-for-Cash - Tournament Results

BASICS “Morning, Noon and Night” For many people who are starting to fish,

Vir ‘n menigte hengelaar is daar basies net vier seisoene in ‘n jaar. – Philip Kemp

BASICS “A Basic Guide on Boat and Outboard Selection for the Novice Angler (Part 1)” In the modern day and age of bass angling, it is becoming more evident that the modernized bass boat is becoming more of a necessity than a requirement.

36 “Vicious Fishing Line”

quality, durability and reliability in their gear and Vicious delivers all of that with attitude.

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS 01 38

– Shandon Hawman

STRATEGIES “Small Things” Small things make all the difference in bass fishing – Rudi Dreyer

CLASSROOM

CLASSROOM “Short- or Long-Shank?” What is one of the most over looked things that we miss when we are searching for the perfect hard bait? – Hendrik

ADVERTORIAL “Lure Strategies – How to get the most from Sensation Lures” To me bass angling has always been about the excitement of having so many choices of lures and colours to outwit a little green fish, but it seems most anglers are missing out on many different techniques, instead choosing to sling some form of plastic worm for bass.

TOURNAMENT NEWS “Clanwilliam Winter Bass Classic 2014” Clanwilliam Dam is South Africa’s premier smallmouth bassing venue, where the 26th Clanwilliam Bass Classic was hosted by the Western Cape Bass Angling Association. – Craig Fraser

ITAGS Takes you directly to the SA BASS website.

ADVENTURE “MATCH MAKING 4X4” 4x4 has taken many people to the outskirts of the earth and it has brought pleasure to many people.

ON THE COVER “Willie Swart” Image: Hannes Lindeque

SA BASS 03 November 2014

CLASSROOM

TACTICS “Big Spoons for Big Bass” The Ben Parker Magnum Spoon from Nichols has created a firestorm in the US fishing industry lately. – Mark Bilbrey

STRATEGIES “Small Things” Small things make all the difference in bass fishing – Rudi Dreyer

“The Forgotten Topwater” Many years ago one of my friends introduced me to an awesome p topwater bait – Bennie Wiese

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS 01 38 56 50 63

UNIVERSITY

BASICS

“Sight Fishing” I caught my first bass in 1987. A monster of only just over a kilo! – Shandon Hawman

“Morning, Noon and Night” For many people who are starting to fish, it may seem intimidating. You may be struggling to find sure footing for where to start with this new and wonderful hobby. – Hannes Lindeque (Jnr)

CLASSROOM

“Short- or Long-Shank?” What is one of the most over looked things that we miss when we are searching for the perfect hard bait? – Hendrik

“Die RompslompSeisoen” Vir ‘n menigte hengelaar is daar basies net vier seisoene in ‘n jaar. – Philip Kemp

MY CAST Cast-for-Cash - Tournament Results GEAR UP READERS-go-BASSING

DESTINATION – Kam ‘Bati River Lodge

“Vicious Fishing Line” Vicious fishing line was inspired by the everyday angler. Today’s angler deserves quality, durability and reliability in their gear and Vicious delivers all of that with attitude.

“Clanwilliam Winter Bass Classic 2014” Clanwilliam Dam is South Africa’s premier smallmouth bassing venue, where the 26th Clanwilliam Bass Classic was hosted by the Western Cape Bass Angling Association. – Craig Fraser

>> Northern Division Junior Bass Angler >> Southern Division Junior Bass Angler

>> Bassin’ in Europe

BESTEMMING 54

>> Aloe Rock - Waterberg

READERS’ COMPETITION 01

ADVERTORIAL

TOURNAMENT NEWS

LIFESTYLE – Boating & Birding – “Glossy Ibis”

SABAA NEWS 40 41

INTERNATIONAL KLASKAMER

>> Subscribe and win with COBB

>> SA Bass Readers Competition – Raylite Ultimate AGM Battery

Win with GRIP Hooks

MONTHLY GIVE AWAYS

ITAGS Takes you directly to the SA BASS website.

ADVENTURE “MATCH MAKING 4X4” 4x4 has taken many people to the outskirts of the earth and it has brought pleasure to many people.

ON THE COVER “Willie Swart” Image: Hannes Lindeque

SA BASS 03 November 2014

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Contents REGULARS &

SA BASS Magazine

is published monthly (12 issues per annum) by WJ Lindeque cc t/a BB Print (CK99/23366/23)

Office hours:

Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 08:15 to 16:15

FORUMS

Contact numbers:

Office: (087) 808 5406, Alternative: (083) 306 2718 Fax: (086) 234 5026

Postal Address:

SA BASS, PO Box 24938, Gezina, 0031

Publisher:

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Editor:

Bennie Wiese - bennie@sabass.com

Assistant Editors:

Grant Hewitt

Language Editor:

Frederick de Bruyn

Field Editors:

Clifton Hack, Derick de Bruyn, Dewald Viljoen, Gerrit du Toit, Gordon Brown, Hendrik, Joe Dreyer, John Badenhorst, John Bulpitt, Kevin Lofstedt, Lourens Joubert, Marco Grobler, Philip Kemp, Reed Eastman, Roger Donaldson, Rowan Timmer, Rudi Dreyer

Junior Field Editors:

Jean-Michel Gravenor, Nicholas Milligan

International Columnists:

Bertrand Ngim, David Swendseid, Mark Bilbrey, Richard Grant

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STRATEGIES “How to... Catch Lunkers” After catching my new 5.14kg PB I thought it best to consider the facts and write on how to catch your own lunker at Inanda Dam . – Bryan Leppan

MASTER CLASS “Subtle Deep Water Hideouts” I would like to highlight deep water areas that can add a whole new dimension to your bass fishing. It requires a completely different mindset for anglers who are used to the energetic ways of shallow water fishing, but will necessitate the same, if not more concentration over the hidden terrain you will be targeting. – Roger Donaldson

VENUES “Backyard Bassin’ – Murray Park” Springs is a city on the East Rand of Gauteng and lies 50km east of Johannesburg, and about 72km from Pretoria – John Badenhorst

About SA BASS magazine:

SA BASS, which is editorially and financially independent, is a monthly magazine catering exclusively for the bass angling community in Southern Africa. SA BASS is distributed country-wide by RNA to outlets, not only in South Africa, but also in Namibia, Swaziland and Botswana. SA BASS is designed as a specialist bass fishing publication and has catered for a well-defined niche market since April 2001. It enjoys the support and endorsement of non-government organisations, but is not affiliated in any way to these bodies or to any other publishing, environmental or political interest group. Our mission is to promote bass angling as a socially acceptable and popular outdoor recreational activity, and in addition, to encourage acceptable angling ethics. As such, SA BASS provides pertinent information on a wide range of subjects. These include providing a platform for informed debate on issues affecting the sport of bass angling, providing information on bass angling strategies and techniques, bass angling waters and opportunities, and also creating awareness of new products. Within this editorial mix, due consideration is given to developing the sport among all 04 SA BASS May 2016

the country’s people (including the youth), and to the practical conservation of the country’s natural resources. Copyright is expressly reserved and nothing may be reproduced in part or whole without the permission of the publisher. All enquiries regarding editorial correspondence, manuscripts and photographs should be directed to: editor@sabass.com Address contributions to the editor. Manuscripts, photos and artwork will be handled with care, but their safety cannot be guaranteed. Enclose a stamped, self addressed envelope with all editorial submissions. The publisher and editorial staff are not responsible for researching and investigating the accuracy or copy right of the material provided for publication in SA BASS magazine. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this magazine, the publisher does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors or their consequences. Readers are advised to use this information with the understanding that it is at their own risk. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, the editor, editorial staff or SA BASS Society.

PROMOSIE “Sensasionele Herfshengel” Herfs het al om my huis sy koms verkondig in goud, bruin en geel en stelselmatig begin die oggendkoue ‘n demper plaas op my vroeë oggende langs die baarswaters. – Philip Kemp

Audited Circulation Figures: SA BASS / 9LV.RRUV¶ FLUFXODWLRQ ¿JXUHV DUH DXGLWHG E\ D WKLUG SDUW\ UHJLVWHUHG ZLWK WKH ,QGHSHQGHQW 5HJXODWRU\ %RDUG RI $XGLWRUV ,5%$ 'HWDLOHG FLUFXODWLRQ ¿JXUHV DUH DYDLODEOH RQ UHTXHVW

24 26

CLASSROOM “Scroungers” When you stand among anglers that’s on their way to fish a tournament and ask them if someone can tell you about the scrounger bait... they will go quickly change the subject. – Bennie Wiese

ELECTRONICS “What Sonar Shows - Part 5” For some, interpreting a fish finder’s screen can be very challenging. Here is advice on how to make sense of what you see.

MASTER CLASS

SA BASS

“Paradise Awaits…” After meeting with all the elders, Rod received a message from Maxx Dragg, a fellow agent that gave them the destination of their escape from this alien invested world.

“TECH or TECHNIQUE?” “Do I want to invest hours and hours scanning a particular piece of water to find that “magical honey hole” we all dream of?” – Kevin Lofstedt

“Back to a School of Bass” It’s hard to believe we are already in autumn and soon it will be winter. – Gordon Brown

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

52 28

ROD BENDER

PROMOTION

MY CAST

READERS-go-BASSING

Cast-for-Cash - Tournament Results

GEAR UP

LIFESTYLE – Boating & Birding – Lesser Swamp Warbler” Warbler “Lesser

>> LOWRANCE – STRUCTURESCAN 3D

>> LOWRANCE - IN STOCK

>> LOWRANCE - THE NEW ELITE Ti SERIES HAS LANDED

>> SABAA Elite Series

>> Versatech Outdoor

“Lowrance 3D StructureScan” Lowrance have just released a new addition to their already impressive lineup and that is the 3D StructureScan. – Rowan Timmer

UNIVERSITY “Autumn Topwater” Will this autumn be different than previous years? I believe that many dams got their water inflow late and that the water levels rose quickly – Bennie Wiese

INDUSTRY R NEWS

CONSERVATION

“Fish Kill” Hundreds of dead fish have been pulled out of the Vaal River and Loch Vaal and dead fish continue to be seen floating on the water.

SMALL CRAFT “New Dam, New PB” I had great pleasure in fishing a new dam I was invited to a few weeks into my semester. It was very short notice but we made it happen nonetheless – Jean-Michel Gravenor

SABAA NEWS PRODUCT NEWS

ITAGS

BOATING

Takes you directly to

“Kayak Bassin’ - Part 6: Pre-Planning for Success” One of the steepest learning curves I had to deal with in the transition to kayak fishing was trip planning. – Dewald Viljoen

the SA BASS website.

ANGLING INTERNATIONAL >> ICAST Registration Opens >> Sponsorship Boost >> Deeper Scoops Sixth Accolade in a Year >> Johnson Outdoors Revenue Growth – Anthony Hawkswell

SA BASS “That Buddy...” Aaaaah... planning has been done, lures packed, rods ready, boat fuelled, cooler box sorted, some extra cash drawn, just in case. An epic couple of days roughing it and good fishing lies ahead. – The Bass Addict

ON THE COVER “An Inanda 5.14kg bass” Image: Bryan Leppan SA BASS 05 May 2016

>> SA BASS STRATEGIES

How to..

Catch Lunkers After catching my new 5.14kg PB I thought it best to consider the facts and write on how to catch your own lunker at Inanda Dam. >> Bryan Leppan

n reality there is no fool-proof solution to specifically target five kilo fish at Inanda Dam and they certainly aren’t caught on the regular. Some key features to consider when targeting big fish are:

Fishing the right area This is major important as high percentage of areas in February/March at Inanda, the water temperature peaks at 29 to 30ºC which has a big impact on the behaviour and positioning of bass. You’ll find fish in three basic areas: 1. Steep bluffs or cliffs where it is easy for bass to change depth and keep comfortable.

The author with his new 5.14kg PB caught at Inanda Dam 06 SA BASS May 2016

2. Shallow weed beds that provide shade and cover. These weed beds create cool pockets of water which make them an ideal place for bass to be comfortable and wait in ambush. I think many people assume that water temperature is consistent at each depth point across the dam; that’s not the case. Shade and cover play a big role in that. The water temperature can be 29ºC in a bay but underneath a weed bed or hyacinth mat, it is a few degrees cooler. To test the theory, it is quite simple... jump in the water and swim underneath the mat or weed bed. 3. Ledges and drop offs are a great place to find quality fish bunched up this time of year. Not all drop offs and ledges are created equal. The best ones have cover in the form of brush, timber, rock, an extra or different contour change and most importantly baitfish. This is where my electronics come in. My Lowrance HDS units, coupled with Fishtec maps, charts and sediment charts give me a huge advantage when ledge fishing or offshore fishing

in general. I basically have eyes under the water even when sitting on my boat in my garage at home. In preparation for this trip I did exactly that. I sat on my boat in my garage and scrolled through the charts on my units and way pointed ledges with contour changes and cover. It’s amazing what you can do in thirty minutes these days from the comfort of your own home. So with theory done and thirty odd waypoints to explore I was ready to roll. The task would be working through the waypoints and finding the baitfish and bass. With this technology, gone are the days that you need to idle over a spot and throw a marker buoy, you can simply fish towards your spot. This puts significantly less pressure on the fish, especially when fishing shallower ledges, as I most often prefer, where the tops are in 6 to 8ft and dropping of to 20 foot. You don’t want to be running an outboard over your fish that are in 6ft of water.

Lure choice and bait presentation Targeting better than average bass comes down to location (covered above) your lure and presentation. I’m a firm believer that bigger baits catch bigger fish, power fishing techniques catch bigger fish and the quality of the bait in terms of its design and appearance catch bigger fish. Therefore I don’t skimp on tackle and gear and try buy a cheaper alternative because it actually costs you more in the long run. I have loads of lures and plastics that are cheaper “knock offs” of other baits but the fact is they just don’t work the same and all that money is now wasted. There will be guys reading this article that will disagree as they might have caught their PB on a cheap weightless four inch worm. That will happen. I’ve seen it happen and I have caught many three and four kilo bass like that... There is a time and place for those baits and they are extremely affective at getting bites but in my opinion they would not produce you ten kilo-plus bags (five fish bags) consistently. The team tournament formats really afford anglers the opportunity to experiment, try new things, throw big baits and to target bigger fish as part of a two man team, where only weight counts. I fished the 2014 season with a great buddy of mine, James van Rooyen, arguably the best bass angler I’ve ever met and the lessons that we taught each other and learnt together are priceless. The number of 10, 11, 12 all the way up to 16 kilo bags that we caught together over the year was just unbelievable, both in pre-fishing and in tournaments. In four events at one point our average bass was 2.37kg. This is why I believe so strongly about the lure/bait preferences that I mentioned above. The proof was simply in the pudding. I encourage people to experiment and try new things. For this trip I rigged up the following: * Big square bill crankbait - for targeting the cover on the flats on the topside on the ledge 6 to 8ft in most areas * Ten foot diving crankbait - for the actual ledge and the for fish suspended along the drop * 3/4oz football jig with a big bulky trailer * 1/2oz pitching jig on braid for the timber that is on the top side of the ledges 6 to 8ft

* 12 inch ribbon tail worm on a 3/8oz tungsten Texas rig - for working the top, the actual break line and the drop off * 12 inch ribbon tail worm on a 1/2oz shakey head - same as above A Carolina rig was getting stuck too much and was an inefficient presentation given the cut off stumps and rocks that I found. The Texas rig was the way to go. It was super efficient for fishing the worm.

Timing It is important to remember that good areas are generally always good areas (obviously at the same water level and all things being equal), so if you have caught a few good fish in a certain area you need to explore those areas and its immediate surrounds. It’s possible that ten metres away from where you are catching one kilo fish, the habitat is better and there are two’s and three’s or better. On this topic of timing, it is crucial to revisit a good area several times during the day. Fish might either not be there or for some reason just refuses to bite at a certain time or times for whatever reason. I have experienced this many times, where I’m sitting with an average bag in the well and within five minutes I’ve culled two one kilo fish with a three and a four. Also when it comes to timing your fishing trip, try to fish midweek if possible for a better advantage. Inanda has a tremendous amount of fishing pressure on weekends. This five kilo fish that I caught was midweek. I could only get to the dam at 13:30, so even if you can only get out for a three or four hour session, take it! Getting back to this fish and fishing Inanda at this time, we were faced with very warm water as mentioned and a low water level by Inanda’s standards of around 79%. The ledge fishing was the best option to me and I figured I had the best opportunity of catching solid fish taking this approach. With waypoints marked I was ready to roll and was immediately onto high percentage areas from the start, saving me loads of time, with only three hours of fishing time ahead of me. I had chatted to a good mate of mine and very good bass angler, Michael Cannon, the night before about my strategy for the following day and he mentioned that he had found some quality fish in similar kinds of areas the previous weekend. Mike is a power fisherman as well, we speak the same kind of language, we stay in contact often and chat about new ideas and strategies. It was a thirty degree windy afternoon with blue bird 08 SA BASS May 2016

skies. I decided to fish the sweet spots on the ledges that I had marked in the more stained water towards the river section. I started by positioning my boat on the deep side of the drop off - boat in approx 20ft and casting up to the shallow part of the ledge with a square-bill crank (keeping my boat away from the ledge and where I figured the fish should be as to not pressure them). When I could feel the crank bumping off tree branches and stumps, I knew I was in the money. I got a few kilo fish on the crank and switched to a football jig to worm the edge and down the drop. I was keeping myself in position in the windy conditions by keeping a close eye on my electronics and as I moved up along the ledge to another waypoint I could see a big bend in the river channel and I worked up to that. I switched to the 12” Texas rigged worm and made long casts along the edge of the drop off towards the river channel bend. When I got pitching distance from the bend I could see a very large tree that was actually on the edge of the drop and the bend of the river channel. I neatly placed the worm next to the tree on the deep side and seconds after it hit the bottom I felt a thump and watched the line move off into deep water. I set the hook and the fish took off, coming back towards the tree, I could already feel that it was a good fish. Worried about being broken off I lifted my rod tip and got the fish up as quickly as I could. Maybe not the best technique in terms of letting a fish jump, but in that second, I figured - tree or jump... I’ll take jump. And jump it did! Wow! At that point I realised that it was a giant and I literally had PB running through my mind. Fortunately, the hook stayed stuck on the jump and the fish landed back in the water away from the tree and into deeper water. Although panicked and freaking out with adrenaline and excitement I knew that the fish was in a much better position now and all I needed to was play it a while. With the net still in the hatch it was great fun to lip-land this stunning and quite possibly a once in a lifetime bass in Inanda Dam and many South African waters. Truly blessed and very grateful to have been able to boat this amazing fish at my home dam after many years of trying. I look forward to experiencing this level of excitement and satisfaction with my son Kyle in the near future, he’s two now as he targets his PB... Who knows, maybe I’ll get the opportunity to top my 5.14kg PB too. We invite all our readers to send us pictures of their trophies to be published in our Readers-go-Bassing section - Ed.

>> SA BASS MASTER CLASS

Subtle Deep Water Hideouts

“

I would like to highlight deep water areas that can add a whole new dimension to your bass fishing. It requires a completely different mindset for anglers who are used to the energetic ways of shallow water fishing, but will necessitate the same, if not more concentration over the hidden terrain you will be targeting.

>> Roger Donaldson*

ou may be wondering what a ‘subtle deep water hideout’ consists of so describe these potential areas I would like to paint a picture for you from a host of my experiences. Firstly, what is ‘deep water’? I’m referring to depths that we would not generally fish because the structures are not so easily accessible, or to identify. It’s quite easy to recognise a protruding, flooded tree, rocky bank, or patch of lily pads for example and these are all still potential areas that bass anglers should investigate, but how about going beyond the easily identifiable. This will certainly be an asset to you in the coming colder months when bass move offshore to deeper water. What are we looking for? Your fish finder will need to become your best friend and soon you’ll realise that your electronics can deliver some vital clues as to where the bass are locating to. Some structures are far easier to identify than others, but let’s point out a few things to look for.

Original river channel

Subtle bottom changes on the right hand side of this picture are good areas to target for bass 10 SA BASS May 2016

This is probably the most obvious of all the deep water areas and should exist in pretty much every dam you are fishing in. The old river channel will snake its way through the dam from the one side and often all the way to the dam wall. Establishing the channels course (by use of a contour map or your fish finder) you can traverse its length, whilst earmarking/way pointing areas that boast subtle differences. These may include some of the following: - Channel edges closest to shallow water cover - Channel areas boasting trees or rocky ledges - Off shore humps and isolated structures The best way to understand what you should be looking for is to see an example on a contour map, or preferably on the side imaging function on your sonar/fish finder. Because they are subtle can sometimes mean difficult to

The structures on the edge of the channel here are a perfect hideout for bass

distinguish but with a little practice you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Strategy for targeting deep water hideouts: The most time consuming part will be finding these unique areas. If you do not have access to any contour maps your options will be limited to what you see on your sonar. Many anglers spend countless hours driving their boat using a ‘zig-zag’ approach to spot structures beneath the water. Once you have identified the structure you can mark the spot by placing a waypoint on your electronics, and then dropping a marker-buoy over the edge of the boat. There will now be two main strategies to consider, namely deep water cranking, and Carolina or Mojo rigging.

Deep water cranking This is fastest method to ascertain whether the area you have identified is going to produce fish or not. However, you will be restricted to a maximum fishing/diving depth of around 20ft due to the nature of the lure. Dams including the likes of Nandoni, Inanda, Albert Falls, Bronkhorspruit all produced some incredible deep water cranking experiences with subtle structures that were identifiable on my side imaging electronics. Important factors to consider: - You will need to cast a reasonable distance past the marked area in order to allow your lure swim time to get to the bottom. - The thinner your line is the deeper it will run, but be careful not to allow too much flexibility in your line, as this also diminished your ability to set the hook. For deep water I choose fluorocarbon line, as it often has a thinner diameter and is far less flexible. - Make multiple casts from various angles as this can also make the difference between catching them and no bites at all.

This underwater hump on the left of the picture could hold some good fish and shouldn’t be overlooked by anglers

Carolina or Mojo rigging I especially enjoy this technique of fishing. It is a very relaxing form of targeting an area and truly allows the angler to feel every undulation in the structure you are targeting. The bite too is quite spectacular and a wonderful chance to feel how aggressively the bass are feeding in the murky depths; either you will feel a powerful tug that strips the rod from your hands, or the all too common ‘tug-tug’. If you were wondering how to choose between a Carolina or Mojo rig; the Carolina rig allows anglers to use a larger weight, which generally means you’re going deeper (30ft plus). Otherwise, the Mojo rig will suffice for most medium to deep target areas. Many events have produced winning fish while implementing this strategy. The flat deep areas of Driekoppies, Albert Falls, Midmar, Nandoni, and Inanda Dam spring to mind as they all boast incredible fishing opportunity with a Mojo rig. The casting technique is also not unlike deep water cranking, whereby the angler should cast past the marked area and allow the lure to sink to the bottom (whilst feeding line off your reel). Only once the lure has reached the bottom should you reel up the slack line and then slowly lift your rod tip to drag your lure into and over the structure you’re aiming for. In the next issue we’ll look at tackling up for deep water so you can get out there prepared for what’s in store. Enjoy your time bass fishing. *Roger Donaldson is an experienced journalist and knowledgeable bass angler who has enjoyed many enlightening hours with many of South Africa’s top, competitive bass fishermen. As a competitive angler himself, he also enjoys sharing his expertise with fellow bass fanatics in the hope that they find the same joy in this unique sport. SA BASS 11 May 2016

>> SA BASS VENUES

Duane Maartens with a good fish taken while bank fishing at the inlet at Murray Park

Alexander Dam, more commonly known as Murray Park. The red area is highlighted as a high risk area in terms of safety and fishing from the bank in this area is not advisable. The green markers show the most productive areas on the water and from the bank

Backyard Bassinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

>> John Badenhorst*

prings is a city on the East Rand of Gauteng and lies 50km east of Johannesburg, and about 72km from Pretoria. The name itself is derived from the vast amount of natural springs that abound in the area. Springs have around 120 parks of which Murray Park is amongst anglers one of the most popular and most visited. Everyone calls it Murray Park but that name is purely reserved for the caravan park and camping grounds adjacent to Alexander Dam. Alexander Dam forms part of a chain of dams that were originally serving the function of supplying water to the ERPM mines. At one stage Springs itself had the largest amount of gold and coal mines in the East Rand and water quality was rather questionable. 12 SA BASS May 2016

Murray Park, or as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also known Alexander Dam, is in my personal opinion still one of the best spots on the East Rand for bass. With a very healthy aquatic life, and extremely diverse birdlife thrown in as a bonus. In its heyday, Murray Park had been visited by hundreds of people over weekends and public holidays. With a restaurant, swimming pools for the kids, putt-putt, tennis, a super tube and local artist concerts held on a weekly basis. Murray Park blended the relaxing atmosphere around family and their enjoyment. Fish in Alexander Dam consist of huge carp, massive barbel, two species of kurper and of course bass. In recent times, hyacinth had taken over most of the dam, and sadly the eradication of this invasive plant resulted in massive losses of former weed beds, reed beds and water lilies. Over the

The author with a healthy Murray Park specimen taken on a Wolf Lures Seboko 9cm

past two seasons we have noted the slow re-growth of these weed beds, and for the aquatic life this is very good news. The lease to look after the caravan park had come to an abrupt end, and this resulted in the actual park falling into a total state of chaos and neglect. Buildings were vandalised by individuals and safety was an all-time issue when visiting this famous spot. There is currently a revival of the park planned, and slowly but surely the infrastructure is being rebuilt. The most frustrating thing is that the re-opening of the park has been moved to so many dates, that no one can give any sort of clarity around the issue. Murray Park has bass, lots of bass and big ones too. Over this last spawning season in particular, it was noted that there were massive shoals of juvenile bass, carp and kurper cruising and feeding in the shallows. Of course

Brendan Becker with a Murray Park bass that fell for a small lipless crank

the larger bass were feeding freely on this buffet, and that has resulted in many fish in the 400g range being caught by many anglers. For the really big fish one has to work a bit harder, and get onto the actual water and fish the less pressurized spots as is the case with most dams. This being said, Murray Park still delivers big fish for the anglers from the bank, and these would tip the scales at around 2.6 to 3.7kg. My own personal best from this spot was a healthy 5.16kg fish taken on a fly rod with a surface popper just before sunset. This dam has always been very popular with top water anglers but as the weed beds were destroyed, the fish seem to be holding a tad deeper. There is still an active early morning top water bite on frogs, buzzbaits and shallow diving cranks. In this last few months the top producer at this venue SA BASS 13 May 2016

This dam can and hopefully will return to its former glory as one of the best or maybe even the very best bassin venue on the backyard trail.

Marc Hill with a feisty Murray Park bass taken on a black junior fluke

Even this little guy couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist the lure

has been with plastics, and more notably those using ultra light finesse setups. Here, the popular choice for baits seem to be junior flukes in black and baby bass, green pumpkin with a blue or green flake, judder worms in watermelon with red flake, plain watermelon with a black flake and watermelon gold. Paddle tails from Wolf Lures known as the Seboko in the aforementioned colours have produced some truly good catches. Most of the plastics are rigged with a small sliding sinker and a gummy stop keeping the distance between the hook and the sliding sinker. A gentle walk the dog retrieve seems to do the job although many spectacular takes have come from simply casting in, giving the bait a twitch or two, and leaving it dead stick with huge hits coming as one lifts the rod tip to start the retrieve. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like the bass are sitting and watching the bait and the moment it moves, they pounce on it and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let go. Although some of these little fighters are in the mark of under a kilo, they give a very good account of themselves with spectacular jumps and runs. Anglers throwing small crank baits and in particular lipless cranks, have been given a good account of the fish and their power and low and behold the unsuspecting angler hooking into one of the

many huge barbel or carp out on the water. On a recent group outing with friends, we fished from an inflatable while other members fished from float tubes, and after a few smallish bass, Gerrie got hit like a freight train on a crank by a massive barbel which proceeded to tow him and his float tube into a channel behind some reeds. Murray Park has its moods, and just like any other place one can make thousands of casts and get only a few nibbles. Yet on another occasion almost every cast results in a positive hookup. This dam is one of a few where bank and floating craft anglers can have an equal amount of fun. The average depth ranges from a few centimetres to its deepest spot of just under 6m. Water clarity used to be absolutely brilliant but with the removal of reed beds it has stained the water to a degree, and a little bit of searching will put you on the fish every time. Motorized boats are allowed but not with motors bigger than 10hp and one has to keep in mind that there are other anglers on canoes, inflatables and the like. The absolute best way to explore this venue is from the comfort and safety of a float tube or small inflatable with a trolling motor.

14 SA BASS May 2016

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This was one of many caught by Herman le Roux in one afternoon using tiny minnow V-Tails in watermelon seed gold

Safety is a major issue at this venue, and there are certain spots that seem to be hotspots for the criminal minded. Most notably the area at the back of the dam near the outlet and over the years many anglers have been robbed and even shot at in this area. The general rule of thumb here is to fish in groups and not to stay there after sunset and most definitely not after dark or through the night. The popular area visited by anglers is also regularly patrolled by the SAPS and local community watch personnel. Out on the water itself we have never experienced problems, as we tend to fish coves and gullies amongst the reeds. Safety in numbers at this venue is a very good option. Just be aware and vigilant. On weekends you will find other anglers at this venue but during the week it can be a bit of a risk, as you might be the only angler there. In the attached map of the dam Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve highlighted the best fishing spots in green and the spots rather to avoid in red. The best times for Murray Park seems to be from early morning around sunrise to around 11am after which the bite slows down, and depending on cloud cover and wind, it picks up again around 2.30pm till sunset. From late September fish truly comes on the bite, but in my personal experience over twelve years of fishing this venue, the best time of year seems to be from around the 25th of February to the first week of May. On one particular day we got over 250 good sized fish between five anglers and amongst our group, two members got their new PB on that day. This dam can and hopefully will return to its former glory as one of the best or maybe even the very best bassin venue on the backyard trail. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m by no means an expert but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent many happy and even frustrating hours at Murray Park (Alexander Dam) and this article is purely to share information garnered over the years by not myself alone but by other anglers too. *John Badenhorst is from Wolf Lures, Flies & Feathers and a keen angler himself.

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READERS

GO BASSING

To feature in “Readers go Bassing” send your story and pictures to editor@sabass.com All photos published in “Readers-go-Bassing” are for the exclusive use of SA BASS Magazine. Any photos previously published by other magazines will not be considered.

MY PB My vrou en haar pa het bietjie gaan karpe vang en ek het my bass-stok saam geneem. Die dam het nie rerig gelyk of daar bass sal wees nie. Ek het later verveeld geraak en toe besluit om wel te probeer. ‘n Paar gooie later het ek die outjie uitgetrek – Rodney Kitchenbrand Mens kan nie ‘n vis vang as jou aas nie in die water is nie – Red.

This month ’s

WINN

DE HOOP After reading your article on De Hoop Dam, I just had to go. And on my first trip to De Hoop Dam I caught this bass on a curly tail grub. It tried to fight it’s way loose, but I fought harder. Muscling this beautiful specimen onto the boat and around the trees was a challenge. Thank you for all the good tips and advice you share with your readers. – Charles Smit 16 SA BASS May 2016

HOOKED I took Clarissa on her first bass fishing trip. She caught three bass in total, all on flukes with her unique action. We didn’t weigh the fish but they were all returned successfully. She is now fully hooked on bass fishing. – Anthony Joubert

HOOKED We took our family bass fishing over Easter weekend, at Mnini Dam. It was Zander Barnard that is only four years old first time on a boat and the first time going bass fishing. It was about his third cast when he caught this beautiful bass weighing 1.2kg on squiggly tail soft bait. He was very impressed with himself asking his dad if he need some help as dad had no luck at this point. He is now hooked; line and sinker on bass fishing – Charl Delport

LOVE IT On an outing with my boyfriend, Alastair, I decided to try my hand at bassing. Now the bug has bitten and I regularly beat the boys at their own game. – Kelly Gregory

EASTER

KOSBAAR

My daughter, Monique Delport, caught this nice bass during the Easter Holiday on a weightless soft bait at Mnini Dam near Amanzimtoti. This is also her personal best - it weighed 1.8kg – Charl Delport

Klein Carlo du Toit, 6 jaar oud, het lekker saam met pappa Juan du Toit by Bronkhorstspruitdam bass gevang. Die opwinding op daai gesiggie as die bass byt is “priceless”. Ons eie klein “bass master” – Maryke du Toit SA BASS 17 May 2016

Ouma Maria Volschenk met haar vangs

Oupa Koos help vir kleindogter, Dandre Volschenk, met haar bass

SJ Volschenk (kleinseun) met sy 2.5kg bass

SJ met sy 2.0kg bass

LITTLE LONG CREEK Ons het as ‘n familie vir die Paasnaweek weggebreek na Little Long Creek buite Vrede in die Vrystaat. Daar het ons ‘n vorige uitgawe van SA BASS afgekom, gedateer 2010. Nogsteeds was ons nuuskurig om dit te lees en het baie handig te pas gekom toe die wind teen Sondag sterk gewaai het. Aangeheg is ‘n paar van ons naweekfotos. In totaal het ons 77 visse gevang waarvan die swaarste 2.5kg geweeg

Oupa Koos met sy 2.0kg vangs

het. Al die vis is weer veilig teruggeplaas vir die volgende besoekers om te geniet. Die watertemperatuur was tussen 19 en 20ºC en die visse is gevang met Zoom se Watermelon Red Paddle Tails, Zoom se swart en junebug paddas, Zoom Watermelon Brush Hogs en KVD se Green Pumpkin Craws. Baie dankie vir ‘n wonderlike tydskrif wat leesgenot in my huisgesin vir sewe jaar al verskaf. – Koos Volschenk

READERS GO BASSING Mail a & Win

E-mail your picture and details of your catch to editor@sabass.com and stand a chance to win a BASS HUNTER 150PC. STARTER KIT sponsored by MIAS Woodmead. Please send us good crisp pictures of good quality. Pictures sent electronically must be at least 250KB. (We prefer pictures of 1MB). Potential cover pictures must be at least 3MB. All photos published in Readers-Go-Bassing are for the exclusive use of SA BASS magazine. Any photos previously published, or published by other magazines will not be considered. 18 SA BASS May 2016

BASSIN KIDS OUTREACH PROJECT A Division of SA BASS Magazine & South African Bass Angling Sport Society

20 March March 2016 10 July -- 26 16 July 2016 We at SA BASS are inviting all avid young anglers between the ages of 7-16 years to join us for loads of fun and adventure. Venue: Boskoors Farm, 30km North of Pretoria on the Moloto Road.

Bookings are essential! We have limited spots available as we like to keep the number of campers at a minimum, to ensure that every child gets the necessary individual attention and guidance. Please call Wilma on 087 808 5406 or 083 306 2718 to book your spot. For more information visit www.sabass.com or e-mail wilma@sabass.com

>> SA BAARS PROMOSIE

Sensasionele

Herfshengel Herfs het al om my huis sy koms verkondig in goud, bruin en geel en stelselmatig begin die oggendkoue ‘n demper plaas op my vroeë oggende langs die baarswaters. Tog weet ons dat hierdie tyd van die jaar die tyd is vir groot baars aan die hoek.

Van die Sensationprodukte wat die skrywer gebruik het om in die herfs te hengel

>> Philip Kemp*

ierdie tyd van die jaar wat ons in twee dele kan opdeel, naamlik; die somers-herfs tydperk en die laat herfs of herfswinter tydperk, bring ‘n ongekende opgewondenheid by die meeste van ons baarshengelaars. Daar is ‘n belangrike verskil in die twee stadia van die herfs. Ek sal graag meer hieroor wou uitwei. April is reeds verby en Mei-maand kondig die laaste

20 SA BASS May 2016

stuiptrekkings van herfs aan en die winterkoue wag net om finaal sy kloue in ons in te slaan. Dit is ook vir ons hengelaars belangrik om te onthou dat seisoenale veranderings ‘n baie groter effek op swartbaars het as net skielike temperatuur- of lugdrukveranderinge en watervlakke wat fluktueer. Ons weet dat die meeste baars gedurende die warm somermaande geneig is

om te migreer na die dieper waters waar die temperature meer gematig is. Ons moet ook egter onthou dat baars maar net trek agter die voedselbronne aan. Laatsomer is egter ‘n tyd waar die dae stelselmatig weer korter word en die invalshoek van die son die lugtemperature begin afkoel. Moeder Natuur stuur ‘n boodskap uit dat die komende winter op hande is. Daar is stelselmatige

temperatuurveranderinge. Die temperature het dan ook ‘n groot invloed op die voedselbronne van die baars. Die jong vingerlinge wat tydens die vroeë broeiseisoen gebore is, bereik nou ‘n grootte waar hulle enige groot baars se aptyt kan aanwakker. Die kleiner vingerlinge is egter ook nou in ‘n oorlewingstryd gewikkel om genoeg te eet vir die lang winters wat voorlê. Daarvoor sal hulle meer waag en meer vrylik in die vlakker, koeler, meer suurstofryke water rondbeweeg. Die groter baars volg hulle egter en begin ook nou vir ‘n langer tydperk in die vlakker water jag maak op sy niksvermoedende prooi. Dit is vir die hengelaar belangrik om te weet dat baars in die herfs in oormaat begin eet. Gedurende die vroeë herfstydperk sal ons nog steeds warm somertemperature ondervind, maar die baars sal ook nou meer op oorgangspunte begin vertoef in afwagting vir koeler temperature wat op hul beurt watertemperatuur in die vlak water kan verlaag. Daar is nou meer suurstof in die koeler vlakwater wat die baars se energievlakke soveel kan verhoog dat hulle jagmaak op hul prooi. Baars is meeste van die tyd daarop uit om jag te maak op die beskikbare voedselbronne. Gedurende die somer sal baars meer fokus op digte dekking soos watergras en sal altyd jag in so ‘n gebied wat ook naby aan dieper water geleë is. Dit is egter ietwat anders in die herfs. Ek vind dat baars steeds jag in gebiede wat

naby aan dieper water is met die verskil dat hulle nou uit die dieper dekking wegbeweeg en in groter, minder digte areas jagmaak op voedselbronne. Baars sal ook meer in skole begin voorkom en daarom gaan ons meer baars in een gebied vind. Die baars is nou ook op die jag uit en sal vinnigbewegende ase met groot aggressie aanval. Hengel dus steeds op oorgangspunte en in groot, vlak areas. Liplose harde kunsvissies van Sensation is beskikbaar in meeste van die Suid-Afrikaaanse prooivis kleure soos kurper, karp en “baby bass”. Dubbelswaailemme van Sensation soos die MTS-spinnerbaits is beskikbaar in wit vir skoon water, wit/chartreuse vir effekleurige water en chartreuse vir vuiler water. Sagte plastiese kunsvissies (flukes) van Zoom kan op ‘n ligte Mojo-strop of gewigloos gehengel word. Horny Toads kan vinnig naby en om lelies en vlak watergras gehengel word. Dit lewer skitterende resultate. Horny Toads op ‘n vasgespelde Texas-sinker werk goed as die hengelaar die padda so nou en dan tot op die bodem laat sink. My gunsteling is egter steeds die getroue ou Mr Jumbo-grub wat gehengel word op ‘n vasgespelde Texassinker. Die spoed waarteen die grub na die bodem val, saam met die mooi stert-aksie, is ‘n aanbieding wat geen baars kan weerstaan nie. Ek het op hierdie wyse al van my grootste baars in die herfs gevang. Dit is egter belangrik om harder, liplose kunsvissies teen ‘n baie hoë

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Flat Boy Crank van Sensation gereed vir aksie

spoed te hengel en met stadige plukkies as die temperature val. Indien die hengelaar harde kunsvissies gebruik moet ons onthou dat die kunsvissie naby aan die bodem moet swem en selfs met tye die bodem moet stamp. Sensation het natuurlik ook ‘n baie unieke aas op die mark wat ‘n kruising is tussen ‘n plat, liplose kunsvissie en ‘n gewone vierkantige, gelipte kunsvis. Die “Flat Boy Crank” soos hy genoem word, sink nie soos ‘n plat liplose kunsvissie nie en die vierkantige lippie help dat hy selfs deur onderwater takke geswem kan word - sonder om vas te haak. Sodra ek voel dat hy obstruksie tref hou ek vir ‘n oomblik op om te katrol. Die

big K L U B R10u0p to BACK forp1ie0s sale

ISSUES co

22 SA BASS May 2016

feit dat hy dryf lig hom dan oor die obstruksie. Gewoonlik sal die baars die aas gryp sodra hy die obstruksie tref en wegswenk van die boomtak af. In vlakker water draai hy op sy sy en swem dan ook in die rigting waarin hy draai. Dit skep die illusie van ‘n klein vissie wat van rigting verander as hy vlug. Baars kan die “Flat Boy Crank” nie weerstaan nie. Ek verkies die medium-aksie Citrix-stok van Okuma. Die stok het ‘n sagte punt om die baars se grypaksie te absorbeer. Ek gebruik twaalf pond flourocarbonlyn omrede die stok genoeg van die skokaksie absorbeer. Daarom het ek ook nie nodig om ‘n meer rekbare lyn soos monofilament

te gebruik nie. Sensation se Lubinakatrol is seker die beste waarde vir geld op die mark en ek kan vir feitlik enige situasie aanbeveel word. Herfs is ‘n pragtige tyd van die jaar en ek glo dat die baars na hierdie uiters warm somer baie meer produktief gaan wees gedurende ons herfs wat op hande is. Maak dus seker dat jy slaggereed is vir hierdie opkomende herfsseisoen en moet nie vergeet om na die uiters bekostigbare hengeltoerusting van Sensation te kyk as jy weer jou gunsteling hengelwinkel besoek nie. *Philip Kemp is ‘n gesoute swartbaarhengelaar en ‘n gereelde bydraer.

SCROU NGER S

>> SA BASS CLASSROOM

When you stand among anglers that’s on their way to ﬁsh a tournament and ask them if someone can tell you about the scrounger bait... they will go quickly change the subject. The ﬁrst person to walk away will be the angler that will never reveal any information about it.

he first time I used the bait was in 2009 in a tournament and the results were unbelievable. Within ten casts and no time my bag’s weight was doubled. I believed that I had found the lure that every angler was looking for; the so called ‘magic lure’. I know of a top local ranked angler that went to tackle shops and bought all the stock he could find soon after the lure was introduced. Until today he will never talk about it. I continued to fish with the lure for several years and had great successes with it even on tournament trails.

Scrounger secrets The secret in catching fish will always be; first to locate the bass and then identify their food source. Their food source plays an important part especially when you are trying to imitate their food source by using the correct lures which are only as good as the presentation. We all know that the bass will almost hit any lure.

24 SA BASS May 2016

>> Bennie Wiese*

When they are feeding it is vital to get them to hit the lures between their feeding times. If there is a school of bait fish around it is fine, but one wounded baits fish on its own is a different story. If we have a closer look at the scrounger lures you will notice that it looks like a jig head with a soft plastic collar that looks like a crankbait’s bill standing up straight. Only when adding some type of plastic lure will it have a body. The secret is that the scrounger will provide a lot of action that the fish can’t resist. The first scrounger I owned was 3/8 in size and worked well with Zoom Brush Hogs fished over rocky areas. With time I got my hands on different sizes and started matching small flukes with lighter jig heads and the more bulky minnows with the medium size scroungers. When I fish rocky areas I will match the colour of the lure to the bottom or rocks, normally Green Pumpkin. When fishing vegetation the Watermelon/ gold/ candy/ blue, colours work well. On the smaller scroungers when there are fry around Bass/ Pearl White/ Albino colours work well. But every angler has his own colour preferences.

The scrounger has produced the most fish for me over the last few years whenever I was fishing it close to the bottom or keeping contact with it. Make a long cast past the target area and retrieve it by bumping the bottom or just drag it. Fishing it this way will deliver better quality fish. Experiment with the retrieve speed to see what the bass really want. By doing a steady retrieve, use the rod tip to give it a quick jerk. It will give the bait a different action and can trigger a bite. When retrieving you need to keep the rod tip as close to the water as possible. It will keep the bait in contact with the bottom and longer in the strike zone. It can cover lots of water the same way as a crankbait. The scrounger just gives you a different look and movement that the bass has not seen yet. One of the unique features of the scrounger is the quality of the Gamakatsu O’Shaughnessy jig. It is a hook that stands upright and helps with the hook-up ratio. The long hook shaft makes it possible to fish different types of bait. The unique soft plastic bill makes the scrounger work and let it stand out from the rest. It also makes the bait run true and does not roll over like most crankbaits when retrieve at a hi-speed. The plastic bill makes the bait even weedless and the flexibility snag-free when fished in structures like rocks or timber. The scrounger is available in different weight sizes with short, medium and long bills. Each size bill will give the lure a different action depending on what type of plastic baits it was paired with. Normally the longer bill works better with bigger baits. Questions that most anglers will ask are: when, where and how? It’s easy, the how was already answered. Where: Because of its design it can be fish everywhere; shallow to deep and in every type of structure. When combining electronics with this type of fishing you can target bass near ledges, points and humps that offer bass a place to hide.

When: Throughout the year and even when targeting suspended bass... it is all about confidence.

Different trailer combinations Using skirts on scroungers Adding spinnerbait skirts to the scrounger baits will give the bait some flash and colour and some bulk to your combination. Skirts can easily be added to the lure. Just slipped on or off as needed with new colour combinations. It works great in off coloured water and when fishing around root systems. Using beaver style baits on scroungers Adding beaver style baits to the scrounger will work well in off coloured water. The ribs on the bait will move even more water when swimming the bait. The beaver type bait gets rigged vertical on the shank of the scrounger. Works well in and around timber.

Tackle Small scroungers works best with 6’6” to 7ft medium action rods paired with 10lb fluorocarbon line. Medium scroungers can be fished with 7ft medium fast tip rods and 12 to 14lb fluorocarbon line. Larger scroungers can be used with 7ft medium heavy spinnerbait type rods with fast tips, good back bone and 14 to 17lb fluorocarbon line. When fishing heavy dense structures I prefer monofilament line with heavy abrasion qualities. Most of these scrounger baits come with a clip on swivel on the eye of the lure. Use it, it provides more action to the bait and when you fish close to the structure make sure to re-tie frequently. Don’t go out and fish new baits only once especially if you don’t have success with it. Don’t put it away as you will never find confidence in the bait. Go out and fish it the entire day, or most of it. *Bennie Wiese is the editor of SA Bass magazine and an experienced provincial bass angler.

SA BASS INDUSTRY NEWS

STRUCTURE SCAN 3D

he stunning 3-dimensional views of contours and structure on your HDS Gen-3 units are AMAZING! Pan, tilt, rotate and zoom-in on objects – to gain a better understanding of where fish and structure are located in relation to their boat. Ideal for waypoint marking! Visit the link below to watch a video to see for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG9Bx5Jld1Y. Speak to your nearest Lowrance dealer for more information and to place your order! SA BASS 25 May 2016

>> SA BASS MASTER CLASS

Back to a School of Bass

In autumn bass tend to school in the shallows, small inlets or in the back of bays

Rattle traps can easily be ripped free when hung up in grass

It’s hard to believe we are already in autumn and soon it will be winter. No need to feel down! Cheer up, as there is still some good bassin to be done. One just needs to

“Fish become roamers in

understand what the bass are doing at this time of the year.

schools and not homers.”

s water temperatures start dropping, bass that were holding in deeper water on drop offs and steep banks, start moving to shallow water. Fish that were located on main lake structures and points that have spent long periods during the summer holding close to submerged weed or timber will also start moving to open water shallows. Fish become roamers in schools and not homers. They will spend more time roaming looking for bait fish instead of sitting and waiting for bait fish to come to them. These bass will cruise around in shoals hunting concentrations of bait fish to feed on; this is the time when bass need to feed up for the winter. 26 SA BASS May 2016

>> Gordon Brown* For us anglers this can be very frustrating! As we can’t always locate fish where we would normally find them. It is easy to catch bass once you have found them. This has happened to me on a couple of times recently, I could not buy a bite for two hours and then finding a school, it was a fish every cast. A point of note, you and your partner catch a bass in two casts and carry on down the bank and have no more bites. Most times what has happened is that you just went through a school of bass without realizing it. If I catch two fish in quick concession, I immediately put down a marker. (Always have a marker ready to put out.) Once you have marked the spot, using your electronics, one

can fish the area thoroughly. Every time I have seen why the fish were holding in the area. So the next time you catch a bass on back to back casts, don’t let a golden opportunity pass you by. Another very interesting phenomena that I have experienced together with other anglers I have spoken to, is the consistent size of bass in a school. My fishing partner, Ian Brown, came up with a perfect saying: “Fish of the same weight congregate.” If one thinks back on the times when you caught several fish in one area, if one was around 2kg, they were all ±2kg, quite interesting. When fishing a tournament and all you are catching, are 800gram fish, it is best

to find another school of bigger fish. Getting back to roamers on long points, outside weed lines, large main lake flats and submerged humps. In autumn schools of bait fish will be found in the shallows or in mouths of small inlets or in the back of bays. Bass although not a true schooling fish, will group together to take advantage of the abundant small fish and can often be seen breaking the surface in pursuit of an easy meal. The best lures and strategies to take advantage of catching bass, at this time of the year are: fast moving lures, like lipless crankbaits. These baits are especially productive, quick and easy to comb the flats, small inlets and bays for actively feeding fish. One can use a 1/4oz to 1/2oz rattle trap, depending on the depth of the water. If you do get hung up in the grass now and then, don’t despair! Just rip the bait free, I mean really “rip” it loose. Often that is when a strike will occur. When encountering a lot of grass in the shallows, fishing a plastic worm or fluke, although weedless is going to be

h to too slow. This is when I switch re a spinnerbait. Spinnerbaits are excellent for this situation.. One can buzzy them over the grass beds, slow roll them in the pockets, flutter them off the grass lines or bump them on any solid structure or timber. When fishing spinnerbaits, alwayss experiment with different nt blade combinations e.g. two willow leaves or Colorado / willow leaf. Blade colours are also important mportant e.g. silver Colorado, gold willow illow leaf etc. I know that when you get the combination right (it’s all to do with the vibration of the spinnerbait) its hay day. Spinnerbaits with willow leaf blades will produce strikes as the elongated blade style mimics the flash and profile of most baitfish. Buzzbaits and surface lures, like poppers, Chug-bugs and Zara Spook can be thrown at schooling bass early morning and late in the day. If the bite happens to be slow at any time, a Carolina rig with a 6” lizard or

Buzzbaits can be fished early morning and late in the day

super fluke will usually catch a limit of keepers. However you may be feeling right now, there are still lots of fun and bass to be had. See you on the water, back to a school! *Gordon Brown is a multiple Protea bass angler and a regular SA Bass contributor.

SA BASS 27 May 2016

>> SA BASS UNIVERSITY

Autumn

Topwater >> Bennie Wiese*

Will this autumn be different than previous years? I believe that many dams got their water inďŹ&#x201A;ow late and that the water levels rose quickly.

28 SA BASS May 2016

here could be a long window of opportunity to get some quality fishing. With all the new vegetations that were on the shoreline now flooded and the bass following the baitfish into the shallows, it could be double the action. Usually this time of the year, under normal fall conditions, bass will be starting to fuel up for tougher days ahead. The questions will always remain; where, when, how and what to use?

It sounds awesome to catch some easy fish in the shallows, and hundreds of them. Can it always be that easy? For sure it can be. You can almost use any colour lure and get hits. There is one sure fact; bass will

now be feeding to build up energy reserves for the winter months ahead. If they are starting to feed they do it with aggression, but they will not lose all their natural instincts - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about survival. This means autumn fishing can be great if you understand their habits, urges and the effect seasons have on them. Here are some key points to look for during the autumn season: t -PPL XIBU UZQFT PG GPPE TPVSDFT are available for the bass to feed on. Also find where it will be during this time of the year. t 3FNFNCFS UP NPOJUPS XIBU UIF water temperatures are and how it affects even the baitfish. Some of the baitfish species will move out of

A buzzbait in action

the shallows into the deeper water. t %P TPNF SFTFBSDI PO UIF WFOVF Knowing the venue you want to fish will be very important. t 'JOE IJEEFO TUSVDUVSF GPS FYBNQMF where the deeper and shallow water are meeting, fish in the shallow. t :PV XJMM IBWF UP MPPL GPS GPSBHF The bass will always be close to their food source. t "OZ OFX ĂŹPPEFE WFHFUBUJPO PS BOZ remaining vegetation will be the LFZ t "VUVNO SBJO XJMM CSJOH TNBMM runoffs and the moving water will JOUSPEVDF PYZHFO JOUP UIF TIBMMPXT The baitfish will be attracted to PYZHFO SJDI XBUFS BOE UIF CBTT XJMM follow. Every angler has his own favourite lures or techniques for fall fishing. On TPNF EBZT TPNF MVSFT XJMM XPSL CFUUFS than others.

A double blade buzzbait

Top water walking baits

Zara Spooks

TOP WATER BAITS Buzzbaits Before we continue, forget all those stories that buzzbaits are only morning and late afternoon lures. 5SVF UIFZ EP XPSL XFMM EVSJOH UIBU period, but personally in my last three

Soft jerkbait

fishing trips where I have fished on different venues, I have caught bass throughout the day fishing different structures. It seemed to me that the bigger fish appear to enjoy the buzzbait during the midday better. These types of baits must be my favourite lures during autumn. I can DPWFS NPSF XBUFS RVJDLMZ BOE UIF CFTU thing about them is that even if the bass miss or turn on the baits, the bass have given them self away. * RVJDLMZ GPMMPX VQ XJUI BOPUIFS type of bait. The ultimate is the FYQMPTJWF IJU CZ UIF CBTT PO UIFTF lures. If the bass are feeding in the shallows they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time to inspect the baits. When the buzzbait starts moving past them they will hunt JU EPXO CFGPSF JU HFUT BXBZ %PO U KVTU use one size; try different sizes. Colour XJMM BMTP NBLF B EJĂŞFSFODF It is all up to the angler to find his favourite lure. Buzzbaits are available JO NBOZ WBSJFUJFT MJLF EPVCMF TJOHMF or coloured blades, with or without TUJOHFS IPPLT BOE DMBDLFST GPS FYUSB noise. For every scenario one can use a different buzzbait. If there are ripples on the water, stained water or structure nearby, use a double blade PS CV[[ JU XJUI B DMBDLFS UP HFU UIBU SA BASS 29 May 2016

FYUSB OPJTF PVU PG UIF CBJU #BJUT UIBU QSPEVDF NPSF OPJTF XJMM NBLF B CBTT IJU UIF MVSF NVDI IBSEFS 5SZ CMBDL coloured blades for overcast days and white or gold for sunny days. I prefer a small buzzbait or a single blade bait when the water is clear and calm. I have seen many bass follow the CBJU BOE KVTU TVDL JU JO XJUIPVU BOZ commotion. I prefer to use heavy abrasion 10 to 17lb monofilament line on my setup depending on the size of the lure and water clarity. Although many anglers prefer braid, it is fine to use it if you are fishing vegetation. A nice steady SFUSJFWF EP OPSNBMMZ XPSL XFMM XJUI a now and then speeding it up and slowing it down again. Zara Spooks These top water lures have been around since 1898 and I believe 90% of anglers have at least one of these MVSFT JO UIFJS UBDLMF CPYFT É¨PTF anglers, who do not own one... do not LOPX IPX UP ĂŤTI UIFN Bass are feeding this time of the year and spend a lot of time in the shallows, building up their fat SFTFSWFT *G ZPV DBO NBTUFS UIF XBML the-dog technique it will be deadly in the shallows. The bait can also cover lots of dead water and will draw bass JO GPS B DMPTFS MPPL XIJMF UIFZ BSF roaming the shallows. .BLF B MPOH DBTU BOE MFU UIF CBJU lay still for a while before starting the retrieve. Change the tempo of retrieve until you find the action bass prefer. It is the same as with buzzbaits. There are many variations available for different scenarios and one must play around to see what the bass want. As a rule of thumb; use Willow leaf blades for clear water and bigger $PMPSBEP CMBEFT GPS NVSLZ XBUFS If you see bass are just following the lure, start to change the tempo as if it is trying to flee from the bass. .PTU PG UIF UJNF CBTT XJMM BUUBDL BT soon as the tempo changes. Lipless They are available in different shapes, sizes, and almost any colour, 30 SA BASS May 2016

XJUI PS XJUIPVU SBUUMFT -JQMFTT DSBOLCBJUT IBWF QSPWFO UIFNTFMWFT as bait that can be fished in any condition. In autumn it can be a WFSZ BĂŞFDUJWF MVSF JG ZPV LOPX XIFSF to fish it, and how. You can fish it in almost any water column around any structure. The combinations on how to fish these lures are endless. Water grass can be a winner. With the help of electronics you can use the side image to locate patches of grass and fish it with lipless baits. If not you can use the lipless baits to cover lots of XBUFS RVJDLMZ #BOLT UIBU HFU IBNNFSFE CZ XJOE can also be very productive because UIF XJOE QVTIFT BMHBF POUP UIF CBOLT and the baitfish follow. (FOFSBMMZ MJQMFTT DSBOLT BSF ĂŤTIFE JO B DBTU BOE DSBOL TIBMMPX XBUFS situation. They are also effective XIFO BMMPXFE UP TJOL UP UIF CPUUPN BOE CVSOFE PWFS EFFQ TUSVDUVSF CBDL to the boat. With this method, just position the boat on the uphill side of a point or underwater hump and UISPX PVU BT GBS BT ZPV DBO -FU UIF CBJU TJOL UP UIF CPUUPN BOE TUBSU UIF retrieve up the slope, banging into SPDLT BOE PUIFS PCTUSVDUJPOT BMPOH UIF XBZ É¨F MJQMFTT JT CFTU LOPXO GPS ripping through shallow grass beds and surprising bad tempered bass waiting in ambush. These baits will get pounded by hungry fish however you choose to fish them. A Cotton Cordell Spot was the first lipless I have owned and when I UIJOL PG JU JU TUJMM JT POF PG NZ NPTU GBWPVSJUF MVSFT JO NZ UBDLMF CPY XJUI the retired baits. 8IFO ĂŤTIJOH MJQMFTT DSBOLT through grass areas many anglers use braid to pull the bass out of the vegetation. I prefer to use a 6.4:1 retrieve speed reel even thought there are higher speed reels available. I UIJOL UIF CBTT HFUT UP UBLF UIF MVSFT much better with this retrieve. On higher retrieve ratios you get a lot PG ĂŤTI UIBU T OPU IPPLFE QSPQFSMZ "VUVNO DPMPVST UIBU XPSL GPS NF BSF CMBDL DISPNF HPME DISPNF BOE TJMWFS colours. Autumn is the time I prefer

to use lures that gives off a lot of flash. " HPPE RVBMJUZ IPPL JT WJUBM BOE * QSFGFS UP DIBOHF BMM NZ CBJUT IPPLT to triple grip. If you are going to burn your baits it is important you HFU RVBMJUZ IPPLT UP LFFQ UIFN GSPN bending out. Soft jerkbaits There will be times when these baits are going to out fish the aggressive CBJUT XF XFSF UBMLJOH BCPVU "MXBZT have at least one type of soft plastic minnow bait rigged on a follow up rod. Fish that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite commit to a steadily moving lure find it difficult UP SFTJTU B TPGU KFSLCBJU XIJDI DBO CF fished slowly and randomly. It mimics a baitfish as an easy meal. Start of it the morning casting these TPGU KFSLCBJUT .PWF JU PWFS UIF TVSGBDF as a baitfish trying to avoid a predator. Start by fishing these baits rigged XFJHIUMFTT PO B &8( IPPL .BLF B long cast in shallow area and start by XPSLJOH JU PO UIF UPQ É¨FZ XPSL FWFO better if the water area is a bit stained. The bass donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time to inspect the lure and will zero in on it. Just FYQFSJNFOU XJUI UIF CBJUT BOE SFUSJFWFT UP ĂŤOE PVU XIBU UIF CBTT BSF MPPLJOH GPS .BZCF JU XJMM CF BO GFX RVJDL UXJUDIFT and then let the bait free fall for a few seconds before twitching it again. If you can see any fish following that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t commit, chances are good that you are close to the right offering but you need to change colours or speed. These baits can be fished on casting or spinning reels. I use monofilament line as it will let the bait stay longer on the surface where fluorocarbon will let the CBJU TJOL The above are just some of the techniques and lures you can use in autumn. There are many more but find the lures and techniques you have confidence in and you will have some great autumn fishing. 3FNFNCFS EPO U HFU UVOOFM WJTJPO XIFO ZPV ĂŤTI GPS CBTT UIJOL PVU PG UIF CPY *Bennie Wiese is the editor of SA Bass magazine and an experienced provincial bass angler.

SA BASS INDUSTRY NEWS

IN STOCK

he full Hook-range is now in stock and available from your nearest dealer! Anglers are loving this new range which boasts faster processors and brighter screens. Units range from 4â&#x20AC;? all the way up to the larger 9â&#x20AC;? screens. They are available in fish finder-only, and combo units (fish finder and chartplotter/GPS). All the units (except the Hook-3x and 3x DSI models) feature a standard HDI Broadband / DownScan transducer that can gain sonar depth of up to 150m. The HDI transducer works together with the CHIRP-enabled unit and allows for highly detailed CHIRP sonar. For customers who require more depth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you can choose to purchase your Hook unit without the HDI transducer and rather pair it with a more powerful option. The choice is yours! PLEASE NOTE: The new Hook models are NMEA 0183 compatible, but do not come standard with an NMEA 0183 data cable. You will need to purchase another cable if you want to connect your Hook unit to your VHF radio.

If you would like to know more about the Hook Series â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tune in to Mikalaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk on FreeSpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl3_EBqcGVk

THE NEW ELITE Ti SERIES HAS LANDED

he first of Lowranceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand new Elite Ti touch screen units has just arrived! The 7-inch Elite Ti unit is now available from your favourite Lowrance dealer - and the 5-inch version is expected soon. One of the most exciting features is that these easyto-use fishfinder/chartplotters are paired with the all new Total Scan transducer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for great performance and spectacular underwater views. Total Scan allows for Broadband sonar, CHIRP sonar, Down Scan AND Side Scan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all built into one awesome transducer. This is the first time that side scan imaging has been made possible for units outside of the HDS range! Elite Ti can also be paired with other transducers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so if you want to upgrade the head unit on your boat, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still happy with your transducer - you can opt to purchase the Elite Ti on its own. The 7-inch version offers NMEA 2000 (limited) and allows for the addition of an Xi5 Motorguide control and Point 1 antenna. (The Elite 5 Ti has NMEA 0183 connectivity).

Other features include: t )JHIMZ BDDVSBUF )[ JOUFSOBM BOUFOOB t #VJMU JO 8J 'J JO CPUI VOJUT BDDFTT UIF (P'SFFÂ&#x2122; Cloud to download Insight Genesis social maps without even leaving the water. Call your nearest dealer or Lowrance South Africa for pricing (subject to exchange control). SA BASS 31 May 2016

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>> SA BASS TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Gauteng Money Winners Date: 19 March 2016 Venue: Witbank Dam RESULTS: 1

6.22kg, Team Blue Water Gear - Lesley Montgomery & Wiehann Raith with 5 fish, won R5500 cash

4.34kg, Team Green Machine - Bruce McKinnley & Gerhard Buys with 5 fish, won R2500 cash

3.87kg, Team Gel Events - Shawn John & Peet van der Schyff with 5 fish, won R2000 cash

3.69kg, Team Greens - Kamlesh Parbhoo & Johann Zwarts with 5 fish, won R1500 cash

3.41kg, Team Waterworld & Evinrude - Joe Mendes & Bennie Wiese with 5 fish, won R1200 cash

BIG FISH: 1st: 1.92kg - Team Green Machine: Bruce McKinnley & Gerhard Buys 2nd: 1.65kg - Team Blue Water Gear: Lesley Montgomery & Wiehann Raith 3rd: 1.60kg - Team New Anchor: Calman Grobler & Dirk Smith

Bruce McKinnley caught the heaviest ďŹ sh for the day

Back: Joe Mendes, Bennie Wiese, Peet vd Schyff, Shawn John, Kamlesh Parbhoo, Johann Zwarts Front: Wiehann Raith, Lesley Montgomery, Bruce McKinnley, Gerhard Buys 34 SA BASS May 2016

Sponsors: SA BASS would like to thank McCarthy Volkswagen Wonderboom for the VW Amarok double cab towing vehicle.

Also Pure Fishing and Six 8 Custom Baits/ Factor X for sponsoring lucky draw prizes at prize giving.

VERSLAG: Daar was nog nooit ‘n groot droogte wat nie deur ‘n goeie reënbui gebreek is nie. Die voorafgaande bewolkte weer en goeie reën op die hoëveld het Witbankdam se watervlak sigbaar laat styg. Ek kon nie anders as om te wonder hoe dit met die Castfor-Cash-deelnemers gaan nie. Vroegoggend het Calman Grobler ‘n groot vis van 1.6kg kom inweeg. Die res van die dag was die inweegstasie redelik stil. Teen inweegtyd het omtrent al die spanne vyf visse ingeweeg met ‘n gemiddelde gewig van 473 gram per vis. Die wensak was bo

verwagting swaar gewees met ‘n gemiddelde gewig van 1.244kg per vis. Lesley Montgomery en Wiehann Raith het heeldag goeie vangstes gehad. Die aas wat vir hulle die beste gewerk het was harde plastiekvissies in baie vlak water. Teen die tyd dat ons namiddag opgepak het, het die weegstasie halfpad in die water gestaan. Ongelukkig is daar nog plekke in die land wat nie goeie reën gehad het nie en ons kan maar net aan hulle dink in ons gebede.

Die res van die wenstrategieë kan as volg opgesom word:

WENSTRATEGIEë Team

Structure

Best time

Depth

Lure

Colour

Rig

Team Blue Water Gear

Grass

Whole day

1½ft

Crankbaits

Kurper

Team Green Machine

Grass

Whole day

1ft

Minnow

Junebug

Mojo

Team Gel Events

Grass

Whole day

1 - 5ft

Buzzbait

Black

Team Greens

Grass

Early morning

2 - 5ft

Frog

Green

Weightless

Team Waterworld & Evinrude

Rocks

Early morning

1 - 20ft

Jnr Fluke

Wtmln Red

Mojo

GRAND PRIX STANDINGS* The current Grand Prix standings are as follows: 1.

378-points

Team Blue Water Gear

Lesley Montgomery & Wiehann Raith

362-points

Team GR82Fish

Robert Tuzza & George Paar

361-points

Team Bee Gee

Tony Lagesen & Gareth Dryden

356-points

Team Greens

Kamlesh Parbhoo & Johann Zwarts

354-points

Team X-Factor Six 8

Jooste Wasserfall & Tobie Uys

350-points

Team New Anchor

Calman Grobler & Dirk Smith

347-points

Team Wolf

Alastair Vorster & Clint Dalglish

346-points

Team Spartan

Ampie & Brandon Badenhorst

335-points

Team Bass On

Riaan Spangenberg & Henk Venter

10.

334-points

Team Van Le Zac

Cas Kruger & Renier vd Merwe

10.

334-points

Team Bass-4-Life

Kallie van Staden & Kobus Muller

*A Grand Prix system is used to determine the End-of-Season-Points standing, as follows: the winner of each monthly tournament receives 130 points with following positions receiving points on a decreasing scale (ie: 129 for second, 128 for third, 127 for forth and so on). Each team will receive an additional ten (30) attendance points for each tournament attended.

Tel: 078 548 1301 Email: hotreeltec@gmail.com Authorized

Service Center SA BASS 35 May 2016

Mpumalanga Wenners Datum: 19 March 2016 Venue: Nooitgedacht Dam RESULTS: 1 2 3 4 5

8.165kg, Team Go Fish - Buks Human & Louis Cooper with 5 fish 7.71kg, Team Vortex - Rowan Zerf & Divan Coetzee with 5 fish 6.925kg, Team Gideon Smith - Gideon Smith with 4 fish 6.16kg, Team Double Trouble Tribal - Jacques Schoeman & Jacques De Wet with 5 fish 5.5kg, Team Bad Boy - Bossie & Marko Bosman with 5 fish

Die Mpumalanga-wenners vir Maart 2016

GRAND PRIX PUNTESTAND* The current Grand Prix standings are as follows: 1.

377-points

Team Stretch 60

Mike Cloete & Piet van Wyk

372-points

Team Go Fish

Buks Human & Louis Cooper

367-points

Team Vortex

Rowan Zerf & Divan Coetzee

364-points

Team Double Trouble Tribal

Jacques Schoeman & Jacques De Wet

364-points

Team Bad Boy

Bossie & Marko Bosman

359-points

Team 460

Jaap Pienaar & Wikus le Roux

359-points

Team Hengelvriend

Anton Bouwer & Johan Smit

355-points

Team Happy Hookers

Werner Botha & Gys Pretorius

347-points

Team Bass Masjien

Dewald Pretorius & Jaco vd Merwe

346-points

Team Crewless

Sean Campion & Grant Bauer

332-points

Team Go Fish Custom Baits 2

Arthur Symington & Chanelle Van Eeden

10.

255-points

Team MMS

Alfred Siegl & Jamie Evans

Cast-for-Cash 2016 Season Upcoming Events: Date

Gauteng

Date

Mpumalanga

Date

Limpopo

28 May

Roodekopjes Dam

29-May

Bronkhorstspruit

29 May

Tzaneen Dam

18 Jun

Bronkhorstspruit Dam

26-Jun

De Hoop

26 Jun

Albasini Dam

23 Jul

Rust de Winter

24-Jul

Witbank

31 Jul

Ebenezer Dam

Hannes Lindeque 082 416 5524

Lizette Jonker 076 766 2046

Wessel du Toit 082 855 0917

Visit our website www.sabass.com for all the results, tournament-information, -schedules and -rules. The results are also available on our Facebook page 36 SA BASS May 2016

>> SABAA NEWS

SABAA Elite Series

y practices confirmed my initial concerns of how tough Hartebeespoort Dam can be in summer. Added to this, with the dam suddenly reaching full pool, it would make the dam even more challenging to scratch out a limit on both days. After my first practice, I now discovered that five fish over the whole weekend would be challenging! I believe, that given the sudden rise of the dam, the baitfish population exploded and scattered the bass, making them very difficult to target. Add to that, enough fodder for the bass to gorge themselves on, convincing them to eat your imitation would be even more challenging. Ensuring that the colour and profile of my presentation, to match the fodder, as well as the right areas would be critical for me going into the tournament. My next practice consisted of trying to determine bait profiles, colour and the areas. This was a painful exercise, but, it had to be done, and I did find three areas where I could coax a bite, albeit a grind to encourage these fish to bite. Leading up to the tournament, my plan was to start at the zoo walls with a crank. In one of my practices I caught a decent fish off this area that reacted violently to my presentation. Given that fish, it was a no brainer to start there and cover the area with a crank. I was so confident in implementing this plan, that I had six crankbait rods rigged for the tournament. After the zoo, my plan was to spend to an hour at the yacht club, fishing in approximately 15 to 25ft of water with a drop-shot. After the yacht club, my plan was to then head off to the right hand point before the road bridge, where I had had a bite in practice and discovered an area where I could grind it out for the rest of the day, fishing sloooowly covering depths, cover and structure.

>> Justin de Souza My game plan was done; all I needed to do then was to execute it and capitalise on any bites I may be fortunate enough to get. By the way, my expectation for my performance for the weekend was to scratch out four, maybe five fish and hopefully make it into the top ten. Friday night I arrived for the registration and captains meeting and had a good catch up with the guys. During the captains meeting, it was announced that the zoo area was out of bounds. This really frustrated me, as I would have liked to have known that information before the practise so that I didn’t waste time working the area out, nor rely upon it as part of my game plan. After calming myself down, I decided that there was nothing I could do and I just had to stick to the rest of my plan and let “the chips fall where they may”.

Day 1 On the Saturday morning, leaving in tenth position, I drove straight to the yacht club. After an hour or so of trying to convince the fish in the area to bite to no avail, I decided to check out the Kosmos jetties. After half an hour at Kosmos, with not even a touch and the sun starting to make its presence known, I ran to the point near the road bridge. I must say that I was surprised to not see another boat in the area, as a matter of fact; I had the area to myself the whole day. Upon arriving at the point, I made a cast onto the point into about 5ft of water and dragged my Mojo rigged creature through the debris and rock. I continued to do this for over an hour with not the slightest touch. Not even the bream were attacking my bait. I decided to make a long parallel cast along the point towards the bay. At this stage a steady breeze had picked up and was blowing onto the bank I was fishing. I felt the weight bouncing along the rock, and

38 SA BASS May 2016

Justin de Souza with his fish on Day 2

suddenly, I went tight. I was fishing 8lb line and knew I had to be gentle with fighting the fish, which I did, and boated my first keeper. The line was frayed badly and it was amazing that this fish didn’t snap me off. I was relieved to have at least one fish in the boat and only four more bites to concentrate on. Three casts later, and another bite, to which I responded positively and boated a good fish of about a kilo. I was now so elated. I could not believe that I had two fish with most of the day left to capitalise on the area. After that fish, the bite died. I tried different depths, different baits, rigs, you name it, but these fish would only bite, when THEY felt like it. Approximately three hours passed without a touch, and I was starting to wonder whether to run and gun or to wait it out for another straggler. The breeze picked up again and I had drifted a bit with my now Texas rigged grub, and while I was resuming control of the boat I felt the faintest touch on the end of my line. I lifted the rod to feel for pressure, and the fish surged, I struck and boated my third fish, and this was a good model of about 1,5kg. I sat down at this point and had a roll and some ice cold water, in absolute disbelief as to how fortunate I was to have three fish in the boat. Two casts later, and by this stage I had now figured out that the fish wanted the grub bumping the rock and odd lay-down and I my line went tight again. This fish pulled hard and I need to get it into the open water so I could tire it and land it without being wrapped up or snapped off, which I did. At one stage, I actually thought I had latched onto a barbell, but when I managed to get a glimpse of the fish, I immediately became super religious. I boated the fish, and this one was a 1,8kg model. Need I mention my disbelief as to how the stars were lining up? Two casts later and I boated my fifth fish. A limit? Are you kidding me? On Harties in the middle of summer? It was about 3pm (cut off was at 4pm), and it was at this point that I considered whether making another cast would be considered greedy or not. My decision was to upgrade my two smaller fish. My next cast, my line went tight, I pulled into the fish and was met with a lot of resistance. I was unable to turn the fish in time and it had swum me into a tree. That in itself was enough of a sign for me to pack up my rods and head to the weigh station, grateful for what Mother Nature had offered me on the day. I was thinking to myself on my way back to the weigh-in area that, if my fish had come on for me, then perhaps there were to be a few surprises with regards to the amount of limits that may have been achieved. Arriving at the weigh station, this theory proved to be incorrect and it was the only limit weighed for the day. I still don’t think the realisation had/had kicked in, and I was in disbelief that I was leading the tournament.

Day 2 Leaving first, a first for me in Divisonals, my plan was

to run straight back to the point and grind it out. Arriving at the point, I noticed that the water colour had changed and that there was absolutely no breeze. This did put a bit of doubt in my mind, however, I needed to stick to my plan and work the area as hard as I could. Working the area, I noticed a bass behaving as carp do. She was coming to surface and it seemed that she was feeding on “goggas”. I have never seen a bass do that before, and proceeded to pitch my entire tackle box at her. She was a good sized fish and would do nicely for my day two weight. Upon closer inspection, I noticed this fish was circling in one very small area only. Upon even closer inspection, I noticed some line attached to her. This was the fish I lost the day before, still stuck to the tree. I started to consider that if I was to net her, I could release her ensuring that she continued to live and release her DNA to future offspring, but, could I also weigh her before doing so? I tried everything, including my landing net to catch her, to no avail. It was later confirmed that I would have been able to weigh her as part of my tournament weight contribution. Moving on; it was at least two hours before I eventually got a bite, but the bite was very short, and I was unable to capitalise on the bite, but at least this was an indication that there were still fish around. Fifteen minutes later a breeze picked, my rod loaded and I boated a kilo item. I was once again relieved with having a fish on board and the realisation that I may now be able to win the event started to sink in. From there onwards, I should have landed a limit of fish but I could not convince to bite better than what they were. We were only fishing until 1pm on day two and time was starting to run out. At 12:30 I had another non committal bite. I enticed the fish by continuing to gently move the grub, forcing the fish to ignore its doubt and allow its instinct to take over, which it did. I swung back, the fish had already started moving towards the boat, which I don’t believe allowed for a positive hookset, however it did stay on, that is, up until I went to swing the fish into the boat, at which point, the hook pulled free. Frustrated with my morning, and time being up, I headed back to the weigh station with one fish in the box. I again calmed myself down, by re-teaching myself that sometimes, as frustrating as it is, I don’t always have full control of the outcome. With just one fish to weigh, I didn’t think that it was enough to “seal the deal”; however, upon arriving at the weigh station I was advised that I was wrong, and that one fish was just enough to win the event. I worked hard during this comp and it paid off. Heart, soul and my commitment to my son to be proud of me one day when he starts his fishing career is what kept me working as hard as I did during one of the toughest comps I have ever fished. Most importantly, without Kevin Hyem, Rob Melaney and Mike Milligan, who selflessly give so much to our division, a very appreciative “thank you” must be given. To our committee, gents, it’s a labour of love so I would like to thank you formally for your commitment to trying your best for the anglers in the Southern Division and giving up your free time to do so. SA BASS 39 May 2016

>> SA BASS BOATING

Kayak Bassinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;:

Part 6 - Pre-Planning for Success

Anchor plan

ne of the steepest learning curves I had to deal with in the transition to kayak fishing was trip planning. Since effective bass angling often relies on fishing multiple areas and kayaks are not exactly glitter boats when it comes to speed, planning a day on the water effectively can mean the difference between success and failure. Planning your launch, travel lines and initial fishing angles will all safe you valuable fishing time and increase your success rate. As with most plans relating to fishing, planning for a day kayaking is an exercise in educated guessing. The first thing to do is to find as many launching areas as possible around the dam you are planning to fish.

Paddling plan The next thing to do is to be honest with yourself regarding a comfortable rowing distance. It sounds great to say you can paddle 3km in thirty minutes but the reality is that over extending yourself physically on paddling will have a negative impact on your fishing, and fishing is after all what you are here to do. The next step depends on personal preference whether you like to work with a paper map or in a digital format. Personally I like to overlay a contour map 08 SA BASS 40 2016 May 2012

>> Dewald Viljoen* (available for most dams in South Africa from Department of Water Affair and Forestry in Pretoria) onto a Google Earth satellite photo. From here I can put in a radius to mark my paddling distance from each launch area and then, using the contours, identify possible fishing areas within my paddling distance. This also gives me the opportunity to measure the distance from launch area to the first spot and by knowing my average paddling speed I can calculate my traveling time. I usually try to pick my first spot of the day as far upwind as possible to help make any moves for the rest of the day downwind which is faster.

Anchoring plan The next step is a bit of a luxury and not completely necessary but I try to identify possible anchoring spots which helps me to approach the area without spooking any potential fish in the area. Since fishing angles are dependent on things like wind, shadow, cover, and structure, it is a good idea to mark several anchor points gradually moving closer to the area making proportionate allowances for anchor rope length and depth. When you are fishing an area for the first time this can be a hit and miss exercise but once

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Paddling plan

you are familiar with a spot, knowing where to anchor and what angle to fish will save a huge amount of time!

Time management Speaking of time, the next step is time management. Decide how much time you are willing to spend on an area without a bite before moving on. Again the speed of a kayak is an important consideration when it comes to moving to the next spot. By spending too much time on an unproductive spot when fishing from a powerboat might mean you give up on another spot on a kayak over staying on a dead spot might mean you give up on two or three other areas. When moving you will have to consider speed, water conditions and wind direction all of which impact on traveling distances. It helps to have at least a GPS system on board to point you in the straightest possible line to your destination. Once again measurements on Google Earth can be of great help. A relatively small difference in distance between two potential spots can means an extra fifteen minutes in traveling time. While this is not a problem when on a social fishing trip it can be the difference between being on the podium or not in a tournament setting. The final step to plan is your route back. This may seem obvious but you can easily lose track of time when the fish are biting and when you are tired at the end of a long day, the shortest paddle home is always a good idea! Good practice is also to use your planning to make sure you know where your safe landing areas are. I mark potential landing areas on my fish finder to ensure that I paddle in the right direction in case of a sudden storm or an emergency. If you’re fishing trip is a multiple day affair, planning individual days will help you to cover the most water possible and help you to familiarize yourself with the roads and landmarks off the water. A final point to remember is to make sure that someone knows where you will be launching from, what area you will be exploring and what time you are expected back. It is a good idea, if possible to leave print outs of your planned trip with your emergency contact. Until next month; safe paddling and tight lines. *Dewald Viljoen is sponsored by Canoe & Kayak Centre, the owner of Hot Reels Service Centre, partner and designer at AfriBaits.

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>> SA BASS CONSUMER NEWS

SUGGESTED TACKLE

1. HUMMINBIRD HELIX 9 SONAR >> Available from Varkenelli Custom Baits

Innovation is at the core of everything Humminbird does, and the new Humminbird Helix 9 sonar units are no exception. Delivering a full array of technologies, including Humminbird’s new, intuitive Reflex interface, best-in-class colour widescreen displays, and a host of professional-grade features, the Helix 9’s are also 25% faster than ever before for rapid map loading and screen refreshing. Offering jaw-dropping 800H x 480W HD resolution and 1500-nit brightness. Dual Beam Plus: Get the best of both worlds, with selectable narrow and wide beams you can view individually, or melded into one display. Features precision, 20-degree beam that is optimized for excellent bottom detail, and reveals fish hidden in bottom clutter, along with wider, 60-degree beam provides greater coverage for fish and baitfish. Side Imaging Sonar: Offering amazingly clear, picture-like images of fish, the bottom and structure, it is the ultimate structure-finding tool. Down Imaging Sonar: Humminbird pointed their side imaging technology in a new direction - straight down. Now you can see the detail of what is happening below your boat. Timber, brush, bridge pilings, rocks and any other structure will pop with stunning detail as you patrol the water.

42 SA BASS May 2016

hold on longer for more positive hook sets. Rig one up today and find out why Gambler is the bait of top anglers.

2. VARKENELLI CUSTOM BAITS VARKITT >> Available from Varkenelli Custom Baits

The Varkitt was specially design by Varkenelli Custom Bait for fishing at Letsibogo in Botswana where they have realized that the bass were eating barbel - the goal was to imitate the barbel. After many hours of experimenting with different lures and profiles, Varkenelli come up with this one off a kind lure the Varkitt. The lure has a thick bulky head long body and two flippers on the side close to the head and has a dolphin type tail that helps with the gliding of the bait. When rigged with the correct Texas weight sizes the bait will glide when pitch into structure. The large and medium sizes baits were designed for dames with big fish and the smaller sizes for the local venues. Available in all standard VCB colours.

3. GAMBLER FLOATING WORM 7” >> Available from Varkenelli Custom Baits

The Gambler 7” Floating Worm has been a mainstay in fishing for over 15 years. An excellent choice for fishing weightless around shallow grass and cover, the Gambler Floating Worm has a tantalizing action bass can’t resist. Each worm is also infused with Gambler bite scent so bass

4. DAMIKI MTB NOISY BUZZBAIT >> Available from all leading tackle stores

The Damiki MTB Noisy Buzzbait features an exclusive Ball Knocker for increased sound and surface disturbance. Its M-Hull head design also allows the MTB to run better than traditionally designed buzzbaits. Like the hull of a boat, the M-Hull allows the noisy MTB to track straighter, and also helps it resist rolling over at high speeds. A hand-tied skirt with the ideal combination of fine-cut and regularcut silicone gives it additional lifelike action. Available in several colour combinations, each Damiki MTB Noisy Buzzbait is also equipped with an extremely sharp and super strong Viper hook.

5. PICASSO BUZZ SAW BUZZBAIT >> Available from all leading tackle stores

The Picasso Buzz Saw Buzzbait is designed to throw a lot of water and cause a commotion on the surface that bass can’t resist. Manufactured to achieve the perfect balance between casting distance, straight tracking, and quick planing,

the Buzz Saw’s counter rotating blades provide increased lift and assure the bait runs straight. Its compact design also allows it to be fished over structure such as blow downs and grass without getting hung up. A Mustad UltraPoint hook delivers instant hook penetration and the ideal barb size to keep fish on. The 1/2oz, 3/4oz, and 1oz sizes of the Picasso Buzz Saw Buzzbait are ideal for throwing in windy conditions where traditional lighter size buzz baits have to be put away.

6. REVENGE BUZZBAIT >> Available from all leading tackle stores

The single delta blades of the Revenge Buzzbait turn easily to give maximum churning and plenty of bubbles thanks to the holes drilled on each side. The wire is the right diameter and bent correctly to help this bait get through grass and other obstructions. The down bend at the head will put the hook right where you want it; in the fish’s face every time. The long, streamlined head will slip through heavy cover easily and the realistic detail, including the bright 3D eyes, will look good to any bass and get them to commit every time. Long, flowing silicon skirts cover the round bend Mustad UltraPoint hook. The head extends back on the shank of the hook, providing a bait keeper to keep any plastic or pork trailer in place, even in heavy cover.

7. BOOYAH BANKROLL JIG >>Available from all leading tackle stores

The Bankroll Jig from Booyah was created with the help of some of this country’s best jig fishermen. This new stand-up jig features a flattop and top-heavy design that keeps it upright on bottom effectively standing on its head.

8. BOOYAH SWIM’N JIG >> Available from all leading tackle stores

The Booyah Swim’n Jig is made with an arrowhead designed jig head and flat planning bottom, along with a line tie that’s in-line with the hook shank, which all add up to one thing the most weedless jig available today. The Swim’n Jig is made with a strong weed guard, hard coat paint, a Booyah silicone skirt, two loud red rattles and an XCalibur Tx3 point triple cutting edge hook so sharp, you don’t have to set the hook.’ Just throw it into the thickest shallow cover and burn it back for explosive strikes.

9. JEWEL BAITS AJ FINESSE JIG HEADS >> Available from Mias Scuba & Angling

The Jewel Baits AJ Finesse Jig Heads are definitely one of the most effective finesse jigs around. Developed over a decade of research, the Jewel Baits AJ Finesse Jig Head is built to fall just like a crawdad. Each Jewel Bait AJ Finesse Jig Head has great balance, making them easier to fish, even for anglers with limited experience fishing jigs. A proven tournament winner, the Jewel Bait AJ Finesse Jig Head allows you to easily fish heavy cover and lure out those monster bass. Customize and pair it with your favourite skirt and trailer to match the forage of your local lake, river or reservoir. The Jewel Baits Finesse Jig Heads are proven performers.

The all new look inclusive with neon accents, and also come equipped with award-winning American Tackle MicroWave Guide technology. The MicroWave Guide system delivers longer, smoother casts, and the guides even boast tangle free frames to reduce line wraps. Each rod also features a Kigan tip top design that also helps eliminate line wrap thanks to its invisible welded frame. Super light and surprisingly sensitive, the Kistler Magnesium 2 casting rods are perfect for a range of bass applications. Time-tested Fuji reel seats also deliver long term durability, as well as a solid base for your reel. Each rod is finished with neon green. Kistler delivers reliable and affordable performance.

Get real about fishing with Savage Gear’s 3D Frog jumping in the water. These soft-bodied amphibian-like baits imitate a frog resting on the surface during heavy-cover casts or frog walking. The hollow body collapse, with a hidden wide gape 4X single hook for perfect hookup. Ultra realistic paint patterns, even on the belly, add to their irresistibility.

14. BAGLEY BALSA-B CRANKBAIT >> Available from all leading tackle stores

10. MICROWAVE GUIDE SYSTEM >> Available from all leading tackle stores

12. SPRO BBZ-1 RAT 30 AND 40 >> Available from all leading tackle stores

Castaway teamed up with the “Bass Professor,” Doug Hannon, to take spinning micro guide technology to the next level with the new Castaway Skeleton MicroWave spinning rods. Hannon’s state of the art MicroWave guide system eliminates line slap and dramatically increases casting distance over spinning rods with conventional guides. Ideal for finesse baits, soft plastics, stick baits, and any lightweight lures; the MicroWave rod series is the most versatile micro guide spinning rod series on the market. Its lighter hardware and that fact that it places more of the line in contact with the guides also greatly increases sensitivity, which makes it an excellent drop shot rod series as well. Fluorocarbon and nylon lines glide through the MicroWave as easily as braid and enables anglers to use any size reel.

11. KISTLER MAGNESIUM 2 >> Available from Varkenelli Custom Baits 44 SA BASS May 2016

This awesome lure is now available in two new smaller sizes. The SPRO BBZ-1 Rat features a single-jointed rodent profile and a durable square bill that offer an effortless “walk-the-dog” action and a gentle wake that humps along the surface.

Balsa wood baits have long been known for their lively, natural action in the water and their extreme buoyancy. Other woods and plastic materials have since come on the scene, but many pro’s still turn to them and keep old proven ones around for year because of their innate fish catching ability. Bagley has been making some of the best balsa wood baits for over 50 years, and Bagley baits have probably more wins in big tournaments than almost any other crankbait made, including four Bassmaster Classics.

15. TOW READY UNIVERSAL TRAILER COUPLER LOCK >> Available from Varkenelli Custom Baits

13. SAVAGE GEAR 3D FROG >> Available from Mias Scuba & Angling

The Tow Ready Universal Coupler Lock works on trailers with standard couplers. The locking bar fits over the nose of the coupler to secure lock in place, while the ball sphere fits into the ball socket of the coupler. The locking bar will fit most towing balls.

SA BASS PRODUCT NEWS >>

Camouflaged Versatech neck and arm scarfs

Animals use spots, stripes or other patterns as camouflage on their skin and coats to blend into the background. The overall shape is disguised to be all but invisible.

VERSATECH OUTDOOR

eveloped by anti-poaching rangers and based in South Africa their products are designed to cope with the extreme African climates. Blistering summer highs often exceeding 45ºC and winter lows of -10ºC and even colder. Entering these environments unprepared can cost you dearly. The terrain is often unforgiving on your body and gear alike. Versatech Outdoor have found that a good challenge often brings great reward and their Versatech Core & Slim system strives to keep you more comfortable during your fishing or hunting trips. This system allows self temperature regulation when used dry in cold conditions, or wet in dry conditions. All pieces provide multi layered protection in targeted areas culminating in effective UVA / UVB protection and comfort. Utilizing the veins in your arms and neck to cool down or conserve heat as required and desired. Two versa vents give unrestricted airflow. Fog reduction on eye wear and better sun protection for nose,

cheeks, and when buttoned into shirt prevents V-burn on chest.

Capabilities include: The Versatech Core & Slim system can be used as a rod sock to protect one or multiple sections. The system have six straight open pockets, a printed ruler measuring inches and centimetres, a durable seamless fit for comfort and multi layered materials for extra warmth, or prolonging cooling when wet. White interior worn inside out for good visibility in low light conditions and maximum reflection in extreme heat. Each disruptive camouflage pattern has at least seven colour shades to create complexity, depth and multiple dimensions. The colour is permanently bonded to the material using a sublimation process meaning that it won’t wash out, fade or crack. The scale reference is designed to show clearly on photographs.

For more information contact Stephan Breedt on 076-387-0706 or e-mail sbreedt@ymail.com

“Is this what they call the umbrella rig”

SA BASS 45 May 2016

>> SA BASS ANGLING INTERNATIONAL

ICAST Registration Opens

Sponsorship Boost

>> Anthony Hawkswell*

Registration is now open for the world’s largest fishing tackle trade show. Those intending to attend ICAST between July 12th and 15th at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida, can now do so by logging onto their website and clicking onto the registration button. If you attended the show in 2015, you should have received an e-mail from Experient, the ASA’s registration company, with your username and password which is required to start the ICAST 2016 registration process. Super Tuesday’s On The Water At Lake Toho was introduced last year and was such a success that the event will be repeated prior to ICAST 2016. More than fifty ICAST exhibitors took advantage of the occasion to demonstrate their products on the water and will be doing so again at the venue which is just a short shuttle ride away from the Orange County Convention Centre. ICAST is once again partnering with the FLW to host the ICAST Cup – the industry bass fishing tournament. The weigh-in takes place during the product demonstrations. Also on Tuesday morning, Florida Sportsman is partnering with ICAST to host the second annual Bass & Birdies golf tournament. The proceeds of this will go towards KeepAmericaFishing, the sport fishing industry’s angler advocacy programme.

Two of the world’s top fishing tackle manufacturers have announced major sponsorship agreements with B.A.S.S. Under the deals, Shimano and Rapala will be supporting sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Nation events and other major tournaments run by the organisation. “We welcome Rapala into the B.A.S.S. sponsor family,” said Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S. “The company is known worldwide as an innovator and marketer of premium fishing lures and tackle as well as a strong supporter of many Bassmaster Elite Series professionals. We look forward to helping Rapala grows its brands as it helps us grow the sport of bass fishing.” “Rapala is extremely proud to be a sponsor of the Elite Series,” said Tom Mackin, President of Rapala USA. “We value our strong strategic marketing partnership with this world-class organisation. We also value our friendship with all the great people at B.A.S.S. Together we are building momentum – it’s really fun to be part of it all.” Shimano has signed a multi-year deal that extends its relationship with B.A.S.S. Akin said: “We pride ourselves on associating with the very best companies, especially ones that are dedicated to preserving and growing the sport of bass fishing. Shimano is an excellent example of that. “It represents quality fishing tackle and the company is also known for leading-edge efforts to promote and improve catch-and-release bass fishing.” “As a returning sponsor, we recognise that one of the best ways to reach avid bass anglers is to connect with them at tournaments, events and through the media B.A.S.S. provides,” said Chris Russell, Senior Manager for Shimano. “We enjoy working closely with all the anglers – from Bassmaster Elite Series Pros to regional fishermen and high school teams. We gain valuable insight on the newest trends in the industry and get to interact with anglers across the country by attending all levels of events with our Shimano Experience Team. “Working with B.A.S.S. provides the platform we need and helps us connect with the best bass anglers in an effective way.” The recent Bassmaster Classic Expo heralded the debut of the Shimano Garage, where anglers had their Shimano reels serviced for free.

Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (TREES) at the North-West University is currently conducting research into fishing behaviour in South Africa, in order to determine the economic importance of recreational fishing. We also have many prizes up for grabs for participating fishermen. The link to the questionnaire: http://goo.gl/forms/qO9DfcPHXV 46 SA BASS May 2016

Deeper Scoops Sixth Accolade in a Year

Johnson Outdoors Revenue Growth

>> Anthony Hawkswell*

Rolandas Sereika is pictured with the China Fish Best Electronics Award – Deeper’s sixth in a year

>> Anthony Hawkswell*

Strong new products from the Minn Kota and Humminbird brands, alongside another improved performance from its kayak and canoe operation, helped Johnson Outdoors deliver increased revenue and reduced operating losses in the first quarter of the year. Total company operating loss during the seasonally slow Q1 was $0.9 million compared to $7.3 million in 2015. Prime drivers for the improvement, said the company, was higher volume and lower legal expenses. Johnson was involved in a patent dispute last year. Net sales for the quarter increased 20% to $85.3 million compared to $70.8 million in the corresponding period last year. Pre-season demand in key fishing channels powered a 35% surge in marine electronics revenue. Watercraft also continued its revival with a 17% increase as gains in Old Town and accessory brands kept pace with the improved paddle market. “We are very pleased with our strong start to the fiscal year. Our fishing, camping and water recreation businesses are heading into the key selling periods for our products during the next six months with strong, positive momentum,” said Helen Johnson–Leipold, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

The Deeper Fishfinder picked up its sixth award in twelve months at the China Fish expo. Its latest success in Beijing in the electronics category follows similar triumphs at the AFTA show in Australia and the Consumer Trade Association’s CES Innovation Awards. It has also been recognised by fishing magazines across the globe. Rolandas Sereika, CMO of Deeper, the Lithuanianbased company, said: “There is a reason why we are winning *Anthony Hawkswell is the editor of Angling International these awards and that is because the Deeper Fishfinder is since 2013. a truly innovative product that brings benefits to both customers and retailers. “For our partners who sell the fishfinder it underlines the fact that they are working with a premium product and with a company that is constantly listening to its customers. Since Deeper was first launched we have introduced 20 updates and these have been as a result of direct input from them. “The Deeper Fishfinder is a high-tech product that brings something different to a market that is dominated by traditional products like rods and reels. Innovations like this might just make the difference in getting youngsters interested in fishing because it bridges the gap between the sport and new technology.”

SA BASS 47 May 2016

What Son ar Shows

>> SA BASS BASIC ELECTRONICS

Part:

To see the sizes of the fish look at the top centre of the arches, big fish will look wider and small fish will have narrow centres

For some, interpreting a ﬁsh ﬁnder’s screen can be very challenging. Here is advice on how to make sense of what you see.

onar measures distance using time. The best way to describe it is; the fish finder’s screen is just turning lights on and off, depending on how far the object is from the transducer and the time it was in contact with the transducer to measure that distance. g can be the bottom, structure, an Those images

48 SA BASS BAS AS SS May 2016

object close to the bottom and now and then it will be something swimming or drifting in the water column.

Arches If you are not an experienced fish finder reader it can bbe slightly difficult to read the displayed images. To see the typical fish arches the boat has to move slowly over th th the fish. Why the fish appears like arches on the screen is the most asked question. It’s all about the interaction time th be between the transducer and the fish. As soon as the fish co comes in contact with the outer edge of the transducer’s sig signal the screen will be activated. At the same time as the fish moves nearer to the centre line, the distance between the transducer and the fish decreases. The decrease in the distance will cause the line to curve. Th As tthe fish arrive directly at the centreline of the cone the fi fir st half of the fish arch is done. When the fish move away first ffrom rom the centre line the pixels will complete the second h half al of the arch. Something to remember: if the boat is not moving the fish will show as a horizontal line. When fish are moving fi through tth hro the centre line of the transducer’s cone, the arch w will ill not be as distinct. Th The length of the arch has not anything to do with size ooff the fish. Long arches is only showing the time it took to move ttowards, or over the object it has picked up, based upon yyour horizontal speed. If you understand this you will be fine. To ssee the sizes of the fish you have to look at the top (centre) of the arch. Big fish will appear with a wide centre and vice versa, (smaller fish - narrow centre). Generally we think all arches are fish. Yes it can be, but it can probably

Not everything that you see on screen is fish, some are objects drifting in the water column

Notice the long thin horizontal line that appears on the screen. This is an object that is moving at more or less the same distance and speed as the transducer

also be floating timber or anything drifting in the water column. Frequently you will notice long thin lines that appear on the screen; this is an object that is moving more or less at the same speed and distance as the transducer. The longer the contact is with it, the longer the line will be and not actually how long the object is. Ask yourself: Was the boat standing still or moving? Was the object moving? Now and then you will see long lines appear from the bottom that is running vertical. These could be feeding fish moving upwards from the bottom. The faster it moves, the more vertical lines there will be. Slower moving fish will show a more horizontal line moving from left to right on the screen. Once again, remember to start off with your automatic settings. It can give you all the helpful information at any depth. The only time I adjust the settings is when I want to get a closer view of something. As you get more familiar with the unit you can adjusted the reading so it only shows the depth you are fishing. The advantage of this is that it will show more detail on a bigger scale of what you are fishing. When fishing shallow water, arches are not easy to see and will not appears clearly, because the cone angle will be too narrow to allow for a complete arch to display. Next time you out fishing, spent some time and inspect the differences in the images that appear on the screen. You will be surprised.

This side and down view images show a school of fish on the left side of the boat. Bass will be hanging around this school

BASSIN KIDS OUTREACH PROJECT A Division of SA BASS Magazine & South African Bass Angling Sport Society

10 July - 16 July 2016 We at SA BASS are inviting all avid young anglers between the ages of 7-16 years to join us for loads of fun and adventure. Venue: Boskoors Farm, 30km North of Pretoria on the Moloto Road.

SA BASS 49 May 2016

>> SA BASS

TECH-

TECH

NIQUE

“Do I want to invest hours and hours scanning a particular piece of water to find that “magical honey hole” we all dream of?”

>> Kevin Lofstedt*

s a “fly by the seat of my pants” kind of guy, I’ve not been as attentive to the developments in the electronics department. It therefore goes without saying that 3D, 360-degree, Down Scan, Side Scan and Up Scan just seems to me to be way more work than I want to get involved in. Don’t get me wrong, I do know my way around a PC, but that’s because I have to use one to make a living. Goobledeegook if you ask me. I can hear some of you saying, “What a fool”… Cool it for a minute, and follow my logic here! Do I want to invest hours and hours scanning a particular piece of water to find that “magical honey hole” we all dream of? (Which in my opinion, rarely happens). Short answer… Hell no! At age 64, I am way past spending time doing stuff other than pursuing green fish for the sheer hell of it, and occasionally doing it to try and win a few bucks, to help with the ridiculous price of lures these days. I guess what I am trying to say is that if you have a budget that can handle the cost of these “Electronics” – go for it! OR, if you intend to supplement your income by fishing semiprofessionally, be my guest. If you’re a novice, and trust 50 SA BASS May 2016

Sometimes the old stuff works just as well as the new expensive stuff

me, I’ve been doing this stuff for thirty plus years, and I’m still a novice; decide if you like the gadgets, and spending time on the theory of everything. OR, you can concentrate on the “other” issues at hand. Like; presentations, rigs, colours, weather patterns, seasonal changes, strategy, INFORMATION, prey species, etc, etc, etc. Then there’s

also a small list of DOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ts. Learning what NOT to do is sometimes more important than learning what to do. The best tool and the disposal of all fishermen is your memory. Remembering what worked last time, and more to the point, why it worked. (A log book for aiding in this area, is a must!). Sometimes the old stuff works just as well as the new expensive stuff. Never should you forget this: When Snake Oil Salesmen and lure / sonar / tackle manufacturers claim that their stuff catches more fish, it is almost impossible to substantiate. You see, it works like this: These companies usually pay someone that is clearly a great fisherman to use their stuff and expound on how easy it is to use and catch more fish with. Needless to say many, many, many dollars pass through hands into the person that may or may not believe in the product, but will, for a few pieces of silver proclaim to the world that this â&#x20AC;&#x153;new productâ&#x20AC;? will revolutionise fishing as we know it. As fishermen and women, we are eternally searching for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Silver Bulletâ&#x20AC;?, and are easy prey to the usually well researched customer requirements / demographic. In other words, â&#x20AC;&#x153;make it impossibleâ&#x20AC;? for us to not have this new piece of technology. BUYER BEWARE! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sorry to say this, but if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not a very good angler, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably because youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not good with the details that make all the difference, and buying a piece of expensive equipment is NOT going to change this fact. PAY ATTENTION TO THE SMALL STUFF!

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to bring the out Âľ %XVK 3LJ

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Little words of wisdom No one but the Lord above knows how much time we have to spend doing these things we love so much, so always remember that your time IS finite, and therefore, maximise the time that you do have, doing the things that put a smile on your face and a serenity in your heart.

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Words of wisdom Your talent is Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift to you. What you do with it, is your gift back to God - Leo Buscaglia.

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*Kevin Lofstedt is a regular writer and a well known veteran bass angler with three times Southern Gauteng Colours since 1985. He is also the main founder of Clearwater Bassmasters Bass Chapter (1994). Âľ -HUN 0LQQRZ Âľ Âľ -HU HUN N 0L 0LQ QQR QQ Q R

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>> SA BASS PROMOTION

Structure Scan >> Rowan Timmer*

L odule Control m

owrance ha have just released a new addition to their alread already impressive line-up and that is the 3D Str StructureScan. The unit which is an add on module for the HDS Gen-3 touch range offers some groun ground-breaking technology and allows users a whole ne new look at what is under the water in (as the name suggests) a 3D perspective. The kit includes a tr transducer and a module which you connect exactly as you did the older LSS1 module, via Ethernet po ports and cables. It can be linked to compatible units. The 3D transducer, multiple comp as you can ssee in the pictures, is about the same length aas the LSS2 transducer but is a lot module is easily concealed inside a thicker. The m rod locker or hatch.

ucer

and transd

What are the main features? t % QFSTQ t % QFSTQFDUJWF BOE EFHSFF XJEF IJHI resolution StructureScan images allowing the user th the ability to pan around and zoom in on feat features you can see using the touch screen. t *NQSPWFNFOUT UP UIF USBEJUJPOBM TJEF TDBO t *NQSPW to ted images aand increased range. The new 3D er and crea ched togeth boat it st is t transduc transducer will produce higher resolution en th the vironm the 3D en py of what is benea ow h g in images as well as at a greater range. The t show tive co Screen sho rm a spatially rela fo transdu transducer range has been doubled from N N UP N JO DPNQBSJTPO XJUI UIF previo previous LSS2 transducer. t -FB -FBEJOH &EHF TDBOOJOH SFGFSFODF provi provides a clear graphical illustration of th the sonar beams as they intersect with the bottom contours and gives the angler a better sense of target dep depth. SelectScan water column targ target colouring automatically shades fish fish-holding cover and suspended tar targets in a colour that contrasts n a p to th the selected colour palette, making and n features zoom in o e best possible view to u yo ta target identification quicker and s ow oomâ&#x20AC;? all d to get th z â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pinch to

52 SA BASS May 2016

aroun

easier than ever before. Vertical Depth Enhancement ops and crucial depth provides emphasis to vertical drops contour changes making them easierr to identify relative to the surrounding underwater terrain.. t % 8BZQPJOU 0WFSMBZ NBLFT JU FBTZ UP SFWJTJU ĂŤTIJOH areas, structure and other underwater er sweet spots. Use the waypoint keypad to save a waypointt at the boat location ve a waypoint over or switch to cursor mode and save Leading E over. specific targets, baitfish schools or cover. dge scan

ning refere nce allow the best po s you to see your so nar covera ssible cours ge for e

How would this help me to find fish?

I see huge value in this unit during ing pre-fishing and TDPVUJOH TFTTJPOT 0O B OFX CPEZ PG XBUFS XIFSF POF PG XBUFS XIFSF POF er features, it takes is not familiar with all the underwater ots and then even a long time to identify the right spots n the sweet spots longer to correctly define and learn ity to be able to within those spots. I think the ability om all angles in pan around and see the feature from spective relative relation to your boat in a 3D perspective ble time saving to boat size makes this a very valuable tool when learning a spot in preparation paration for a tournament. Similarly we have all got luckyy on an area Fish and co ver are rep during a day and never fully understood derstood why resented in colo sses over the the spot was so good. Multiple passes the SelectS ur for better identifi cation thro can feature ugh area with traditional sonar and SideScan deScan often confuses us further as we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see exactly what it is that we are fishing. I normally for my own piece of mind go to that spot when n the dam is empty (this happens every season on in the $BQF BOE XBML BSPVOE UIF TQPU 0ODF * DBO 0ODF * DBO hat made see it that way I can work out what those fish relate to that spot on thatt day. The our spots 3D perspective allows you to see your as you would if you were walkingg around ubt and them and immediately removes doubt Zooming o ut allows yo me. You helps you hit the sweet spot every time. u see the si ze of the fe ature can now do this on the water on the day your boat and positi s beneath you relati on ve to h more and fish your area better and with confidence. I urge you to watch some of the videos an as on YouTube about 3D StructureScan they will give you a much better idea about d be what I am saying. Even better would to get in touch with a Lowrance brand rand ambassador and ask him to take you out onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t and show you how it works. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be disappointed. *Rowan Timmer is a Protea Angler ler and a member of the Western Division. n. He is on the Varkenelli Customs andd Lowrance pro staff teams.

All the tra d

itional spli

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ill availab

le to you SA BASS 53 May 2016

>> SA BASS SMALL CRAFT

New Dam, New PB

I had great pleasure in fishing a new dam I was invited to a few weeks into my semester. It was very short notice but we made it happen nonetheless. >> Jean-Michel Gravenor*

e had no idea what we were in for as the days before the weekend were overcast, cold and wet. My friend and I were nevertheless ecstatic as this dam was new to us and looked like bass heaven. It had lilies everywhere, lay downs, grass and standing timber. Everything was packed and ready to go the night before. The plan was that I would drive through and meet him there. I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fished for quite a while and felt privileged to be made this offer! Saturday came and I was up at 03:45. It was a relatively fast drive until I reached the venue. I kept myself occupied by talking about anything and everything, yes, to myself. Anyway, I waited for my buddy to arrive. I waited a while as he had to change the tire on his 4x4 before he could be on his way. I proceeded to dig into my snacks during the wait, which wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t very smart. My buddy finally arrived and we were off getting our kick boats pumped up and our rods ready. We launched on this beautiful dam and made the decision to kick straight across to the opposite bank. The opposite bank had very nice steep drop-offs and just looked appealing to the eye.

New dam, new potential, new PB 54 SA BASS May 2016

[

We caught fish over most of the dam with a wide range of baits including fighting frogs, cranks, battle bugs, thumpers and more.

I was still setting my rods up with baits while we kicked across. Once we had reached the other side, I picked up my rod spooled with 14lb line and rigged with a thumper. It was cold, the wind was pumping, and I wasn’t too sure about how well the fishing would be for the day. It was probably my third or fourth cast when I was told that that’s the spot. Apparently there was a nice lay down directly where I had cast. After looking back at where I had cast, I observed my line just casually moving sideways. I just thought; this is game on. I struck in the hopes to convert that spongy feeling to a fish. I didn’t expect anything amazing. When the fish broke the surface, I thought it was around the 2.5kg mark. I was quite happy that the day was proving to be successful in the first few minutes of fishing. The fish jumped in front of my friend and he flipped out. He couldn’t believe the size of this fish, and I’m still thinking it is 2.5kg. There are few moments that one experiences like this – the fish jumped in front of me and my jaw dropped. Over 4kg... easy. A dive to the depths preceded the jump and it just stripped line off my reel as if it were string. After a heavy fight with this monster of the deep, I managed to tire her out and finally secured my hand over

[

her bottom jaw. My hand could comfortably fit right down her throat. Unlike the last outing I managed my PBs on; I actually remembered my scale this time. I searched around for it, zeroed it, and weighed the fish. The scale came to rest at 10.5lbs! I couldn’t believe eyes... I had yet again broken my PB. We went over to the bank and took some pictures. Once we had enough pictures, she was off safely to bring pleasure to another angler. In the space of just five months I had caught three fish over 4kg. Not many anglers can say they have experienced this. What a pleasure. After the excitement, the day just went our way. My buddy managed three or four fish over 2kg and plenty others. The clouds came in later in the day to make for excellent top water bites on frogs. We caught fish over most of the dam with a wide range of baits including fighting frogs, cranks, battle bugs, thumpers and more. Towards the end of the day we had run out of food so we had to call another friend so he could get us some pies to refuel. That was a lifesaver. *Jean-Michel Gravenor is a bass pro angler for Outdoor 365 Equipment and a very keen small craft angler.

R13500

SA BASS 55 May 2016

>> SA BASS

All you need for a good dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fishing

That Buddy...

56 SA BASS May 2016

... A

Many of us have or know someone like this... It’s like having a brother in prison... you love him but don’t talk about him often.

aaaah... planning has been done, lures packed, rods ready, boat fuelled, cooler box sorted, some extra cash drawn, just in case. An epic couple of days roughing it and good fishing lies ahead. You and your friends are super excited to be heading down the road of the unknown... But, there is that one friend or in the worst case a family member, that you either feel obliged to invite or that simply invites himself or he might even be a very close member of your group of friends for many years. Now, before you shake your head, let me continue. You know the guy I’m talking about... He is the one that will pack all of his food into a cooler box made for a six pack of cold drink... for four days, the one that brings two packets of lures, one packet of hooks and two sets of clothes for a week. He might bring a toothbrush but that is a big maybe. At the first braai, he puts on one or two skinny lamb chops, one for dinner and the other for boat lunch tomorrow. Yet, when the other guys pile on steak and rolls of boerewors, he is not shy and helps himself to more than you could eat at a local buffet. He is the one that raids your tackle box, leaving it in a sorry state. The fish are on, the bite is good, you reach for your trusty crank only to find it missing. Upon investigation you see him flicking it out only to break off on some underwater obstruction. Your mood darkens, but this is supposed to be a break and you’re not going to let the loss of your most cherished lure ruin it now. He is the one that raids the fridge in the dark of night... because he felt a bit peckish. The next morning you open the fridge to pack that boat lunch only to find a

>> The Bass Addict couple of scraps and leftover chicken bones. The sun beats down and thirst builds, you reach into your onboard cooler to find a few empty bottles of water and another couple half. There comes those dark clouds again, but it’s your break and he is a good friend, you smile and mutter to yourself and keep casting, sipping on a half empty bottle. He is the person you offered a steak roll to, he declines and yet when you want one yourself, you’re left with a dry roll and no meat. This person is the one that professes not to drink, but proceeds to scoff your most of your imported beer... on the first night. This person is the one that snores so loudly that the fifty or so mosquitoes buzzing around your head seems like something minor. Yet, the next morning when you finally drifted off to sleep, he is the one urging you to get up... all bright eyed and bushy tailed. Dark clouds incoming... This is the same person that has contributed R100 when the fuel to get there alone is almost R1000... more dark clouds... He is the one that sleeps all the way there and all the way back, leaving you to entertain yourself, and keep yourself company no matter how tiring the drive may be. He is the person that suggests getting off the water because the bite has slowed down. No, the bite has not slowed down, you’re still getting bites and fish, but he isn’t and now he is bored.... Major dark clouds incoming... He is the one that conveniently forgot his wallet at home and only discovers this fact as you’re busy paying the entrance at the gate. The one that leaves you to settle the accommodation bill because he will pack the boat for the return journey

and yet does nothing... Thunder storm brewing... Finally the four days of torment is over, you’re heading home and along the long road you think of the ones you caught, the ones lost and another venue on the bucket list to tick off. With this, those dark clouds break and the sun comes through. You look over to this person snoring loudly next to you with drool dripping from his slack lips, and life is not so bad after all. He is your mate, a buddy, a family member... Many of us have or know someone like this... It’s like having a brother in prison... you love him but don’t talk about him often. Here is a thought, if per chance, you don’t know someone like this or have someone like this in your group of friends or family... Maybe, just maybe... YOU are THAT person!

SA BASS 57 May 2016

>> SA BASS ROD BENDER

Paradise 58 SA BASS May 2016

Awaits…

Paradise

After meeting with all the elders, Rod received a message from Maxx Dragg, a fellow agent that gave them the destination of their escape from this alien invested world. The vote was unanimous and the council is ready to start the move to De Hoop.

e Hoop - the place of hope and freedom. Freedom from being abducted and used as test animals for their experiments. The excitement was building and the school was getting ready to move, packing food, collecting small ones and making sure they understand the dangers. They were ready, but not ready all in one. Moving a whole school always has problems and sometimes even casualties and hopefully they will make it all. At a distance in open water Rod is watching all of this happen and if he had emotions he would be worried right now. Rod starts swimming to the council grounds and calls all the family leaders together. They all form a circle around him, waiting for further instructions. “Please understand, this is a long and strenuous journey with many dangers on the way. The young ones will find it tough and will be scared from time to time, but why I called you here is to look at your family members and decide who is staying behind”, Rod says with a serious voice. “Stay behind?”, a member of the Wide Lip family asks. “Think about it for a moment. There must be some of the elder males that might not make the journey and like you know, it is their and your responsibility to leave some blood line in this world so that we don’t break the growth chain”, Rod explains to them. “Yes we know”, one replies. “So go and make your adjustments”, Rod says. “We will meet back here in one hour for final briefing and arrangements; we leave tonight”. The families looked in shock and surprise at Rod. “So soon!”, they ask. “Yes, we leave as soon as possible. It will take at least one shining light cycle to reach our destination. This leaves us with one cycle to feed and ready the school for the cold cycles. We cannot afford to waste time, so go!”, Rod says looking up at the daylight left. “GO!!”, he shouts. Everybody scatters into the distance calling and frantically collecting their young ones. Rod checks the directions sent to him from Maxx and it looks fine except for the last piece which is rather unclear. “Hopefully it is just the map”, Rod thinks to himself.

One hour later… The family leaders start gathering one by one in front of Rod.

“Everybody here?”, Rod asks. “Yeah, looks like it”, someone answers. “These will be the rules for the whole journey and will not change, no matter what”, Rod explains. “We will only travel when the day is at its darkest”. “That is impossible”. “Listen!!”, Rod shouts. “The best and safest way is when we leave and travel under the radar. No light time travel will be allowed, hiding areas must be found and eating must happen in a controlled manner. Any questions?”, Rod enquires. “Nothing... sure?”, Rod checks with them. “Go… fetch your families, we leave as soon as everybody is here”, Rod says pointing his left fin in the direction of their homes.

Moments later… Everybody is gathered at the mouth of the water and Rod looks at them, still believing this is the best for them. “I need a right hand man on my side. Anyone of you family leaders want to suggest someone?, Rod asks. “My son will”, an old lady says. “My son Davy of the Dorsal Family”. “Davy... step forward”, Rod calls out. Out of the dark comes a well built young male, presenting himself to Rod. “Stay close”, Rod says to Davy. As far as the eye can see the school is gathered ready to go. “Let’s go!”, Rod calls and swims ahead with Davy close behind, going straight down stream, moving at a reasonable speed and trying to make up some ground. The stream narrows quickly and space becomes a problem quickly. “Davy!”, Rod calls to him. “Keep going as long as it looks safe. I am going to check on the school”. Rod swims down the line, making sure everybody keeps up the pace. Looking at them Rod feels excited about the future, seeing the young ones wave at him as the swim past, makes this all worthwhile… *In this series of articles Rod Bender, the director - Under Water USO (Unidentified Shadow Object) is called to help unsolve mysteries appearances, in and around Lake Eerie. SA BASS 59 May 2016

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS The size of each classified advertisement block is 44mm (w) x 40mm (h). Advertisers can book one or more blocks per issue. The cost is R271.00 VAT excluded, per block, per issue and is payable strictly upfront. Advanced payment can be made into our BB Print bank account at ABSA, account number 404 881 8651, branch code: 334 645 before the 25th of each month to appear two months later. Proof of payment plus a contact number must be faxed to 086 234 5026 or e-mailed to advertise@sabass.com

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CLASSROOM

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

Many years ago one of my friends

MY CAST

“Short- or Long-Shank?” What is one of the most over looked things that we miss when we are searching for the perfect hard bait? – Hendrik

“S

–S

BASICS “Morning, Noon and Night” it may seem intimidating. You may be

– 40 41

>> Northern Division Junior Bass Angler >> Southern Division Junior Bass Angler

INTERNATIONAL

STRATEGIES

46 “Die RompslompSeisoen” Vir ‘n menigte hengelaar is daar basies net vier seisoene in ‘n jaar. – Philip Kemp

>> Bassin’ in Europe

BESTEMMING 54

>> Aloe Rock - Waterberg

READERS’ COMPETITION 01

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MONT 43

URNAMENT NEWS “Lure Strategies – How to get the most from Sensation Lures” To me bass angling has always been about the excitement of having so many choices of lures and colours to outwit a little green

choosing to sling some form of plastic worm for bass.

Winter Bass Classic 2014” Clanwilliam Dam is South Africa’s premier smallmouth bassing venue, where the 26th Clanwilliam Bass Classic was hosted by the Western Cape Bass Angling Association. – Craig Fraser

ITAGS Takes you directly to the SA BASS w

ADVENTURE “MATCH MAKING 4X4” 4x4 has taken many people to the outskirts of the earth and it has brought pleasure to many people.

ON THE COVER “Willie Swart” Image: Hannes Lindeque

SA BASS 03 November 2014

BASICS “Bass Fishing – An Intro” MicropterusSalmoides, commonly known as largemouth bass, are widespread in Southern Africa. MicropterusDolomieu, commonly known as smallmouth,bass ar found in Southern Africa, but ar widespread – Richard Grant

CLASSROOM Many years ago one of my friends introduced me to an awesome

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS 01

MY CAST

Cast-for-Cash - Tournament Results

>> Aloe Rock - Waterberg

CLASSROOM “Short- or Long-Shank?” What is one of the most ov things that we miss when we ar

1 INTERNATIONAL

STRATEGIES

BASICS

>> Bassin’ in Europe

BESTEMMING READERS’

“

Winter Bass Classic 2014” am is South Africa’s premier sing venue, where the 26th ass Classic was hosted by the Bass Angling Association.

ADVENTURE “MATCH MAKING 4X4” ts of the earth and it has re to many people.

Image: Hannes Lindeque SA BASS 03 November 2014

Y ONL pm 8 2 R Compatible with:

60 SA BASS May 2016

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BASSIN KIDS OUTREACH PROJECT A Division of SA BASS Magazine & South African Bass Angling Sport Society

20 March 26 March 2016 10 July -- 16 July 2016 We at SA BASS are inviting all avid young anglers between the ages of 7-16 years to join us for loads of fun and adventure. Venue: Boskoors Farm, 30km North of Pretoria on the Moloto Road.

Little Long Creek, now has 2 private chalets, the Dam chalet sleeps 8 people and is fully equipped while the New addition Kloof chalet on the banks of the Komandospruit sleeps 6, KDV D IXOO\ HTXLSSHG NLWFKHQ Ă&#x20AC;UH SODFH and a stunning deck with braai facilities overlooking the running waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Little Long Creek is situated between Vrede and Memel, only 2-2Â˝ hours drive from Johannesburg. A beautiful dam is well stocked with Florida Bass and the Commando spruit with natural \HOORZ Ă&#x20AC;VK LV DOVR RQ WKH IDUP &RPH and enjoy a wonderful weekend on Arcadia Contact details: Anel -0723848822 / (058) 913-2049 / 0825648912 E-mail: amdev@zippnorth.co.za

SA BASS 61 May 2016

>> SA BASS LIFESTYLE

Lesser Swamp Warbler

>> Jo Dreyer

As the famous saying goes, ‘Africa is not for sissies’, well, neither is LBJs. In previous articles I have mentioned the term LBJs and after being asked a few times what it means, in this article I am going to enlighten you.

BJs are in short, ‘little brown jobs’, it means, small brown birds. The term LBJ came to life when it was noted that many small to medium sized brownish birds looked very similar, save for few to very little, distinct characteristics. However even so, it is not always easy to see it. And if it wasn’t confusing enough to find many similar small brown birds, their species are so very different! I for one, love to be challenged, especially in birding. There are so many different species of LBJs, namely; camaropteras, honey guides, honey birds, chats, scrub robins, flycatchers, seed-eaters, prinias and the most frustrating of all, larks, pipits, cisticolas and warblers, just to name a few. Yes, there are many out there! When I started birding with Rudi’s parents almost six years ago, I enjoyed all the birds we encountered, it was fun regardless of the colouring, size or speed at which they flitted, jumped or flew through the trees. My first encounter with an unidentifiable LBJ was right here at home in Hartebeespoort. It was a simple bird to identify thanks to its lack of a tail, however, at first I thought it was a bird that had had a near escape from the clutches of a predator. Given my lack of bird knowledge at the time, we decided that it was a tawny-flanked prinia with no tail. Well, it was almost

62 SA BASS May 2016

as if the bird was insulted by our suggestion as to what it was, so it started singing its very distinctive song, it sounded nothing like a tawny-flanked prinia. Both my father-in-law and I gave each other a look and immediately realised we were so very, very wrong! We quickly scrambled for our bird books and thankfully having had the Sasol e-Bird app on my phone we came to the deduction that is was in fact a long-billed crombec. This started my personal challenge of making a point of getting a photo or at least getting a very good look at the bird before making the decision on what it is. More often than not, I end up spending more time on a LBJ regardless of whether I managed a photo or not, but am always confident and sure when I move on, which makes me feel great. LBJs are so interesting, although many will argue. No one species has the same behaviour as the next, not even flight patterns. Faansie Peacock, a well-known expert on LBJs, wrote a brilliant book that helps us with these little critters. We birders refer to it as our LBJ bible and for this very reason keep it close at hand when birding in the veld, grasslands, water edges and in areas that these birds inhabit. I was given one of these LBJ handbooks as a birthday gift and it goes along with every birding trip alongside a few other essential bird books.

Believe it or not, we have LBJs on or by the water too, and in this article I show you the very vocal, very cute lesser swamp-warbler. This warbler is mostly identified by its distinctive call. Unfortunately I cannot put it in words, so I suggest you go onto YouTube and search for ‘Lesser Swamp Warbler by Greg Morgan’. There is no better video that gives its call any clearer; I also recognised that this person used the Sasol e-Bird App in the background to entice the bird to sing. Lesser swamp-warblers are not very shy and are often found feeding or calling in reed beds that are associated with water; it breeds widely on wetlands, estuaries, lakes, dams, rivers and floodplains. I have not been to a dam where I did not encounter these birds; they are fairly common and are local migrants to Southern Africa except pt ly for large parts of Namibia and Botswana. They are fairly lyy large, by LBJ standards, slender reed-warblers with a fairly distinct, whitish eyebrow stripe called a super cilium. It has aass d,, d a two-toned colouring of brown to white wash. The head, n. neck, back, wings, flanks and tail are variably toned brown. It has a longish dark brown/pinkish bill, dark brown legs gs that appear blackish and a white wash neck, belly and d rump. As you can see with the description, it would most st st likely be for most warblers, and that is why the sound is is key. The lesser swamp-warbler eats invertebrates and small frogs. Its nest is a deep firm-walled, cylindrical open cup, placed 1 meter above water, attached to vertical reed stems or bulrushes, although other aquatic stems may be used.

The nest is built by using strips and shredded pieces of dry grass, sedge or reed blades that are wrapped around the supporting stems to form the handles and then loosely woven to form the cup nest’s walls. The nest is built by the female only while the male sings nearby. Clutch size is between 2 to 3 eggs which is incubated by both parents as well as both parents feed and tend to the young. I sincerely hope that I have enlightened you a bit more on the exciting birding of LBJs and hope that I have given you some hope that they are not that intimidating to identify. Just remember that when in doubt, listen to the sound. Most LBJs are very vocal and make the job of identifying them a ton easier. Good Luck!

Happy Birding

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Each month ScientificFly in Nelspruit gives three LUCKY Subscribers a presentation pack of GRIP bass hooks & a GRIP Subs Cap! If your name appears here, you are the LUCKY WINNER of GRIP bass hooks compliments of ScientificFly of a pack p Nelspruit. To claim your prize, please call (013) 741 2232 in Ne during office hours. durin

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Our appreciation to ScientificFly for these gifts. GRIP bass and fly hooks are available in tackle stores countrywide. Enquiries: (013) 741 2232.

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TACTICS “Big Spoons for Big Bass” The Ben Parker Magnum Spoon from Nichols has created a firestorm in the US fishing industry lately. – Mark Bilbreyy

STRATEGIES “Small Things” Small things make all the difference in bass fishing – Rudi Dreyer

“The Forgotten Topwater” Many years ago one of my friends introduced me to an awesome topwater bait – Bennie Wiese

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ADVERTORIAL “Vicious Fishing Line” Vicious fishing line was inspired by the everyday angler. Today’s angler deserves quality, durability and reliability in their gear and Vicious delivers all of that with attitude.

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ADVENTURE “MATCH MAKING 4X4” 4x4 has taken many people to the outskirts of the earth and it has brought pleasure to many people.

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SA BASS 63 May 2016

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As a service to readers Fishing Resorts and Lodges are invited to place their information in this section. Readers who discover other destinations are invited to place the information on this page. Each entry consists of one photo plus no more than 200 words. Om ons lesers ingelig te hou word Hengel-oorde en Lodges uitgenooi om hul inligting in hierdie afdeling te publiseer. Lesers wat nog bestemmings ontdek word uitgenooi om die inligting op hierdie afdeling te plaas. Elke inskrywing beslaan een foto plus nie meer as 200 woorde. Stuur aan: editor@sabass.com.

Little Long Creek

or a little bit of heaven, on the outskirts of the Drakensberg, and only 2½ hours’ drive from Johannesburg, come to Little Long Creek.

A beautiful 7 hectare dam is situated in front of the chalet. Apart from being stocked with bass, yellow fish and trout, the dam lends itself to water sports such as swimming, wind surfing, canoeing and kite skiing.

A variety of bird species are also available in the hunting season. These include guinea fowl, redwing francolin, swainson’s francolin, Egyptian geese and the yellow billed duck. A lot of work was put in to turn the isolated chalet into a well equipped and peaceful home away from home. It

is clean and spacious and the interior and exterior braai (barbeque) areas cater for all sorts of weather. The fully furnished chalet is equipped with two bathrooms and sleeps six people. The adjacent rondawel has room for two people. Little Long Creek’s great new addition on the banks of the Komandospruit is a self-catering chalet, with 3 bedrooms (pax 6), 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, lounge with a fire place, and to round it all off - an amazing Rhodesian Teak deck with braai facilities overlooking the running water. The 4km stream with its three weirs makes for wonderful sightseeing and leads to the perennial Kommandospruit with its indigenous yellow fish, which are especially active from January to April.

For bookings contact: Anel – 072 384 8822 / (058) 913 2049 or e-mail: anel.devilliers@yahoo.com 64 SA BASS May 2016

LOWRANCE SA Phone: (031) 368-6649 E-mail: sales@lowrance.co.za Website: www.lowrance.co.za