Sa bass 2016 06 june

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

Art of Bass Fishing

JUNE 2016

ISSUE 182

Deep Crankin’

How to…

Fish Standing Timber

Tackling Up for Deep Water >> CATCH BETTER THAN AVERAGE >> IMPROVE YOUR ANGLING SKILLS >> NEW GARMIN ECHOMAP CHIRP SERIES >> SPINNERBAIT FISHING STRATEGIES FOR PEACOCK

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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

16

CLASSROOM

28

22

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

– Mark Bilbrey

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

24

Did you ever ask yourself the question what fishing means to you? To me it’s all about to relax, getting away from the everyday madness and reflect on life.

Take a minute and think why you are fishing, what are your reasons for fishing. I am pretty sure that if you had a group of anglers standing in a circle together that you will hear different reasons why they are fishing. Behind every reason you will hear that it has a beautiful meaning.

After many years of fishing I have looked at all possible ways and theories and they all have their place and time.

Although fishing will have a different meaning to everyone, for me it has always been to have fun.

When I was young boy I could not wait to go to the closest body of water, even if it was on my way to a different sports event. I used a hand line and earth worms for catching small bream. Those days, when we were always late, were the days when the fishing was great and we lost track of time. Those are memories I have kept with me all of my life.

Then one day my dad bought a small white and blue cabin cruiser for fishing. I did not know much about bass fishing from a boat and just went after bream… but not for long.

Then came the day that I had to start working and earn my own money. No more hand outs from my parents.

With time and after settling down, fishing became once again part of my life. All about having fun and enjoying spending time out on the water. I enjoyed hooking my own boat, even if it was just for the morning or afternoon and hit the local dam.

Anytime spent on the water is time away from the great rat race. Time to clear your mind and get yourself ready to face reality. I always look forward to get out and fish with old friends and exchange memories.

I believe that every angler also has memories they will treasure forever. If not, go out and make memories.

Bennie Wiese / Editor

26

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

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

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS 01 38 56 50

UNIVERSITY

BASICS

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

– Shandon Hawman

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

– Hannes Lindeque (Jnr)

34

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

– Joe Mendes

CLASSROOM

30

32

“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

18

36

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

– Philip Kemp

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

42

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

63

LIFESTYLE – Boating & Birding – “Glossy Ibis” Glossy Ibis

64

DESTINATION – Kam K ‘Bati ‘B i River Ri Lodge L dg d

SABAA NEWS 40 41

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

INTERNATIONAL KLASKAMER

ADVERTORIAL

46

>> Bassin’ in Europe

BESTEMMING 54

>> Aloe Rock - Waterberg

READERS’ COMPETITION 01

>> Subscribe and win with COBB

49

>> SA Bass Readers Competition – Raylite Ultimate AGM Battery

43

Win with GRIP Hooks

MONTHLY GIVE AWAYS

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

– Craig Fraser

44

ITAGS Takes you directly to the SA BASS website.

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

ON THE COVER “Willie Swart” Image: Hannes Lindeque

SA BASS 03 November 2014

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

16

CLASSROOM

28

22

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

– Mark Bilbrey

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

24

26

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

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

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS 01 38 56 50 63

UNIVERSITY

BASICS

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

– Shandon Hawman

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

– Hannes Lindeque (Jnr)

34

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

– Joe Mendes

CLASSROOM

30

32

“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

18

64

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

– Philip Kemp

46

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

DESTINATION – Kam ‘Bati River Lodge

42

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

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

– Craig Fraser

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

>> Bassin’ in Europe

BESTEMMING 54

>> Aloe Rock - Waterberg

READERS’ COMPETITION 01

ADVERTORIAL

TOURNAMENT NEWS

44

LIFESTYLE – Boating & Birding – “Glossy Ibis”

SABAA NEWS 40 41

INTERNATIONAL KLASKAMER

36

>> Subscribe and win with COBB

49

>> SA Bass Readers Competition – Raylite Ultimate AGM Battery

43

Win with GRIP Hooks

MONTHLY GIVE AWAYS

ITAGS Takes you directly to the SA BASS website.

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

ON THE COVER “Willie Swart” Image: Hannes Lindeque

SA BASS 03 November 2014

Y ONL pm R28

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Contact us: E-mail: hannes@sabass.com BB Print, P.O. Box 24938, Gezina, 0031, Fax: 086 234 5052 SA BASS 01 June 2016

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Contents REGULARS &

SA BASS Magazine

is published monthly (12 issues per annum)

by WJ Lindeque cc t/a BB Print (CK99/23366/23)

Office hours:

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

FORUMS

Contact numbers:

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

06

Postal Address:

SA BASS, PO Box 24938, Gezina, 0031

Publisher:

Hannes Lindeque - hannes@sabass.com

Editor:

Bennie Wiese - bennie@sabass.com

Assistant Editors:

Grant Hewitt

Language Editor:

Frederick de Bruyn

Field Editors:

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

Junior Field Editors:

Jean-Michel Gravenor, Nicholas Milligan

International Columnists:

Bertrand Ngim, David Swendseid, Mark Bilbrey, Richard Grant

Advertising Manager:

Wilma Lindeque - wilma@sabass.com

Subscriptions:

Hannes Lindeque - hannes@sabass.com

Digital subscriptions:

www.magzter.com

Layout and Design:

Storm Deezigns - dee@stormdeezigns.co.za

Distributed by RNA:

Jannie Junius (011) 248 3536

10

MASTER CLASS “Deep Cranking” Most professional anglers consider deep cranking an involved process.

The deeper the cranking topography the deeper the challenge and the more involved the process.

– David Swendseid

MASTER CLASS “Tackling Up For Deep Water” In the May issue we talked about deep water bass hangouts and what to look for, but getting your bait into these areas effectively relies heavily upon your ability to choose the correct tackle.

– Roger Donaldson

14

MASTER CLASS “Better Than Average” Winter bass fishing doesn’t have to be a deep and dragging affair…

– Bryan Leppan

About SA BASS magazine:

SA BASS, which is editorially and financially independent, is a monthly magazine catering exclusively for the bass angling community in Southern Africa. SA BASS is distributed country-wide by RNA to outlets, not only in South Africa, but also in Namibia, Swaziland and Botswana.

SA BASS is designed as a specialist bass fishing publication and has catered for a well-defined niche market since April 2001.

It enjoys the support and endorsement of non-government organisations, but is not affiliated in any way to these bodies or to any other publishing, environmental or political interest group.

Our mission is to promote bass angling as a socially acceptable and popular outdoor recreational activity, and in addition, to encourage acceptable angling ethics. As such, SA BASS provides pertinent information on a wide range of subjects. These include providing a platform for informed debate on issues affecting the sport of bass angling, providing information on bass angling strategies and techniques, bass angling waters and opportunities, and also creating awareness of new products.

Within this editorial mix, due consideration is given to developing the sport among all 04 SA BASS June 2016

the country’s people (including the youth), and to the practical conservation of the country’s natural resources.

Copyright is expressly reserved and nothing may be reproduced in part or whole without the permission of the publisher. All enquiries regarding editorial correspondence, manuscripts and photographs should be directed to: editor@sabass.com Address contributions to the editor.

Manuscripts, photos and artwork will be handled with care, but their safety cannot be guaranteed. Enclose a stamped, self addressed envelope with all editorial submissions.

The publisher and editorial staff are not responsible for researching and investigating the accuracy or copy right of the material provided for publication in SA BASS magazine. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this magazine, the publisher does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors or their consequences. Readers are advised to use this information with the understanding that it is at their own risk. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, the editor, editorial staff or SA BASS Society.

22

READERS GO BASSING ““BEASTY” Caught on Honeymoon” I got married early April 2016 and we decided on Margate for our honeymoon. I saw an opportunity to add an extra three days of bass fishing at Bells Bass Lodge in KZN about 14km away from Ballito in the Shakaskraal area – Theo Lombard

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

24

34

BASICS “Standing Timber” Nothing can be more frustrating when you get to a piece of water with ample standing timber and you fall into the trap of thinking that each piece of timber will be housing a monster bass – Hendrik

INTERNATIONAL – NAMIBIA “NBAA” The Namibian Bass Angling Association (NBAA) has held three national competitions as to date. The first competition of 2016 was held on the 5th of February on Oanob Dam which is located approximately 90km south of the capital city Windhoek.

– Hendrik Pretorius

36

PROMOSIE “Winter Wurms” Swartbaarhengel is iets wat heeljaar gedoen kan word. Party hengelaars verkies harde plastiek-kunsvisse en ander sagte plastiese wurms.

– Hannes Lindeque

50

38

HEALTH

“Cast, Retrieve & Believe!”

There are many different aspects that can be determining factors in your success with rod and reel in hand. This is especially true when it comes to catching fish on artificial lures.

– Evert Laubscher

UNIVERSITY “Improve Your Angling Skills” In my early angling days I did not own a bass boat so I have spent many days working the bank looking for illusive bass, especially along the banks of the Vaal River.

– Bennie Wiese

56

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS 01

MY CAST

18

READERS-go-BASSING

30

Cast-for-Cash - Tournament Results

52

GEAR UP

62

LIFESTYLE – Boating & Birding – “Western Cattle Egret” g

28

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42

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ROD BENDER “The Place of Hope” After the decision was made to relocate the school to “The Place of Hope” the journey was under way. Some families had to stay behind to ensure the breeding is still maintained in a different area. The future of the species relies on it.

KAYAK “Wilderness Systems Ride 135” While on a meander through a local boat shop on a quiet day, I stumbled onto a couple of lost looking kayaks. Being a paddler, I called over a bored looking salesman and struck up a conversation over the couple of ocean going kayaks.

– Dewald Viljoen

44

46

INDUSTRY NEWS

INTERNATIONAL “Spinnerbait Fishing Strategies for Peacock Bass” With the exception of the crankbait, perhaps no other reaction bait has stood the test of time more so than the spinnerbait – Fishingboy

ITAGS Takes you directly to the SA BASS website.

64

READERS GO BASSING “Letaba Bassmasters Care” Before we start, we would like to offer Darius, Ilona, Imke and her twin sisters Anebella and Zielkie our best wishes in this difficult time and we believe Imke is responding well to the treatment.

– Wayne Kurten

ON THE COVER “Nandoni bass” Image: Marcel de Beer SA BASS 05 June 2016

>> SA BASS MASTER CLASS

Deep

Cranking

06 SA BASS June 2016

Most professional anglers consider deep cranking an involved process.

The deeper the cranking topography the deeper the challenge and the more involved the process. >> David Swendseid*

P

rofessional angler and US-Open champion, Roy Hawk strongly suggests, “deep cranking is versatile and is less seasonal then many think. It’s typical to think of it as just a deep summer presentation. But it can be used in many situations”. What Roy Hawk is implying is that deep crankbaits should be looked at as a tool designed for the situation more than the season.

When and where to fish deep cranks really pertains to the “position” of the bass. Roy has experienced bass in, pre-spawn bass maybe serious about migration as it relates to climate conditions. They maybe enhance their pursuit to feed (pre-spawn feeding is to gain nutrients to sustain the rigors and rituals of spawning). During this time frame movement can be based on seeking warmer water, positioning near a forage base, or seeking more light or a combination of all. In post spawn conditions bass also will eventually begin a migration but before that takes place there is a window in which there are much less active and are desperately attempting to heal. This exhaustion, they experience also keeps them in a protective mode, protection of their young and later of themselves by seeking various cover to hide and heal. So deep cranks will need to also seek contact with cover (like deep brush, tree lines, and weed lines. Fall is a time frame where bass try to keep the summer feed going; they are focused on bait schools.

Temperature play havoc on their missions but they seem to hover near food sources. Even winter can possess a deep crank bait but her the notation should be made that bass are usually not in a chasing mode so finding fish near heavy cover really helps the angler.

“Even in pre-spawn mode, bass will stage coming out of deeper water. This is usually a horizontal travel but the bass will use rock outcroppings, elongated points, and bluffs that transition into shallow contour for positioning”, agrees Hawk.

distance in casting and accuracy in the cast. Many deep cranks have a fixed ballast system providing good wobble action and vibration but in order to get your deep crank down to real depths the lure has to have strong diving characteristics and be able to generated long casts.

The long casts allow the lure to cover areas longer (possibly making contact longer if needed). Also accuracy of cast also effects how successful the angler will be in maintaining specific depth control in a selected area. Hawk recommends lures with advanced weight systems. He strongly encourages anglers to seek lures with weight transfer systems when attempting to get 14ft or deeper. Hawk uses the Japanese crank called

Hawk in flight Lure-flight is maybe one of the most overlooked but necessary attributes in deep cranking. Still one of the big challenges in deep diving crankbaits is

Deep crankbaits should be looked at as a tool designed for the situation more than the season SA BASS 07 June 2016

Three proto types from Duo’s G87 tested for their linear travel

the G87 - a three inch crank that only weighs approximately an ounce. “It cast as much as 60 feet further then some of my old cranks and can dive beyond 20ft with heavier lines. In the old days we had to use 8lbs test or thin lines to get depths needed. We got some distance in the cast and better depths using smaller line diameters but we sacrificed accuracy and strength in line.” Weight transfer systems significantly help the trajectory and distance of the lure.

“Several of Hawk’s friends regularly test the linear travel of deep diving cranks before they get on the water, providing them valuable data as to each lure’s limits.”

Some finesse Once the lure reaches its destination it may require an angler to “finesse” it the lure through the cover (rocks, timber and grass). “Snaking” the lure through cover is important. It will require the lure to pause-n-tick as it makes contact with cover. An angler should concentrate on moving the crankbait through the cover much like you move a Texas-rigged worm through cover. This movement through cover can trigger strikes.

Crash and dash When working deep cranks into rock, don’t be afraid to allow the lure to crash into rock. Roy makes mention to the fact the longer bills associated with deep cranks acts as a natural deflector to the cover. This allows the lure to climb over rock and bump into it without huge effort.

Like in “snaking” the crankbait can simply bump into cover (the rock) then a sharp jerk rod tip will help induce a 08 SA BASS June 2016

US-Open champion, Roy Hawk

Accuracy of cast also effects how successful the angler will be

reaction bite. It makes the bait look like it hit an edge and is attempting to escape.

Tools of the trade Casting gear and big cranks go hand in hand. The issue is the size of the angler. If he is tall and long-armed then a longer rod makes sense. Rods in the 7 to 8ft lengths are great for off shore deep cranking. The weight of the rod also depends on the weight of the lure and line. So what would be a safe common use for angler to experience deep cranking? Rods in the 7 to 7½ft range rated medium heavy action, armed with 14lbs test line can get a bass angler cranking. Roy Hawk recommends you experiment with rods and rod actions as you may find a few rods compatible. “Not only do you want to cast the lure great lengths but you want to be able to manage your line, lure and fish. For example too light in rod actions and the lure can overpower the rod and the angler (keeping too much tension in the rod).

you will have spend time on the water.

So explore this presentation called deep cranking. *David Swendseid is a professional bass angler in the USA and is currently the Research and Development specialist for DUO. He spends a great time teaching other professional anglers on how to execute techniques or learn new ones and also assist the international community on bass angling presentations. He pursued trophy bass records and held two lake records and an official state record.

The study of fish behaviour and lure action is his forte.

He currently contributes to about 16 international bass angling magazines, including SA BASS.

Hook sets When “swinging” on these bass you actually don’t want put a lot of force into the hook set. In fact, reel-setting maybe the most productive. This is where angler using the reel to incorporate the line quickly, then once all the slack is taken up the angler pulls the rod, sweeping it into one direction pulling the hooks into the fish.

As you can see deep cranking have some considerations to note. It’s more than just a cast and wind routine.

Technology is out there to improve your deep crank presentations. Even Hawk notes that big cranking is more deadly not putting limits on it. But when the sunsets it’s still all about the angler and to become an expert cranker

Don’t be afraid to allow the lure to crash into rock SA BASS 09 June 2016

>> SA BASS MASTER CLASS

Water

DEEP David Fryer with a 3kg fish caught on a Mojo rig in deep water at Middle Letaba

For

Tackling Up

In the May issue we talked about deep water bass hangouts and what to look for, but getting your bait into these areas effectively relies heavily upon your ability to choose the correct tackle. >> Roger Donaldson*

T

wo techniques can be very effective for getting fish from deep water, including crankbait fishing and Carolina or Mojo rigging. The tackle required for crankbait fishing in water deeper than 15ft can be substantially different to shallow water fishing and likewise the tackle that’ll give you the best results when using the Carolina and Mojo rigging techniques are quite different too. Let’s take a thorough look at the different strategies and apply the most appropriate tackle to make sure you get more fish in the live-well.

Deep water crankbait fishing This technique rates very high on my list of strategies for early winter fishing.

I’ve had particularly good success in waters around the country and remember specific occasions which stand out above many.

One fond memory was at a fishing event that I was partaking in on Nandoni Dam. The bass, particularly the larger ones, were stacking up against deep flooded timber.

It was evident that the fish were feeding on schools of bait in deeper water and there was no other way to present a lure to these fish more effectively than with a crankbait.

This was a prime example for me to use to explain the advantages of selecting your setup to suit the scenario:

a.) Cranking rod The rod length is vitally important in deep water for many reasons; Leverage to keep the required amount of consistent pressure on the fish when hooked, backbone to cast out the large deep 10 SA BASS June 2016

diving lures, flexibility and tip action to maintain and promote the desired diving/swimming action from the crankbait. This is only something you can feel is right once your setup is correct. The lure will swim while delivering its characteristic thumping action to the tip of your rod, while the angler leans into the backbone of the rod during the retrieve to the baits desired diving depth. I suggest a minimum rod length of 7ft, but prefer to select from closer to 7’6� for this application.

b.) Fishing line Deeper water is particularly difficult to fish in if you’re using the incorrect line; too flexible and you won’t have good contact with your bait, inhibited swimming action from your lure, and potentially insufficient pressure to keep the fish hooked.

I’ve had far better success using fluorocarbon line in depths below 12ft. Fluorocarbon has a number of benefits.

Fluoro is less flexible than monofilament and copolymer lines and therefore helps you keep maximum pressure, and improved feel over greater distances. Furthermore, fluoro varieties tend to have a smaller/thinner diameter than other line. This means that your line will not arc as much between your rod tip and the lure because it will cut easier through the water offering less friction.

Unfortunately fluorocarbon line will come at a higher price, but I truly believe you will see a tremendous improvement in your deep water crankbait fishing.

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c.) Lure selection The choice of lure I really must leave to the angler to decide on as there are such a wide variety of deep diving crankbaits to choose from. If it interests you to know my favourites, well I choose two varieties only – the Rapala DT16 and Norman DD22.

Carolina & Mojo rigging Carolina rigging has taken on a few changes over the years, which has helped anglers use slightly less hardware, which in return promotes a far more natural presentation under the water. This is the reason why I have amalgamated the two different techniques for the purposes of this deep water strategy.

Inanda and Albert Falls Dams both provide excellent opportunity to improve your Carolina and Mojo rigging skills. Excellent deep water structures in these dams are prime examples of where to apply this technique, but again you must try to adhere to some basic ‘rules’ to reduce frustration and increase your catch ratio:

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a.) Rod selection Once again deep water means greater distances and this should immediately channel you to thinking about a longer rod with sufficient backbone. Why? The longer rod allows you to make longer, easier casts with heavier hardware (weights), and the backbone should be sufficient enough to set the hook over a long distance. If the rod were too soft it

(+27)71 448 7136 justy@varkenellicustoms.co.za | sales@varkenellicustoms.co.za http://www.varkenelli-customs-retail.myshopify.com/

David Fryer with a healthy fish of 2,9kg caught on a DD22 at Renosterkop Dam

b.) Fishing line Without having to repeat what was said about crankbait fishing - the line choice is very much the same. Longer distances mean you should be amplifying your ‘feel’ in order to detect bites, set the hook in time and maintain effective contact with the fish.

Fluorocarbon line is again the line of choice here as it will provide all the necessary advantages in deeper water/ over greater distances. Nothing has been mentioned about line breaking strain, as this is mostly dependant on the structure you are fishing in and can vary greatly.

c.) Lure selection There is hardly a plastic lure that you cannot use for this technique and this is again not worth wasting time discussing my personal favourites. Choose the baits that closely resemble the fodder available in that fishery and you should be 99% of the way to catching more fish.

I hope I’ve guided you towards better deepwater fishing and look forward to seeing you on the water. Enjoy bass fishing!

will be unlikely that you will be successful in setting the hook, and the ability to detect the bite will also be reduced.

I would select a rod longer than 7ft for this purposes and a medium to medium-heavy action should suffice.

*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.

has gone digital !!

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BASICS

16

CLASSROOM

“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

28

22

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

– Mark Bilbreyy

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

24

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

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

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS 01 38 56

36

Cast-for-Cash - Tournament Results GEAR UP READERS-go-BASSING LIFESTYLE Glossy Ibis “Glossy Ibis”

64

DESTINATION – K Kam ‘B ‘Bati Batii Ri River L Lodge d

– Boating & Birding –

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

– Hannes Lindeque (Jnr)

34

SABAA NEWS 40 41

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

INTERNATIONAL KLASKAMER “Die RompslompSeisoen” Vir ‘n menigte hengelaar is daar basies net vier seisoene in ‘n jaar.

– Philip Kemp

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

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MY CAST

63

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

– Shandon Hawman

32

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

– Joe Mendes

26

CLASSROOM

50

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

18

46

>> Bassin’ in Europe

BESTEMMING 54

>> Aloe Rock - Waterberg

READERS’ COMPETITION 01

>> Subscribe and win with COBB

49

>> SA Bass Readers Competition – Raylite Ultimate AGM Battery

MONTHLY GIVE AWAYS 43

Win with GRIP Hooks

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

– Craig Fraser

44

ITAGS Takes you directly to the SA BASS website.

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

ON THE COVER “Willie Swart” Image: Hannes Lindeque

SA BASS 03 November 2014

14

BASICS

16

CLASSROOM

“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

28

22

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

– Mark Bilbreyy

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

24

BASICS

26

ADVERTORIAL

“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.

– Joe Mendes

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

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

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS 01 38 56 50

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

18

36

LIFESTYLE – Boating & Birding – “Glossy Ibis” Glossy Ibis

64

DESTINATION – Kam K ‘Bati ‘B Batii River Ri Lodge L d

40 41

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

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

– Hannes Lindeque (Jnr)

34

SABAA NEWS

INTERNATIONAL KLASKAMER “Die RompslompSeisoen” Vir ‘n menigte hengelaar is daar basies net vier seisoene in ‘n jaar.

– Philip Kemp

46

>> Bassin’ in Europe

54

>> Aloe Rock - Waterberg

BESTEMMING READERS’ COMPETITION 01

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

42

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

63

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

– Shandon Hawman

32

49

>> Subscribe and win with COBB >> SA Bass Readers Competition – Raylite Ultimate AGM Battery

MONTHLY GIVE AWAYS 43

Win with GRIP Hooks

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

– Craig Fraser

44

ITAGS Takes you directly to the SA BASS website.

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

ON THE COVER “Willie Swart” Image: Hannes Lindeque

SA BASS 03 November 2014

Y ONL pm R28 Compatible with:

12 SA BASS June 2016

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The author with a better than average size fish

Better

Winter bass fishing doesn’t have to be a deep and dragging affair…

Than Average

14 SA BASS June 2016

Tip: I will not target shallow dirty water as a general rule. It is very rare that bass will be in cold dirty water if they have the option. Dirty water is subjective however; Inanda’s dirty water might be clean to someone who fishes Goedertouw for example, however the key point is ‘relative’ and by that I mean relative to the body of water that you’re at. I would target Creature baits are key baits this time of year and how you fish them is vital to the cleanest water first. your success

>> Bryan Leppan

I

f you have shallow cover, particularly grass or aquatic vegetation and clean water, you can have awesome fishing catching better than average size fish while your mates are out in the deep, dragging plastics around. I’m not saying that you’ll catch more numbers than they will, but I am saying; often, if you stick at it, you will get bigger fish on average if the conditions are favourable.

Shallow grass and/or aquatic vegetation and clean water are ideal for catching shallow ‘slaunches’ in winter. The big thing is; it will probably take all day so you need to hold your nerve and be patient. You could most certainly shoot off to a point, ledge or bluff and catch numbers right away, but we aren’t targeting those keeper-sized fish. We are targeting fish of two kilos and up.

Very often in winter the fishing will improve. If it is sunny

and warm, the fish will get more active as the day progresses.

This is where I think many anglers make a mistake. They rush shallow in the morning for the first hour or two and then abandon ship into the deep water. Many times, I’ll fish shallow till 10am or 11am without a bite and then will start to be rewarded as the fish get more active. That’s the nature of this approach, not everyone can stick to a plan that can take 4 or 5 hours to start working.

Areas with shallow vegetation in clean water will hold palm-sized even hand-sized baitfish such as tilapia. Smaller baitfish appear to be absent from the shallows this time of year. Common sense tells me that they cannot handle the cold temperatures as well. These larger tilapia feed on this shallow vegetation and that’s the reason why they are there.

The bass we are targeting are eating that size baitfish!

NOW BACK IN SOUTH AFRICA

SA BASS 15 June 2016

So how do we get these fish to bite?

The bigger bass are waiting to ambush this bigger baitfish as they pass by. You will seldom, if at all, see bass busting baitfish in the shallows this time of year. There are no big bait-balls in the shallows and no big schools of bass chasing in these locations.

The trick is to cover water relatively quickly but still fish your bait affectively in the strike zone. The strike zone in winter is much smaller than in the summertime or even as it was a month or two ago, So your presentation needs to be very accurate and precise and you should fish your baits slower to give the fish more of an opportunity to get to it.

16 SA BASS June 2016

Baits like hollow bodied frogs, creature baits, soft and hard jerkbaits are key baits and how you fish them is vital to your success.

A hollow body frog is probably the best imitator of a fleeing (better than average size) baitfish. This bait however needs to be fished very slowly. Sometimes pauses of 30 seconds between a single twitch mean the difference between catching them or not. Also I will be less aggressive when I move the bait, giving a single twitch instead of a twitchtwitch-pause technique.

Pitching or punching A creature bait like a D-bomb into the thick stuff is a

Tip: You do not have to fish finesse tactics because the water is cold.

You just need to adjust your power fishing baits of choice and your technique. great way to get them. The bass feel more comfortable up inside the thick stuff and are more likely to bite. Tungsten weights are crucial as I often go as heavy as 1½oz and that in a lead version is a giant piece of lead which just looks ridiculous. You must fish a straight shank heavy cover hook, Snell-knotted to 20 pound fluorocarbon or 50 pound braid.

Technique wise: slow and steady wins the race… Pitch it in; let it fall to the bottom; let it sit for 20 seconds or so; lift the bait a little (I don’t pop or bounce the bait), drop it back down to the bottom for a few seconds then retrieve and make your next pitch.

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Tip: Remember when pitching or punching you want the bass to react to your lure quickly and purely instinctually on the drop (that’s when most strikes happen) so a quick initial fallrate is important. Use a heavier tungsten weight to speed up your fall rate.

Soft Jerkbaits like a Zoom Super Fluke or a paddle tail like the Missile Shockwave work well. I prefer baitfish colours and pearl white. These baits, I’ll fish weightless through and around the vegetation. I will give these baits a few twitches to get the bass’ attention and then stop it and let it fall like a dying baitfish. I will let it fall to the bottom and let it sit for 20 or 30 seconds. Twitching followed by that tantalising fall is what’s deadly in my opinion.

Hard jerkbaits are another great way to catch better size fish. The key here is suspending jerkbaits. Always buy the best you can afford. My advice would be; instead of rushing into your local tackle store and buy 3 or 4 suspending jerkbaits in a variety of colours and brands, buy the best one with a very natural and realistic colour. The trick is attention to detail. If the water is super clean you will need a bait that looks realistic. Let it rest for 30 seconds before your next twitch. Having the confidence to let it sit that long is the deal maker! The more realistic the finish, the more realistic the action, the more successful that bait will be. Technique wise as touched on already, long cast, two twitches to generate some excitement and then let it sit for 30 seconds (and repeat). The suspending jerkbait will stay in the strike zone giving the fish every opportunity to inhale it. Floating versions leave the strike zone immediately and that’s not what you want.

If you are looking for bigger fish over numbers, then try these tips and techniques in June. You may be very surprised at the rewards it will bring. Good luck and stick to the plan.

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READERS

GO BASSING

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

Daar swem mooi groot swartbaars in die Kalahari rond

So lyk ‘n grootbek swartbaar

This month ’s

WINN

ER

KATHU-BAARSHENGEL So diep in die Kalahari en tog is daar baars om te vang!

Kathu is ‘n myndorp langs die N14 sowat 200km van Upington af in die middel van die Groen Kalahari... tog het ons ‘n dam wat wel mooi baars het. Die plaaslike dam waar ‘n klein groepie hengelaars hengel, is ‘n publieke dam aan die westekant van die dorp wat die dorp van tuinwater verskaf.

Weens die gebrek aan hengelgereiwinkels, is die gemiddelde hengelaar hier toegerus met ‘n paar pakkies plastiekwurms wat meestal uit Zoom “Super Flukes” 18 SA BASS June 2016

bestaan. Hier en daar is ‘n hengelaar met ‘n groter verskeidenheid kunsaas. Uit ‘n buitestaander se oogpunt klink dit nie na groot opwinding nie, maar tog word daar groot sukses behaal.

Die dam het ‘n wye reeks struktuur wat goeie skuiling bied; ondermeer kalkklippe, watergras, stompe en riete.

Die riete maak oewerhengel baie moeilik en die dam moet verkieslik aangepak word met ‘n “kickboat” of kanoe, omrede daar nie ‘n geskikte lanseerblad vir groter bote is nie. Maar soos elke dam het hierdie een ook sy positiewe kant; voertuie is veilig en kan alleen gelaat word terwyl daar gehengel word. Daar is maar die gewone bevolking karp en kurper in die dam wat vir ‘n groot gedeelte van die baars se dieet sorg, maar wat ek wel agtergekom het, is dat daar ook varswater krappe in die dam is. Met dit ingedagte het ek maar altyd my loodkoppe (jigs) naby en gebruik natuurlike kleure soos bruin en oranje om naastenby dieselfde kleur as die krappe te kry. Ek hengel my “jigs” stadig naby klipperige gedeeltes in die dam.

Die kalkklippe verskaf ‘n jagveld vir ‘n groot hoeveelheid kleiner baars wat heeldag aktief is en kan met gemak met ‘n “square bill” of “jerkbait” gevang word. Spinnerbaits kan ook gebruik word en is baie effektief in winderige toestande.

Kleure spinnerbaits wat goed werk is chartreuse en oranje en selfs wit. “Double blade spinnerbaits” met goudkleurige “willow leaf blades” is meer effektief in die dam se skoon water. Watergras banke verskaf goeie skuiling en moet deeglik en sistematies gehengel word om sukses te behaal.

Meeste van die plaaslike hengelaars verkies die watergras omrede dit groter vis lewer. Dis waar die natuurlike kleur flukes gebruik en stadig gehengel word, of selfs doodstil gelaat word (dead stick).

Daar is ‘n groot hoeveelheid riete rondom die dam wat nie beheer word nie en wat ook ‘n goeie hoeveelheid sports verskaf. Die beste manier om die riete te hengel is om vanaf ‘n afstand eers met “crankbaits” lang gooie te maak en die vis in die oopwater te vang. Gaan dan nader aan die riete met ‘n Texas-strop en ‘n Senko wat ge-“pin” is. Laastens, hengel stadig met ‘ n “jig” diep binne die riete - op hierdie manier kan jy verseker wees om geen vis te verjaag nie.

In April het ons die eerste plaaslike hengelkompetisie gehou en het ‘n redelik opkoms gehad. Net jammer dat daar ‘n kouefront met twee dae se reën deurgekom het.

Die water het baie afgekoel en baars het baie naby aan struktuur gebly wat die lewe baie moeilik gemaak het vir die oewerhengelaars. Nietemin het die hengelaars van die bote af darem ‘n goeie hoeveelheid vis gevang gekry met “crankbaits”.

HOOKED My brother, Morné, was out here to pay us a visit and we went fishing together for the first time in 3 years! I took my youngest daughter, Rilee aged 4, out on the boat because she loves fishing and was bugging me for two days to go out onto the dam! With a little help, she managed to land her first bass and she is very proud of her catch! She used a four inch Yum Dinger weightless to lure the bass into biting. Rilee didn’t want to get off the boat or leave the dam after catching that bass, seems I have a new partner in the making… – Lee de Beer

MEMEL Ek stuur graag die fotos van my seun Barend Bootha (PS: Die van is reg gespel). Hy was in Maart 2016 by ‘n plaasdam naby Memel. Hy begin volgende jaar in die “junior circuit” vang saam Tim Williams-hulle in die Noord Natal “league”. Dankie vir ‘n goeie tydskrif.

– Pieter Bootha

BIG BASS The average size of bass in KZN is definitely a bit bigger than up country!

I have attached a photo of a nice bass I caught at Albert Falls weighing in at just under 4kg. The water level has dropped dramatically to 37% with little sign of the level picking up soon. The dam is still producing good catches however. The fish in the photo was caught on a Zoom Green Weenie Super Fluke, rigged light Mojo style. The rod being a Sensation Magma 731 matched with a Sensation Lubina reel. My main goal was to try and catch a 5kg bass before leaving the KZN province but they are eluding me! I have a few months left and will definitely give it my best!

Thanks for the great magazine, I still read it regularly and often think back of the memories associated with SA Bass, fond memories that is!! – Lee de Beer *Lee de Beer and his brother Morné were the first Cast-for-Cash anglers to represent SA BASS in the USA, fishing an IFBAA tournament on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri - Publisher.

SA BASS 19 June 2016

EVENTUALLY While out fishing with some friends at Rhenosterkop, I caught this handsome fellow near the dam wall. The water was extremely low and finding the fish was a bit of a struggle, but at least we caught some green beauties.

Thanks for all the informative articles.

– Robbie Walker

KLEIN PARADYS I went fishing early March 2015 with my two sons, Ishaan, Shyaam, and wife to Klein Paradys near Brits. To our surprise Shyaam managed to reel out this 600g large mouth bass that was caught on a carp rig using worms for bait. I suppose this was one hungry bass.

– Kamlesh Pabhoo

THUMBS UP This weekend I was bound to break my PB and I did!

I managed to land this whopper of 2.6kg on a Pumpkin Seed 5” Senko on a wacky rig. I was fishing at a private dam on the lower KZN South Coast. I keep up with the magazine and the advice. Thumbs up for the SA BASS! – Ryno Pieterse

READERS GO BASSING Mail a & Win

E-mail your picture and details of your catch to editor@sabass.com and stand a chance to win a BASS HUNTER 150PC. STARTER KIT sponsored by MIAS Woodmead.

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Any photos previously published, or published by other magazines will not be considered.

20 SA BASS June 2016

>> SA BASS READERS GO BASSING

Y T ” S A E “B

Caught on Honeymoon >> Theo Lombard

I

got married early April 2016 and we decided on Margate for our honeymoon. I saw an opportunity to add an extra three days of bass fishing at Bells Bass Lodge in KZN about 14km away from Ballito in the Shakaskraal area.

Boy, I never thought that I would be blessed with two big events in two weeks, getting married and also hitting my PB of 5.75kg.

Fished of my pontoon, I borrowed dad’s two piece Matador rod, geared it up with my Abu MGX reel with eight pound Tatshu with a G40 (black and purple) lure from Secret Baits.

I saw some timber sticking out so I tried that on the Tuesday afternoon when we got to Bells Bass Lodge but did not pick up anything and decided to fish the reeds instead.

Great fishing venue as I got stuck into the bass quick. The next morning I went to the timber again and again nothing so I decided I would come back in the afternoon. I was so happy that I made that discussion.

Just after 4 o’clock in the afternoon and I headed back to the timber, took me four casts and then it started. The take was light, the fight was epic. I first thought I got stuck and as I lifted the rod to shoot the line I just felt this massive pull and saw the line shooting through the water and I knew this is it. The tug’s from the bass was insane, luckily my drag was set correctly and the drag went as the bass pulled

22 SA BASS June 2016

away. I could feather the spool with my thumb.

I immediately started kicking away from the trees so that I don’t get snagged in the branches. To the left of me was reeds and to the right the tree stumps. The bass went left to the reeds and then back to the stumps, it is insane and unbelievable how fast these fish can move.

Then it happened. The beast made sight of her for the first time. She broke the surface and a thousand thoughts went through my head BUT luckily I saw my hook set was 100% through the top of the mouth and centre (those red hooks helps a lot). For that split

“I never thought that I would be blessed with two big events in two weeks”

second I had peace of mind that the bass’s teeth won’t shave the line. I just needed to hold tension.

My biggest worry was to land this beast and from my pontoon it would be a task and a half, so I decided I will kick back to the cottage so that Tanya can hold the net and land the beast. Slowly making my way back for quite a distance, this mega fish made her presence known every second.

I shouted from about fifty odd metres away to Tanya, “Liefie, Liefie... Liefie, bring die net, bring die net”. She of cause was a bit confused and thought there might be a snake or even a croc situation going on the way I shouted. (We did visit the croc farms and Venom World on our holiday, so that idea was still fresh in her mind.)

I got to the shore and Tanya saw what was going on. Now to land this massive green machine! There was still plenty of fight in her and I knew one wrong move and it’s bye-bye PB. Tanya got in the water with me as she also went to promode in seconds and was giving advice as to how I needed to guide the beast to the net. It was not to be as my net was way too small (I think the net is used for trout fishing).

Anyway, by this time I could not take it anymore and I just lifted the rod and grabbed the beast on the bottom jaw and held on as tight as I could. I lifted her out of the water, what powerful species they are, shaking my whole body as she tried to slip lose from my grip.

Wow… what a feeling to be so blessed to have this awesome specimen in my hands and even better seeing her swim away safely after all the activities, alive and knowing she lives to fight another day and to bring joy to another basser.

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

10 July - 16 July 2016 We at SA BASS are inviting all avid young anglers between the ages of 7-16 years to join us for loads of fun and adventure.

Venue: Boskoors Farm, 30km North of Pretoria on the Moloto Road.

Bookings are essential!

We have limited spots available as we like to keep the number of campers at a minimum, to ensure that every child gets the necessary individual attention and guidance.

Please call Wilma on 087 808 5406 or 083 306 2718 to book your spot.

For more information visit www.sabass.com or e-mail wilma@sabass.com

SA BASS 23 June 2016

>> SA BASS BASICS

Standing Timber

Nothing can be more frustrating when you get to a piece of water with ample standing timber and you fall into the trap of thinking that each piece of timber will be housing a monster bass. >> Hendrik

D

on’t get carried away and start pitching every piece off timber, this will result in a lot off wasted angling time, you will have to learn how to dissect in order to locate the high-percentage trees and in doing so you will do a lot off eliminating off useless waters that will not produce any strikes.

You may think that all trees look the same so they should house bass, but in actual fact it is more about the location of a tree and not just the tree. You will have to look at the area that you are in. The trees need to be next to a point that is pushing out, or even a tree that is standing in the old river bed.

One thing is certain, if you want to be hard headed about it, you will be wasting a lot of time without any positive results. “But the whole area looks the same”, you might say. “What do I do now?”

24 SA BASS June 2016

Well I always look for the following two factors.

Deep water If you can locate an area close to deep water with some trees close by, then your chances will rise dramatically. Such an area gives the bass the opportunity to feed around the trees and slip away when they are full. Almost always the bass are going to be there for the depth change and not for the timber. The timber is just an added bonus.

Timber patterns Most timber patterns will relate to depth change and that will most certainly hold bass. Spend as much time as possible to study the specific area around your selected tree.

Get a feel for it and try to get a mental picture. Know what type of timber is part of the tree. Are there a lot off branches, or are the branches only to the one side of the

tree? Use your electronics to read the area well. In doing so, you will quickly be able to eliminate dead water.

Use crankbaits I know what you are thinking; fishing around trees we should rather pull out the old trusty jig or creature bait as it will be a good way to “feel” the bottom around the tree but, there is another way. It will take a lot of courage and might even end up losing some tackle but it can be very rewarding.

I will almost always scrutinize the trees with a deep diving crankbait when there is a bit of stained water. With the trusty crank you will be able to feel the bottom and feel when it hits the structure. You’ll feel any depth change just as quick. Within a few casts you will know the layout of the area. Fishing a jig is time consuming and you will be wasting time.

How… Don’t just cast and retrieve, there is a method to the madness, to avoid getting hung up there is a few tips you can use.

Lure retriever You need to hit the structure with your crankbait and that might put doubt in your mind. (By knocking the structure you will trigger reaction strikes.) Having a lure retriever on your boat will give you piece of mind knowing there is more than one way to retrieve your lure.

Control your retrieve Don’t try to finesse your crank through the timber.

Keep your tip down with a steady retrieve. This will keep the crank’s lip down and this will act as a weed guard. It will also prevent the hooks from getting stuck. Don’t overdo the steady retrieve - you don’t want to end up finesse fishing you crank again.

Clean up Once we had a strike or two and know what is going on, it is time to start the clean up. If you used crankbaits and the bites slow down, then get out your favourite jig and work the area. When I want to slow down I would rather stick to a jig, a punch weight with a skirt or a creature bait.

These baits have a much more compact profile. I’ve never been a big football jig fan when fishing standing timber; I would rather use a slimmer profile jig which I could get through the thick branches.

When fishing a particular structure switch between different jig weights. I have caught many fish with my trusty finesse jig but when I changed to a heavier jig, I immediately improved the size of the fish. It could work vice a verse as well.

Using heavy jigs you will be able to fish the bottom very well and it would imitate craws or even bottom feeding fish.

When fishing with a jig, or even a punch weight and worm, you can try the following techniques:

There is more than one way to fish around trees, but which tree?

SA BASS 25 June 2016

Yo-yo Instead of casting under a low branch, rather cast over the branch and play with the lure. Pull it up and let it drop a few times before you retrieve it over the branch. Doing so you can move the bait more before you take it out of the strike zone. You won’t always get the bass at first but by keeping it longer in front of their noses won’t hurt your chances.

Up-close and personal When fishing structure always get in as close as possible to the timber because bass relate to it and keep close to it.

They feel much safer and less exposed for the ambush. By keeping your lure close to the structure you will basically drop the bait on top of their heads and that will trigger bite.

Dead weight Many times when you are yo-yoing your lure, you just feel a dead weight at the end off the line. No tug or sudden pull, just the weight. That normally is when a very decent size fish grabbed your lure. To make sure; keep your line tight and drop your rod tip slightly. If you feel the slightest tap… set the hook!

Don’t overdo When you set the hook and you feel it is a big one,

BULK R100 big to u1p 0 r BACK fo sale

ISSUES copies

26 SA BASS June 2016

keep steady pressure. Don’t try to force the bass out, but if you feel that you have been wrapped, don’t pull too hard because you will snap the line. If you don’t feel the bass anymore, give a little bit off line… normally the bass will swim out. By pulling to hard you will only end up swearing at yourself.

Always keep an open mind By thinking out of the box you might crack the code.

On many occasions I took a worm, or jig, and swam it through the structure like a crankbait. That was enough to trigger some good strikes. Sometimes I will cast my crank and just let it lie there… twitching it once in a while and boom… fish on!

By making a few small changes will help you put more fish on the boat. But none of this is going to be worth anything if you don’t know where you are fishing. By not knowing what’s going on beneath you, you might as well pack up and go home.

Don’t give up when the bite is slow. If you know there is suitable structure with a depth change close by, you know the fish will be there. You just need to convince them that they need to take a nibble at the elusive lure that you are putting in front of them. If you temp them, they will bite.

>> SA BASS INDUSTRY NEWS

s e i r e S P R I H C P A M o h ec

G

armin, the global leader in satellite navigation has been successful in creating navigation and communication devices which embrace lifestyle needs and enrich the lives of customers’ since 1989. The brands innovative products span various areas of interest, including automotive, marine, fitness, outdoor recreation, and aviation and wireless applications.

Garmin are excited to announce the echoMAP CHIRP series – a new line of affordable chart plotter/sonar combination units with built-in CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP DownVüTM and SideVü, the clearest scanning sonar on the water. The new echoMAP CHIRP series 7” and 9” offer support for Garmin Panoptix transducers and all units come standard with Garmin QuickdrawTM Contours, a new software feature

CHIRP sends a continuous sweep of frequencies and interprets them individually upon their return, creating crisper fish arches with better target separation 28 SA BASS June 2016

that lets mariners instantly create personalized high definition fishing maps with one-foot contours on any body of water. With NMEA® 2000 compatibility*, the new echoMAPs can also receive information from sensors, engines, autopilots and more.

“With integrated CHIRP sonar, premium mapping options, built-in GPS, and support for Panoptix and NMEA 2000, the echoMAP CHIRP series is a powerful step forward in the evolution of combination units for anglers,” said Chris Gillitt, Garmin Southern Africa’s Marine Category.

“We’re excited to bring these units to market and believe that they truly provide the best fishing experience possible, and at price points to meet the needs of the value-minded customer.”

Like previous echoMAP models, the CHIRP series is available in bright, sunlight readable 4”, 5”, 7” and 9” colour displays with an intuitive, keyed interface. All models are equipped with a built-in, high-sensitivity 5Hz GPS antenna that updates location and heading five times per second for extremely reliable position accuracy at all times.

For the clearest scanning sonar of fish and structure on the market, this new series offers built-in CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP DownVü and SideVü technology.

Instead of just sending one single frequency, CHIRP sends a continuous sweep of frequencies and interprets

them individually upon their return, creating crisper fish arches with better target separation. For anglers who want to see objects and structure below the boat, DownVü provides a nearly photographic view with excellent resolution and target separation in both freshwater and saltwater. The echoMAP CHIRP SV models also add SideVü scanning for customers who want to see what’s located on both sides of the boat.

Additionally, the 7” and 9” echoMAP CHIRP models provide support for Garmin Panoptix; an all-seeing sonar. With Panoptix on board, fisherman can see real-time sonar imagery at video-like speed. It shows an image of fish swimming and moving toward or away from the boat – even while stationary – in real time and up to 100 feet away. The echoMAP CHIRP series will support all Panoptix models, including the new PS21.

A worldwide base map comes preloaded on all models and they are compatible with optional BlueChart® G2 and BlueChart G2 Vision maps.

BlueChart G2 Vision offers Garmin renowned Auto Guidance, 3D-views, aerial photos and more. *Available in the 5-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch models.

Contact Garmin Southern Africa for unmatched direct services and support on (011) 251 9999 or visit their headquarters in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

E C H O M A P ™ CHIR P

Available in 4�, 5�, 7� and 9� models Garmin.co.za

TIME TO MAKE IT RAIN Chartplotter/Sonar combos with CHIRP sonar.

The all-new echoMAP dv and sv series chartplotter/ sonar combos are available in 4-inch, 5-inch, 7-inch, DQG LQFK GLVSOD\V 7KH GY VHULHV RÎ?HUV EXLOW LQ traditional HDID sonar and DownVĂźâ&#x201E;˘. The sv series JLYHV \RX EXLOW LQ WUDGLWLRQDO +' Î&#x2013;' VRQDU 'RZQ9ž and SideVĂźâ&#x201E;˘ capabilities for the clearest scanning VRQDU RQ WKH ZDWHU 7KH LQWHUQDO +] *36 XSGDWHV WKH SRVLWLRQ DQG KHDGLQJ Č´YH WLPHV SHU VHFRQG 7KH new echoMAP series is compatible with optional %OXH&KDUWÂŽ g2 VisionÂŽ ZKLFK LQFOXGHV SDWHQWHG *DUPLQ $XWR *XLGDQFH FDSDELOLW\ <RX FDQ DOVR FUHDWH \RXU RZQ PDSV ZLWK XS WR RQH IRRW FRQWRXU OLQHV RQ DQ\ ERG\ RI ZDWHU ZLWK WKH QHZ 4XLFNGUDZČ &RQWRXUV VRIWZDUH DYDLODEOH RQ DOO PRGHOV

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>> SA BASS TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Gauteng Money Winners Datum: 23 April 2016 Venue: Vaal River RESULTS: 1

5.35kg, Team Rapala 2 - Barry & Kyle Grove with 5 fish, won R7400 cash

2

5.09kg, Team Mercury - Nicholas Milligan & Jamie Rout with 5 fish, won R3400 cash

3

4.93kg, Team Ranger G² - Justin & Gizelle Trentelman with 5 fish, won R2500 cash

4

4.85kg, Team Bee Gee - Tony Lagesen & Gareth Dryden with 5 fish, won R1700 cash

4

4.85kg, Team Never Give Up - André Pretorius & Tony Ernst with 5 fish, won R1700 cash

BIG FISH: 1st: 1.80kg - Team Lansdell: Paul & Luke Lansdell won R500 2nd: 1.78kg - Team Bee Gee: Tony Lagesen & Gareth Dryden 3rd: 1.56kg - Team Rapala 2: Barry & Kyle Grove

Paul Lansdell caught the heaviest fish for the day

Sponsors: SA BASS would like to thank McCarthy Volkswagen Wonderboom for the VW Amarok double cab towing vehicle. Also Pure Fishing and Six 8 Custom Baits/ Factor X for sponsoring lucky draw prizes at prize giving.

VERSLAG: Alhoewel daar ‘n aankomende koue front was wat chaos in die Kaap gesaai het, het ons in teenstelling met laasjaar, ‘n wonderlike dag op die Vaalrivier gehad.

Twee-en-vyftig spanne het ingeskryf en die wegtrek was weereens ‘n belewenis wat baie belangstelling van vele oewerhengelaars geniet het. Die meeste spanne het die wedren aangepak, af na die Barrage toe. Deur die loop van die dag was die weegstasie redelik stil. Die eerste swaar vis van 1.3kg was deur Team Wolf ingeweeg.

Uiteindelik het 51 spanne vis geweeg en was die kompetisie baie taai. Vir die eerste keer in ‘n lang ruk moes een van die top vyf plekke gedeel word en het die vyfde plek dus weggeval. Dit was Team Bee Gee en Team Never give Up wat die vierde plek moes deel, elk met ‘n totale sakgewig van 4.85kg.

Back: Gizelle & Justin Trentelman, Gareth Dryden, Tony Lagesen, André Pretorius, Tony Ernst Front: Barry Grove, Kyle Grove, Jamie Rout, Nicholas Milligan

Die VW Amarok dubbelkajuit sleepvoertuig se brandstofverbruik is iets wat my werklik beïndruk. Die voertuig het ‘n twee liter dieselenjin met twee turbo aanjaers (2.0 litre BiTDi Hi Line 132kW) en is toegerus met ‘n agt-spoed outomatiese ratkas. Die pad tussen Pretoria en Vanderbijlpark is redelik plat en ons brandstofverbruik, terwyl ons die inweegstasie teen ‘n gemiddelde spoed van 120km/h gesleep het, was ‘n indrukwekkende 10.4 km/l (dit is 9.615 liter per 100km).

30 SA BASS June 2016

Die swaarste vis vir die dag was gevang deur Paul Lansdell wat in die doodsnikke van die inweeg Team Bee Gee onttroon het, met ‘n vis wat twintig gram swaarder geweeg het.

Dit was die jonge Kyle Grove wat die dag koning gekraai het. Hy het so pas ook die nasionale junior kampioenskappe gewen en vir almal kom wys hoe om op die Vaalrivier vis te vang. Hy en sy pa, Barry, het vir die hele dag mure in 8ft diep water geteiken en met wit “crankbaits” gehengel. Die vis in hulle sak se gemiddelde gewig was 1.07kg en die swaarste was 1.56kg. Hulle wengeld vir die dag was R7400 kontant gewees. Nie te versmaai nie!

Die res van die wenstrategieë kan as volg opgesom word:

WENSTRATEGIEë Team

Structure

Best time

Depth

Lure

Colour

Rig

Team Rapala 2

Walls

Whole day

8ft

Jerkbait

White

-

2.

Team Mercury

Stumps

Whole day

3ft

Creature baits

Junebug

Texas

3.

Team Ranger G²

Reeds

4.

Team Bee Gee

Jetties

Morning

5ft

Creature baits

Grn Pumpkn

Texas

5.

Team Never Give Up

Reeds

Morning

7ft

4" Senko

Wtmln Candy

Texas

1.

Crankbaits

Aan die bopunt van die punteleer is dit Team Blue Water Gear – Frans Swanepoel en Lesley Montgomery wat sedert Februarie verbete aan die eerste posisie vasklou. Kort op hulle hake is dit Team Bee Gee wat opgeskuif het vanaf die derde plek en nou, met net twee punte verskil in die tweede plek lê. Team X-Factor Six 8 het ook opgeskuif vanaf die vyfde plek en bekleë nou die derde posisie… Wat gaan volgende maand gebeur?

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

490-points

Team Blue Water Gear

Frans Swanepoel & Lesley Montgomery

2.

488-points

Team Bee Gee

Tony Lagesen & Gareth Dryden

3.

479-points

Team X-Factor Six 8

Jooste Wasserfall & Tobie Uys

4.

478-points

Team GR82Fish

Robert Tuzza & George Paar

5.

462-points

Team Greens

Kamlesh Parbhoo & Adrian Swarts

6.

461-points

Team Wolf

Alastair Vorster & Clint Dalglish

7.

439-points

Team New Anchor

Calman Grobler & Dirk Smith

8.

438-points

Team Van Le Zac

Cas Kruger & Renier vd Merwe

8.

438-points

Team Bass On

Riaan Spangenberg & Henk Venter

9.

426-points

Team Bamba Thaita

Hendrik & Sybrand Roodt

10.

421-points

Team Bass World

Willem Verster & Etienne Wurth

10.

421-points

Team Oupa

Frik Strydom & Ian Boswell

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

Limpopo Wenners Datum: 16 April 2016 Venue: Nandoni Dam UITSLAE: 1 4.635kg, Team Xterminator - Andy Kyriacoudes & Riaan Bam met 5 visse wen R1300 kontant 2 4.427kg, Team TFF - Leon Lordan & Theo Janse v Rensburg met 5 visse wen R600 kontant 3 3.113kg, Team Beli Tomato - Wayne Eastman met 5 visse wen R400 kontant 4 1.842kg, Team JV Hydraulic’s - Wessel du Toit & Johnny Verster met 3 visse wen R300 kontant 5 1.811kg, Team Slabbert Robert & Jaques Slabbert met 5 visse wen R300 kontant

L-n-r: Team Xterminator, Andy en Riaan, Team TFF, Leon en Theo, Team Beli Tomato, Billy en Wayne, Team JV Hydraulics, Wessel, Team Slabbert, Robert en Jaques

SA BASS 31 June 2016

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

383-punte

Team Xterminator

2.

381-punte

Team Lannie Motors New

Andy Kyriacoudes & Riaan Bam Paul du Toit & Wayne Dames

3.

380-punte

Team JV Hydraulic’s

Wessel du Toit & Johnny Verster

4.

375-punte

Team Bouwer

Eugene & Len Bouwer

5.

369-punte

Team TFF

Leon Lordan & Theo Janse v Rensburg

5.

369-punte

Team Geartec

J van Rooyen & Hannes de Jager

6.

286-punte

Team Slabbert

Robert & Jaques Slabbert Andre Bezuidenhout & Bruce Allan

7.

248-punte

Team Lannie Motors Used

8.

239-punte

Team Nog een

Wikus en Wikus Swart Jnr

9.

234-punte

Team Try Me

Hilgard Greyvensteyn & Renzo Dup

10.

128-punte

Team Beli Tomato

Wayne Eastman

10.

128-punte

Team Erasmusse

TP Erasmus & MJ Erasmus

Mpumalanga Wenners Datum: 23 April 2016 Venue: Arabie Dam UITSLAE: 1 5.41kg, Team 460 - Jaap Pienaar & Wikus le Roux with 5 fish 2 4.57kg, Team Vortex - Rowan Zerf & Divan Coetzee with 5 fish 3 4.37kg, Team Go Fish Custom Baits - Buks Human & Louis Cooper with 4 fish 4 2.89kg, Team Hengelvriend - Anton Bouwer & Boet Grabie with 3 fish 5 2.61kg, Team Tribal 2 - Jan Roos & Bruce Engelbrecht with 3 fish

VLNR: Jaap Pienaar, Wikus le Roux, Buks Human, Louis Cooper, Boet Grabie, Anton Bouwer, Bruce Engelbrecht, Jan Roos

BIG FISH: 1.670kg – Team 460 GRAND PRIX STANDINGS* The current Grand Prix standings are as follows: 1.

500-points

Team Go Fish Custom Baits

Buks Human & Louis Cooper

2.

2.

496-points

Team Vortex

Rowan Zerf & Divan Coetzee

496-points

Team Stretch 60

Mike Cloete & Piet van Wyk

3.

489-points

Team 460

Jaap Pienaar & Wikus le Roux

4.

486-points

Team Hengelvriend

Anton Bouwer & Boet Grabie

5.

471-points

Team Bass Masjien

Dewald Pretorius & Jaco vd Merwe

6.

468-points

Team Crewless

Sean Campion & Grant Baker

7.

452-points

Team Go Fish Custom Baits 2

Arthur Symington & Chanelle Stewart

8.

394-points

Team Double Trouble Tribal

Jacques Schoeman & Jacques De Wet

9.

380-points

Team MMS

Alfred Siegl & David Davies

10.

364-points

Team Bad Boy

Bossie & Marko Bosman

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

Cast-for-Cash 2016 Season Upcoming Events: Date

Gauteng

Date

Mpumalanga

Date

18 Jun

Bronkhorstspruit Dam

26-Jun

De Hoop

26 Jun

Albasini Dam

23 Jul

Rust de Winter

24-Jul

Witbank

July

No tournament

27 Aug

Hartebeespoort Dam

28-Aug

Rust de Winter

27 Aug

2 day comp - T.B.A.

24 Sep

Roodekopjes Dam

25-Sep

Arabie

24 Sep

2 day comp - T.B.A.

29 Oct

Champion-of-Champions

29-Oct

Champion-of-Champions

29 Oct

Hannes 082 416 5524

Lizette Jonker 076 766 2046

Limpopo

Champion-of-Champions Wessel du Toit 082 855 0917

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

32 SA BASS June 2016

>> SA BASS INTERNATIONAL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NAMIBIA

NBAA

The Namibian Bass Angling Association The Namibian Bass Angling Association (NBAA) has held three national competitions as to date. The first competition of 2016 was held on the 5th of February on Oanob Dam which is located approximately 90km south of the capital city Windhoek. >> Hendrik Pretorius*

T

he competition day started at 6:30 with the regular captains meeting, fellow fishing competitors trying to catch up after the season holidays. At 6:55 engines may be started and at 7:00 the first boat was on its way.

As the day proceeded, some competitors had managed to hook up on some bass but not the sizes that are known for Oanob dam. At 16:00 cutoff time all the boats were back at the launch.

The day was not as successful as the anglers had hoped and only a few managed to weigh-in some fish.

However the day was still filled with new anglers clawing their way to the top positions and the old boys fighting to keep theirs. The first three places for the days fishing were as follows:

1st place: James van Rooyen with a 34 SA BASS June 2016

bag of 7,61kg 2nd place: Alec Williams with a bag of 2,98kg 3rd place: Richard Grant with a bag of 2,50kg We would like to thank our sponsors for supporting us on that day.

The main sponsor Cymot, secondary sponsor Deep Catch Trading and our subsidiary sponsor Bank Windhoek Ltd.

Second competition The second competition was held on the 16th of March on Oanob Dam as our venues were limited which was caused by draught.

The competition day started at 6:30 with the regular captains meeting, fellow fishing competitors trying to catch up after the season holidays. At 6:55 engines may be

started and at 7:00 the first boat was on its way.

The wind picked up early and gave big promise; however the anglers managed to catch a bunch of undersize fish and only a few keepers. The cold front that moved past two days prior the competitions seems to have had a negative reaction on the fishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activity.

At 16:00 cut-off all the boats were back at the launch.

The day was a frustrating one for a lot of anglers.

The first three places for the days fishing were as follows: 1st place: Alec Williams with a bag of 3,94kg 2nd place: Jaques Marais with a bag of 3,62kg 3rd place: Neels van Tonder with a bag of 1,86kg

Namibia is also experiencing a severe draught and is currently facing some tough decisions

The draught is affecting the sport of bass fishing in Namibia in a very big way. We hope and pray to receive some rains this year to fill our dams to the brim.

We would like to thank our sponsors for supporting us on that day. The main sponsor Deep Catch Trading and our subsidiary sponsor Bank Windhoek Ltd.

Third competition The third competition was held on the 9th of April on Oanob Dam. We are experiencing a severe draught and we are currently facing some tough decisions to be made for conservation reasons and the livelihood of the wonderful sport of bass fishing in Namibia.

The competition day started at 6:30 with the regular captains meeting, fellow fishing competitors trying to catch up after the season holidays. At

6:55 engines may be started and at 7:00 the first boat was on its way.

The wind picked had once again picked up early in the morning and gave some anglers hope of maybe catching some females that would start with their autumn feeding patterns.

Much to their demise the fish were under a lot of pressure caused by the draught, an algae bloom and boats on the water. The day had a slow start for most of the anglers. Only smaller fish were caught and the day ended with yet another disappointing group of anglers.

The first three places for the days fishing were as follows: 1st place: Jaques Swart with a bag of

2,83kg 2nd place: James van Rooyen with a bag of 2,07kg 3rd place: JP Judeel with a bag of 1,10kg We would like to thank our sponsors for supporting us on that day.

The main sponsor Surf&Turf and our subsidiary sponsor Bank Windhoek Ltd. The draught is affecting the sport of bass fishing in Namibia in a very big way. We hope and pray to receive some rains this year to fill our dams to the brim. *Hendrik Pretorius is the Namibian Bass Angling Association (NBAA) Conservation Officer.

SA BASS 35 June 2016

>> SA BASS KAYAK

s s 5 e 3 n 1 r e e d d l i i R W tems s y S While on a meander through a local boat shop on a quiet day, I stumbled onto a couple of lost looking kayaks. Being a paddler, I called over a bored looking salesman and struck up a conversation over the couple of ocean going kayaks.

>> Dewald Viljoen*

I

t turns out the shop owner wanted a few kayaks on the floor because customers have been asking about kayak fishing. Only after ordering and paying for the boats did he realize that they were not really suitable for freshwater fishing and completely unsuitable for bass fishing. This got me thinking about my awesome kayak and figured that this would be a great opportunity to do a review on my current boat.

When reviewing any product it is always helpful to have a something of a benchmark to compare against and while I have fished of several kayaks and small boats in my life, the

comparison between Wilderness System Ride 135 and other platforms I have used is difficult. Wilderness Systems launched the Ride 135 a few years ago and in my opinion set the benchmark for fishing and especially bassing kayaks.

Let us start with the basics. At 13.5 foot in length the Ride is the kayak worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equivalent of a 20 foot glitter boat. The hull is just under three foot wide and uses an incredibly stable triple hull, making the kayak very manoeuvrable while still allowing for a decent rate of speed on longer paddles. The Ride is so stable in fact that an angler can easily stand and fish!

It also got a great seat! It may not sound like much but when it comes to spending a day sitting in the sun on a small boat a comfortable seat is of critical importance. In addition to comfort the seat also provide the angler with a bunch of little cubby holes and storage pockets for easy access to tools and tackle. While most kayaks will allow the paddler to adjust the foot

Top view of the Wilderness Systems Ride 135

36 SA BASS June 2016

Side Si de vview iew ie w of tthe he Wilder Wilderness Wild erne ness ss SSystems yste ys tems ms Ride Ri de 1135 35

rests, the Rideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat is also adjustable to shift the centre of balance on the boat, which is very handy when the kayak is loaded to its full 230kg capacity. It is this huge weight carrying ability that allows me to carry a 105 Amp hour battery and trolling motor for those really long distance days on the water. Another handy feature of the Ride is the dual equipment rails in the cockpit. These make it easy to attach fish finders, rod holders or whatever else an angler feels is needed without unnecessary drilling.

Fishing of the Ride 135 is an absolute pleasure! The boat is stable and the high seating position makes for not only comfortable rowing but also give remarkable visibility when sight fishing. The hull is also very stable when fighting fish and allows for quite a bit of movement without rolling or pitching. The kayak turns easily and anchorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; safely with only a 0.7kg anchor.

In the past, one of my pet hates regarding kayaks was always how limited I was in fishing techniques because of the amount of tackle and specifically rods I could carry.

On the Wildy however I can easily load 8 to 10 big tackle boxes of lures in the tackle basket behind the seat. There is a small hatch in front of the seat that is perfect for a small terminal tackle pack that holds all my hooks and weights.

The real treat though is the forward hatch. I can easily fit 18 fully rigged rods into the hull of the kayak! And while it cannot be accessed while on the water it allows me to select what I need for my immediate needs in my rod holders on deck and keep a lot of other options in reserve.

For my money the Wilderness Systems Ride series is one of the best fishing kayaks available in South Africa. It is comfortable, stable and safe and comes from one of the leading kayak brands in the world!

IF you are interested in kayak fishing then this is one kayak that should be on your short list! *Dewald Viljoen is sponsored by Canoe & Kayak Centre, the owner of Hot Reels Service Centre, partner and designer at AfriBaits.

Services Repairs Maintenance Contact us for a quote on any reel service or repair Tel: 078 548 1301 Email: hotreeltec@gmail.com Authorized Service Center SA BASS 37 June 2016

>> SA BASS HEALTH

Cast, Retrieve & Believe!

>> Evert Laubscher*

T

here are many different aspects that can be determining factors in your success with rod and reel in hand. This is especially true when it comes to catching fish on artificial lures. The aspects that are normally looked at, and that get written about in depth are the external factors.

When we look at external factors there are many things that can play a role in success: 38 SA BASS June 2016

Weather: Wind, water temperature and barometric pressure.

Structure: Drop offs, points, old roads, etc.

Cover: Timber, lily pads, boulders, etc.

Target species: Fish behavior, feeding patterns and prey.

Season: Pre-spawn, spawn and post-spawn.

Time of day: Early morning, midday and late afternoon.

Weight loss exercises for men

The physical attributes that can play a role in the success of an art-lure angler:

can limit your range of motion and affect your powers of concentration on the water. Therefore make sure you look after your lower back by doing â&#x20AC;&#x153;coreâ&#x20AC;? muscle exercises, and focusing on a correct body posture. The primary muscle that needs to be activated to support the lower back is the transverse abdominal muscle. This muscle functions like a natural back brace when activated, and is essential to lower back health. The transverse abdominal helps to compress the ribs and viscera, providing thoracic and pelvic stability.

Core strength/stability

Local muscle endurance

Most anglers will agree that the lower back takes a lot of strain during a day on the water, especially if you are operating a foot control trolling motor. People are not designed to keep a specific position for a prolonged period of time, but this is exactly what happens when you are focused on the job at hand, which is to get fish in the live-well. A painful lower back can be very debilitating and

Lure fishing requires the repetition of the action of casting and retrieving. This action is even more strenuous when popping with bigger lures in the ocean. Therefore the muscles involved in this specific action can get tired during a session, which can result in a decrease in the successful completion of the movement. I have experienced this first hand on many occasions, especially when fishing on

However, in this article I will be discussing some of the factors that are more controllable to the angler. I have divided these factors into physical attributes, mental attributes, and skill related components of fishing.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

SA BASS 39 June 2016

consecutive days. The muscles primarily involved in casting and retrieving will be the wrist flexors and extensors, the biceps brachii (anterior upper arm), triceps brachii (posterior upper arm), and deltoid (shoulder) muscle groups. These muscles can be specifically conditioned to improve their endurance by doing resistance training. Sets of twenty repetitions, with a short rest periods (30 seconds) in between is ideal.

Observation Sight plays a massive role in the success of a lure angler. Certain species, like carp for example, can only be effectively targeted on sight. Being able to see signs of fish activity (bubbles, a swirl on the surface) is also very important, especially when the water is not clear enough to see the fish itself. It is also very important to stay attuned to the sounds you hear while fishing. A lot of the time you can hear fish activity before actually seeing the fish. Carp can often be heard sucking up insects or other organisms from the surface, and movement of reeds can indicate catfish hunting small fish hiding in amongst the reeds. Most of the time in nature it is easier to see or hear the prey first, before you see the predator. Therefore be on the lookout for signs of baitfish or other living organisms that might be regarded as prey for your target species. Sight fishing is definitely one of the most exciting ways of catching fish on lure, so look after your eyes by investing in a good pair of polarized sunglasses.

Hydration Being out in the wind and weather can have a major impact on the angler, and probably the biggest concern for South African anglers is staying hydrated in our hot climate. I believe most of us have experienced some form of dehydration after a long days fishing. Dehydration is not just a serious health concern, but it can also negatively affect your ability to concentrate. We tend to get so occupied with pursuing the fish that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hydrate adequately. It is therefore important to have a hydration strategy for the day. This can start by consuming 500ml of water before you start fishing. The general guideline would then be to consume 500ml to one liter every hour spent on the water in hot conditions. It is also good to have a hydration drink on the boat that contains some form electrolytes (e.g.: Energade or Game).

MENTAL ATTRIBUTES Apart from physical attributes, anglers also need to pay attention to their mental attributes that include attitude, confidence, perseverance and intuition.

Attitude Enjoy what you are doing! Like with most things in life, you need the right attitude to be successful on the water.

A positive attitude might not land you fish, but it will definitely help you to enjoy yourself more often than not.

Confidence There is no better lure than a lure that you have 40 SA BASS June 2016

confidence in. When you are confident that you are fishing in the right spot, and you are confident you are presenting your lure as best possible, then you will without a doubt have more patience and be more focused not to miss a take. Confidence can only be achieved by spending time on the water and testing different lures and presentations in different conditions, and then being successful. You can get the best information from a reliable source when preparing to fish a specific venue, but you need to get it right yourself before you will have confidence in the suggested technique, lure or spot. We always tend to revert back to the things that helped us land fish in the past. I do believe that the wrong lure fished with confidence, will out fish the right lure if fished with a lack of confidence. Cast, retrieve, and believe!

Perseverance As I previously mentioned, the amount of patience you have is directly linked to the amount of confidence you have in your methods. Never give up. We have all heard the stories of the trophy fish that was landed on the last cast of the day. As long as you have a lure in the water there is a chance of catching a fish. By sticking to the task at hand and having your lure in the water more than your fellow anglers, you will have the odds in your favour. I have experienced this on many occasions, where the fishing has been tough and you sit down to have a break and your boat partner lands the biggest fish of the day.

Intuition The sixth sense so to speak. I believe that this is a skill that can be developed by spending more time on the water.

It is basically using all your senses and observation skills to make a sub conscious decision that can be the difference between success and failure. For example tying on a lure that you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fished for many years, or deciding to stop at a spot at the last minute and deviating from your initial plan, just because you had a good feeling about it.

SKILL RELATED COMPONENTS that can help improve success on the water are reaction time, casting accuracy, lure presentation and boat positioning.

Reaction time Very often a take on artificial lure can be very subtle, therefore your ability to react fast to the bite can be the difference between going tight or ending up with the thought of what could have been.

Casting accuracy This is definitely a skill that can be practiced and improved. By improving your casting accuracy, and landing your lure on the target, you can drastically improve your chances of getting the fish to take the lure. Often reference is made to the sweet spot, which is the specific spot on a specific cover or structure that will trigger a bite more easily.

A lot of the time you only get one chance to get the lure in the right spot, so casting accurately under pressure is also vital. Practice casting in an open field by tying on a weight or lure that cannot snag easily and aiming at specific targets.

You can improve your distance and accuracy in this way.

The author with his largemouth bass that was caught on sight

Lure presentation The same lure can be presented in many different ways.

The retrieve speed as well as the rod movement, and action can greatly influence the presentation of a lure. This is also true for the type of line and the line diameter that you are using. It is therefore important to experiment with the presentation technique to find out which is most effective on the day. You can practice your lure presentation by casting and retrieving in a swimming pool. The clear water will allow you to see the action of the lure under water, which will help you fish it more effectively.

Boat positioning / manoeuvrings The position of the boat can greatly affect lure presentation and the time the lure spends in the strike zone.

The angle and stealth with which you approach the fish, or the specific structure, or cover also plays a massive role in achieving success. Boat positioning is also a skill that can be improved through practice, and can make all the difference on the day.

Next time before you go out fishing keep in mind that it is not only external factors that can influence your fishing experience but also your own physical attributes, mental attributes, and fishing skills. *Evert Laubscher is a well known name in the angling world and a pro staff angler for Salmo Lures.

SA BASS 41 June 2016

>> SA BASS INDUSTRY NEWS

Humminbird® AutoChart™ Mapping Products Anglers now have the ability to chart unmapped waters and create custom maps

J

ust in time for your next fishing opportunities, anglers now have the ability to chart private, public and hardto-reach waters far off the radar of government surveys and commercially-available paper maps and digital GPS charts. That means you can finally map your own favourite lakes, reservoirs, rivers, ponds, as well as offshore locations.

Now available at retailers worldwide, the revolutionary angler-built mapping technology comprises PC mapping software on DVD and a Zero Lines Map Card designed for use in Humminbird units only.

Available for a one-time purchase price, no subscription or pay-by-the-lake fees, Humminbird AutoChart and

AutoChart PRO put the power in anglers’ hands, not the company behind the product (or fellow anglers).

There’s no uploading to a server or cloud. AutoChart does it instantly - and your data is kept private, so your competition is none the wiser.

Maps are created on your own computer from the data collected on the SD-card from your Humminbird unit in three simple steps: Step 1, RECORD: Insert the AutoChart Zero Lines Map Card v.1.0 card into your Humminbird unit card slot and record your lake data by activating the Track Log or Sonar Recording feature in your Humminbird unit. If you connect your Humminbird unit to a PC, AutoChart will also create and display maps in real time. At the end of the survey, simply save and export the data to your card.

Step 2, CONVERT: Insert the AutoChart SD-card into your PC, import data and click the Create Map toolbar button. To display your map in high-definition depth contours, then click LakeMaster Update button.

Step 3, EXPORT: Remove card from PC and load onto your Humminbird unit to display your custom map!

Then, once finished creating your own custom map you’ll get use of LakeMaster’s three key patented features of Shallow Water Highlight, Depth Highlight and Water Level Offset on your map. Combine your map with Minn Kota® iPilot® Link™ and you can set your trolling motor to follow your custom contours! You can also offset these contour lines by any value you choose and automatically follow with your boat.

For any trade enquiries contact Varkenelli Custom Baits on 071-448-7136 or e-mail sales@varkenellicustoms.co.za

Anglers micro first aid kit and fish hook remover, a must for every fisherman.

42 SA BASS June 2016

Contact: Sharon 0713967112 With our innovatively designed product line we will better engage the end user in their personal safety by having the highest quality of products that are engineered to be highly effective while also being stylish.

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

20 March March 2016 10 July -- 26 16 July 2016 We at SA BASS are inviting all avid young anglers between the ages of 7-16 years to join us for loads of fun and adventure.

Venue: Boskoors Farm, 30km North of Pretoria on the Moloto Road.

Bookings are essential!

We have limited spots available as we like to keep the number of campers at a minimum, to ensure that every child gets the necessary individual attention and guidance.

Please call Wilma on 087 808 5406 or 083 306 2718 to book your spot.

For more information visit www.sabass.com or e-mail wilma@sabass.com

>> SA BASS UNIVERSITY

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>> Bennie Wiese*

T

he only time I stopped fishing was when a bass boat ran past me, or when they were fishing the same bank as me. Normally they didn’t bother to greet, even if I did. So my chances were zero to get any information or help from them. My point; do your own thing and you will be a better angler at the end of the day.

It might take you a bit longer, but you will have learned it the hard way!

If you constantly get information from other anglers you are fishing second hand information. If the spot is on, great for you and you will have a great day’s fishing. Next time you will be back at the same spot and there might be no bite and you will not understand why. Easy; you did not find the spot or figured it out by yourself… you relied on second hand information.

Today there are so many technologies available to help you find fish. The internet has changed the game of fishing in a big way. In the old days you had to do a lot of reading and practise what you have learnt. I have learned that reading up on bass fishing either through books, or on the internet makes a big difference. So do your own thing.

Many people might think that you can become a better angler or even a top angler over night. This is not possible.

You have to go out and spend time on the water or on the banks. That is part of the thrill of fishing. Every time you go out fishing, try to become a better angler or try

44 SA BASS June 2016

to outsmart fellow anglers. There are a few pointers we can look at to become a better angler. As said, it will not happen overnight. Practice until you master it.

Upgrade Ask yourself; with every cast you make, do you get the distance you need? If not… how hard do you have to cast to get the distance? When last did you have your reel serviced, how old is your reel and how many bearings does it have?

Looking after your equipment will make a big difference.

There are many similar questions you should ask about your fishing tackle.

Quality equipment and keeping it maintained is just as important as to know how to fish. If you’ve been sitting on the fence considering whether or not to upgrade to a particular type of line or hook, then it might be the right time to take that step. Don’t go and take a mortgage on your home to buy top of the range equipment. Read up on what you want to improve. You can almost find anything on the internet. You will find many reviews on most of the tackle - positive and negative. When you are upgrading rather buy from someone that is an angler himself and knows what he is talking about. A sales person that hands you the most expense reel to start with is just doing his job. He is selling and not helping. Also don’t just buy the reel because of the brand name or the discount offered.

Patiently and systematically upgrade your fishing line,

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hooks, rods and electronics. By the next fishing trip you will notice the difference.

Taking notes We are all human and we all make mistakes. There is no way that you can remember all the facts of one or two dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fishing; the water temperature, wind direction, depth and many more. Keep a log book and make notes of everything you see and experience during the day. Next time you are out on the water let your wife record you on video. You may notice bad habits and be surprised to see all the small mistakes you make. You can even do small recordings on your cellphone of things you noticed like submerged structure or new fishing spots.

Start your recordings with the normal important stuff; where, weather and fishing conditions. After the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fishing go back to the recordings. Listen to it on your way home and make the final notes off what worked or did not work. When you return to the same venue use your notes to refresh your memory.

Time on the water If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for a tournament, an in house or just social fishing you will have to spent time on the water to improve your skills. When you locate fish in an area itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to test different lures and techniques. I have seen it many times that anglers locate bass in a spot and keep on fishing with the same lure without casting any other to see if the bass are

only feeding on that specific lure or not. (It is called â&#x20AC;&#x153;finding a patternâ&#x20AC;?). When the anglers return for a tournament they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand why there are no fish in the area anymore.

They will fish the area without casting a second lure or try a different technique thus leaving the bass behind.

Use a wide variety of lures and types to get a feel for what works for you and produce the most success. Then eliminate what was not working and select just a few lures you have confidence in. You should at least have one top water bait, one shallow runner, one mid-depth runner and one bottom bouncer. Some lures cover the total range, such as spinnerbaits and soft plastics. See if you can become an expert on each lure you have chosen.

There are many factors to consider when you are out bassinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve only mentioned a few that can improve your angling skills. I am by no means an expert but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a good angler, not because I have more than thirty years of fishing experience, or the number of tournaments I have fished and won, but because of the different things I do when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m on the water. I always try to do something totally different than the rest and it pays off.

My goal is to master any fishing technique and have confidence to fish it the entire day under any conditions.

Next time you go out, do something totally different and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get stuck in the same groove. *Bennie Wiese is the editor of SA Bass magazine and an experienced provincial bass angler.

SA BASS 45 June 2016

>> SA BAARS PROMOSIE

Winter is die tyd om groter vis te vang

Swartbaarhengel is iets wat heeljaar gedoen kan word.

Party hengelaars verkies harde plastiek-kunsvisse en ander sagte plastiese wurms.

Elkeen van die twee keuses het sy eie voor- en nadele, en beslis sy eie hengelgereien aanbiedingstegniek vereistes.

Winter Wurms

>> Hannes Lindeque*

O

m suksesvol met sagte plastiese wrums te hengel het ‘n hengelaar eerstens ‘n stewige swaar-aksie stok nodig. Die handelsnaam en lengte van die stok is ‘n persoonlike keuse en word in groot mate beïnvloed deur ‘n persoon se besteebare inkomste. Wat wel ‘n feit is, is hoe hoër die getal grafiet molecules hoe meer sensitief is die

46 SA BASS June 2016

stok, maar ook hoe makliker breek die stok wanneer dit nie versigtig hanteer word nie. ‘n Ander waarheid is: hoe langer die stok, hoe meer akkuraat kan dit oor ‘n groter afstand gepiets word.

Die meeste hengelaars verkies ‘n lae profeil “baitcaster” katrol met ‘n hoë ratverhouding om onder andere die vis so vinnig moontlik uit die

wegkruipplek te kry. Dit is belangrik om die katrol se rem vroegtydig by die lyn se breekkrag aan te pas. Indien die rem te styf is gaan die lyn met die vaskap breek, en indien die rem te slap is, gaan die hoek nie behoorlik geset word nie en dan word die vis verloor.

Aaskeuse Omtrent elke baarshengelaar het

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‘n Voorstel van hoek om die aas aan die hoek te sit

Lazer Trokar Monster Flippin’ hoek

WIDE GAP HOOK deesdae ‘n pakkie Zoom Super Flukes in sy sak. Hierdie aas boots kwesbare kleiner vis na en is omtrent ‘n moet in enige arsenal. Hierdie kunsaas kan feitlik dwarsdeur die jaar met groot sukses gebruik word.

Nog ‘n aas wat in die winter met groot sukses aangewend kan word is Damiki se Knockout. Gebruik hierdie “creature bait” veral na koue fronte, wat ons in die winter teister, om die vis daar binne die wegkruipplekke uit te haal. Die aas se tentakels is iets wat die aas “lewendig” laat lyk en die vis uitlok om te byt.

Gerei Twee tipes gewigte word gewoonlik gebruik naamlik ’n koël-sinker wanneer daar in digte struktuur gehengel word, en ’n Mojo-gewig in ligte struktuur soos watergras. Die grootte van die gewig hang af van hoe diep die water is en hoe sterk die wind waai. Probeer altyd die ligste gewig moontlik gebruik, maar wat nog steeds die aas op die bodem kry.

Gebruik ‘n 3/0 grootte EWG “wide gap” hoek vir Super Flukes en ‘n Lazer Trokar Monster Flippin’ hoek vir die Damiki Knockout-aas. (Sien voorstelling hoe om die aas aan die hoek te sit).

Vir plastiese wurms is dit beter om ‘n langsteelhoek te gebruik. Die aas het

‘n beter profiel en word nie so verskeur wanneer die die vis die aas vat nie.

Gamma Touch flourocarbon lyn raak feitlik onsigbaar onder die water en het baie min rek wat dit meer sensitief maak vir bytseine as monofilament of copolymer vislyn.

Die breekkrag van die lyn word bepaal deur omstandighede; byvoorbeeld gebruik tussen 17 na 20 pond lyn wanneer daar in digte struktuur en bome gehengel word. In oop water kan 14 pond lyn gebruik word en in helder skoon water met geen struktuur kan selfs tussen 8 na 12 pond gebruik word. Dit is belangrik dat die lyn gereeld vervang moet word. Lyn word beskadig deur sonlig, hitte en skaaf teen die bodem, klippe en stompe.

Veral die eerste meter op die punt wat maklik verweer moet gereeld gedurende die hengelsessie geknip word en later in die asblik weggegooi word.

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Greenpumpkin

Watermelon

Junebug

Soms tel die vis die aas so sagkens op dat jy dit skaars voel

weer as die ligter kleure, maar dit is wat die boeke sê en baars lees nie boeke nie! Ek het al vis in die middel van ‘n wolklose dag met Junebug Mr Jumbo grubs gevang. Elke dam se vis het ‘n ander voorkeur kleur, met die gevolg dat hengelaars moet probeer sien watter kleur die klein vissies in die vlakwater is en dit naboots. As daar krappe in die omgewing is, is Green Pumpkin die kleur om te gebruik.

Aanbieding Oor korter afstande kan ’n hengelaar meer akkuraat gooi, het beter kontak met die aas en die vislyn het minder rek wat ’n beter vaskap gee. Die nadeel van kort afstande is dat vis jou maklik kan sien en meer waaksaam gaan wees.

Gooi die aas uit en laat die aas met ’n slap lyn en so natuurlik as moontlik tot op die bodem val. Moet nie die slap lyn inrol voordat die aas op die bodem is en jy die aas wil laat beweeg nie. Hou die lyn baie fyn dop vir enige bewegings want gewoonlik gryp die vis die aas terwyl die aas sak.

Die regte manier om die aas te laat beweeg is as volg: 48 SA BASS June 2016

1. Laat sak die stok se punt in die rigting van die aas, 2. Rol slap lyn stadig op totdat totdat jy die aas voel, 3. Stop en lig die stok se punt om ’n 90º hoek te vorm.

Wanneer die stok se punt lig sal dit die aas oor die bodem nader skuif. Winterhengel verg geduld, konsentrasie en vreeslike stadige aanbiedinge want die aas moet skaars beweeg.

Ons almal geniet dit wanneer vis die aas gryp en daarmee wegswem, maar groter vis byt meer subtiel. Die aas kan skielik stop en nie val tot op die bodem nie, óf die lyn pluk (twitch), die lyn kan sywaarts beweeg, óf die meeste hengelaars dink hulle sit vas. Wanneer die aas skielik “lig” voel, het die vis die aas reeds opgetel en is besig om nader te swem. Party hengelaars kap dadelik en ander tel eers duisend-en-een, duisend-en-twee en kap dan vas.

Daar is geen vaste reël nie en moet by omstandighede aangepas word.

Hoe ook al, en selfs as jy twyfel, kap eenkeer behoorlik vas. Moet nie

aanhou vaskap nie want die hoek gaan die punt van penetrasie oopskeur wat dit maklik maak vir die vis om die hoek te “gooi“.

In erger gevalle kan die hoek selfs uit die vis se bek skeur. Nee, kap vas en hou eweredige spanning op die lyn en speel die vis nader. Verkieslik moet ’n skepnet gebruik word om vis uit die water te haal (veral tydens hengelkompetisies), óf gryp die vis aan sy onderlip en tel hom uit die water.

(Moet net nie hierdie metode gebruik indien die vis drieangelhoeke in sy bek het nie). Ook die Yanks se TVmannewales om die vis aan die stok se punt in die boot te swaai, met ’n groot lawaai, word glad nie aanbeveel nie.

Of die stok, óf die lyn óf die knoop kan breek en weg is jou vis wat heel moontlik ‘n persoonlike beste, óf dalk die enigste vis vir die dag kan wees.

Wat ook al, selfvertroue is die wagwoord. *Hannes Lindeque is the founder and publisher of SA BASS magazine since 2001 and publisher of VisKoors since 2013.

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For more information or to order your Smart Jump Starter call Wilma 087 808 5406 or email bbprint@telkomsa.net SA BASS 49 June 2016

>> SA BASS ROD BENDER

The Place of Hope After the decision was made to relocate the school to â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Place of Hopeâ&#x20AC;? the journey was under way. Some families had to stay behind to ensure the breeding is still maintained in a different area. The future of the species relies on it.

50 SA BASS June 2016

T

Hope

he journey has now been underway for seven light cycles and the end is almost in sight. No real problems have been reported to Rod and they should reach their destination in the next two sun cycles.

Rod wants to go ahead of the school to ensure safe entry into their new home. He calls Davy, his new sidekick, aside and says, “I am leaving at first light”.

“You cannot leave us”, Davy replies with a worried tone to his voice. “At first light to; you will be totally exposed!”

Rod looks at him with a surprised look on his face.

Surprised with the fact that Davy doubts his ability and his track record.

Rod turns to Davy and says: “Do you know who I am and what I have done in my life? I have lived through and overcome every obstacle ever placed in front of me.”

“My apologies, I did not try and question your abilities, but please realize that without you we are lost as a school”, Davy replies in a sincere manner.

“I am aware of the responsibility”, Rod says accepting the apology.

As the first light touches the stump where Rod wants to spend the night, he turns to Davy and says; “See you in two cycles”.

“Be save”, Davy replies watching him swim away.

Rod swims tight to the shadows and out of sight. He is trying to cover as much ground as possible because he wants to have enough time to recon the area that they will be entering. He does not want any surprises and a safe entry is their only option. After travelling such a long way they will be hungry, tired and vulnerable to any sort of danger.

As he approaches the last turn according his map directions he can feel the pressure rising around him. It means there is a great body of water close by. He now swims a lot slower, looking for a point of entry; a place where the younglings and the old ladies can enter together without any trouble. In the distance he sees water falling out of the sky and swims closer to have good look. “Sky water”, he thinks to himself. “I have not seen this for ages; the perfect entry point”.

Every time there is sky water, there is a point of disturbance in the water created by a side stream bringing in new water and snacks.

Rod found the side stream and it looks deep enough to cross into the main body of water. He drops in and swims into the open. He waits for any sort of movement in front of him. Out of the dark he sees a big shadow coming straight in his direction… at speed. Focused on the shadow he waits till the last second and moves left, grabbing the fin of the fish storming down on him, flipping him upside down and before he could turn himself upright, Rod was

on top of him. “Why do you think you can storm ME?”, Rod asks while holding him upside down.

“This is my water and you are intruding”, the upside down fish replies.

“ARE YOU…?”, he gasps.

“Yes I am”, Rod replies.

All resistance from the upside down fish stops and Rod lets him go.

“Maxx said you will be coming. I just did not expect you so soon” he explains.

“Who are you?” Rod enquires firmly.

“I am Clay Banks, protector of this place” he replies still a little out of breath.

“Clay…” Rod says. “Do you know why I am here?”.

“Yes mister Bender. Maxx explained the relocation of a school” Clay responded. He carries on by saying that a specific area has been allocated for the school and food has been tied to nets for them as they arrive.

Rod thanks Clay and tells him to be ready for them in one sun cycle.

“I will have a group waiting for you, to guide you to the area” Clay says.

“Thank you Clay”, Rod says as he swims away.

Rod swims back to the group and feels quite relieved that this will be a simple entry and relocation. He doesn’t stop through the dark waters and reaches the school at first light. Davy is waiting for him as he returns.

“And...?” he asks anxiously.

“It looks easy” Rod replies.

One sun cycle later: Everybody made it safely into the Place of Hope. They were welcomed by the group that Clay arranged and were taken to the area promised. The excitement could be felt amongst everyone. They settled into their new home and found sleeping place for the night.

Rod swims away to be alone after everybody got settled in. A youngling swims up to him and says; “Thank you mister Rod Bender sir… for everything. At least we have a future now”.

Rod almost smiled at him…

Rod leans against a rock, thinking about what his next mission may be when he sees a shadow in the distance.

“This cannot be…” Rod says as he swims of to go and investigate. *In this series of articles Rod Bender, the director - Under Water USO (Unidentified Shadow Object) is called to help unsolve mysteries appearances, in and around Lake Eerie.

SA BASS 51 June 2016

>> SA BASS CONSUMER NEWS

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What that means for the angler is that you can now see up to 50 metres in front of the boat without spooking the fish, as well as, everything to either side and behind you, including various underwater structure, bait balls and fish.

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A clip-on golf GPS that’s compact, lightweight and easy to use, Approach G10 gives you the 52 SA BASS June 2016

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5. LAZER TROKAR MONSTER FLIPPIN’ HOOK >> Disturbed by Sensational Angling Supplies

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Hoist the monster bass wrapped in milfoil onto the deck of your boat - without the slightest chance of bending or breaking. Featuring Lazer Trokar’s surgically sharpened hook points as well for the fastest penetration on hook sets in the industry; the Lazer Trokar big nasty Monster Flippin’ Hook is the meanest, stoutest, sharpest flipping hook you’ll ever fish.

6. DAMIKI VIPER STRAIGHT SHANK HOOK >>Distributed by Sensational Angling Supplies

The Damiki Viper Straight Shank Hooks offer tournament grade needle point hook points for lightning fast penetration. The straight shank design also transfers power more directly to the hook point on your hook sets, and it also

has a wider bite than EWG hooks so there is more chance that the hook point is going to find a place to stick on the fish. The Damiki Viper Straight Shank Hooks are also super strong and great for tying Snell knots.

rigging and superior holding power. A welded line eye also makes it ideal for tying Snell knots with braided line.

7. DAMIKI KNOCKOUT

9.GAMBLER’S UGLY OTTER 4”

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The Damiki Knockout is a versatile 4-inch bait designed for flipping and pitching applications, and it also excels as a jig trailer or even on a Carolina-rig. It comes with a multitude of appendages that can be removed to create different presentations. Two air filled chambers also lift the tail section of the Knockout off the ground, giving the claws a waving motion even when sitting still.

8. GAMAKATSU SUPER HEAVY COVER FLIPPIN’ HOOK

>> Distributed by Varkenelli Custom Baits

Gambler’s 4” Ugly Otter is fast becoming a bait that bass anglers worldwide must have in their arsenal. Gambler designed the bait with two small paddles on the side and one large paddle on the end. The paddles move through the water creating a commotion that any bass can sense, even in the thickest grass or heaviest wood cover. The smaller paddles on either side of the bait can be cut down the middle to add even more action. The Otter is deadly when punching grass mats because it draws attention in tight spaces. Combined with the garlic scent it’s irresistible to an inactive bass. When punching mats, a hard popping action allows the bait to flutter back down though the grass, drawing attention even in the densest structure.

>> Distributed by Stealth

The Gamakatsu Super Heavy Cover Flippin’ Hook is one of the toughest hooks Gamakatsu has ever created. Forged from a much thicker Monster wire, this hook is up to the challenge of pulling big fish out of deep cover with up to 80lb braid and not straightening out. Perfect for flipping and pitching, it also features a bigger barb, and comes equipped with a perfect bait keeper, which provides consistently straight

10. NETBAIT B-BUG >> Distributed by Stealth

A versatile bait, the NetBait B-Bug serves primarily as a great flip bait, but it can also be effective when Texas-rigged and dragged along

the bottom, tied onto a Carolina-rig or used as a jig trailer. The protruding ribs increase the bait’s profile and generate additional water disturbance, while the beaver-like tail kicks up quite a commotion and can be easily split for additional action. Available in a variety of proven colours and loaded with scent, salt and pork fat for added fish attraction, the NetBait B-Bug has quickly become a popular choice for anglers across the country.

are loaded with salt for the natural taste a bass needs to hold on longer, and their unique designs are unlike anything else on the market today. The fantastic two and three colour shots Reaction Innovations has been able to perfect gives these baits the intricate colour patterns of a hand pour at the price of injected baits.

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tentacles that will attract plenty of attention. The Yamamoto Kreature also features flaps along the sides for more water movement. The Yamamoto Kreature baits are great for flipping and pitching on a Texas-rig or weightless on a big hook.

15. SEAGUAR SMACKDOWN GREEN >> Available from leading tackle shops

>> Available from leading tackle shops

>> Distributed by Wolf Lures

The Lusudu Paddle is one of the latest soft plastic baits from the Wolf Lures. It incorporates the unique properties of stick bait but with a seductive paddle tail as a bonus. Measuring 11cm (4.33“) long, this is big fish bait in all respects. Lusudu is derived from the Sotho word meaning “worm”. Fish it on a drop shot or rig it Texas or Carolina style while some anglers fish it weedless across weed beds. With its kicking tail action its gets the fish excited and into strike mode no matter how difficult the conditions.

Available in a variety of colours and in packs of 8 or 16. This is a bait to have.

12. REACTION INNOVATIONS’ SWEET BEAVER

The Strike King Rodent is a heavy cover fishing dream. It was designed to make a major disturbance under the water, the Rodent searches out the big ones. The Rodents bubble tipped appendages and soft plastic tails have incredible action in the water. The Rodent is a great choice for heavy cover and works excellent on a Texas rig, Carolina rig or as a jig trailer. The new Rodent contains the world’s best blend of soft plastic ingredients. This allows the use of large amounts of salt yet keeps the bait soft and pliable. The Coffee scent adds to the appeal as it masks human scents and oils contributing to added bites and longer hold times increasing hook-up percentages.

Unlike other braided lines that are rated at certain poundage and marked another, the Seaguar Smackdown Green braided line is true to its stated line strength. This makes Seaguar Smackdown Green braided line the thinnest solid core braid in its class and allows anglers to pack more line onto their reels. In addition, the Seaguar Smackdown Green braided line is made from a blend of eight individual fibres, which gives it a perfectly round profile and allows it to spool easily onto both bait casting and spinning reels. The eight fibres construction is made with a high-density weave pattern that increases tensile strength and abrasion resistance for fishing around rocks, timber and other sharp debris. The Seaguar Smackdown Green braided line also has as clear coat, which increases cast ability and keeps it from digging into the spool when your drag gets put to the test.

14. GARY YAMAMOTO KREATURE >> Available from leading tackle shops

>> Distributed by Varkenelli Custom Baits

16. VICIOUS BRAID MOSS GREEN >> Distributed by Varkenelli Custom Baits

Reaction Innovations’ soft plastics have taken the bass fishing world by storm. The reason for their wild success is obvious when you look at their baits. The plastic is soft and flexible but tough enough to stay up on the hook. They 54 SA BASS June 2016

The Yamamoto Kreature is all business. Like all baits from Yamamoto, the Kreature is loaded with salt and available in time tested fish-catching colours that will fill up the live-well in a hurry.

The Yamamoto Kreature bait also produces a potent action that drives fish wild. The front ‘arms’ start right at the top of the bait, and the end of the bait is nothing but free flowing

The definitive choice for strength and durability, the Vicious Braid Moss Green excels where

monofilament and fluorocarbon fear to tread.

Woven with the highest quality fibres, the line has virtually no stretch, allowing for bite detection at any depth and lightning fast hook sets. Designed with an advanced coating process, the Vicious Braid Moss Green eliminates abrasion and makes it resistant to the effects of UV rays and water absorption. For the perfect combination of power and finesse, the Vicious Braid Moss Green is the line you can count on.

17. KISTLER ARGON >> Distributed by Varkenelli Custom Baits

A Kistler classic reborn for 2016. Argon rods are truly now 25% stronger than any other comparable rod on the market today. You will notice the weight reduction the first time you pick up a Kistler Argon rod. Take advantage of their original split-grip in a stylish metallic blue enamelling balanced with raw carbon exposed blank for enhanced strike detection. Kigan Z tangle free, stainless steel frames with macro sized ring guides and tip as well as the best Fuji reel seats. Available in technique specific actions and powers.

18. SUNLINE MODEL FLUOROCARBON LINE >> Available from leading tackle shops

Delivering all of the winning attributes of Sunline’s premium fluorocarbon, the Sunline Model fluorocarbon line gives anglers an affordable and dependable way to stay spooled up. Offered in a convenient 110-yard length, the Sunline Model fluorocarbon line is sized specifically to fill a single low-profile reel with high-quality fishing line. Delivering low stretch and great abrasion resistance, the Sunline Model fluorocarbon line gives anglers a cost effective way to get the quality and performance needed for competitive angling.

19. SUNLINE FX2 BRAIDED LINE >> Available from leading tackle shops

Sunline enlisted the help of B.A.S.S. Elite Series veteran pro, and one of the best frog fisherman on the planet, Dean Rojas, to help develop a braided line that would be perfect for frog fishing and flipping. The result was Sunline’s FX2 braided line. Created specifically for these two power techniques, FX2 braid features eight strands of polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate for excellent abrasion resistance and improved colour retention. Also offering a smooth, circular shape as opposed to the oval shape of most braided lines, Sunline FX2 braided line delivers all the features and performance you would expect from premium Sunline braid.

20. SPRO NEW 2016 COLOURS: >> Distributed by Outdoors 360

SPRO has released a new range of crankbait colours that are now available in South Africa.

Colours include Blueback Herring, Fire Craw, Spooky Roach, Green Perch, Pig Pen and Matt Fire Tiger.

a hard ceramic coating of titanium-nitride on the line guide. And when you’re ready to retrieve, seven PT bearings will pull in line with a polished feel. Quantum’s unique flippin’ switch can also be used to engage the gears instantly every time you take your thumb off the thumb bar, so that you’re never out of hook-setting position when pitching a short string into heavy cover. And don’t worry, once you power home the hookset the PT ceramic drag system is there to handle the heat with plenty of lockdown power.

22. BERKLEY FUSION HOOKS HEAVY COVER >> Available from leading tackle shops

Made for flipping into the thickest vegetation, the Berkley Fusion heavy cover hooks deliver bolstered strength for wrestling big fish out of dense vegetation. Constructed with a stainless steel wire bait keeper on the shaft. Fusion heavy cover hooks holds tight to your soft plastics to reduce slipping and constant re-adjustment.

Constructed with a closed eyelet for line security, the Fusion hooks provides the power needed to target big fish in the thick-of-it.

23. MILLER TUNGSTEN PUNCHIN’ WEIGHTS >> Will be available in summer 2016

21. QUANTUM ACCURIST CASTING REEL >> Distributed by Apex Walker

Furthering Accurist’s smooth casting qualities is

Made from high-quality tungsten, the Miller Tungsten Punchin’ Weights offer a compact and tactically superior way to penetrate heavy cover.

Designed using the same innovative shape as the original, only smaller, the Miller Tungsten Punchin’ Weights make it possible to slip through matted vegetation without casting 20 to 30 feet in the air.

SA BASS 55 June 2016

>> SA BASS INTERNATIONAL

Peacock Bassinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Malaysia

Spinnerbait Fishing Strategies for Peacock Bass Air Kuning and Chenderoh Dam (Perak, Malaysia) >> Words by Fishingboy | http://thefishingboy.blog138.fc2.com/ >> Pictures by Fishingboy, Syed Ali and TCE Sports

W

ith the exception of the crankbait, perhaps no other reaction bait has stood the test of time more so than the spinnerbait. Originally invented in 1951 and first manufactured in St. Louis, Missouri, the spinnerbait can come in handy in a myriad of angling situations, quite literally anywhere in the world.

In my opinion, it is an invention that is well ahead of its time and one of the very few multispecies lure that catches fish in either cold or warm water conditions.

Spinnerbait fishing in Malaysia In Malaysia where I grew up, the spinnerbait was a wellregarded staple bait of avid snakehead anglers long before other options became more widely available in tackle shops across the country. Though spinnerbaits have recently been overshadowed by the raging success of crankbaits and swimbaits for some styles of fishing, it does not mean that spinnerbaits have become totally obsolete, in my opinion, certainly not when it comes to peacock bass fishing because not a lot of baits will actually allow you to cover water as effectively as a spinnerbait under a wide variety of warm water conditions in Malaysia.

Spinnerbaits excel when the water has at least a little stain to it, generally in mid-20s to low-30s degree Celsius.

Though soft swimbaits can do a better job in lakes that have baitfish-dominant forage, especially black water lakes with predominantly open water cover, a spinnerbait is an effective lure in situations where peacock bass move to the edges of cover. In fact, the latter is actually a pretty common scenario in a lot of lakes in Malaysia. Therefore, that is why I always have a spinnerbait tied on, because no matter where you fish, you will never be far away from the nearest cover.

Spinnerbait fishing conditions What are the most common scenarios that call for a spinnerbait? Cover and water conditions aside, one key element that makes the spinnerbait such an effective situational lure is wind-blown cover. Where there is prevailing wind, I will head for the nearest cover and I comb those areas thoroughly with spinnerbaits. All in all, windy 56 SA BASS June 2016

I caught this solid 3lbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;er around scattered grass on a pink 1/4-oz spinnerbait with tandem willow blades

conditions usually mean it is prime-time for spinnerbait bites. No matter the lake, when the wind blows, whether in stained or semi-clear water, peacock bass will be moving up the water column in search of forage.

Spinnerbaits are major fish producers, especially around edges of cover. They allow anglers to cover a lot of water across the water column on the same cast through mainly snaggy cover. Wind-blown surface ripples reduce light penetration and encourage peacock bass to move closer to the edges of cover. Wind is basically caused by differences in

atmospheric pressure, when air moves from areas of higher to lower pressure. The falling barometer makes peacock bass more inclined to forage and chase. The effective result of that is a much enlarged strike zone where you do not have to put the bait within inches of a fish’s nose. Just get it close enough for the fish to see or sense the bait’s vibration and you are bound to find action.

Wind-blown isolated bushes such as these in Air Kuning can be fish magnets during certain periods of the day

Fish high-percentage areas Peacock bass will belt a spinnerbait from a variety of cover per se, but they tend to show a preference on any given body of water, on any given day. So, the first step

the process and vary my retrieve speed and depth according to prevailing conditions.

I like the power-finesse spinnerbait approach to peacock bass fishing. In fact, that is my go-to approach in response to angling pressure on lakes in Air Kuning and Chenderoh, in upstate Perak. Angling pressure can create finesse fishing situations and even big lakes are not completely immune to pressure. As anglers, we should always consider what we are trying to imitate with the spinnerbaits we throw, starting with size because size and profile matters.

Imitate local forage Most lakes in Air Kuning have a baitfish-dominant forage base. Over there, I will throw compact spinnerbaits with small blades such as O.S.P High Pitcher. For those who prefer regular spinnerbaits, 3/16 or 1/4-oz with smaller blades make good alternatives. I prefer a Colorado lead blade with willow leaf trailing for power-finesse presentation around shallow water cover. If I need to retrieve the bait a little faster, deeper or tighter to cover, I switch to tandem

revolves around finding those high-percentage areas. When I am fishing on ex-mining lake fisheries in Air Kuning, I basically look for grass, hydrilla, hyacinth or any available cover. Finding peacock bass with spinnerbaits is often a result of trial and error, from retrieve speeds, the depth you are fishing and bait styles that is the best on any given condition. Use the spinnerbait’s snag-resistant properties to your advantage and efficiently cover water that is inaccessible to other lures. I will cast beyond cover where possible and then drive my spinnerbait close to it. I repeat

Spinnerbaits are ‘big fish’ bait! My friend, Robert Tan caught this solid female on flooded hydrilla SA BASS 57 June 2016

Do not let muddy water and screw palm cover intimidate you on Chenderoh Lake. A spinnerbait can get near those fish holding cover without getting hung up

willow blades. I like to use white, silver or other natural colors in semi-stained water and loud colors, such as pink, chartreuse or even blood red in stained and muddy water conditions. There are various retrieve styles for spinnerbaits but I generally prefer to keeps things simple most of the time. I caught nearly every peacock bass on steady retrieve, but sometimes you have to throw in little pauses, pops and mix it up to entice a big bite.

Tackle suggestions Having the right rod is really important when throwing a spinnerbait for peacock bass. I basically rely on two medium-high modulus rods depending on conditions and size of spinnerbaits. In my opinion, medium-high modulus rods can improve your hook-up ratio with spinnerbaits greatly. When using 1/4 or 5/16-oz spinnerbaits around sparse cover, I use a 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;-9â&#x20AC;? medium Majorcraft Corzza CZC692M casting rod paired with a 5.8:1 Daiwa Alphas 103 casting reel and 12lb-test Sunline fluorocarbon line. For heavier 3/8 or 1/2-oz spinnerbaits, I use a 7â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Majorcraft Corzza CZC-702H casting rod paired with a 6.3:1 Team Daiwa TD-Z 105H casting reel and 14lb-test Sunline fluorocarbon line. Shorter rods are more accurate when I am working around shallow water cover. When I am covering big hydrilla flats and screw palm banks on Chenderoh Lake, I like the extra length and power of a heavy-action rod to help me get extra distance on my cast and drive hard 58 SA BASS June 2016

fighting fish away from nasty cover.

Experiment and be versatile Importantly, I believe peacock bass anglers must remain versatile when fishing a spinnerbait, especially today in Malaysia where angling pressure is immense. Conditions on the lakes all over the country can change rapidly for better or for worse and what works today may not work tomorrow, especially during the inter-monsoon periods.

Some of the custom-made spinnerbaits that I use on my most recent trip to Malaysia

This is my Chenderoh Lake personal best (period). I caught this fish on a blood red 1/4-oz spinnerbait with tandem willow blades on top of a flooded hydrilla flat that is beside a screw palm island

My heavy spinnerbaiting setup (7â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Majorcraft Corzza CZC702H paired with a 6.3:1 Team Daiwa TD-Z 105H casting reel and 14lb-test Sunline fluorocarbon line) sits next to my topwater setup

The bottom line is to pay attention to the conditions and experiment to ensure your bait imitates the prevalent local forage.

Be sure to check out Air Kuning and Chenderoh Lake on your next vacation to Perak, Malaysia. Thank you for reading and I hope you find this article interesting. Fish hard, fish well and god bless.

O.S.P. makes some of the best compact profile spinnerbaits.

The High Pitcher series spinnerbait is superbly well balanced out of the package, durable and comes fitted with extremely sharp hooks

Acknowledgements I would like to thank my sponsors TCE Sports Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia), Nice Fish Distribution (UK), Bitez and SportyFish Series (Singapore) for their support and contribution.

SA BASS 59 June 2016

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SA BASS 03 November 2014

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BASICS “Bass Fishing – An Intro” MicropterusSalmoides, commonly known as largemouth bass, are widespread in Southern Africa.

MicropterusDolomieu, commonly known as smallmouth,bass ar found in Southern Africa, but ar widespread – Richard Grant

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

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS 01

MY CAST

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Cast-for-Cash - Tournament Results

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>> Aloe Rock - Waterberg

CLASSROOM “Short- or Long-Shank?”

What is one of the most ov things that we miss when we ar

1 INTERNATIONAL

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STRATEGIES

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BASICS

>> Bassin’ in Europe

BESTEMMING READERS’

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

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

Image: Hannes Lindeque SA BASS 03 November 2014

Y ONL pm 8 2 R Compatible with:

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For your Apple, Android or Windows 8

http://www.magzter.com/

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

20 March 26 March 2016 10 July -- 16 July 2016 We at SA BASS are inviting all avid young anglers between the ages of 7-16 years to join us for loads of fun and adventure.

Venue: Boskoors Farm, 30km North of Pretoria on the Moloto Road.

Bookings are essential!

We have limited spots available as we like to keep the number of campers at a minimum, to ensure that every child gets the necessary individual attention and guidance.

Please call Wilma on 087 808 5406 or 083 306 2718 to book your spot.

For more information visit www.sabass.com or e-mail wilma@sabass.com

big K L U B R100 to u1p 0 r BACK fo sale

ISSUES copies

SA BASS 61 June 2016

>> SA BASS LIFESTYLE

>> Jo Dreyer

Western Cattle Egret

Cattle Egrets are often overlooked as there are so many and they are seen so often; but what do we know about them?

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he extensive distribution and rapid expansion of these egrets in South Africa, as with most countries, is because of human interaction and is the reason why they have become closely related to our livestock. It was discovered on the first cattle farms that these birds were an asset to cattle herds as they would pick the ticks and flies off of the cattle, helping the cattle rid themselves of their parasites. It is not the only reason why they walk amongst cattle and other larger animals; they do this because the animals disturb insects that fly or move off of the grasses which the egrets then prey on.

It was because of their parasite eating from cattle that the population expanded due to human interaction 62 SA BASS June 2016

from originally being in Spain, Portugal, subtropical Africa and Asia to populating many more countries in the world. For example, the birds were introduced into Hawaii to help with their cattle farms as the parasite count on their cattle was very high.

Today it is unlikely to see a herd of cattle without a few or a flock of cattle egrets walking amongst them. With the many questions as to why they do this, hopefully I have put such queries to rest.

I was called by a friend one day to please help as she found an injured cattle egret in her home. I went to collect the bird and much to my surprise found that it was very calm even though it was a wild bird. It

tried to escape of course, as naturally its instincts tells it to, but did not try to bite or kick or attack as you would expect a wild animal or bird to do.

When I picked it up, it was so soft; it felt like I was picking up a pile of soft fluffy feathers that had escaped from a pillow; it was extremely light as well. As I picked it up, it immediately went still and awaited my next move, which was to put it in a box and take it to the vet. Zodiac Vet in Brits came to its rescue. They fixed up its wing and gave it to a well-known bird park owner in our area named Greg who is rehabilitating it.

The cattle egret has mostly brilliant white feathers except for a few brown feathers that look like a bib on its chest and a few brown feathers on its crown.

It becomes quite brown when it is in its breeding plumage. Its legs are an olive-yellow to dark grey, sometimes appearing black, with blackish feet. It has a short heavy bill that is a yellow orange colour. The eye is yellow with a black outer ring. Some cattle egrets have the most spectacular leg and facial breeding colours. When I first saw it on a cattle egret when we did a water bird count on Harties in the breeding season I thought the bird was radioactive, it was quite spectacular.

The face had this beautiful purple, pink, orange and yellow colouring that extended from the face to the tip of its beak. The feathers on the head were a bright orange brown as well as the feathers on the bib. His crest was up and chest feathers pushed out. The legs were a very bright pink and red colour. If this bird was trying to make a statement, it most certainly did. I couldn’t stop staring at its remarkable colouring. The main photo shows this very colouring and display.

Cattle egrets are found throughout Southern Africa save for a small piece along the dryer parts of the Namibian Skeleton Coast; although some areas that were less commonly populated before are slowly becoming more commonly populated due to the reasons given above and overpopulation. They are more commonly found but not limited to;

grasslands, agricultural and livestock fields as well as along the coastline.

Their diet consists of insects, ticks, frogs and other vertebrates. When they feed in fields it is quiet fun to watch them. They wiggle their necks and head as if displaying to an insect and then zap, the insect becomes lunch.

They do this to make the insects think that they are part of the grass that is moving.

Cattle egrets are colonial and prefer to roost or nest in trees close to water but do not limit themselves to this habitat as they will also use trees in agricultural areas or even far away from water. They will however stay close to areas where food is plentiful.

They will also nest close to or with herons, ibis, cormorants and darters; however the nests are well below the larger heron species.

Their nest is a saucer shape in a dry tree loosely made up of dry twigs and weed- or reed-stems. Nests are often made close to one another and often touch. Both sexes build the nest, brood the eggs and tend to the young.

The clutch size is often three eggs but can be up to seven eggs; however anything more than three usually dies due to starvation or predation.

Don’t underestimate a bird species just because you see it often or see many of them, they may play a more

Marine

M

ercury Marine is adding 45,000 square feet to its manufacturing capacity in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

The global marine propulsion company is also investing in new equipment to streamline its manufacturing process and is expanding its office space by 8,000 square feet. The work will be completed in January 2017.

The expansion means that Mercury Marine has invested more than $730m into capacity, technology and product development since 2009. It is the second major development of the Fond du Lac site in the past year.

“Demand for our product in the global marketplace has afforded the opportunity to grow our manufacturing capabilities,” said Mercury Marine President John Pfeifer. “This move will allow us to increase production and capacity to ensure we meet the growing needs of our customer base.

significant role in our lives then you might have thought.

Happy Birding

>> Anthony Hawkswell

“In 2009 we made a commitment to grow our global headquarters in Wisconsin and create new jobs. We continue to do both. We have very robust growth initiatives planned over the next few years.”

Mercury employs 5,000 people worldwide, more than half of which work in Fond du Lac.

SA BASS 63 June 2016

>> SA BASS READERS GO BASSING

Letaba Bassmasters Care >> Wayne Kurten*

Members of Letaba Bassmasters Committee handed over a cheque to the Geldenhuys family

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efore we start, we would like to offer Darius, Ilona, Imke and her twin sisters Anebella and Zielkie our best wishes in this difficult time and we believe Imke is responding well to the treatment. All the best and we hope, trust and pray that she has a full recovery.

After having heard about the story of little Imke via social media and then having heard the story on Jacaranda FM the Letaba Bassmasters Committee decided to approach the members so that we too could assist in some form or another.

At our May monthly meeting we put a challenge out to our members and asked them to donate R1OO.OO each and the club would give R5000.00 from our bank account.

It was our aim to raise R7, 300.00... It was soon apparent that we would top the R10, 000.00 mark, this energized us and we approached the Northern Division of the South African Bass Angling Association (SABAA). The Northern Division would be holding a Divisional Tournament on the Tzaneen Dam in the coming weeks and this would mean around 40 to 50

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participants for two days.

Mike Steyn from the Northern Division sent out a mail to all participants and made them aware of our fundraising effort and asked them to please participate and support our drive, the Northern Division immediately paid R2, 000.00 towards this.

Our business partners in this fundraising initiative were: We struck a deal with Cordi Botha at the Sasol Garage on the R71 opposite Lifestyle Centre, and they agreed to give us a kickback for every litre of fuel pumped into the vehicles and boats of competitors.

Paul du Toit from Lannie Motors who incidentally is one of the original founding members of the Letaba Bassmasters Chapter, which was founded more than 30 years ago, contributed towards the cause.

Muis Joubert of PPS Diesel Depot gave us a hamper of boat oils and lubricants to auction off at the tournament.

Lané Kruger from HOTEL@ TZANEEN gave us accommodation

vouchers and meal vouchers for Crawdaddy’s Restaurant, to auction off as well.

Calla Kruger of Oceana Plant Hire sponsored the use of a back-actor to clean up the slipway at Jetty #3 plus several bottles of very good wine to auction off.

Blue Dot Group offered to print the cheque for us at no charge.

A special thank you to you all; you helped make this possible.

At the captains meeting on the Friday evening we auctioned off the vouchers, wine and lubricants. This raised a considerable amount of funds.

Then a twelve year old girl went up to Dave Matthysen and said she wanted to give R200.00 of her own pocket money towards the effort. Dave announced this and asked her to carry a hat around the room – this raised in excess of R4, 000.00 A big thank you to all the members of Letaba Bassmasters that participated, but a very special word of appreciation to the following members who contributed much to make this initiative the success story it became: Manuel Martins, Dave Matthysen, Werner van Rensburg and Vanmelle Nel. As Chairman of Letaba Bassmasters I’m proud to be associated with all the above contributors, be they individuals or companies. Collectively you have made it possible for Letaba Bassmaster Club to hand over a cheque to the Imke Geldenhuys Trust Fund for R26,120.00 Thank you Fairview Lodge for accommodating us at such short notice to hand over the cheque. *Wayne Kurten is the current Chairman of Letaba Bassmasters