SA BASS Nov 2017 by SABASS

South Africa: R39.00 (VAT included) Other Countries: R34.21 (Tax excluded)

November 2017

Issue 199

NEW

FLW SA Record >> Big Bass Burnouts >> More About Jigs >> Jerkbaits for Early Season >> Conservation Issues

www.sabass.com

Driving through the river instead of taking the bridge? Amarok can. Now with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Volkswagen Amarok. Greatest load capacity. McCarthy Volkswagen Wonderboom Cell: 083 488 8529, Tel: 012 567 9345

Commercial Vehicles

Contents

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

Contact numbers:

Office: (065) 849 3264, Alternative: (083) 306 2718 Fax: (086) 234 5026

Postal Address:

SA BASS, PO Box 24938, Gezina, 0031, RSA

Publisher:

Hannes Lindeque - hannes@sabass.com

Editor:

Bennie Wiese - bennie@sabass.com

Assistant Editor:

John Badenhorst

Field Editors:

Bryan Leppan, Colin Willmer, Derrek Stewart, Dewald Viljoen, Divan Coetzee, Evert Laubscher, Gareth Dryden, Gordon Brown, Hendrik, Joe Dreyer, John Badenhorst, Kevin Lofstedt, Louis Bezuidenhout, Mzi Tyhokolo, Neels Beneke, Philip Kemp, Roger Donaldson, Rowan Zerf, Rudi Dreyer

Junior Field Editors:

Jean-Michel Gravenor

International Columnists:

Bertrand Ngim, Clint Skinner, David Swendseid, Gareth Rawlins, Matt Williams, Tylor Brinks

Advertising Manager:

Wilma Lindeque - wilma@sabass.com

Subscriptions:

Hannes Lindeque - hannes@sabass.com

Facebook Administrator:

Chris Greenland

Digital subscriptions:

www.magzter.com

Layout and Design:

Storm Deezigns - dee@stormdeezigns.co.za

Distributed by RNA:

Jannie Junius (011) 248 3536

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 welldefined niche market since April 2001. It enjoys the support and endorsement of nongovernment 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 the 02 SA BASS November 2017

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.

REGULARS & FORUMS 06

CLASSROOM “Jigs” One off the most effective and least understood lures around. Yes dear friends, we are talking about jigs! – Dewald Viljoen

STRATEGY

“Jerkbaits for Early Season Bass” Jerkbaits, wow. What incredible thought and fishing genius went into the design and application of this lure – Roger Donaldson

FLW SA RECORD “FLW SA Record Size Bass” With all the competitive bass fishing I’ve been doing I decided to head away from the crowds and have a quiet, relaxed session with my son Kyle and my good mate Charles... and what an amazing day it turned out to be. – Bryan Leppan

STRATEGY “Big Bass Burnouts” Often in life, when it comes to strategy, the same rule applies to everything; whether playing a game of rugby or fishing for big bass. That rule is simply known by the acronym K.I.S.S, or Keep It Simple Stupid – Bruce Cooke

How to use QR-codes 1. Open the QR-code reader/scanner app on your smartphone. Most smartphones models often have an app pre-installed. If not, visit your phone’s app store and download the app. 2. Keep a steady hand while the QR-code is centred on the screen. 3. As soon as it is done scanning, whatever information should present itself for your viewing pleasure.

CONSERVATION “The Hyacinth on Hartbeespoort Dam – Friend or Foe?” I thought that with the hyacinth blocking the edges of the dam that the birds would be negatively impacted, but this wasn’t the case.... – Jo Dreyer

“Wonderland op ‘n Drafstap” Om ledig by die huis te sit is regtig vir geen baarshengelaar ‘n verskoning nie. Veral as die kinders en vroulief ook lus is vir ‘n lekker dag se wegbreek of selfs ‘n naweekkamp – Philip Kemp

INDUSTRY NEWS “Braai Binne 7 Minute” COBB, ‘n trots Suid-Afrikaanse uitvindsel wat elke Suid-Afrikaner gerus in kan belê. Hierdie liggewig braaier is kompak, vinnig en maklik om te gebruik en maak boonop maklik skoon. Dis ideaal om in te pak vir kampering, op die strand, pieknieks en selfs op jou boot! – SA BASS

CLASSROOM “Everyday Fishing Mistakes” We are all creatures of habit, some will be good habits and some are bad. Just thinking about it, the bad habits are those we find difficult to drop, because it just comes so easy. – Bennie Wiese

DESTINATION “Waterberg Fishing Adventures” The majority of large fishing venues around South Africa take a lot of fishing pressure, and it is not uncommon to arrive at public water on a weekend to find a long queue of boats waiting their turn to launch. – Evert Laubscher

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS 04

MY CAST

READERS-go-BASSING

Letters to the Editor

Cast-for-Cash - Tournament Results

GEAR UP

>> Nice to have

STRATEGY “Tournament Strategy (Part-2)” You have been practicing for the next tournament and you did very well. Now you want to test yourself against other anglers. But are you ready? – Bennie Wiese

BESTEMMING

INDUSTRY NEWS “Garmin South Africa Extends Partnership with FLW South Africa” FLW and Garmin South Africa recently announced that Garmin South Africa has signed an extension of its exclusive sponsorship.

INTERNATIONAL “Combating Rough Water (Part 2)” Cold water makes bass fishing generally difficult, not just on the Columbia River, but everywhere too. – Fishingboy and David Swendseid (DUO Realis U.S.A)

XMAS SPECIALS

INDUSTRY NEWS “Garmin Earns Top Awards” Garmin International, Inc., announced that it was named “Manufacturer of the Year” for the third consecutive year.

ON THE COVER “New FLW SA Record – page 10” “Bryan Leppan and his son, Kyle, with an FLW SA record size bass” SA BASS 03 November 2017

has gone digital !! GET YOUR FAVOURITE SA Bass MAGAZINE

DIGITALLY The end of the year is around the corner and I believe all of us are planning for the holidays. We wish our four FLW anglers who are representing South Africa at the Costa FLW Series Championship in the USA all the very best. They are making history on Kentucky Lake, Paris, Tennessee early in November. They are up against the best FLW anglers from Canada, China, Mexico, South Korea and the USA. The top international angler advances to next year’s Forrest Wood Cup for the chance to compete on the sport’s biggest stage for the biggest payday in bass fishing. Because our FLW South Africa anglers only compete against other anglers in the FLW Series International Division they have a 2 in 10 chance of qualifying for the Forrest wood Cup! Only the television coverage for these events is estimated to be 564 million households. What an honor to represent the country in this international tournament! Back home, fishing in the summer is an amazing experience, except if the anglers decide to wear the wrong clothing. The environment has changed and the sun rays are much more hazardous and damaging to our bare skin. So if we are planning to do a lot of fishing during this sunny season, we need to think of what we will be wearing. What clothing will protect us from harmful sunrays and still be comfortable throughout the day? Technology has improved considerably in such a way that UV protection clothing is now available. We do not need to wear shorts and t-shirts like in the past. Today’s outdoor clothing looks stylish and protects our skin and still manages to keep us cool. A few words of precaution; before you do more damage to your skin start out by using a sweat proof quality sunscreen that will bond to your skin and won’t run down your eyes and sting. Use a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a greasy residue as it may affect your grip on the fishing rod. Use a sunscreen with a formula made of oil free, hypoallergenic and is waterproof. In summer I reapply my sunscreen every few hours to keep me safe. You can also keep baby / wet wipes on your boat for wiping down your hands after you have applied your sunscreen. Get yourself a proper set of sunglasses with polarized lenses to prevent yellow light entering the eye and eliminates glare. It is important that your sunglasses fit your face properly. If the sunglasses fits correctly it will allow the lenses to breathe and prevent it from fogging up. Enjoy your fishing and look after yourself. Bennie Wiese / Editor

Y ONL pm R28

For your Apple, Android or Windows 8

Compatible with:

http://www.magzter.com/

2017 SA baars BASS MAGAZINE

SUBSCRIPTION Form Subscription Fees: South Africa Printed Single issue - R37.95 3 months - R109.95 6 months - R214.95 12 months - R429.95

Digital R27.95 R84.95 R169.95 R324.95

Neighbouring countries R759.00 for 12 issues Overseas by Air Mail R914.00 for 12 issues

Subscription fees are valid until 31 December 2017

Subscriber’s details: Start subscription with the ................................................... issue? Name: ................................................................................................................... E-mail: .................................................................................................................. Postal Address: ..................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... Postal Code: ...................... Tel: .......................................................................... Gift subscription from: ......................................................................................... Tel: ........................................... E-mail: ...............................................................

Direct Deposit / EFT Payments: EFT – (Electronic Fund Transfer) directly to our account ABSA Bank Branch Code: 632 005 Cheque account: BB Print - 404 881 8651 Reference: “Sub + Bass (surname)” Fax/Email proof of payment plus this completed subscription form to 086 234 5052.

04 SA BASS November 2017

>> SA BASS CLASSROOM

Jigs

In its simplest form, a jig is a weighted head attached to a hook

One of the most effective and least understood lures around. Yes dear friends, we are talking about jigs! While many professional anglers swear by them, jigs have never really caught on in the South African market the way that soft plastics or crank baits have and yet for versatility, one will be hard pressed to beat a jig.

Si Since this series thi i is i ab broad d strokes t k explanation l ti off th the different lures available on the market, will not go too deeply into the techniques and tackle requirements needed for jigs, but rather discuss the different types of jigs and their best scenario applications. >> Dewald Viljoen*

n its simplest form, a jig is a weighted head attached to a hook. The material the head is made of is most commonly lead but can also be tungsten, tin, bismuth or even some type of blended resin. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. A quick breakdown reveals the following: Resin heads have lots of bulk for very slow fall rates. They are very rare and unique and often just different enough to swing the balance in your favour on a tough day. Cons: Almost exclusively custom made which makes them difficult to find and expensive! Tin is environmentally friendly. It is lighter than lead giving bulk to lighter lures. Cons: Few brand options and quite pricey. Bismuth, a brittle heavy metal with lower toxicity than lead and approximately 86% the density of lead. Manufacturers started using bismuth as a lead replacement when state laws in in the USA started banning lead products in a number of lakes. It is a more environmentally friendly material with many of the same attributes as lead. Cons: While it should be relatively inexpensive, the fact that so few manufacturers are making bismuth lures tends to inflate the prices. Lead is the mainstay of the jig industry. Cheap and easy to work with, it does almost everything that anglers Lead is the mainstay of and manufacturers require the jig industry from a mass production material. In my opinion, lead 06 SA BASS November 2017

is also a better material to use when the fish are under pressure because the noise that lead makes when it impacts with obstacles is softer and less threatening. Cons: Lead can cause serious pollution over the long term. Furthermore, it can cause reproductive problems and lead poisoning. Tungsten is the new kid on the block. Being a super dense material tungsten is 1.7 times heavier than lead making it a great material to use for compact heavy baits. Being very hard it also transfers vibration very well making it very sensitive in fishing applications. Cons: Tungsten is notoriously difficult to work with making the manufacturing processes quite expensive which results in quite expensive product for the consumer. It is also somewhat poisonous to animal life. Materials out of the way, jigs can be divided into two main groups.

Dressed jigs and undressed jigs Undressed jigs consist of a hook with a moulded on head. That is it. The shape and size of the head will be dictated by the conditions and the technique you are planning to employ and is material for a completely separate article. Undressed jigs are used almost exclusively with soft plastic bodies and as a result there are different heads for different applications. The most common two however is the swim bait head and the shaky head. Swim bait heads are designed to have a soft plastic swimming lure attached to it and can usually be identified by the placement of the line tie towards the front of the head where it is best positioned to drag the lure through the water well above the lake bed. With shaky head jigs the eye is placed on top of the head where it can help the angler pop and lift the jig over and around obstacles on the bottom. Shaky head jigs also

tend to have longer shanked hooks since it is often expected to work with soft plastic lures with longer bodies. Dressed jigs come with some form of skirt attached to the jig head. The most common skirts are silicon and can easily be interchanged. Less common but often far more deadly are the natural material skirts. These skirts are permanently attached to the lure and can be from buck tail, feathers and even strips of rabbit fur! Jigs made from natural materials are more specialized and fish a little different but often excel in cold or clear water conditions where their subtle and supple movement can trigger even the most finicky fish! There is a dressed jig available for every imaginable condition and you should always inspect the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s labels and packaging carefully to make sure you are purchasing the correct jig for your needs.

A few pointers to look for: A good quality jig must have a weed-guard regardless of its intended use! Swimming jigs usually have a sharper, more bullet shaped design with the line tie right at the end of the head. This allows it to swim easily through the thickest cover! Look for jigs with a heavier gauge hook if you are planning fishing heavy cover. Jigs have a tendency to penetrate deep into the cover to where the biggest fish live and the last thing you want is hook failure when you new PB eats the lure! A quality jig should have a stand up design, which prevents it from rolling over on the bottom. Well designed grass jigs must have a recessed line tie. This design hides the knot and lets the lure slip through

Black

Green Pumpkin

Shakey Head jigs

Tungsten is 1.7 times grass and vegetation with heavier than lead ease. We have only touched on jigs in a very superficial manner this month and there is tons more to discuss about these fascinating lures, but like I mentioned before this is basic introduction to the different lure types out there. I hope you will go out and do a bit of experimentation on your own with these lures, and hopefully by the next time I get an opportunity to write about them more people will be willing to give them a chance! *Dewald Viljoen is a custom lure maker and the owner of Hot Reels Service Centre. A wide range of different jigs

melon Watermelon ed Red

A football jig

Swim jig

SA BASS 07 November 2017

>> SA BASS STRATEGY

Jerkbaits

wow

Jerkbaits for Early Season Bass

' 3 (-"1$#(!+$ 3'.4&'3 -# 2'(-& genius went into thedesign and application of this lure >> Roger Donaldson*

ust two weeks ago an old friend made contact on Facebook and hinted that we should take advantage of little early season Bass fishing this year and he asked me to do some research on which dams are fishing best when the season begins. For those of you wondering what “early season” is it’s basically the time just before spring. The first few thoughts which sprang to mind were; big bass, aggressive bites (almost Quentin Tarantino style), exciting fishing… and jerkbaits. I can immediately recall three overwhelming occasions which imbedded in my mind just how effective jerkbaits are and especially for spring bass.

The Occasions Bass fishing on Albert Falls Dam can be at its most difficult just coming out of the winter season. The bass are still fairly indecisive with one half holding back before choosing to spawn and the other half venturing inquisitively to the shallows in search of bedding areas. I arrive on the stretch of bank to the left of West Street and drop the trolling motor when we’re positioned in just 3ft of water. Why we chose that area at that time was mainly because of the flooded vegetation which we were sure would attract feeding bass. It honestly wasn’t the most conducive environment to fish a jerkbait with all its 08 SA BASS November 2017

protruding hooks and you had to choose your alley ways between the vegetation ever so carefully. It took only the first cast for us to realise that there was plenty of activity below the water surface and immediately we were landing kilogram sized fish. This was excellent fun! In fact we were utterly spoilt and eventually we could not make a cast without catching another bass. The jerkbait would hit the relatively clear water and with one positive ‘jerk’ you could see the bass making ‘V-lines’ for your lure fighting each other to be the first one to engulf it! The following year I’d held the BassAfrica Classic, the first day of which was fished on the Vaal River. After Nic Dubber has achieved his monumental win I asked him to take me out on the river and humour me. I had very little faith in the river at the time. If you were going to land a bass it would be small to medium in size and few and far between. Well this was certainly the farthest thing from the truth. Rigged up with a jerkbait each we headed out on his new Skeeter bass boat not more than a kilometre from his weekend holiday venue on the river near Stone Haven. He was quite willing to allow me the first cast and which he advised me to aim toward a shallow bank between two

An assortment of jerkbaits in different sizes, colours and diving depths

slipways. With my first few rapid ‘jerks’ I was into a sizable fish, larger than what I was accustomed to on the Vaal River. Every cast produced a bass, many of 1,5kg and one of 2kg. All in the same area! A third fishing experience was only to be witnessed by me and my boat partner at the time. The fishing was excruciatingly tough on Nandoni Dam in later August and we were at a loss for strategies. I did lose one very large fish as it simply pulled my lure into a submerged tree stump and promptly snapped my line. In the background an angler hollered that if I should catch that fish he would like his ‘Purple Ghost’ coloured jerkbait back which the same fish had recently snapped up earlier that same day. At the end of the fishing day that same young man was the winner of the Nandoni event in which we had partaken and every fish was taken on a jerkbait, bass ranging between 2-4kg and one unfortunately lost which looked in the region of 5kg.

making your first purchases begin with the colours that excite YOU! *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.

The Technique It does take a certain amount of technique to get your jerkbait to behave the way which bass find the most delectable. With a sharp downward jerk of your rod tip your lure produces the most enticing diving, sideward ‘dash and stop’ action. Hold your rid top in an elevated angle and jerk upwards as appose to downwards and you can keep your jerkbait ‘swimming’ shallower. And one thing I’ve really noticed and hope you will try is that sometimes the more aggressively you can jerk the lure the greater the reward!

The Variety of Jerkbaits Don’t fret. Yes there is a whole bunch to choose from. I am quite a firm believer that this lure is attracts a bite mostly out of the bass reacting to the aggressive movement of the jerkbait and that the colour and size is largely overlooked. Of course there will be times where colour and size make incremental differences, but when you are starting out and SA BASS 09 November 2017

South Africa CHAMPIONSHIP

FLW SA Record Size Bass

:LWK DOO WKH FRPSHWLWLYH EDVV Č´VKLQJ Î&#x2013;Č&#x2021;YH EHHQ GRLQJ Î&#x2013; GHFLGHG WR KHDG DZD\ IURP WKH FURZGV DQG KDYH D TXLHW UHOD[HG VHVVLRQ ZLWK P\ VRQ .\OH DQG P\ JRRG PDWH &KDUOHV DQG ZKDW DQ DPD]LQJ GD\ LW WXUQHG RXW WR EH >> Bryan Leppan*

Bryan Leppan and his son, Kyle, with an FLW SA record size bass 10 SA BASS November 2017

e headed off to Nagle Dam, a small dam just outside Cato Ridge in KZN, which incidentally is the same venue that I caught my previous PB of 4.90kg. There are good size bass around this time of year so I thought why not letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s give it a bash. My game plan was to target pre-spawn staging females off points, ledges and drop offs... Starting on areas that get morning sunlight first as water temperature was still cold as we trend out of winter into spring. We fished a ledge first, casting towards the bank, the ledge drops from six foot down to eighteen foot... we got some decent fish around the 900g to1.5 kg mark on Carolina rigged lizards in Junebug and Missile Baits tomahawk in Green Pumpkin Flash, 3/8oz tungsten Carolina weight, approx 400mm leader, on 17lb Sugoi fluorocarbon. Presentation wise, slow drag of the rig about half a meter at a time. The tungsten weight is much harder than the lead version, so through the fluoro it transmits an incredible vibration which allows you to feel the bottom so well. I would drag till I felt I harder bottom, like rock or shale and then just pause it there for about thirty seconds at a time. They were either eating it during the pause or immediately as I started to move the bait. As the bite slowed I switched to a Strike King Series 5 crankbait to entice a reaction bite. Fishing this with twelve pound Sugoi and G_Loomis crankbait rod. The trick here was to make long casts over the ledges and points and then a slow retrieve allowing the crank its full wobble as appose to winding it in quickly where it gives off more of a vibrating action as appose to a wobble. I fish it on a high speed gear ratio reel. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe in slower ratio reels, I have lost to many fish on them because they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep up with a big

fish that swims towards you, the fish manages to get ahead of you, gets slack into the line, jumps and its often that they are able to throw the bait. I have spent time learning how the bait feels thru the rod at its perfect cadence and I thus I fish crankbaits by feel. With the high ratio reel I can just wind it slower or faster, it’s very simple. It is also way less tiring when fishing cranks for long periods as there are less turns of the handle needed on high speed reels. I got a few keeper size fish that on the crank and the bite slowed in that area. It was sunny and hot - bluebird skies, so I moved across to a rocky point that was shaded... it looked very bassy... the boat was in 25 foot of water so there was nice deep water close by. I started just before the point and got a keeper on the crank right off the bat... a few casts later I made the cast across the point. The crank slowly wobbled, and bumped off the rocks on the bottom... a few moments later and bang it got hammered... and the fish just took off. Stripping line immediately... moments of chaos, hysteria, panic and excitement set in between Kyle, Charles and I as the big bellied female broke the surface! What great excitement as I got the fish into the boat a few moments later! What a special fish with my 3 year old son Kyle on the boat, who had been saying all morning “I

want a big fishy daddy”... A 4.54kg beauty did the trick! What a great experience and setting the target for the FLW South African record, making this an unforgettable experience. Big thanks to my buddy Charles for a great morning and taking awesome photos that will last a lifetime. *Bryan Leppan is the Cast-for-Cash KZN organiser, a provincial angler and pro staff angler for Bass Warehouse.

SA BASS 07 11 October 2016 November 2017

>> SA BASS STRATEGY

BIG BASS BURNOUTS A Simple Strategy for Big Summer Bass

Often in life, when it comes to strategy, the same rule applies to everything; whether playing a game of rugby or fishing for big bass. That rule is simply known by the acronym K.I.S.S, or Keep It Simple Stupid. >> Bruce Cooke

“I believe even ﬁsh’s eyes are too big for their stomach” Always target the shaded side of the structure first 12 SA BASS November 2017

hilst we all hope we’re not stupid it’s the former part of the acronym we must apply to our fishing strategy by looking at the simple things that make us tick and applying the same principals to our fishing technique. As the summer months approach we all start improving our catches as it’s not only us who love a hot summer’s day. Before the peak of summer arrives it may seem like bass can’t stay of your hook and they will eat almost anything you throw at them. Sometimes, when the really hot summer days set in, you start to doubt yourself and wonder where all the bass have gone. The truth is they are all still there but you may have to change your strategy and presentation to get their attention. Once you’ve figured out what the bass are doing you can catch them on even the hottest of days. Though we may all differ in biological make-up most creatures under the sun will seek out a bit of shade on a sweltering day. It’s applying this strategy to your fishing that may up your game; and as simple as it sounds obviously there is more at play than just a burning sun. Topwater lures can be effective on these really hot and still days. Summertime brings life to an aquatic ecosystem and its surrounding grass and wetlands. Fish, frogs, small mammals and insects all increase activity as the days heat up and breeding cycles commence. On these days we often erroneously assume bass move out into deeper water where it may be cooler though this is not always the case. Topwater lures fished slowly in the shallows more often than not get the attention of the bigger fish out for an easy meal. Like humans and mammals, fish love a shady spot on a hot day. Bass will also use the darkness of this shade and their natural camouflage to lie in ambush for unsuspecting prey, and whilst their summer metabolism is naturally on a high the rule of ‘bigger is better’ still applies. This is not to say that bass won’t hit a smaller lure but I like to go a bit bigger as I believe even fish’s eyes are too big for their stomachs’ and the tempt of expending less energy on more food is one they can’t resist. Big top-water lures like the super spook or the 5.0 StutterStep are the way to go in these instances. Always target the shaded side of the structure first but don’t ignore the opposite as long as you’re fishing tight to cover. As the day progresses target really thick weed and vegetation as this always makes a nice haven for lazy bass. Alternate to flipping or pitching heavy, Texas rigged creature baits or weed-less jigs into the thickest of cover. This type of angling is not for the faint of heart and requires some stout tackle. Braid of a minimum 40lb breaking strain is essential for its weed cutting ability and horsing big fish from deep cover. Creature baits and large weed-less skirted jigs bulk out in the water, presenting a larger meal, and heavy bullets or jigs are needed to penetrate the cover.

Another hot summer’s day technique is the use of noisy, large presence baits. If you’re battling to get any action on top-water and heavy pitching into thick cover is not productive then the likes of a spinnerbait or a larger squarebill crankbait is the way forward. Big bladed spinnerbaits or rattling square bills might raise a reaction bite out of a lazy fish. Too many anglers give up on these baits when after twenty casts they haven’t raised a strike. It may be the twenty first cast, or the fiftieth that proves the undoing of a big fish, as happened recently when at the eleventh hour on final day of a competition I caught numerous bass, one over five kilograms, by persisting with a square bill. The day was hot, the water was dirty and the fishing had generally been difficult. By following this strategy, moving into the shallows and fishing tight cover, numerous fish, including the ‘big un’ were ‘persuaded’ to come on board resulting in a last minute individual aggregate ‘win’. Warm water temperatures make fish feed more aggressively because their metabolism speeds up. On the hottest days, because we’re all inherently lazy, bass will often feed more actively at night during and you’ll find that early mornings and last light become productive. During the wee and late hours open water between cover and structure is the area to target, I believe because the sun casts longer shadows and prey becomes easier to pinpoint. This combined with cooler temperatures is ideal for using your favourite search bait; plugging away at the gullies between shore and anthill or weed bank.

To sum up I think the key to busting big bass on scorching days is to fish the obvious bait holding channels between structure at sunup and sunset. During the day fish the areas where bass can lie up in ambush in the shade. These areas are not always deep offshore areas but often the shallow shoreline structures and banks of thick vegetation. I can’t remember the times I’ve heard of, and experienced, a situation where the shade side of a single tree in the middle of nowhere, in five feet of water, has produced a trophy bass. It is also important to remember that the hotter the day and water temperature the more lazy a bass can become. It often takes a slow presentation of your bait, or multiple casts at a particular structure to trigger that strike! Good luck and tight lines.

Air Craw Swartbaars vreet omtrent enige iets en Damiki Air Craws werk baie goed waar krappe opgemerk word. Lug word in die aas se knypers vasgevang en maak dat die aas regop staan soos wanneer ‘n krap of kreef homself wil verdedig. Gebruik 14 pond fluorocarbon lyn, ‘n stewige swaaraksie stok en ryg die Air Craw aan ‘n Shakey Head loodkop. Alternatiewe stroppe waarmee hierdie aas gehengel kan word is Texasen Carolina-strop. Gebruik ‘n Texas-strop waar daar digte struktuur is en ‘n Carolina-strop in meer oop water met minder vashaakplekke. Gooi die aas uit en laat dit vir ‘n paar tellings staan voordat die aas stadig oor die bodem gebring word. Dit moet ‘n “stofstreep” maak soos wanneer ‘n krap oor die bodem sou beweeg.

Skandeer die QR-kode en sien ‘n kort video van hoe die aas onder water vertoon.

Besoek gerus jou naaste hengelgereiwinkel en vra vir Damiki se Air Craw gelaai met Bass Juice.

SA BASS 13 November 2017

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.

EERSTE Nadine Wiese het haar eerste bass van 0,656kg met ‘n swart en blou UV Speed Craw aan ‘n swart en blou jig by Rust De Winterdam gevang. Sy het hom pragtig gevang en is deur haar pa geskep en in die boot gesit. Sy is so trots op haarself en haar pa nog meer – Hennie Wiese

GEFLOUS

MONSTER

LOSKOP

I would like to share this photo of my catch from the weekend at Maguga Dam in Swaziland. It was 9:30am in shallow 22ºC water, less than two metres deep on a Berkley 10” Green Pumpkin curly tail. The fish weighed in at 4.43kg and was safely released – Patrick Sephton

I caught this beauty at Loskop Dam in August. It was late afternoon in windy conditions on Zoom Green Pumpkin Fluke. Fishing was tough as the bass has started to spawn. The fish was safely released to fight another day. – Wessel Pieters

14 SA BASS November 2017

Ek het heelwat swartbaars van ongeveer 900 gram in ‘n privaatdam gevang. Teen half-vier het ek hierdie grootte met ‘n Senko Midnight Blue-vissie geflous. Hy het 1,7kg geweeg en is weer vrygelaat – Jason Otto (12 jaar oud)

MAGAZANA I am part of a local bass club in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape called Albany Angling Association (AAA) and we recently had a league outing at a local dam called Magazana. The fishing was amazing and many large bass were caught. – Laura Nish

WEET NIE Ek, my ouers en boetie het by Komatipoortdam gaan “bass” vang. Ek is 6 jaar oud en het self hierdie vis van 3kg met ‘n Watermelon Gold “what-shall-we-call-it” gevang. Die ander drie visse het net onder ‘n kilogram geweeg; dis wat my pa sê – Ryan Otto SA BASS 15 November 2017

EDITOR

LETTERS TO THE

My fellow anglers, it is a known fact that our dams are being pressured immensely by over fishing and with the added netting problem, the future of our sport looks, to say the very least, bleak. We need to take action as a collective angling community and start the process of saving our sport. We CANNOT sit back any longer and hope this practice will dissipate. I urge all anglers and the respective angling committees to stand up and initiate some form of plan to combat this issue before it is too late.

Illegal Netting of Dams >> Alex Turpin

his practice has been ongoing for years and is undoubtedly destroying our dams. We as anglers have stood back for too long and have not taken matters into our own hands. Instead, we have relied on the “powers to be” within this government to assist in the eradication of illegal netting. It is quite obvious that this route has failed dismally. Why then, may I be so prudent as to ask, has SABAA not taken the initiative, and put forward some proposal to all provinces, and bass anglers for that matter to assist in the control and eradication of illegal netting. Why then, have the cast for cash trails, themselves, not come to the table as a collective force and table a plan to take matters into their own hands and combat this practice. After all, it is we the anglers who will benefit in the long run. For some reason or other we sit back in the comfort of our protected homes hoping the problem will disappear all on its own. That, my fellow anglers, is not going to happen, unless we do something ourselves. We, as anglers cannot deny the amount of money spent on our sport. Yet the very fish we so dearly spend so much money and time to outwit and land are being slowly eradicated due to netting, not to mention the very food source the bass rely on to survive are also being targeted. I am certain there have been some form of eradication measures / action taken by concerned individuals in the past, but due to lack of support from the angling community failed dismally.

10 SA BASS 16 June 2012 2017 November

BEWARING?? Is dit hoe ‘n mens deesdae visvang? Ons het die net van omtrent 500 meter in Augustus by Renosterkopdam uitgetrek. Daarin was ‘n klomp bass wat ons darem kon terug plaas want al die vis was vol eiers. Ons het die net eerder gebrand en nie vir die beamptes by die hek gegee nie. Tydens die langnaweek het ons weer ‘n net van omtrent ‘n kilometer lank gekry en weer gebrand. Hierdie keer was daar omtrent 200 visse in alles terug geplaas. Tussen al die vis was daar net een dooie karp gewees. Casper de Vries, Pretoria

>> SA BASS CONSERVATION

THE HYACINTH FRIEND OR FOE? >> Jo Dreyer

n the 22nd of July, Birdlife Harties split up into our usual teams for the 9th Winter CWAC (Coordinated Water Aquatic Count). I have mentioned in a previous article that Birdlife South Africa does annual bird counts to keep track of which birds are living and breeding in the area and which birds have numbers that have declined; just to name a few reasons for the count. On this bitterly cold Saturday morning, Andries and I headed off, on foot this time, to count all the water fowl we could find in the Swartspruit and Meerhof areas. We usually do our area with a boat, which is referred to as the blue team’s area, but with the hyacinth as an obstacle at the launch ramp, this was not possible. I thought that with the hyacinth blocking the edges of the dam that the birds would be negatively impacted, but this wasn’t the case. Some birds came out more often and presented themselves as they didn’t seem as threatened with 18 SA BASS November 2017

the previously “open waters” surrounding their nesting areas. However, it does make it a bit easier for predators to hide away and get closer to their targets. We often only look at how things impact us as humans and fail to look at what it does to nature as well. In this case, hyacinth is a bit of both when it comes to friend or foe for the birdlife on Harties. While doing the CWAC it got me thinking as to why and what is hyacinth, where did it come from, why is it here and what can it be used for? With the ever growing density of the hyacinth on Hartbeespoort Dam, many questions are raised about whether it is good or bad for the dam. The hyacinth is indeed a very big problem because if it covers the dam completely, it might deprive the water of oxygen; however, so far it hasn’t had enough time to

completely cover the dam as the cold winter months brought with it a bit of frost, hyacinth’s greatest enemy. Luckily the frost killed off a large quantity of the plants, as hyacinth has a large water content and since the main body of the plant is above the water, it froze; and the plant suffered as a result. The current situation, as at the end of September, is that at least 80% of the hyacinth had wilted because of the cold, but, with the large hyacinth “island” and some of the plants managing to overcome the cold being protected by its mass, the plants are starting to replenish due to the sudden temperature change. The unfortunate thing is that the hyacinth is now experiencing it’s ideal conditions, a warm summer climate. It is a good thing that a great amount of the plant died, but the only pity is that if the dying plants aren’t removed, they might sink to the bottom of the dam releasing all the phosphates and nitrates that it had absorbed back into the water. If the hyacinth is controlled properly, it can be used for many purposes. For example, animal feed, fuel, compost; just to name a few. Recreation has taken a knock on the dam due to the hyacinth blocking the launch ramps to the dam and not giving adequate movement areas, but has also given the dam a break in hind sight. With less activity on the water from humans, the existing indigenous plants as well as birdlife got a break from the speed boats and jet skis that damage the water’s edges and vegetation along the shoreline with the unnatural waves that they create. However, Harties needs tourism to survive. If the hyacinth was temporary it wouldn’t be a problem, but with the Metsi a Me (meaning My Water) project that is no longer active, the dam is taking strain. Since this project is no longer funded or in action, my theory is that if every resort, water access home and picnic spot etc, hire just one or two people or use possibly their gardeners to remove what moves into their area, it will help stunt the excess growth.

Hughs Construction owned by the Grottis family, brought in their own earth moving equipment and designed a rake that scooped up the hyacinth from the shores of the Schoemansville Aquatic Club and with the help of members of the community tons and tons of it was and is still being removed. If we continue to remove the plant, the dam stands a guaranteed chance against it. As long as we as a community keep working together, this enemy can quickly become a friend that we can use to our own gain. Hyacinth was introduced many years ago according to my understanding to help clear the phosphates and nitrates in the water and to promote clean healthy water but mismanagement got in the way and now we have the result of a good idea gone wrong. It’s definitely not too late. We as a community can salvage the dam very easily as long as we work together and not always wait for someone else to do it. It is not such a big challenge as long as enough people believe it is possible to solve. The hyacinth is a big business opportunity that grows on Harties and rather than seeing it only as a negative impact; see it’s potential. The tons of hyacinth on Harties are a like gold mine waiting to be resourced. Imagine the possibilities; compost, fuel, feed for animals, the list can go on and on. The survival of Harties just needs the right people to see it or read this article, then this dam will become not only a desired destination, but with the right attitude it could become something that can create jobs and enrich lives. Hyacinth is not an enemy, if we treat it the correct way. This is not a birding article, but a plea to each and every one reading it, to help preserve one of South Africa’s greatest treasures for recreation, fishing, holidays, farm irrigation, the list goes on and on. The longer we wait, the more it takes over. Let’s act now, make Hyacinth our friend, not foe. Happy Harties

Authorized

Tel: 078 548 1301 Email: hotreeltec@gmail.com Service Center SA BASS 19 November 2017

>> SA BASS CLASSROOM

EVERYDAY

FISHING MISTAKES 8F BSF BMM DSFBUVSFT PG IBCJU TPNF XJMM CF HPPE IBCJUT BOE TPNF BSF CBE +VTU UIJOLJOH BCPVU JU UIF CBE IBCJUT BSF UIPTF XF ÃOE EJÃ¯DVMU UP ESPQ CFDBVTF JU KVTU DPNFT TP FBTZ 4P PWFS UIF ZFBST XF DBO LFFQ PO ÃTIJOH UIF XSPOH QBUUFSOT BOE XIFO XF HFU DPOGSPOUFE CZ B GFMMPX BOHMFS FNPUJPOT DBO HFU IJHI

e all make mistakes if we go out to fish, as long as you take note of the mistake you can rectify it. Having those bad habits is all good, as long as you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go out and blame the weather or your equipment. To be totally honest we are the operator and we are totally in control of almost everything. Fortunately, most bad habits are easily correctable as long as you are willing to keep an open mind.

Everyday mistakes: t :PV IBWF B MVSF ÃYBUJPO Your confident lure is for instance a crank bait and as its not producing any results you may change the colour, but you keep on fishing it. Or maybe you are one of those anglers that believe in one brand of lures because you believe in a specific brand. Try to get yourself a variety of different shapes and cranks that run different depths. The goal must be to cover any type of water, from the top to the bottom. If you work a lure at the right depth with the proper speed and action, some fish will strike regardless of the colour.

20 SA BASS November 2017

>> Bennie Wiese*

t $BNQJOH Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say you have your favoured spot that you normally fish, a big patch of reeds with a big lay-down on the drop off, you will normally get a good keeper around the v of the lay-down close to the drop off. This is the sweet spot of the lay-down. If you fish a tournament you will hit the hot spot with you best lure, you cannot sit there on the spot hoping to get fish. Time is a precious commodity when fishing a tournament, and if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not getting bites on a piece of cover, forget about it and move on. t 5PP GBS PS UPP DMPTF UP UIF UBSHFU When you are too close to the target and this tends to happen when there is wind, anglers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to cast into the wind. So you go for the easy options, cast with the wind and before the lure can get to the strike zone the boat or float tub has drifted over the structure. The first cast that you make has the best opportunity to get a strike thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s if you can hit the spot the first time. Getting stuck or missing the mark will alert the bass around the structure. Get close enough and cast within your abilities, but avoid getting so close that you spook the fish. t -FBSO UP ÃTI OFX XBUFS You always go to the same grass lineâ&#x20AC;¦ Why not? You

always have good fishing on this stretch of water. What happens if you go the spot the next time and there is a big tournament on the venue and twenty boats are sitting on the spot? Try and break the habit by forcing yourself to go and fish a different part of the water if the bite is on. This can help you to get more confidence on different parts of the water. Even if you just do this for a few hours every time you go out. .t )PPLT Just remember, this is the part in the game where you will lose or put the big trophy on the boat. If the hook is blunt itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your fault. Trust me, all hooks are not as sharp as they proclaim to be and inspect every hookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s point when you remove it out of the packet. You can test every hook by lightly touching the point to the back of your thumbnail. If the point bites, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in business. If the hook slides across your nail, you must fix it. t /PU SFQMBDJOH MJOF Everyone does not have the money to re-spool new line before every tournament. Try to re-spool every reel at the beginning of the new season at least. Old line will cost you big time and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want that in a tournament. Just remember, when you are fishing your reels are laying on the boats deck in the sun and UV rays will damages the line over time. Then one day while you are fishing the line will snap and you will think that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big fish or you

R.R.P.

R899.90

will blame the brand of line, but next time you will think twice. If you are fishing a lot try at least to replace the line once a month. Just replace the first 50 metres of line. When casting, frequently run the last few feet of line between your thumb and forefinger. If you feel any nicks or abrasions, immediately cut off the damaged line and retie the knot. t -PTJOH GPDVT For me the goal is to go out and enjoy the fishing and see how many fish I can catch for the day. The fishing part is the relaxing side of the sport, to achieve the second part you need your mind to be sharp and everything you are going to do must have a reason and purpose and this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the most relaxing part of it. When the bass are active its fine but when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard fishing this is where your brain has to be sharp. You have to know where and what your lure is doing in the water. Every cast that you make, you have to think this is the last cast that you can make, concentrate, feel every rock and brush all the way back to the boat or shoreline. If you can do this on every cast you success rate will double. It happens to all, if you spend many hours on the water every once in a while you tend to lose focus. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simply no point in fishing an area that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have fish, or using a lure all day long that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t producing. Be smart and always resort to what you know. *Bennie Wiese is the editor of SA Bass magazine and an experienced provincial bass angler.

From R.R.P.R599.90

From R.R.P.R999.90

Actions | Type

Length

Sections

Model

MH -Spin

7'0"

2-pcs

TT-C-661

M - Top Water

6'6"

1-pcs

MH - Cast

7'0"

2-pcs

TT-C-6101

MH Spinner Bait

6'10"

1-pcs

6'9"

MH - Cast

7'0"

1-pcs

TT-C-701 MH - Finesse Worm 7'0"

1-pcs

7'0"

7'4"

1-pcs

7'4"

H - Pitching, Carolina & Frogging

7'4"

MH - Crank Bait

Spinning Reel :

Gear Ratio 5.0:1 5 Ball Bearing

TT-C-741

Actions | Type Length Sections

MH - Cranking

Length 7'0"

Actions | Type MH - Finesse & Dropshot M - Top Water, Jerkbait Finesse MH - Mojo, Texas & Spinner bait

The Dark Shadow rod & reel setup is designed to hunt Lunker bass in the thickest structure,, where theyy lurk in .... . thee

Tactical rods are made with high modulus, ultra-sensitive blanks incorporating UFR (Ultimate Flex Reinforcement) developed by Okumaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technology dev engineers. UFR provides three times and lifting power over the strength an traditional rods. rods Powerful enough to WRXJKHVW Â´VK EXW VHQVLWLYH ODQG WKH WRXJK enough to feel th the lightest bites.

A Legend returns... The new Magma rods are packed with all the latest features, Winn Grips, Fuji guides and Fuji reel seats. The new Magma rods are exceptionally light with crisp actions for unparalleled sensitivity . Winn JULSV KDYH EHHQ Â´WWHG WR LPSURYH FRPIRUW under any conditions throughout the day. A new Cranking model has been added, at 7â&#x20AC;&#x2122;4â&#x20AC;? it is designed to handle big deep diving crankbaits and features a parabolic action to prevent hook pulls.

www.sensationtackle.co.za

www.okuma.co.za

www.sensationtackle.co.za

Casting Reel :

Gear Ratio 6.1:1 5 Ball Bearing

SA BASS 21 November 2017

September 2017 Results Gauteng

Gauteng 1: Team PG Aluminium Silver Lakes - 6.660kg 2: Team Nitro - 6.610kg 3: Team Valet Storage - 6.535kg 4: Team Rapala VMC - 6.300kg 5: Team Branding.co.za - 6.275kg

Back: L-t-r: Jarred JohannGreen, Zwarts,Marc Vikesh Auby, Parbhoo, WayneBarry Louw,Devenish, Mike Matthee, ClintonJohan Jansen Cloete, van Rensburg, Jürgen Adler, Pieter Denton Swanepoel, Cooley AntonFront: Vogt, Herman André Pretorius, Ras & Japie NigelBotha Potgieter

22 SA BASS November 2017

Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga 1: Team Graco - 7.770kg 2: Team VB Commander - 5.710kg 3: Team Venom Lures - 2.620kg 4: Team RTM - 2.255kg 5: Team Woolly Bugger Farm - 2.160kg

L-t-R: Adrian Leite, Jono Yearsley, Jimmy Bezuidenhout, Allan van Eeden, Frank Gottschalk, Simon Bezuidenhout, Vaughn Jonker, Chanelle & Arthur Symington

Limpopo

Limpopo 1: Team BB Mazda - 6.580kg 2: Team Selati - 5.260kg 3: Team Bass Hunter - 5.235kg 4: Team Crazy Bass - 5.230kg 5: Team Bouwer - 5.095kg

Agter: Gavin Dorfling, Gerrit Nortjé, Hilgard Greyvensteyn, Ulrich Coetzer en Eugene Bouwer Voor: Courteney Grant, Louis Joubert, Brenda Greyvensteyn, Francois Peyper en Ruben O’Conel

SA BASS 23 November 2017

Kwa-Zulu Natal

KZN 1: Team Gamakatsu Outdoors 365 - 7.520kg 2: Team Bass Warehouse Fishtec - 4.850kg 3: Team Double A - 2.765kg 4: Team Predator - 2.095kg 5: Team Flashmed - 1.620kg

Robbie Olivier, Neels Beneke, Michael Cannon, Bryan Leppan, Allan Branfield, Alan Tonkin

Cast-for-Cash Orange Free State Our new O.F.S. region include venues like the Vaal River, Sand River, Klerkskraal Dam, Disaneng, Boschkop Dam and Vaal Dam. Don’t miss out! For more information contact John Bulpitt on 079-479-3582 or visit ou website www.flwsouthafrica.com

North West 1: Team Catastrofix - 5.390kg 2: Team Venom Lures - 5.190kg 3: Team Secret VC - 4.890kg 4: Team Westvaal BM - 4.700kg 5: Team Never Give Up - 4.680kg

North West Back: Anton Bouwer, Louis Bezuidenhout, Etienne Wurth, Marco Ferreira Front: Juan du Toit, Giulio Nolli, André Pretorius, Nigel Potgieter

24 SA BASS November 2017

Cast-for-Cash Bass Angling Tournaments The SA BASS Cast-for-Cash bass angling tournaments are qualifying rounds to the FLW South Africa Championships in 2018. You don’t have to belong to a club to be able to participate. Each team consists of maximum two persons per boat who are allowed to weigh five fish per day. Because it is a catch-and-release event, teams are penalised for weighing any fish that cannot swim away from the way station. The top five heaviest bags for the day are declared winners at prize giving. Apart from the cash prizes contestants also have a chance to win various lucky draw prizes, but they have to be present at prize giving to receive the prize. Next event: Visit our websites for full results and tournament dates www.sabass.com and www.flwsouthafrica.com

Great Weather September 2017 - Cast-for-Cash Report >> Hannes Lindeque Sponsors & Benefit Providers: After last season's success and the good turnout at the recent FLW Championship at the Vaal River, additional sponsors came onboard. SA BASS would like to thank the following partners in supporting our Cast-for-Cash FLW tournament trail: Garmin South Africa, Yamaha Distributors, Arma Iuris, SA BASS magazine, Hillbilly Poison, Gani’s Angling, Branding.co.za, COBB South Africa, Varkenelli Custom Baits, Outdoor Warehouse, Wayne Louw, Vikesh Parboo, Bass World, Bass.co.za, Bass Warehouse White River, MasterCars Wonderboom, Brilliant Bass Boats, and Cube Design Innovations. The FLW rig visited Gauteng in September and arrived at the venue on Friday afternoon. Camping at Rust de Winter turned out to be very pleasant. The convenience of a portable COBB braai cooker enhanced the experience. The cooker can easily be taken anywhere; it can grill, roast, smoke, fry and even bake.

North West: Team Catastrofix: Anton Bouwer & Louis Bezuidenhout - 5.390kg Mpumalanga: Team Graco: Arthur & Chanelle Symington 7.770kg Limpopo: Team BB Mazda: Courteney Grant & Gavin Dorfling 6.580k Gauteng: Team PG Aluminium Silver Lakes: Japie Botha & Herman Ras - 6.660kg Next event: North West; 21 Oct – Koster Dam Gauteng; 28 Oct – Roodekopjes Mpumalanga; 28 Oct – Witbank Dam Kwa-Zulu Natal; 28 Oct – Wagendrift Dam Orange Free State; 28 Oct – Sand River Limpopo; 29 Oct – Ebeneser Dam * Please visit our website for more information about our tournament trial, full results and log standings on www.flwsouthafrica.com.

The next morning 70 anglers entered and set off. They were joined by many social anglers who also enjoyed the warm spring weather. The biggest fish for the day weighed 1.89kg which was caught by Team Oupa (Ian Boswell & Rory Muirhead) which fell prey to a lipless crankbait in 20ft of water in the “Salad Bowl” area. The winning bags were mainly caught in the morning between ten and twenty feet of water. The anglers concentrated on grass edges in the “Salad Bowl” using jerkbaits, Rattle-Traps and Junior Flukes. In total 153 fish were weighed with an average weight of 1.061kg. The fish all appeared to be in good condition and were safely released. Comparing the results with other regions, who also fished on Saturday, the heaviest bag was caught in Mpumalanga followed by KZN. The winning teams for September were as follows: The winning teams for the weekend were as follows: KZN: Team Gamakatsu Outdoors 365: Neels Beneke & Robert Olivier - 7.520kg

The slipway at Rust de Winter in the background SA BASS 25 November 2017

Photo by Patterson Leeth

ANYBODY CAN JOIN THE WORLDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

JOIN FLW TODAY The world's largest tournament-fishing organization ANYBODY CAN JOIN AND ENJOY MEMBERS-ONLY BENEFITS: * A credit card type FLW membership card * 8 digital issues of FLW Bass Fishing magazine USA * 12 digital issues of SA BASS magazine * Access to digital FLW USA archives * Monthly members-only tackle giveaways * 10% off all FLW Gear * FLW Fantasy Fishing Members Advantage tools * Monthly FLW E-Newsletter Payment option - Direct Deposit / EFT Payments: Account name: SA BASS Bank: FNB Pretoria North Branch Code: 251 045 Cheque account: SA BASS - 620 243 03 068 Reference: “FLW + (surname)” Fax proof of payment plus this completed subscription form to 086 234 5052; E-mail proof of payment plus this completed subscription form to hannes@sabass.com

Subscription Fees*: Within the Republic of South Africa - R800 per annum (per person) *All local FLW members get full FLW membership; *FLW South Africa administrates all local membership entries. *Subscription fees are subject to the Rand/US Dollar exchange rate

Member’s details: YY / MM / DD Date of birth: ....................................................... First name: ............................................................................................................... Last name: ............................................................................................................... Landline: ............................................... Mobile: ................................................. Postal Address: ....................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................. Postal Code: ...................... Gender: .........................

E-mail address: ........................................................................................................

E-mail: hannes@sabass.com BB Print, P.O. Box 24938, Gezina, 0031

Gift subscription from: ......................................................................................... Tel: ........................................... E-mail: ...............................................................

www.flwsouthafrica.com

Burn Grub Burn Grubs kan regdeur die jaar gebruik word ongeag die omstandighede. Ek gebruik “grubs” wanneer die vis bietjie aanmoediging nodig het om te reageer. Die aas se breë plat stert wikkel uitloklik wanneer die aas terug gebring word. ‘n Dun stertjie het baie beter aksie as ‘n dik stert. Soos met enige ander aas word “grubs” in of naby struktuur gebruik waar swartbaars hulle prooi inwag. Ryg die “grub” aan ‘n 2/0 “wide gap” aan ‘n ligte Mojo-strop of gebruik ‘n klein Texas-sinker. Omrede “grubs” so lig is, word ‘n koffiemeulkatrol gebruik met agt pond lyn. Die aas kan teen verskeie tempos ingebring word, maar hoe stadiger hoe beter. In warmer water kan die aas teen ‘n vinnige spoed, met geen sinker en slegs ‘n swaar hoek, naby die wateroppervlak geswem word. Die diepte kan vinnig verwissel deur net te stop en die aas kans te gee om langer in die teiken area te bly. Gewoonlik word die aas gegryp terwyl die aas val. Die aas kan ook opsetlik teen struktuur gestamp word om reaksie uit te lok. “Grubs” kan selfs as sterte vir “spinnerbaits” of “jigs” gebruik word.

Skandeer die QR-kode en sien ‘n kort video van hoe die aas onder water vertoon.

Besoek gerus jou naaste hengelgereiwinkel en vra vir Damiki se Air Craw gelaai met Bass Juice.

SA BASS 27 November 2017

>> SA BASS STRATEGY

Tournament Strategy Part 2

Buzzbait

During tournaments you cannot pick the weather… You have been practicing for the next tournament and you did very well. Now you want to test yourself against other anglers. But are you ready? To win a tournament you have to have the edge over your competitors and certain tactics can produce a win. If possible, plan your practice for when the weather is bad

>> Bennie Wiese*

Junebug Chart Swirl soft plastic frog

n Part-1 we looked at mental and physical preparation, studying the venue and looking for active fish. In this issue we will look at alternative baits, managing your fishing time and landing big fish.

Alternative baits

they don’t often see. Personally, I like to get a limit of five fish in the boat before I start looking for big fish. It is important to work these baits in specific ways that will make the difference, even if some of your competitors are using the same lures. Fishing around structure with topwater baits or dead sticking baits, or casting directly to the structure can be very critical. I believe that with these baits you also have to have a lot of patience and nerves. Dead sticking can be a very effective way to fish especially on pressured waters. Dead sticking is using soft plastics baits weightless, and leaving the baits for long periods without moving them next to structure and it takes a lot of patience. Personally I like fishing suspending jerkbaits. This way, pressured dams produce bigger bass. Don’t fish the bait with too much action - just let it sit there for a long time in between movements.

Top anglers almost never reveal the lures that they catch kicker fish on, especially on dams that get a lot of tournament pressure and social anglers year after year. I believe bass get conditioned to certain baits and weekend boat traffic. Fishing can be better during the week days, but come weekends, and bass get lock jaw. Spinnerbaits, worms, and jerkbaits, are conventional baits that will catch fish and generally these are the fish Managing your fishing time that won’t win tournaments. If you fish an in-house Learn to properly manage your time throughout the competition, you will look good with an average size bag day. You must know when to leave the area and move but if you want to do better and win tournaments, you will to the next area. A key part of the game plan is to know have to go after big fish. when and how to use your time. The mood of the fish Bigger fish are usually caught on walking baits, can be different to the day you found them so you have buzzbaits, frogs and some of the new baits like the D2’s to adjust to the day’s conditions. Cold fronts can move in and Sweet Beaver. Jigs can give you better quality fish but any time and spoil the day. Go out and practice at any it isn’t enough to ensure a win. Topwater baits like Zara’s, time of the year, even if the weather is bad or cold. During Dying Flutters, Jitterbugs and pencil poppers have always tournaments you cannot pick the weather and the odds are that many tournament days will be in the delivered big bass in the past. rain and wind and you will have n Many big fish have been taken to be prepared and know on these lures because the what to do on these days. fish don’t see them often. How many times have Just ask yourself when was you been out fishing and the last time you used these the weather has changed so Zarra Spook ures lures? Bass get fooled by the llures 28 SA BASS November 2017

you’ve packed up and gone home? It cannot happen during tournaments. So it’s best you keep on fishing and gain the experience. If possible, plan your practice for when the weather is bad. It is the only way to the learn what to do. Make as many casts as possible until the very last minute, just before lighting chases you off the water. When the weather clears up, get back on the water as quickly as possible. Remember, time is important in tournaments and you must know how long it will take to get back to the weigh station in time. You will need to practice driving your boat in bad weather, under rough conditions and at high speeds, if you really want to win. Many anglers have miscalculated their time in the past and have subsequently been disqualified for arriving late at the tag board.

them or at the weigh station while taking fish out of the live well. Maintain your tackle and use the best equipment that you can afford. This will strengthen your confidence. I don’t say that it must be the most expensive equipment, but you must have confidence in it and in your own ability to use it properly. Don’t neglect the basics either, know how to tie all the proper knots for the baits you are using and use the highest quality hooks available. I can’t emphasize this enough. *Bennie Wiese is the editor of SA Bass magazine and an experienced provincial bass angler.

Practice landing big fish Try to make trips to venues where you can gain experience in fighting and landing large fish. Confidence can be the key to success in this game and by getting over excited when you see the big fish can be your downfall. Tournament bass angling is a mental game and anglers must learn how to keep a high level of awareness during the day’s fishing. Don’t get distracted and don’t pay attention to other competitors landing fish next to you. Keep to your game plan and focus. Don’t try to show off because I have seen many anglers losing fish at the boat while landing

Bring Bigger ing You a Sel Better ection at Prices

Visit Our Re-Vamped Vereeniging Store Under New Management Fourways Crossing Cnr William Nicol Dr & Sunrise Blvd Tel: (011) 465 2937 / 072 274 2783 Email: sollys4ways@telkomsza.net Open Sundays 9:30am to 12:30pm

Johannesburg Cnr Booysens Rd 151 & Garland Rd Tel: (011) 493 1848 / 493 1452 Email: sollys@netactive.co.za / sollysjhb@gmail.com

Rustenburg Shop 13, Matfar Motor city Howick Avenue, Waterfall Mall (Next to Hyundai) Tel: (014) 537 2107 Cell: 072 252 8852 Email: sollysrtb@gmail.com

Pretoria

Vereeniging

Shop No2, Lighting Warehouse Building 322 Garsfontein Road, Waterkloof Glen Tel: (012)348 0207 / 348 9597

47 Voortrekker street Tel: (016) 422 5545 / 455 2513 FFollow us on

Facebook & Twitter

SA BASS 29 November 2017

>> SA BASS INDUSTRY NEWS

Garmin South Africa Extends Partnership with FLW South Africa

LW and Garmin South Africa recently announced that Garmin South Africa has signed an extension of its exclusive marine GPS fishfinders, chartplotters and instruments sponsorship of FLW SA and its premier tournament trails, continuing a relationship that emphasize the rewards of fishing while opening doors of opportunity for all anglers. “Garmin SA has been supporting FLW South Africa since the beginning, and we have enjoyed growing together and building the sport of bass fishing into the exciting and marketable products they are today,” says Hannes Lindeque, FLW SA tournament director. “Garmin has been an extremely valued partner of FLW SA, and we look forward to building upon our past successes.” Garmin, a worldwide lifestyle technology company and a global manufacturer of GPS products for the marine, auto, outdoor, sports, fitness and wellness sectors. On your boat, in your car, in your home, part of your lifestyle. Garmin is a trusted household family brand. Garmin’s range of chartplotters are the best in on-boat GPS which include handheld and waterproof marine GPS units, while their fish finders are easy to use and great for

finding fish in both freshwater and saltwater fishing environments. Finding fish is easier than ever with the Garmin STRIKER series with CHIRP transducer, which provides a visibly higher level of clarity and detail for fish and bottom structure. Top of the range include Garmin CHIRP DownVü™ and Garmin CHIRP SideVü™ scanning sonars giving you more visibility under the water. Per terms of the agreement, Garmin SA will receive exposure at SA BASS Cast-for-Cash and FLW South Africa bass angling money tournaments, and through multiple media channels, which include Facebook, e-newsletters and SA BASS magazine. To learn more about Garmin Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd visit: http://www.garmin.co.za

has gone digital !! GET YOUR FAVOURITE SA Bass MAGAZINE

DIGITALLY 14

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

CLASSROOM

STRATEGIES

BASICS

TACTICS

CLASSROOM

COLUMNS & TMENTS Tournament Results

“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 monster of only just over a kilo! – Shandon Hawman

BASICS

Division Junior Bass Angler

ERNATIONAL

“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.

n’ in Europe

MMING

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

Rock - Waterberg

ERS’ ITION

ADVE

ass Readers Competition Ultimate AGM Battery

“Vicious Fishing Lin ay angler. Today’s rability and reliability in their cious delivers all of that with

HLY GIVE AWAYS 43

Win with GRIP Hooks

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

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.

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

“Willie Swart” Image: Hannes Lindeque

R SA BASS 03 November 2014

CLASSROOM

STRATEGIES

BASICS

28 30

“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

TACTICS “Big Spoons for Big Bass”

“S

–

NG Waterberg

’ ITION

“A Basic Guide on Boat and Outboard Selection for the Novice Angler (Part 1)” In the modern d and e of bass

>> SA Bass R – Raylite

Fishing Line” ay angler. Today’s angler deserves rability and reliability in their cious delivers all of that with

MONT 43

URNAMENT NEWS ass Classic 2014” lliam Dam is South Africa’s premier outh bassing venue, where the 26th lliam Bass Classic was hosted by the n Cape Bass Angling Association. ig Fraser

ITAGS Takes you directly to the SA BASS w

VENTURE CH MAKING 4X4” 4x4 has taken many people to the outskirts of the earth and it has brought pleasure to many people.

“Willie Swart” Image: Hannes Lindeque

R SA BASS 03 November 2014

Y ONL pm R28 Compatible with:

30 SA BASS November 2017

For your Apple, Android or Windows 8 http://www.magzter.com/

7”

BUILT-IN BUIL T-IN

5 HZ GP GPSS

INC UDES INCL ES TTRA RANSDU NSDUCER CER WITH

CHIR CH IRPP SONA SONARR + CL CLEA EARV RVUU¨ + SI SIDE DEVU VU¨

THEE ONLY NLY FIS ISHFIN FINDER DE THAT

MARK MA RKSS HO HOTT SP SPOT OTSS

57 DEGREES - 9:46 A.M. BIG ONE THINKS HE’S HIDING. BUT I KNOW HE’S RIGHT ABOUT … THERE.

STRIKER™ 7sv

www.garmin.co.za

>> SA BASS XMAS SPECIALS

Nice 2 Have Four Person Picnic Set

R1265.00

@ ¢ ¢ @ { | | ~ | @ t | ~ @ e |~ |} | } @ q ~ ~ ! q | ~ | | ~ | |} ~ | ~ ~ }

Rolling Travel Duffel Bag g @ ¢ ¢ @ f¢ |} | @ u @ g | @ t ~| | @ c |} |} | @ g ~ @ d| | @ e |} e ~ ~

R834.00

Out of Africa Travel Duffel Bag

@ ¢ ¢ @ p c ~| qwd d @ m| ~| |~ | ~ | @ d| | @ c |} |} | @ u | | ~ @ n | | | @ e |} e ~ ~

Cooler Bag with Braai Set @ ¢ ¢ @ q| | | @ u ~ @ u }|~ ~ @ p ~ @ c |} |} | @ b || ! b ~ } | } || | | } || } || | |

*Please E-mail info@sabass.com for the order form / Prices exclude delivery cost

Completely Focussed on Fishing

experiences g in h s ﬁ t a e Gr reat tackle start with g g shoppin

For more speciﬁc details: Follow and like us on Facebook: "Knotts Outdoor Paradise" keith.knott@outdoorparadise.co.za Shop 1-3, Nazarene Centre, 418 Ontdekkers Road, Florida Park, Roodepoort Tel: 011 - 672 1273 32 SA BASS November 2017

R449.00

All Your Bass Tackle Under 1 Roof

R625.00

M R em 8 b 0 e 0 r /y sh e ip a r

Limited offer

JOIN FLW TODAY The world's largest tournament-fishing organization and enjoy benefits like this:

Save R336

Sail blue

Vivid blue

Columbia PFG Bahama II Long Sleeve Shirt Designed specifically for the needs of anglers, this lightweight, durable nylon shirt dries fast, with mesh-lined cape vents at the back shoulder to keep you cool and built-in UV protection. * Omni-Shade UPF-30 * Quick dry * Convert to a short sleeve * Relaxed fit

Members: R639.oo each Non-members: R975.oo each (excludes delivery cost) See the outer back cover page for full membership benefits or visit our website www.flwsouthafrica.com

Armor Shad “Flukes” is alombekend en een van die beste sagte plastiekase wat omtrent in elke hengelaar se gereitas gevind word. Die Armor Shad is niks anders nie. Die beste manier om ‘n Armor Shad te hengel is sonder ‘n gewiggie sodat die aas ‘n baie natuurlike swemaksie het. Gebruik dit in of naby struktuur waar kleiner vissies gewoonlik teen roofdiere skuil. Die Armor Shad kan vanaf vlak- tot baie diep water gehengel word. In diep water kan die aas aan ‘n Mojo- of Texas strop gebind word. Mojo-sinkers word gebruik in en rondom watergras terwyl Texassinkers tussen bome en takke gebruik word. Gebruik ‘n 7ft medium swaar aksie stok, 12 pond fluorocarbon lyn en ‘n hoë spoed katrol. Die drie basiese kleure wat elke hengelaar gebruik is Junebug; vroegoggend, laat middag of wanneer dit bewolk is. Watermelon Red wanneer die water helder skoon is en groen watergras sigbaar is. Green Pumpkin werk goed wanneer die water effens ‘n kleurtjie het of die bodem klipperig is. Die aas word uitgegooi en ingebring met ligte gewrigaksies wat ‘n sieklike vissie naboots wat sukkel om te swem.

Skandeer die QR-kode en sien ‘n kort video van hoe die aas onder water vertoon.

Besoek gerus jou naaste hengelgereiwinkel en vra vir Damiki se Air Craw gelaai met Bass Juice.

SA BASS 33 November 2017

>> SA BAARS BESTEMMING

op ‘n Drafstap >> Philip Kemp*

m ledig by die huis te sit is regtig vir geen baarshengelaar ‘n verskoning nie. Veral as die kinders en vroulief ook lus is vir ‘n lekker dag se wegbreek of selfs ‘n naweekkamp. Toe ek Wonderland, skaars 30km van my huis af, ontdek, was ek werklik aangenaam verras.

34 SA BASS November 2017

Henk van Rensburg het ‘n paar jaar gelede besluit om sy grond, wat deel is van die plaas Tweedraght, te ontwikkel in ‘n visvang oord, genaamd Wonderland 45, Familie wegbreek en Visvang. Dit was juis vir families en gesinne wat so ‘n bietjie wil wegkom van die stad se geraas. Wonderland is sowat 20km van die Hans Strydom/Lynnwoodkruising aan die oostekant van Pretoria en ongeveer 9km van die Cullinan/Kemptonpark-afrit op die N4. Hierdie pragtige oord is in Desember 2013 aan die publiek oopgestel waar swartbaars, karp en babers natuurlik voorkom in die rivier en die damme. Kurpers is ook in die damme vrygelaat en in 2014 is daar vir die eerste keer forelle in die wintermaande in die damme vrygelaat. Wat my die meeste beïndruk het, is die pragtige kampstaanplekke, 22 van hulle, met meer as genoeg koeltebome met braaiers en beligting. Vir my en my vrou was dit nie nodig om vooraf te bespreek as

dagbesoekers nie. Wonderland het ook in gewildheid toegeneem onder groepe, en kinderpartytjies is aan die orde van die dag. Die eienaars is selfs bereid om vir groepe afslag te gee onder sekere voorwaardes. Lesers moet egter seker maak dat hulle bespreek vir sulke geleenthede. Benewens die rivier wat opgedam is met ‘n hoë damwal, is daar ook ‘n groot dam net suid van die rivier waar ek ‘n pragtige baars van 1,75kg kon vastrek. My skoondogter, Marlene Kemp, is self ‘n baie ywerige hengelaar. Groot was haar vreugde toe sy ‘n forel van ‘n kilogram aan die hoek kon kry. Een van die damme is eksklusief net vir hengelaars met vliegstokke. Indien ‘n forel nie bloei nie, mag die hengelaar die forel weer vrylaat. Ongelukkig mag forelle wat met gewone hengelstokke (baars en kurperstokke) gevang word, nie teruggeplaas word nie, en is die forelle, wat vir jou skoongemaak word, te koop teen R95 per kilogram. Daar word ook van die hengelaars verwag om nie van drie-angel hoeke gebruik te maak nie en eerder hulle te vervang met gewone hoeke. Dit

Die skrywer met ‘n pragtige wyfie van 1,75kg wat hy in die boonste dam gevang het

is vir my hartseer om te sien hoeveel hengelaars hulle plastiese ase net so op die oewer los of net teruggooi in die dam. Ek het verskeie kere al baars gevang wat ou plastiese ase uitspoeg of wat nog in hulle keel vassit omrede baars die ase vreet en dit in die maag beland waar dit nie kan verteer nie. Vir die kinders is daar ‘n speelpark, speeldam met roeibootjies en binnebande asook swaaie wat oor die dam swaai. In die hoofdam was die water heelwat skoner as die rivier se water en het meeste van die hengelaars baars aan die hoek gekry. Dit was veral die mannetjies wat besig was om neste op te pas wat nie jou aas met rus wou laat nie. Ek het ‘n pragtige wyfie opgemerk met twee mannetjies wat haar voortdurend gevolg het. Na

verskeie pogings kon ek dit uiteindelik regkry om haar met ‘n Damiki Mr Jumbo Grub op ‘n ligte Mojo-strop te flous. Alhoewel daar heelwat baars in die rivier is, kon ek geen baars in die rivier gevang kry nie. Wonderland is beslis ‘n hengelparadys wat elke hengelaar hierdie somer moet besoek. Om ‘n tydjie saam met jou gesin te spandeer langs die hengelwaters, en nog boonop dit te doen waarvoor jy lief is, is prysloos. Van pryse gepraat; Wonderland kan gekontak word by 081-878-5891 of u kan die webwerf besoek by www. wonderland45.co.za. Moet dus nie nou net gaan sit en wonder oor hoe dit by Wonderland lyk nie… Hoop om julle spoedig daar te sien. *Philip Kemp is ‘n gesoute swartbaarhengelaar en ‘n gereelde bydraer.

>> SA BASS DESTINATION

Waterberg Fishing

>> Evert Laubscher*

he majority of large fishing venues around South Africa take a lot of fishing pressure, and it is not uncommon to arrive at public water on a weekend to find a long queue of boats waiting their turn to launch. The sport is definitely growing at a rapid rate, and it seems that there are more organized fishing events than ever before. This is great for the sport, but unfortunately the accessible fishing venues are not necessarily capable of handling the pressure. Therefore when a new venue becomes known to the angling fraternity, everyone seems to flock to that venue in pursuit of a change in scenery and virgin fishing waters. I recently had the opportunity to fish in Limpopo where I met Albert Erasmus. Albert is a business man and very passionate angler from Lephalale. He is the owner of Twin River Island camp on the Zambezi River, and he also recently started manufacturing aluminium fishing boats. Due to our similar interests we immediately got along well and Albert mentioned that he would invite me to come and fish the Mogol River below Mokolo Dam in the near future. Albert stayed true to his word, and two weeks later I received a phone call from him extending the invitation. The date was set for the end of August. Our group consisted of Rudolph Venter, my wife, one of her friends and me. We arrived at the luxury accommodation on the Friday evening, with the wood fire already lit in the boma area and Albert and Bez Bezuidenhout welcoming us. The rest of the evening was spent discussing the water we were going to fish over the next couple of days. The stretch of river was 12km long and about 1.5m deep on 36 SA BASS November 2017

average, with some deeper holes of about 4m deep. The majority of cover in the river was water vegetation (lily pads, reeds, snotterbelle and chicamba weed). All the land on either side of the river is privately owned, which makes this venue impossible to fish without permission from the owners. One of the farmers along this section of the river has granted Albert permission to run his operation from his land, and this was also the farm where we stayed for the weekend.

The author with a bass of 2.3kg that couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist a Texas rigged grub

DAY 1

DAY 2

We woke up well before first light the next morning full of anticipation for the day ahead. The plan for the day was that Albert and I were to fish of his boat and Rudolph and Bez were going to fish of another boat. We had a fifteen minute drive from the accommodation to the launch, and as the sun started to make its appearance it revealed the blanket of clouds above us. The outside temperature was definitely a lot cooler than we expected for this part of the country. The boats were launched without any issues and we were ready for action. I started off fishing my trusted jerkbait while Albert fished a buzzbait over the shallow vegetation. We couldn’t get any reaction in the first half an hour so I changed to a lipless crank. I was soon rewarded with my first Mogol River bass, as it smashed my lure on the drop next to some chicamba weed. The fish was short and fat, and most certainly in a very healthy condition. At around 9am the gentle breeze escalated into a strong wind and we decided to seek some refuge in a calmer bay. Luck was on our side as we found a few bigger fish in this bay. All the fish gave a good account of themselves, as river fish so often do. We quickly got on to a pattern of targeting isolated vegetation in deeper water with Texas rigged plastics. The bass were definitely looking for more movement, which made grubs and creature style baits very effective. We met up with the other boat at around midday to find out how they were doing as the bite had slowed down a bit. They also had a very productive day at that stage, landing a few fish around the 2kg mark, and Rudolph dropping a big fish of over 3kg right at the boat. The bite picked up again later in the afternoon, and we landed about 25 bass for the day on our boat alone. The water temperature remained around 17ºC throughout the day, which according to Albert was relatively cold for the Mogol River at that time of the year. That evening we made use of the great facilities at the accommodation, and enjoyed a real bushveld braai. The ladies also had a great day, being treated to various spa treatments and just relaxing around the pool. Being on the water and knowing that the ladies were being looked after was great.

Albert Erasmus with a healthy Mogol River bass

We woke up very early again on Sunday, hoping to see clear windless skies, but unfortunately the weather was even worse than the day before. This didn’t get us down, and we were on the water at first light. Rudolph and I fished together and Bez fished alone on his boat as Albert had other commitments. The fishing was definitely a lot tougher than the previous day, but we still managed to land some good fish on the same pattern as the previous day. We called it at around 12pm, and headed back to the lodge. Although the fishing was excellent by any standards, these waters have so much more to offer. It is not just the quality of bass in the water, but also various other angling species that can be targeted here. Some of these species include redbreast kurper, blue kurper, canary kurper, makriel, barbel and papermouth. The biggest bass caught in this stretch of the river weighed 5.4kg, which is truly amazing! It was truly a privilege to fish in these waters and I have to commend Albert on running a very good operation, and for creating this opportunity for anglers to fish unpressured trophy waters. Though the fishing was the main reason for our visit, the feeling of being in the bushveld and seeing many different wild animals throughout the day just added to the experience. The accommodation was also excellent, offering on-suite rooms with air-conditioning and DStv. Self-catering was a breeze as the kitchen and dining area had all the necessary utensils and much more. *Evert Laubscher is a well known name in the angling world and a pro staff angler for Salmo Lures.

Rudolph showing the healthy condition of the bass in this system

Waterberg Fishing Adventures can be reached on Facebook or contact Albert Erasmus on 082-927-4370 SA BASS 37 November 2017

>> SA BASS INTERNATIONAL

The majestic Lyle Bluffs on the Washington State shoreline of the Columbia River

Rough water manoeuvring had inconveniently become a routine for us

Combating Rough Water (Part 2 >> Story and Images by Fishingboy and David Swendseid (DUO Realis U.S.A)

old water makes bass fishing generally difficult, not just on the Columbia River, but everywhere too. In conditions found in the North Country of the U.S., however, cold water makes fishing generally difficult, not just for the angler but for the fish living in it too. This is a time when smallmouths and other organisms are trying to stay alive. Early season smallmouths stay alive by relating to environments that reward them with protection and forage. In some environments, other factors such as water clarity and sunlight penetration are more vital than water temperature itself and you will see why that is so. Clear water allows better penetration of sunlight that brings heat. Improved visibility also enables fish to position themselves better for the hunt. Sunlight energizes aquatic microorganisms and activates plant matter and warms the environment. Therefore, sunlight above other vital factors is an important element in both smallmouth and forage moments. River smallmouths in the North Country seek deep, slow, almost motionless water in winter. Big rivers often have backwater pools for wintering. However, that is not the case in Lake Bonneville where most of the conductive areas are primarily main river areas.

38 SA BASS November 2017

Our strategy was to focus on protected banks, riprap banks, stone walls with bluff or sloping banks, and protected areas in and behind current breaks. Despite our best efforts to stay out of the wind, we were frequently engaged in ‘combat fishing’ mode, a term coined by Swendseid to denote the way he fishes on the Columbia River. What is combat fishing?

Combat fishing for smallmouth bass Combat fishing is a mentality and an execution of fishing hard and direct on specific targets. For instance, target cranking and casting to specific submerge rock or grass and so forth. Combat fishing is usually executed with the utilization of reaction baits but can also be done with other ‘combat lures’ such as jigs, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, blade baits and so forth. Combat fishing is about getting your baits into cover and extracting bass from cover, fighting it out in a slugfest manner. The way we combat fished for smallmouth on Lake Bonneville involves more than just that. It was a twopart strategy that involves target selection and how you approach those selected targets effectively. When selecting and dissecting targets we sought out shoreline irregularities that are visible to the naked eye that

Swendseid works a sloping bank in an area where the wind is incredibly strong. Noticed the windsurfers in the background?

would literally propagate underwater to hone in our baits. For instance, breaks, cuts or even culverts on otherwise straight cut banks and so forth. In addition to that, covering water is imperative. Most of the bites were uncommitted or subtle and the big smallmouths were mostly holding out deep, often on mud bottom or rocks. Some of the baits that were crucial to our approach fishing deep were crankbaits, lipless vibration crankbaits, sinking glidebaits as well as dropshot, splitshot and light Texas-rig. As you can see, we had to combine finesse tactics with combat fishing strategies because the reaction bites were still unconducive in the predominantly cold water conditions.

This is an area where I caught my first of my many big smallmouths

a Texas-rigged 6.5” Zoom Trick Worm but the worm bite was not as conductive as I had anticipated. I even caught a decent size fish in deep water on a Gan Craft Jointed Claw 148 glidebait and some shallow on 1/2oz spinnerbait. As you can see, there was not much of a

Top baits of the day The baits that were vital to our strategies for early season smallmouth on Lake Bonneville’s east pool were mainly deep running and bottom contact baits. Deep water patterns were the deal of the day. The reaction baits that were imperative to our approach were the DUO Realis Crank M65 and Realis Vibration. We utilised the 8A and 11A variants, as well as the Vibration 62 and 68 G-Fix variants. The M65 and Vibration cast accurately, even in strong winds, and are extremely durable from a structural integrity front. In deep areas where the crankbait bite is unconducive, we would switch to either Vibration 62 or 68 G-Fix. Colors were not really the make or break deal. We were primarily using Chartreuse Blues (ACC3126), Mustard Seed (ACC3067) and Omnicraw (CCC3014). In areas where we had to switch things up to finesse fishing, we relied on the 4” Zoom Baby Brush Hog creature bait for bottom contact presentation, either on split-shot or light Texas-rig. I caught one of the biggest fish of the day on SA BASS 39 November 2017

Climbing waves and manoeuvring through swells looks so easy aboard the Allison

predominant pattern. I ended up catching all of my fish on different baits, primarily fishing deep.

Getting dialled-in Despite the rough conditions, my first day on the Columbia River exceeded all my expectations. From an

Swendseid checks out some of the big smallmouths in the live-well

angling perspective, however, I was amazed by how well things had panned out. For a smallmouth bass rookie, I was grateful to be fishing under Swendseidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guidance and catching quality fish consistently in some of the roughest conditions I have seen on a freshwater river system. Frankly speaking, getting dialled-in to the fishing as early as Day-1 was the one thing I did not see coming.

The M65 Crank 8A in Mustard Seed color pattern is a solid performer 40 SA BASS November 2017

Tungsten weights Highest Quality CAT’s Tungsten weights has a greater density than lead; therefore, it is much smaller CAT’s Tungsten weights are great for fishing heavy cover

1/4 oz

1/8 ozz

1/8 oz

Swendseid delivers his Columbia River smallmouth one-two punch

All in all, we had an awesome day and our tactics worked out pretty well. Importantly, the results of the day had literally filled me with newfound confidence for what is to come next.

Coming up in the next instalment Check out next month’s instalment to find out more about early season smallmouth fishing in rough water conditions on the Columbia River’s Lake Bonneville, where we would be headed to Hood River, Oregon to fish the west pool where conditions are different. In the next issue: We look at the Day-2 highlights of my trip to Lake Bonneville’s west pool in Hood River, focusing on crankbait fishing in the mid-depth range.

My first smallmouth bass fishing trip on the Columbia River turned out to be better than I had expected

1/16 oz

1 1/16 oz

5/16 oz

CAT’s Hollow Frogs

Tel: (031) 261 42 33 | Fax: (031) 261 43 33 Cell: 082 892 2674 PO Box 30478, Mayville, Kwa-Zulu Natal, 4058 E-mail: catsj@telkomsa.net Website: www.catsﬁshing.co.za

>> SA BASS CONSUMER NEWS

1. MEGABASS VATALION SWIMBAIT >> Available from Solly’s Anglers Corner

Crafted by master lure designer, Yuki Ito, the Megabass Vatalion Swimbait is a bass’ worst nightmare. Measuring 4.5-inches in length, its profile perfectly matches that of a small bluegill or panfish, making the Vatalion a very tempting meal for any hungry bass. The Vatalion is not meant to be worked with rod action. Instead the retrieve is what drives the Vatalion’s action. Tuned for all retrieve speeds, it is designed to stop on a dime and slide out to the left or right when the retrieve is suddenly paused. With a slow retrieve the Vatalion exhibits sharp, quick turns for pinpoint targeting through grass beds, submerged weeds, and alongside structure. Equipped with custom holographic paint jobs that reflect multiple colors at different angles, and sticky sharp Japanese treble hooks, the slow floating Megabass Vatalion Swimbait is perfect for terrorizing bass in the 1 to 3 foot range.

2. DUO REALIS GFIX SPINBAIT 80 >> Available from Solly’s Anglers Corner

Experience spybaiting on steroids with the Duo Realis G-Fix Spinbait 80. Pro-tuned and perfected for use with baitcasting gear, Duo Realis increased the weight of the G-Fix, while still maintaining its finesse profile. This allows you to reach deeper bass, stay in the deeper strike zones longer, and also cast further - even in windy conditions. Still unmatched and unchallenged in the spy baiting category, the G-Fix delivers the signature Spinbait action and it also features down-sized propellers which further enhance its signature micro-pulsing appeal. Designed for tournament fishing and casting gear, the Duo Realis G-Fix Spinbait 80 has what it takes to reach fish other spy baits can’t.

3. DUO REALIS JERKBAIT 110SP >> Available from Solly’s Anglers Corner

Made to cover more water more effectively, the Duo Realis Jerkbait 110SP is packed full of advanced technologies that help it outperform all of the rest. Whether it’s twitched, ripped, or worked with a straight retrieve, the Duo Realis Jerkbait 110SP features trademarked flat sides that emit a wide, attention-grabbing flash. Internally, the Duo Realis Jerkbait 110SP is built with an intricate tungsten weight system, 42 SA BASS November 2017

which keeps it completely mpletely balan balanced and ta cast with little effort. generates long-distance Made from a proprietary ABS material, the Duo Realis Jerkbait 110SP is constructed with thick walls, internal framing, and a reinforced lip that gives it the structural integrity needed to stand up to big fish and ferocious strikes.

4. DUO REALIS CRANKBAIT M62 >> Available from Solly’s Anglers Corner

Designed with a thin-cut lip, the Duo Realis Crankbait M62 provides increased structural integrity to the front of the bait, so you don’t have to be shy about digging into shallow cover and rocks. Inside, the Duo Realis Crankbait M62 is equipped with an advanced weight transfer system to ensure a great wobbling action and accurate, long-distance casts with ease. Offered in a range of eyecatching colors, the Duo Realis Crankbait M62 allows anglers to explore shallow water like never before.

5. QUANTUM VAPOR PT CASTING REEL Delivering tournament calibre performance and the smooth styling to back it up, the Vapor PT Casting Reel offers lightweight powerful performance perfect for a range of bass fishing applications. The eleven bearing system (10+1) delivers consistently fluid casts and retrieves and the Zero Friction pinion design only adds to the reel’s smoothness. A hard

brass main gear provides plenty of power, and the long 90mm handle delivers increased winding leverage. Also equipped with large rubber cork handle knobs, which adds to the reel’s aesthetics, the Infinite ACS internallyadjustable cast control offers wide range of cast control settings for a variety of different lures and fishing conditions.

6. BERKLEY DREDGER CRANKBAIT Typically when exploring deep water with plugs, an oversized crankbait is the only option, but with the Dredger crankbait anglers now have the ability to downsize their profile and still reach the depths needed to get that big bite. Engineered with a custom body shape and a weighted bill, the Dredger crankbait descends quickly and stays in the strike zone longer, so anglers get the most possible attraction out of every cast.

7. BILL LEWIS SILENT ECHO SQUAREBILL CRANKBAIT Extending the line of the legendary Echo Series, the Silent Echo Squarebill Crankbait is a less disruptive, silent version of the wildly popular original. It still possesses the same wide-wobbling action that the original Echo

Squarebill was known for, and it now provides anglers with another option when targeting heavily pressured fish and clearer water.

8. LEW’S HYPER MAGE SPEED SPOOL SLP CASTING REEL No slacker in the power department, the Hyper Mage Speed Spool SLP Casting Reel is fitted with a 95mm carbon fibre handle with custom Winn Dri-Tac knobs that provide increased control. When it’s time to really crank on fish, the rugged carbon fibre drag has an output 20 lbs of fish-stopping drag. Complete with a patented Speed Dial line indicator, the Hyper Mag Speed Spool SLP Casting Reels combine cloud-like construction with next-level technology for the ultimate in lightweight performance.

9. LEW’S MACH CRUSH SPEED SPIN SPINNING REELS Combining next-level design with eyecatching orange accents, the Mach Crush Speed Spin Spinning Reels delivers the type of uncompromised performance that anglers need to defeat the competition. Encased in a lightweight aluminium body and side plates, the Mach Crush Speed Spin Spinning Reels are powered by an advanced 11-bearing system with 10-ball bearings and one Zero-Reverse clutch bearing for smooth performance cast-after-cast.

>> SA BASS INDUSTRY NEWS

Earns Top Awards

armin International, Inc., announced that it was named “Manufacturer of the Year” for the third consecutive year, an honour given to the most recognized company in the marine electronics field for its support of products in the field, voted on by members of the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA®). Garmin also dominated the NMEA’s Product of Excellence Awards with eight wins in the following categories: radar, autopilot, multi-function display (MFD), mobile application - aid to navigation, mobile application utility, fishfinder, AIS, and multimedia entertainment. The honours were announced at the prestigious 2017 NMEA Convention held last week in Bellevue, Washington. “As the world’s leading marine electronics manufacturer1, we’re honoured to again be recognized by the industry for our continued commitment to design, manufacture, sell and support industry-leading products,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president global consumer sales. “We are incredibly proud and humbled by these recognitions and we look forward to continuing to move the marine industry forward by delivering first-class hardware, software and support.” For the second year in a row, Garmin won the MFD category for its GPSMAP® 8624, a 24-inch all-in-one touchscreen chartplotter that boasts the highest screen resolution on the market. The GPSMAP 8624 comes preloaded with both BlueChart® g2 coastal and LakeVü HD inland maps, and is fully network compatible for support of radar, autopilot, instruments, multiple screens, sensors, remote sonar modules, digital switching, thermal cameras, and more. FUSION®, a Garmin brand, also received consecutive honours in the multimedia entertainment category, this year for the AV755 Marine Stereo System, a NMEA 2000-certified marine-ready DVD/CD player with Bluetooth connectivity that can be controlled from a compatible MFD. For five years running, Garmin received the top spot in the autopilot category, this year for its GHP ReactorTM Hydraulic Autopilot with SmartPump. The GHP Reactor

44 SA BASS November 2017

was Garmin’s first recreational autopilot system to utilize AHRS technology and boasts the usability, installation flexibility, and many other features that prove to be valuable for any vessel. The new FantomTM 24 radome with MotionScopeTM technology took top honours in the radar category. The Fantom radars use Doppler processing and have revolutionized the way mariners use radar, as its MotionScope technology instantly detects and highlights targets in different colours as they move toward or away from the boat, helping to identify collision threats faster. Smartphone applications are essential tools for mariners in today’s connected world, and Garmin’s mobile app offerings were once again recognized. Garmin BlueChart Mobile, a route planning application with streaming weather capabilities, was named the best mobile application aid to navigation; and Garmin HelmTM, an application that allows mariners to view and control their chartplotter from a smartphone or tablet, won for mobile application utility. Other Garmin products honoured include the GSDTM 26 black-box sounder with broadband spread-spectrum signal technology in the fishfinder category, and the AIS 600, a blackbox transceiver that sends and receives vessel information and AIS target data in the AIS category. Garmin’s portfolio includes some of the industry’s most sophisticated chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar technology, high-definition radar, autopilots, high-resolution mapping, sailing instrumentation and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability and ease-of-use. For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit www.garmin.co.za or contact the Media Relations department at marketing@garmin.co.za or follow us at facebook.com/garminSA, twitter.com/garminSA, or youtube.com/garminSA.

The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading hook

Worlds sharpest hooks.

But thats not the point of this ad.

Gamakatsu offers the widest selection of technique-specific hooks in the world. Each forged from the highest quality carbon steal and finished to perfection. The pros swear by Gamakatsu. The fish just swear at them.

Distributed by

| Tel 011 791 2635 Fax 011 791 2782 | gadams@stealth.co.za | www.stealth.co.za

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

SELF CATERING COTTAGE

Self Catering Cottage t Off N11 Between Ladysmith & Newcastle t 6 Dams t 3 Beautiful en-suite bedrooms t Sleeps 6 t Fully Equipped t Bass Boat Available t Dam stocked with Trout

013 243 9401 082 892 3029

Tel: 034 6511 664 - Cell 083 389 6614 www.thatcher.co.za

www.olifants-river-lodge.co.za

has gone digital !! GET YOUR FAVOURITE SA Bass MAGAZINE

DIGITALLY

Y ONL m p R28 Compatible with:

46 SA BASS November 2017

For your Apple, Android or Windows 8 http://www.magzter.com/

Located outside Pretoria East on the Boschkop Road GPS: S 25°52'26.1" E 28°29'28.6" Contact number: 081 878 5891 | Email: admin@wonderland45.co.za Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Wonderland45 Web: http://www.wonderland45.co.za

SA BASS 47 November 2017

>> SA BASS INDUSTRY NEWS

Braai Binne

7 Minute

>> SA BASS

OBB, ‘n trots Suid-Afrikaanse uitvindsel wat elke Suid-Afrikaner gerus in kan belê. Hierdie liggewig braaier is kompak, vinnig en maklik om te gebruik en maak boonop maklik skoon. Dis ideaal om in te pak vir kampering, op die strand, pieknieks en selfs op jou boot! Die meervoudig bekroonde, gepatenteerde Cobbkookstelsel, rooster, bak, rook, kook en warm kos op. Die Cobb se unieke ontwerp laat vet en olie toe om weg van dit wat gaargemaak word, te dreineer vir gesonder voedsel. Aangesien die vet nie op die kole land nie, is die Cobbkookstelsel feitlik rookloos en kan dit gebruik word in klein maar goed geventileerde gebiede soos balkonne sonder om ‘n rokerige omgewing te veroorsaak. Ventilasie deur die gate van die koepeldeksel maak voorsiening vir eweredige verspreiding van hitte sodat kos tot perfeksie kan kook. Die Cobb is gemaak van die hoogste gehalte duursame materiaal en het geen bewegende dele nie, wat ‘n veilige en maklike kookervaring moontlik maak. Die veilige en stewige ontwerp maak dit moontlik om selfs sonder bekommernis op bote te braai. Daarbenewens kan die Cobb maklik uitmekaar gehaal word en in ‘n skottelgoedwasser vir skoonmaakgerief geplaas word. Hierdie maklik draagbare braaier weeg slegs 4kg en het ‘n hoogte van 30cm (12 duim) en deursnee van 30cm. Terwyl die binnekant warm is, bly die basis koel om aan die buitekant aan te raak en kan opgetel word en verskuif word terwyl dit besig is om te braai. Die Cobb is baie brandstofdoeltreffend en ‘n omgewingsvriendelike opsie aangesien dit slegs 6 tot 8 brikette of een Cobble Stone of 300 gram houtskool gebruik om vir tot twee ure te braai. Ons het die Cobb-braaier tydens ‘n Cast-for-Cash kompetisie langs die dam gebruik waar daar geen fasiliteite soos elektrisiteit of skoon lopende water was nie. Wat ‘n fees om die Cobb te gebruik!

48 SA BASS November 2017

Opstel van die Cobb-braaier Ons het die Cobb uit sy klein draagtas uitgepak en dit buite gesit. Die buitekant word nie warm nie, so ons het dit in die middel van ons tafel gesit terwyl ons die sonsondergang geniet.

Aansteek van die Cobble Stone Ons het Cobb Cobble Stone gebruik – dit pas netjies in die middel van die “vuurput” en binne 7 tot 10 minute is dit warm genoeg om die rooster bo-op te sit... en ja, glo dit… dis tyd om te braai!

Kom ons braai Ons het begin om ‘n paar tinfoeliebedekte groente te stoom, wat ons langs die ‘vuurput’ onder die rooster geplaas het. Hierdie ringbak het baie ruimte vir groente en dien as ‘n oond. Ons het die lamsribbetjie op die rooster geplaas om daardie lekker ‘sshhzzz” geluid van vet braaivleis op te tower. Die hitte was nog ‘n uur later goed en ons kon maklik weer gebraai het.

…en eet Ek was gek oor die rokerige smaak van die braaivleis en natuurlik oor die moeitelose en gerieflike gebruik van die Cobb. Dit is ‘n kompakte oplossing wat jy met vakansie kan saamneem, wat vinnige en eenvoudige kook/braai verseker. As manlief te besig is om vis te vang, kan vroulief met min moeite self ‘n vleisie braai. Jy hoef nie te wag vir die regte kole nie en die hitte verdwyn nie te vinnig nie. Ek hou baie van die draagtas en dit was lig genoeg om rond te beweeg wanneer dit nodig was (selfs terwyl dit besig was om te braai). Dit kom met ‘n basis, binne ringbak, kolemandjie (vuurput) en rooster. Dit sluit ook ‘n draagtas en ‘n spesiale roosterligter in. Cobb produkte is beskikbaar by jou naaste Outdoor Warehouse winkel.

R16 350

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

09 - 15 December 2017 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 065 849 3264 or 083 306 2718 to book your spot. For more information visit www.sabass.com or e-mail wilma@sabass.com