SA BASS Dec-19 by SABASS

Where we lead... others follow

December 2019

Issue 224

report RSA: R39.50 (incl. VAT) Other Countries: R34.35 (Tax excl.)

Finding post-spawn

BASS

Where do the bass go after they spawn?

has gone digital !! GET YOUR FAVOURITE SA Bass MAGAZINE Die FLW Suid-Afrikaanse hengelaars het so pas vanaf die VSA teruggekeer vanwaar hulle aan die Costa FLW Series Kampioenskap op Lake Cumberland deelgeneem het. Weereens was dit ‘n voorreg om die passie van swartbaarhengel met mense oor taalgrense heen te deel. Lees meer van ons hengelaars se ervaring op bladsy 10. Baie geluk aan Roger Cousens van FLW Zimbabwe wat opspraak verwek het om op dag een die algehele voortou onder 386 hengelaars te neem. Uiteindelik het Roger die Pro-angler International Division gewen en sy landsgenoot, Denis Todd, het die Co-angler International Division gewen. Baie geluk aan FLW Zimbabwe om in hulle eerste jaar van deelname, beide afdelings te wen! Ek en Wilma het ook die voorreg gehad om saam met FLW Sjina, FLW Mexico en FLW Kanada die topbestuur van FLW VSA en MLF persoonlik te ontmoet waartydens die wonderlike nuwe geleenthede vir ons plaaslike hengelaars bespreek is. Hierdie inligting sal deurgegee word met die nodige goedkeuring en soos wat die seisoen vorder. Met die kampioenskap nou agter die rug, kom mens skielik tot die besef – die jaar is verby! Daar is nog soveel dinge om te doen voor almal tot stilstand kom om tyd met die gesin, familie en vriende te spandeer. Desember is tyd om dinge weer in perspektief te stel en te besef dat familie kom eerste. So maklik raak ons diep verstrik in werk, en in wat ander mense van ons verwag, dat ons geliefdes en selfs troeteldiere afgeskeep word. Gebruik hierdie feestyd en betrek ander om saam te kom hengel. Dit skep lewenslange herinneringe en mag dit goeie herinneringe wees. Om jou te help om meer suksesvol te hengel, het Divan Coetzee raad van hoe en waar om groot swartbaars te soek. Kyk gerus op bladsy 6 na ons lesers se pogings waarop hulle baie trots is, ongeag hoe groot die vis was. Ons wil ook graag van jou hoor en nooi jou om ook jou bydrae te stuur vir ons Readers-go-Bassing afdeling. Vir die vakansietyd het ons in hierdie uitgawe drie vakansieoorde wat nie gemis moet word nie. Ons deel ook die nuus omtrent Suzuki se nuwe DF200 buiteboord-enjin wat onlangs bekend gestel is. Op bladsy 32 gee Philip Kemp raad oor wat om vir Kersfees te koop en op bladsy 38 word ‘n paar nuwe produkte beskryf. Moet beslis nie die foto van Dylan Wheeler op bladsy 29 mis nie. Tot ‘n volgende keer, geseënde Kersfees aan al ons lesers, medewerkers, adverteerders en borge. Baie, baie dankie vir al julle ondersteuning in 2019.

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Hannes Lindeque, Uitgewer

SA BASS 01 December 2019

Contents SA BASS Magazine

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

Office Hours:

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

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

Editor:

Hannes Lindeque - hannes@sabass.com

Assistant Editor:

Philip Kemp - philip@sabass.com

Senior Writers:

Roger Donaldson, Jay Röhm-Williams, Gordon Brown

Contributors:

Divan Coetzee, Ivan Sonnekus, Dylan Wheeler

International Columnists:

Curtis Niedermier, TJ Maglio, Bertrand Ngim, Clint Skinner, Matt Williams, Tyler Brinks, Anthony Hawkswell

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REGULARS & FORUMS 04

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 02 SA BASS December 2019

sport among all 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.

“Finding post-spawn bass” Where do the bass go after they spawn? Many are of the opinion that the post-spawn phase is the most difficult to navigate, especially if you targeting bigger specimens – Divan Coetzee

“Rainfall season strategies” Many dams are going to be influenced over the next few months and the bass movements will be equally decided by the weather patterns. Using this information will be to your best advantage and can help you put more fish in the boat – Roger Donaldson

“Full moon bass” There are a few fundamentals to keep in mind obviously, ranging from safety precautions to some extra light needed but yes, catching bass at night does happen. – Jay Röhm-Williams

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

“Die Tokyo-strop” Alhoewel die Tokyo-strop my onwillekeurig laat dink aan ‘n verkorte weergawe van ‘n “drop-shot”, is daar tog daadwerklike verskille in die twee stroppe – Philip Kemp

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

“Wat koop ek die Kersfees?” My vrou verwys gewoonlik na ons visstokke as, “die rietbos in die waskamer”, maar daar altyd plek vir nog een – Philip Kemp

01 06 26

My Gooi Readers-go-Bassing Basics for beginners

TOURNAMENT NEWS

>> Costa FLW Series Championship 2019 report

>> C4C overall report - Oct’19

27 38

INDUSTRY NEWS >> New Suzuki DF200 outboard >> Gear Up

“Timber” Lay-down logs, uprooted trees, branches and brush piles are excellent structure, but they are not necessarily static and can often move around. Many of those lay-downs are not where they used to be and you’ll need to go on the search now to find some – Roger Donaldson

“Ruk-en-Pluk” Kunsaas moet ‘n natuurlike kleur hê en die beste is om te sien hoe die vissies lyk waarop die swartbaars leef en hulle kleur asook grootte na te boots. Afhangende van die waterhelderheid moet kunsaas met ‘n ruk-en-pluk beweging ingebring word – Hannes Lindeque

DESTINATION 22

>> Monelieschke Boerderyy

>> Ch Chinaka k G Game L Lodge dg

>> N Nabana b L Lodge dg

“2ft rod challenge” An awesome challenge was about to take place, with two “not so awesome”, possible consequences to follow. This was the day of our 2ft fibreglass rod challenge. – Dylan Wheeler

“Pass the salt” Artificial lures have formed a unique category in the history of fishing for decades. Their designs, shapes and colours are but a few aspects which have captivated angler’s interests in the pursuit of that ultimate catch. It’s not to say though that the lures used in the ocean are not to be utilised in the dams and vice versa. – Jay Röhm-Williams

42 2

“Crankbaits” The interesting thing is that crankbaits will probably only reach that swimming depth if you have it rigged with the appropriate fishing line and if you are retrieving it correctly – The Bass Spy

“The martial arts of bass fishing” Let’s step into the world of the martial artist and see what we can learn and apply to the art of bass fishing – Jaco Smit

ON THE COVER “Smallmouth bass” Image: AdobeStock

SA BASS 03 December 2019

>> SA BASS

FINDING POST-SPAWN BASS

Where do the bass go after they spawn? Many are of the opinion that the post-spawn phase is the most difficult to navigate, especially if you targeting bigger specimens.

This fish came from the hole in the grass visible in the bottom left corner. Don’t be afraid to go through the thick stuff

t this point in time, the big females would have dumped their eggs, and will be looking for areas to recuperate in. Locating fish during this time shouldn’t be any more difficult than any other time of the year relatively speaking. They utilize the same routes on their way out as they do on their way in, however most anglers choose to target aggressive male fish at this stage because they’re easy to catch due to their protective behaviour towards fry. 04 SA BASS December 2019

>> Divan Coetzee Due to the fact that not all bass in a particular piece of water spawn at the same time, it is safe to assume that not all bass will be in the post-spawn phase. Concentrating your efforts on general spawning areas will put you on the majority of the population for an extended period of time from spring to early summer. During the post-spawn phase, after recovery, bass have two options: go even deeper or head back to the shallows. In my opinion, the majority of bigger fish head back

from whence they came. This holds true on venues where cover is few and far between. However, if cover is readily available, some would certainly return to the shallows on the prowl and more than likely stick around for as long as conditions remain favourable. All of this is relative to each impoundment’s respective dynamics. The secondary motivation, and often an overlooked one, is the fact that this period coincides with the start of the baitfish spawn. Most species are pre-occupied at this time and they make for easy targets – bass know this. All predatory species share this trait including mammals. Shallow vs. deep: So in essence the population is somewhat divided, this leaves you with a choice in terms of how you’d like to target them. Personally I prefer to fish shallow, I’m perfectly capable of catching them deep, but I’m much more proficient up shallow and electronics aren’t necessary. As the days grow longer, so will the vegetation. Rains will fall and reservoirs will raise flooding backside shrubbery and grasses. Baitfish proliferates and bass take up ambush positions in strategic locations. These locations are recognizable and can easily be identified. Bass tend to gravitate toward the thickest viable cover they can find. My favourite ways of targeting the shallows has to be punching (or pitching) a hollow body frog. The frog is such a valuable tool in this scenario, it goes anywhere without too much fuss. Both these presentations excel when it comes to the shallows which are often cluttered with all sorts of vegetation and brush. It’s also a very stable pattern responsible for

massive bags on grass venues. If they’re unwilling to come up for the frog, I’ll punch through the vegetation with a big one ounce weight. If that proves unsuccessful, deeper water is another option… generally I despise worm dragging, but it does have its place. I’ve taken some really good ones on the quitters rig amongst others. Deep diving cranks, shakey head, drop-shot, jig or even spoons - take your pick (as long as it goes to the bottom). Hard bottom substrate is important; saturate your bait in those areas. Remember that pre-spawn staging areas and post-spawn recovery areas are pretty much the same thing.

Courteney Grant with a post-spawn fish taken from a secondary point with scattered brush

These two photos clearly illustrates the difference between pre-spawn and post-spawn fish taken from the same area on the same bait, only minutes apart. Not all fish in the same area are in the same phase SA BASS 05 December 2019

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.

CRAZY SPAWN I just want to send this crazy bass picture. The fish was caught during spawn in Mpumalanga. Hopefully you can publish it in the magazine – Erich Nell

DAINFERN Le Roux is crazy about bass fishing. We try to fish every weekend. This was one of those beautiful summer days in Johannesburg near Dainfern. We normally use Brush Hogs at this dam but this lovely fish smashed a fluke. – Johan Heyneke

QUEST A few years ago I decided to break my personal best and caught a 4.5kg in 2010. So this year I set out on a mission to find another monster. I started fishing in early fall throughout the winter into spring. It is no joke fishing from a kayak but I managed to land a few fish of 2kg plus. The biggest I could get was a 3.1kg bucket mouth. It wasn’t a new PB but a big fish nevertheless. The fish was safely released. Hopefully I’ll catch the monster some day. I just want to thank Rob Hamman and the guys at Tanglewood Nature Estate for keeping Boskop Dam an awesome and clean fishery – Casper Carstens 06 SA BASS December 2019

PB Ek het hierdie mooi bass van 4.56kg in Rust de Winterdam gevang met ‘n KvD crankbait. Dit is my nuwe PB – Peet van der Schyff

BESTE Ek en my seun, Elje, het saam met vriende by ‘n plaasdam buite Lydenburg gaan visvang. Elje het hierdie bielie van ‘n bass net na 12:00 gevang, maar ongelukkig het ons nie ‘n skaal by ons gehad om hom te weeg nie. Dit is verseker sy persoonlike beste – Willem Kok

CHAMPION We left home for an early morning session at Rietvlei Dam, Pretoria, as we had to get back for the Springboks vs Japan game. The morning started off fairly cool but got really warm later on with a pretty stiff breeze. The dam is known as a extremely slow bass fishing spot but just before leaving to watch the rugby, I was lucky enough to pull out one of theses elusive Rietvlei bass in the shadows of some reeds on a Texas rigged, brown-yellow tipped creature bait. The bass seemed as though she was full of eggs so we ensured she was placed back in the water as safely as possible and all was good – Niel Otto

MONSTERS The fish weighed 3.01kg and was caught at Mazvikadeyi Dam last Saturday using Z-Mman Hulla Stick California. I also caught two others but in Darwendale Dam, 80km from Harare in Zimbabwe. The heaviest was a 5.6kg, caught on a Junebug Zoom Fluke and a 4.2kg on a Zoom Black Berry Ultravibe Speed worm. To catch this size fish it is impotant to fish very slow. My favourite lure is a Texas rigged soft plastic worm. It is now 4 years since I started bass fishing and I’m looking forward to even break the world record. A friendly request to all my fellow country men, and readers of SA BASS magazine, is to please practice catch-and-release. – Frank Seremwe

PRIVATE I caught this big old bucket mouth in a private KZN dam using a 12 gram CAT’s White Spinnerbait. It was a fight never to be forgotten. She was released to fight another day – Grant Rhodes SA BASS 07 December 2019

CATS Both fish were caught at Midmar Dam on two separate days on CAT’s 5” Junebug Jerk Minnows. The fish were not weighed and returned alive. Thanks for a great magazine and all the tips – Raffic Abbas

VERY HOT I caught this 1.3kg bass at Maguga Dam, Swaziland in October this year. It was caught on a crankbait in the late afternoon on a fast retrieval. We easily caught over 60 bass for the day and almost cast for cast was a fish. – Travis Scott

BIG BASS We all know that Albert Falls Dam is notoriously known for big bass! I am predominantly a bank angler and decided to take a week’s leave from work to target structures and ledges at Albert Falls. The weather played its role perfect and many fish were caught. The fish where far from the bank. What worked for me was Texas rigged flukes and lite Carolina rigged plastic worms. On Wednesday I landed a PB 3.9kg which was caught on a Sensation finesse rod, 10lb Boss braid paired with a C10 Ceymar reel. During the course of the week I landed many fish between 1kg to 2.5kg with the odd 3kg and a few dinks. By Friday the weather took a turn and it got chilly. I decided to fish a three hour afternoon session which just produced three fish. The biggest was a 4.4kg big mamma! What a nerve recking fight! She took a split-shot rigged black and red flaked Ol’Monster worm. The best part of catching all these fish was watching them swim away. – Theresh Govender

FIRST BASS I have been bassin’ for a few weeks and always found it strange to catch something on an artificial lure. I bought myself a rod, a baitcaster and a selection of soft plastics. My favourite lure is now a Sensation Jerk Minnow SD4. My first few fishing trips were not very successful. I spend many hours trying to get use to the baitcaster reel, different lures and their swimming actions, but on Friday afternoon around 17:00 all of that changed. I have been fishing the shallows at Blauwpan Dam while the more experienced anglers targeted the deeper water. There were lots of excitement among the anglers as the more experienced anglers got a few bass. I reckoned my chances were as good as any and it wasn’t long until I landed my very first first bass. I had no problem reeling him in and one of the fellow anglers took this picture. Can’t wait to get the next one on the other end of my line – Egmont Sass 08 SA BASS December 2019

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A VARIETY OF HOOKS

Costa FLW Series Championship 2019 August Lingnau, Gregory Schluep, Giulio Nolli and Pieter Khourie at registration

>> Hannes Lindeque* Images: FLW Communications, Jodie White, Curtis Niedermier, Rob Matsuura, FLW RSA

he highlight of the FLW Cast-forCash bass angling tournament trail for most anglers is participation at the annual FLW RSA National Championship. There the top four anglers each earn a slot to the international FLW Series Championship in the USA. The Costa FLW Series Championship took place on Lake Cumberland, Burnside, Kentucky. Top anglers from USA, Canada, China, Italia, Mexico, Namibia, Portugal, Spain, South Korea, South Africa and Zimbabwe competed with only the top ten pro- and coanglers going through to day three of the championship. FLW Southern Africa was represented by FLW South Africa, FLW Namibia and FLW Zimbabwe. The FLW RSA team consisted of Pieter Khourie, August Lingnau, Gregory Schluep, Giulio Nolli, who were accompanied by the FLW RSA International Friendship Tournament anglers; Chris Greenland, Vaughn Kendall, Tom Berrington and Johan Joubert. The FLW Namibian anglers were Johan Coetzee and

10 SA BASS December 2019

Neil Engelbrech with Roger Cousens and Denis Todd fishing for FLW Zimbabwe.

>> FLW Communications BURNSIDE, Ky. – A tournament field of 193 boats – each featuring a pro- and a co-angler – began their threeday competition for a top cash award of $100,000 at the Costa FLW Series Championship on Lake Cumberland, in Burnside, Kentucky, Thursday. The international bass-fishing championship, hosted by the Somerset Tourist & Convention Commission and the Burnside Tourism Commission, featured the top 40 professionals and top 40 co-anglers from each of five U.S. FLW Series divisions, plus two pros and two co-anglers from each international country that competes in the FLW Series. International angler Roger Cousens of Harare, Zimbabwe, weighed a five-bass limit totaling 17 pounds, 2 ounces to take the early lead after Day One of the three day event. Cousens held a slim 3-ounce, lead over pro Robert Nakatomi of Sacramento, California, who caught

August Lingnau on stage weighing his bag for the day

five bass weighing 16 pounds, 15 ounces, good for second place. Cousens competed in the U.S. a few times in the 1990s, but the Evinrude and Mercury outboard technician has never fished a pro-level event with as much on the line as this one. Cousens’ limit that he weighed in Thursday included a mix bag of largemouths and smallmouths. “It feels fantastic right now,” Cousens said. “It’s pretty hard to believe that I’m leading a tournament of this caliber with this number of anglers. It’s pretty amazing.” Cousens said he’s a big-bass specialist, which he’s proven in his last two FLW events. To qualify for this week’s championship, he weighed in more than 100 pounds in three days of fishing at the FLW Zimbabwe Championship. Thursday, despite miserable, rainy, windy weather, he caught a better quality of bass than many of his competitors. “I fish for big fish back home,” Cousens said. “My game plan is not to go and catch five little fish. I go and throw big baits, and I want to catch five big fish. I fish a lot of tournaments back home, and it’s paid off over the years; just going for big fish. “A bass is a bass,” he continued. “I brought my style of fishing from home. When I was preparing to come here, I looked at the lake on Google Earth and spent a lot of time studying it. I purposely did not look at any sort of fishing hints. I just wanted to come here with a totally open mind GARMIN Garmin is the world’s leading marine electronics manufacturer and for over 30 years, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation, wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves ﬁve primary markets, including automotive, aviation, ﬁtness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit www.garmin.co.za

FLW RSA & FLW China, we all understood the language of bass fishing

and just do my own thing. My practice was tough, but I caught a couple of nice fish and left the areas immediately. As soon as I’d catch a fish I’d leave. I went back to those areas today, and they panned out.” Though he caught most of his fish in one area on day one, Cousens said he does have a pattern that’s working. He was able to get a couple of key bites on the way back to the ramp in the afternoon. He’s admittedly uncertain of what to expect from Cumberland on day two, when wind and rain will be replaced with sunshine, slick-calm water and temperatures that might dip below freezing in

Nick Ratliff, Tom Berrington and Chris Greenland on stage with MC, Chris Jones

FLW Nambia was represented by Neil Engelbrecht and Johan Coetzee SA BASS 11 December 2019

Giulio Nolli was all smiles on stage despite the cold weather

the morning, but he’s still confident in his ability to get big bites. It’s something he’s been able to do consistently throughout his tournament career. If he can keep it up for a couple more days, his career might get a really big boost in central Kentucky.

Pieter Khourie: FLW RSA Champion 2019 & FLW RSA Skipper at the Costa FLW Series Championship Having the opportunity to fish as a professional boater in the Costa FLW Series Championship on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky, was an experience I will never forget. I’ve met so many people and made some good friends. I’ve learned so much and I’m looking forward to going back someday. I had so much fun catching different species of bass (large mouth-, smallmouth-, spotted- and striped bass). I want to thank Hannes and Wilma Lindeque from SA Bass magazine and FLW South-Africa who made it possible for me to fish in the Costa FLW Series Championship as well as Garmin SA, Hombre clothing and Buckmaster for their support.

Pieter Khourie’s bag placed him in 4th place on day one in the International Division

I am thankful that I could have shared this awesome experience with my wife Rita and for all my friends and family who supported me from home.

Chris Greenland: TBC Champion 2019 & FLW RSA International Friendship Tournament Angler Getting to fish a wild lake in the USA was a dream come true, but I was a little worried about adapting to the conditions. The way bass relate to bait is a little different there especially seasonally and the thing is I’m a power fisherman at heart. Targeting bait balls right off the bat was my aim. I setup an Okuma Helios 7ft spinning rod with an Epixor 30, spooled with 30lb Boss Slick braid and various adaptations of a swim head on my Keitech paddle tails. 14,000km away from the fishing I know, with no experience at all, I walked the marina and the canyon and stuck into a spotted bass on a floating dock in 68ft of water and then two nice smallmouths who were hunting the rocky edges for the multitudes of bait fish taking cover. Truly it was a moment for my personal archives. I’m guessing I may factor in more spinning setups in my tournament strategies in future! That’s a great thing about bass fishing sometimes you can pivot to something you are less experienced at and have great success...

International Friendship Tournament

Roger Cousens, taking the overall lead on day one 12 SA BASS December 2019

This will truly be an experience I will never forget. The International Friendship Tournament was awesome, but sadly as luck would have it we had a 2.5 hour fog delay in the morning that killed our top water pattern. With only 3 hours to run, gun and fish, Tom Berrington and I fought hard and handed in two good fish (a smallie and a largie) when many professionals blanked for the day on the same water... We fell about 100 gram short of China’s three fish taking it, bitterly disappointed not to bring back the win. There’s so many upsides to look at though. I got to have an awesome stage moment with weigh-in and met and fished with a really talented up and coming pro by the name of Nick Ratliff... If anybody doesn’t follow him...

Andrew Upshaw, the Costa FLW Series Champion for 2019

you SHOULD. Look for big things out of him in the future. I see championship trophies coming his way... The entire FLW staff was so welcoming to us and even the FLW Series Tournament Director, Mark McWha, said he expects us back as pro-anglers one day. Three different species of bass in one amazing fishery is just next level.... I hope to return back as a pro-boater one day and congratulate Roger Cousens from Zimbabwe on his 2021 invitation to the FLW Tour as a professional boater. I can’t thank everyone enough for their unreal support, it was anything but easy and you guys kept us motivated even when the temperature was minus degrees and I had to haul a buzzbait down the banks. A massive thank you to all FLW South Africa’s sponsors and to Sensational Angling Supplies. Without Sensation’s equipment I don’t think I could have landed a fish... Congratulations to team China on their win, it wasn’t easy.

Vaughn Kendall: FLW RSA International Friendship Tournament Angler The moment we climbed aboard our connecting flight from Zurich via United Airlines we realized, it was clear the American people are welcoming, super friendly and very helpful! From Walmart staff to pro-anglers, just about everyone has time for a chat and shows great interest in where you’re from and where you’re going. Time spent in a first world environment was an eye opener! Systems that work, economic strength, feeling safe, all the time... we have lots to learn here!

A busy schedule robbed us of much sleep but every moment was worth it especially connecting with some amazing people like local bass pros Nick Ratliff and Ryan Davidson as well as all the friendly FLW (Fishing League Worldwide) staff who run an amazing event and the other international anglers from as far as China! If you are ever in the Lake Cumberland vicinity be sure to check out Pro Bass Burnside. Greg Pullen and his team offer the most outstanding tackle service ever and much more! Truly unreal people that helped us in so many different ways! Thanks for all the support, in particular Francesca Warwick for holding the fort back home, Wakker Kwape and Trak Mac for taking good care of my Sunny boy! Huge thanks to The Outcasts Bass fishing Association and in particular Juan du Toit for the contributions as well as Mohamed James Abramia for your generosity! And of course a massive thanks to FLW South Africa and my team mates for a truly memorable experience! USA will see me again... God Bless America! Johan Joubert, Christopher Greenland, August Lingnau, Tom Berrington, Giulio Nolli, Greg Schluep, Hombre Clothing You may be able to predict the weather, but you can’t order it. Be prepared for any ﬁshing condition with our water repellent and windproof Hombre ﬁshing bib. Please see our advertisement in this issue for more information. SA BASS 13 December 2019

Vaughn Kendall and Johan Joubert taking the lead in the International Friendship Tournament

Pieter & Rita Khourie, Hannes & Wilma Lindeque and Hugo van der Walt.

Johan Joubert FLW RSA International Friendship Tournament Angler Most of us have heard the phrase “a bass is a bass”. Can we then say the same about people? We don’t say a human is a human... the culture that surrounds a person has a much bigger effect on a family, community, country than most of us know. We only discover this when travelling. The most insignificant little thing someone might say or do might be the strangest thing to a tourist. This is not because people are trying to be funny; it’s just a culture thing. From just the way people greet, eat and live in different countries we realize how far apart our cultures truly are. To travel from a third world country to a first world country for bass fishing, we did not expect to find our cultural differences so far apart. Yet a common passion for our green friends made all these differences disappear for a short while. Buckmaster Go from wet terrain to dry - without a slipup. Buckmaster C3 shoes provide traction on land or water. Featuring patented cross-channel circulation technology that pushes water out and pulls fresh air in. Feet dry faster. You stay out there. Buckmaster shoes are available at all leading tackle stores. 14 SA BASS December 2019

To see and fish a lake that when you travel from the launch site to the dam wall you enter a different time zone, literally, was truly amazing. Now with all this said, how do you fish a lake this size, where every inch of the banks is covered with visible structure and cover? A lake in a different country with a different culture... you start by not over thinking it. By not thinking a bass is just a bass! After we had the privilege of spending time on the water with local pro angler Nick Ratlif, we very quickly discovered our mutual green friends also speak a different language and also have cultural differences. They related different to baitfish and extreme weather changes. Yes we caught them on the same lures we use in our country, we just found them in different areas and used lures we would normally fish in our summer months. While trying not to be distracted by the beauty the landscape had to offer we tried to take in as much as we possibly could by observing the water and fish movement. Trying to open our minds to all off this, watching Nick, learning new ways of approaching a new body of water, was really something else. Coming from a small craft fishing platform, The Bass Challenge, seeing over a 190 big American bass boats was just one of the many distractions we had to face on the water! It didn’t take us long to make the mental adjustments, after all we came to fish! The fish were few and far apart, but we understood for the first time what it meant when the American pro anglers say “I covered a lot of water”, Nick only wanted to catch those fish that were ticked off and wanted to bite.

There was not enough time in the day to fish slowly on a lake that size. It made sense after seeing the results. This was a lake where you could catch largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. Catching all three species was just one of the missions, when would we ever get a chance like this again. Mission accomplished! Being able to see all the behind the scenes action at a FLW event that we have been live streaming for years was again, one of the many experiences we brought home with us. Fishing against anglers from all parts of the world, some who couldn’t even speak English yet we all understood the language of bass fishing, was just as much fun. We thank FLW America for making this possible, for people of different cultures to compete against each other. It is impossible to mention everything we experienced in one article. We made new friends on and off the water, met people that changed the way we think, changed the way we will fish. That is priceless!! Thank you to Hannes and Wilma from FLW South Africa for not only making this possible, but also learning from each event and bringing it back to us to better competitive bass fishing in our country and to expose us to all the wonders the bass fishing world has to offer.

Andrew Upshaw Costa FLW Series Champion 2019 “What I figured out was main-lake transition bluffs, but it had to have the river channel swing on it – true river-channel swings,” Upshaw said. The best transitions started at 45 to 50 feet deep adjacent to the wall and shallowed up to 22 to 24 feet deep. “Right where it started slightly flattening out, that’s where they’d be sitting,” Upshaw said. “I had about 15 spots, from about Conley Bottom down. Some of them didn’t ever fire like they did in practice, and some did better than they did in practice.” Upshaw figured a lot of these fish were already in or near their wintertime holes. Some might eventually have shifted over to the deeper water near the bluffs, but others were staying put. More fish were transitioning into these areas during the tournament, which meant he had new bass coming to him. He was on so many fish that Upshaw actually left them biting after multiple culls for ounces. He was consistently on more fish than his fellow competitors, and by getting more bites, he eventually was able to assemble limits of the quality fish needed to win. To get bit, Upshaw sometimes used a Ned-rig, which is what he caught most of his winning fish on at Cherokee in April, but he caught most of his bass on a classic Cumberland bait: a jig. He rigged the Ned-rig with a Strike King Ned Ocho Wormin green pumpkin on a 1/8-ounce Gene Larew

Ned Rig Pighead Jig Head. His jig was either a 3/8- or 1/2-ounce Strike King Bitsy Flip Jig, which has a bigger hook than the standard Bitsy Bug. He paired it with a green pumpkin Strike King Baby Rage Craw. The jig bite was a “timing deal,” said Upshaw. The fish really weren’t up on the bluffs in the first hour or two in the morning. The first day, in the rain and wind, he spent the opening hour or so throwing a buzzbait, but after that, he simply fished the jig and hoped to get a bonus bite or two before the better smallies finally moved up. The timing factor was probably a benefit for Upshaw more than anyone else, since a two-hour fog delay held up takeoff on day three. Many of the top ten pros reported a strong morning bite, but they didn’t get there in time. Upshaw’s fish fired like clockwork. “Typically, bluff bites, for me, they just don’t eat early,” he added. “I’ve never caught them early. I know other guys do, but I don’t.” “The timing deal, when they really bite on those bluffs, is anywhere between 10 o’clock and about 3. Then, as the sun goes down, they stop biting on them. I don’t know what they do; they just don’t bite.”

FLW RSA Tournament partners and support Without the support of our tournament partners this experience wouldn’t have been possible. We thank Garmin South Africa, SA BASS magazine, Hombre Clothing, Buckmaster shoes and Ballistic eyewear for supporting FLW South Africa. A special word of appreciation towards FLW USA for their hospitality, the international dinner, for providing fully rigged boats to our skippers and to our International Friendship Tournament anglers. The FLW Series Championships is truly a prestigious annual event. We also thank the staff, Greg and James, at Lake Cumberland Pro Bass in Bronston, KY for better than excellent customer service, and the moonshine (an American version of mampoer). Greg took some of the South African anglers on his boat for a “last cast” social fishing after the championship. Ballistic Polarized Sunglasses Style, functionality and performance all in one single package. For young or old, there is a pair of Ballistics to suit you. All our frames are made from high quality Polyamid Nylon No. 6, providing incredible strength and allowing for ﬂexibility without breakage. Our polarised lenses are made from top quality Japanese materials and are thicker and stronger than standard polarised lenses - simply press on the lens to feel the difference. Whether you are out on the water or driving on a wet road, Ballistic Polarised Lenses make sure you see what you need to. SA BASS 15 December 2019

About Lake Cumberland Lake Cumberland is a reservoir in Clinton, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, and Wayne counties in Kentucky. The primary reasons for its construction were a means for flood control and the production of hydroelectric power. Its shoreline measures 2,020km and the lake covers 265km2 at the maximum power pool elevation. The reservoir ranks 9th in the U.S. in size. The main lake is 163km long and over 1.6km across at its widest point. The lake has become a major source of tourism and an economic engine for south-central Kentucky. In 1999, approximately 4.75 million visitors added more than $152.4 million to the local economy. Lake Cumberland ranks 4th in the nation for the number of visitor hours. Over 1,500 houseboats float on Lake Cumberland and numerous power boats play in its waters.

Conditions The water level was extremely low and our anglers found the pre-fishing very tough, or so did everybody say. During day one of the championship a cold front moved in and we saw the temperature drop with 18 degrees within a few hours to far below zero. To make things worse it started raining, leaving the anglers soaked to the bone. Thanks to the FLW RSA team clothing and fishing bibs provided by Hombre clothing our anglers managed to stay dry. After a rainy, windy and cold day one, day two promised drier weather, but it wasn’t any warmer. The temperature barely went above freezing as anglers took off, and the afternoon highs were unlikely to touch 10ºC.

About FLW FLW is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money in 2019 across five tournament circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, with offices in Minneapolis, FLW and their partners conduct more than 290 bass-fishing tournaments annually around the world, including the United States, Canada, China, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, Namibia, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, and Zimbabwe. FLW tournament fishing can be seen on the Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show while FLW Bass Fishing magazine delivers cutting-edge tips from top pros. For more information visit FLWFishing.com and follow FLW at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

*Hannes Lindeque is the founder and publisher of SA BASS magazine since 2001, the tournament director of the FLW Cast-for-Cash bass angling tournament trial and licensee of FLW Southern Africa. 16 SA BASS December 2019

SA BASS 17 December 2019

Julian Smith fishing the recently flooded grassy bank on Albert Falls dam

>> SA BASS

RAINFALL SEASON STRATEGIES PART 1

was sitting with a friend discussing the layout of a dam near Malelane, Nelspruit and the effects that the ensuing rain will possibly have over the next few months. This particular dam is in a very warm part of our country and the water temperature can easily go above 24ºC. The shallow areas of the dam, such as the tributaries get really warm and they’re quite harshly affected by the elements. During the rainy months the water flows down from the highlands and gushes into the dam. The temperature of the dam water is vastly different from the cold water coming from the hills just inside the Swaziland border. Many dams are going to be influenced similarly over the next few months and the bass movements will be equally decided by the weather patterns. Using this information will be to your best advantage and can help you put more fish in the boat. Let’s look at some summer strategies over the next few issues and how you can use dissect them to put more fish in the boat.

Rising water levels The most prominent movement I’ve seen was on an occasion fishing at Bivane Dam, just outside Vryheid, KZN. The water level in this fairly small dam can rise quickly after good rainfall. On a particular summer vast stretches of 18 SA BASS December 2019

>> Roger Donaldson* grassy banks were flooded over a matter of a week and areas that were previously teeming with bass had become devoid of any life. That’s not a welcome surprise when you’ve travelled from Johannesburg through the difficult back roads to Vryheid to compete in an important fishing event. The dam was a completely different world and nothing I’d fished just two weeks before looked anything close to similar. Not water depth, temperature, or water colour. Where did the bass go? The bass had moved swiftly off to the flooded grassy areas which were now bubbling with life. The newly flooded shallows proved to have the least affected water clarity, and the warmest temperature throughout the dam too. As far as I could ascertain, all the smaller species of fish had moved into the grass to feed and the bass were in close pursuit. So, in this instance the location of the bass was decided primarily by the migration of baitfish toward the areas where they too found food. This may be different to the next dam, where flooded grass may not be available. Although, you may see that different structures are now flooded, possibly fence lines, trees, rocks, jetties even. Hartbeespoort Dam had the most incredible concrete jetty with large wooden pylons. No exceptional amount

of thought was given to the construction of the jetty and after heavy rainfall even the top of the jetty would be submerged. Once flooded it acted like a bass magnet of notable proportions. Wave action over the top of the structure and between the broad supporting pylons created large amounts of oxygenated water beneath the shaded deck of the jetty. Baitfish and crustaceans would abound. I would just have loved to see how the bass schooled beneath, enjoying absolute protection of this prominent structure, which extended out 50m off the shoreline and ended with a T-shaped docking area in 12ft of water (when flooded). Just the same as the grassy areas attracted the baitfish and bass, so too does the isolated structure mentioned above. Fish use these areas as docking stations while they migrate through areas in search of food. Apart from a host of other things these structures provide safety from the elements, as well as predators and they also attract food too.

Freshwater current If there was a way to re-energise lethargic aquatic life it would be to increase the level of oxygen in the water. When rivers start to flow they will initially flush through the system, dragging silt, debris and stale water out of the way, replacing it with oxygenated, fresh water, often cooler than the stagnated water it replaced. Albert Falls Dam outside Pietermaritzburg can provide bass anglers with incredible fun in the Umgeni River section once the mouth has been flushed. Bass and other

species move in shortly after the rains. You’ll see the “busting” activity of Natal yellowfish on the water surface as you traverse the river section – a fairly good indication that your target species will be nearby. Knowing how to catch these bass within the flowing river system is another story though and you’ll need to rig up appropriately to deal with the current in the various sections of this rocky, bending stream. Many dams provide great examples of where current can help bass fisherman determine possible fishing areas. Goedertrouw Dam (Phobane Dam) on the Umhlathuze River near Eshowe provides a combination all these elements highlighted in the article and I’ve enjoyed exceptional fishing in the flooded snotterbel vegetation that can be found on the dam. In fact, flooded snotterbel is a tremendous place to go searching for bass. Inanda Dam, Driekoppies, Albert Falls and many other fisheries will have sections of snotterbel vegetation that anglers can expropriate. In the next issue we’ll look at tactics to employ during this wet season and how to get the bass out of the structures we’ve earmarked. *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.

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SA BASS 19 December 2019

>> SA BASS As the sun sets, night approaches

Full

N O O

Bass

The night light theory

arly morning hits, midday takes and late afternoon runs are familiar delights to bass anglers across the globe. If there’s a chance to go catch some bass come day break you can bet any angler, anywhere will grab up there rods in an instance. Now day time angling for bass is one thing but when the sun goes down it becomes a whole other world in and around the water. Night bassing is not uncommon with many bass enthusiasts laying down some quality catches once darkness falls. There are a few fundamentals to keep in mind obviously, ranging from safety precautions to some extra light needed but yes, catching bass at night does happen. Deciding to take this more unusual, bassing time frame one step further, focus was drawn to tackling the night elements in search of bass magic during the full moon. Sounds exciting right? Well it can be if you are properly prepared and it always helps of course to have a partner or buddy willing to join along. To get up to speed on the things we first need to discuss in short the moon itself and why bass anglers from all corners of the globe have different opinions on the full moon subject. There is no denying the fact that the moon has a massive 20 SA BASS December 2019

influence on our earthly planet and all her inhabitants. The gravitational pull causes the rise and fall of tides in the ocean as well as has certain effects on lakes, our atmosphere and the crust of the earth itself. During the full moon phase certain occurrences tend to develop in the waters of the world involving various species of fish activity, particularly gamefish. That been said there is no real scientific evidence either that fishing for bass during or around the time of a full moon is guaranteed to get you more hook ups. Yes there have been some big, recorded catches to back the theories but that could be argued with all theories. The simple truth is that if catching bass was so easily predictable we would all be pro-anglers by now with no real skill needed. So let’s attempt to better understand the reasons why bass activity might be heightened around this time to rather form our own opinions.

Insight Bass are natural sight and sound feeders, primarily using their vision to locate prey first. They are also shy and skittish predators preferring to ambush anything that could be edible from the safety of some cover. During

>> Jay Röhm-Williams the day there is a lot of different activity in and around the water which presents a wide variety of feeding opportunities. Daylight however also offers the risk of discovery and danger to bass themselves so a preference in light levels generally determines their behaviour. Nightfall brings to life a complete opposite scene of activity in the creature world and bass will always be there waiting to capitalise. The light given off by the moon while it is full can vary due to weather circumstances ranging from hardly visible to complete illumination in the evenings. Anything from insects to amphibians are all more active at night and with all the extra light been provided by the shine of the moon bass seem to take the momentarily advantage. Seasons are a vital indicator to understanding how bass react and night action will always vary especially between summer and winter months. Water temperatures govern bass movement and if the heat is too intense during hot weather days, cooler nights with warm waters can become more preferable for feeding. The general threat of predators at night is not ruled out but as far as the bass are concerned if they can’t see you then you can’t see them.

Full moon fun starts quickly so be ready

Knowing your layout of the water before dark is crucial

Worth remembering Equipped with some basic conclusions on why there’s good bass action when the moons in full we can now cast our attention on catching them. It will help to know the layout of your chosen destination when it comes to locating target zones which will be less hazardous to fish at night. It can get tricky out there so make sure your chosen night has a favourable forecast. A good head torch with reliable batteries is an absolute must when it comes to changing lures, tackle and unhooking fish. Safety is of the highest concern when angling at night whether you are on a trustworthy craft or patrolling the banks so extra caution is advised. Not all locations in our country will be ideal for this so some careful consideration must be taken. Having more than one prerigged rod is always a bonus but is not a necessity for these situations. The most favourable form of attack with excellent results from an angler’s perspective will be various top water tactics. Poppers, jerkbaits or hollow frogs are all classic, reaction choices and are able to be fished through a multiple of scenarios with minimum snag risks come dark. The idea is to create attention to your lure at night

Full moon dates for the summer season: t %FDFNCFS 5IVSTEBZ t +BOVBSZ 'SJEBZ t 'FCSVBSZ 4VOEBZ you do have the opportunity to safely head off into the night, take it. The experience will be a memorable one, completely worth-while and there’s always that possibility of hooking into that catch of a lifetime! Rods out, happy holidays and safe fishing everyone.

My top water rig

and with the extra light provided by the moon any attractive movement stands a good chance at been hit! Search those shallow flats for giant bass cruising in pursuit of suspended schools of baitfish or work the open waters between timber stands. Other options include burning spinner type lures under the surface creating tempting vibrations or pitching white coloured soft plastics off points and ledges. Full moon bassing is not for everyone and might not suit most anglers all the time but it can be exceptionally rewarding. It is sometimes hard enough finding time during the day to go bassing but if SA BASS 21 December 2019

>> SA BASS DESTINATIONS

SA BASS PRESENTS FISHING

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

Monelieschke Boerdery

onelieschke Boerdery is ryk aan geskiedenis wat strek vanaf prehistoriese tydperke tot onlangs. Die gebied is besaai met vulkaniese oorblyfsels en ook grotte wat getuig van woelige geologiese aktiwiteite op ‘n tyd. In die 1800s was dit bekend as die tuiste van die grootste goudstormloop in Suid-Afrika. Grafstene in plaaslike begraafplase vertel interessante verhale van dapper pioniers. Op ‘n stadium was Ottoshoop die land se kommersiële hoofstad en het die eerste ‘Commissionerstraat’ gehad. Met ‘n oorvloed ondergrondse water wat na die oppervlak borrel, sou die gebied ook ‘n oorvloed van wildspesies trek; iets wat Harry en Jack Rossouw vasbeslote

is om vandag nog te bewaar. Skaars twee ure se ry vanaf Pretoria en Johannesburg, vind jy Monelieschke Boerdery met sy kristalhelder 32 hektaar dam. Hengelaars het die keuse om die pragtige gastehuis te bespreek en dagbesoekers is ook welkom. Dit is egter belangrik dat dagbesoekers vooraf bespreek. Bootjies met batteryaangedrewe motortjies is welkom. Die gastehuis het vyf kamers wat dertien mense kan slaap. Daar is ‘n pragtige lapa op die dam met sy eie kombuis en groot televisie. Daar is ook ‘n gasstoof en gasbraaier en natuurlik ook ‘n gewone braaier vir ‘n lekker braaivleisvuur. Beddegoed en handdoeke is ingesluit en die kombuis in die huis is ten volle toegerus.

Skakel 083-647-1568 vir meer inligting, of om plek te bespreek, of stuur ‘n epos aan harry@itoffice.co.za, of besoek hul webwerf www.monelieschke.com 22 SA BASS December 2019

>> SA BASS

Die Tokyo-strop

DIE TOKYO-STROP Ek sit hier met ‘n glimlag en so ‘n warm lekkerte in my hart. Nie net het die Bokke die Wêreldrugbybeker uit Yokohama in Japan huistoe gebring nie, maar het die slim Japanese die baarshengelwêreld ook aan die gons met die nuwe, baie unieke, Tokyo-strop. Ek vertel meer. Gene Jensen (The Flukemaster) met ‘n voorbeeld van die Tokyo-strop

lhoewel die Tokyo-strop my onwillekeurig laat dink aan ‘n verkorte weergawe van ‘n “drop-shot”, is daar tog daadwerklike verskille in die twee stroppe. Die aksie wat jy uit die strop kry is egter effens veskillend en net genoeg om ook ‘n verskil te maak in die hoeveelheid vis wat gevang word. Jene Jensen, in Amerika beter bekend as die “Flukemaster”, het met die Tokyo-strop sy aantal vis wat hy vang bykans verdubbel met die tegniek. Seker een van die groot verskille van die Tokyo-strop is dat die strop veral goed werk op modderige bodems, waar die gewig die modder pennetreer en die aas dus bokant die modder bly wat dit vir die baars makliker maak om te sien. Daar is ‘n paar areas waar die strop uitstekend tot sy reg kom. Een hiervan is om dit teenaan ‘n graslyn te hengel. Die bodem sal veral rondom graslyne en teenaan riete meer modderig wees en dit maak die tegniek die aangewese tegniek om te gebruik. So ook rondom lelies waar die bodem altyd modderig sal wees. Dieselfde probleem sal onder Jetty’s veroorsaak dat ‘n aas op ‘n Texas-strop in die modder sal wegsink. Die Tokyo sal dus in enige modderbodem situasies die aangewese strop wees om te gebruik. Gunsteling ase om saam met die strop te gebruik sal varieër en die aangewese aas moet verkieslik ‘n groot profiel aas wees. Die Brush Hog en Baby Brush Hog van Zoom, Strike King se Rage Bug, Ugly Otter van Gamblerbaits en groot profielwurms sal goed werk met die Tokyo-strop. In die November uitgawe van SA BASS het ek ‘n artikel geskryf oor krag-finesse hengel. Die Tokyo-strop is ‘n tipiese voorbeeld van die tegniek. Hierdie is net een van daardie tegnieke wat elke hengelaar moet probeer.

>> Philip Kemp*

Toerusting wat gebruik sal word: Stok: 7’2” “Medium Heavy” aksie-stok Katrol: Ek verkies ‘n hoë-spoed katrol met ‘n 7.1:1 of 8.1:1 ratverhouding. Hoek: VMC Tokyo-rig Lyn: 16 pond flourocarbon- óf 50 pond vleglyn (braid) met ‘n 16 pond flouro voorslag. (Gebruik die Alberto knoop.) Aas: Zoom Brush Hog of Junior Brush Hog, Strike King Rage Tail, of Berkley se Pitboss. Een van die ouliker aanwendings is om die strop self te maak en sodoende kan die hengelaar besluit hoe lank die skag van die draad moet wees wat vanaf die hoek afhang. Na gelang van die dikte van die modder kan die draad in lengtes verskil. ‘n Gewone Texas-sinker kan gebruik word en kan afgehaal en omgeruil word met ‘n swaarder of ligter sinker soos verlang. Die Tokyo-strop is vinnig besig om veld te wen in die baarswêreld en net soos die Ned-strop, is die strop op al wat ‘n baarshengelaar is se lippe. Moet egter nie die een wees wat terugsit en wag om te sien of dit vir ander hengelaars werk nie. Sit skouer aan die wiel en kry vir jou ‘n paar van die stroppe in die hande. Nog beter, kyk of jy nie self so ‘n paar stroppe kan bou nie. Geseënde Christusfees vir elke leser en dankie dat julle ons tydskrif ondersteun. *Philip Kemp is ‘n gesoute swartbaarhengelaar en assistentredakteur van SA BASS. SA BASS 23 December 2019

>> SA BASS

TIMBER!

Part 2

Lay-down logs, uprooted trees, branches and brush piles are excellent structure, but they are not necessarily static and can often move around.

A perfect selection of three different shaped lips which will provide a unique swimming action and deflection off structure

>> Roger Donaldson*

ater levels rise, dams and rivers flood, logs dislodge after wave action and float away, human intervention also takes place (in the form of inventive bass anglers dragging fallen trees from place to place and submerging them somewhere strategic and only to move them again when they see fit) and some logs are removed entirely due to the danger which they pose to boats and water skiers. This is yet another example where bass anglers need to adapt and accept that waters are constantly changing. I could have mentioned this in the previous issue where I highlighted some key structures 24 SA BASS December 2019

of Hartebeespoort dam. Many of those lay-downs are not where they used to be and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to go on the search now to find some. My next adventure however takes us to the Vaal River barrage. Although there are substantial trees lining the banks of the barrage some of the key wooden structures are unfortunately the ones not standing up on the edge of the river bank. The fallen timber logs and branches are the ones we are looking for. They are sometimes very well-hidden to that not using sonar technology and a lot of thought needs to go into locating these prized pieces.

During the high rainfall summer months on the Highveld the Vaal River often floods. This time of year provides a great example of moving timber and debris. Along the water-drenched, muddy banks the trees are often uprooted and collapse into the river along with dislodged logs and branches. Much of this timber makes its way down the 50km stretch of water and eventually finds purchase in a comfy spot to suit. Often, if the timber has been submerged for a long enough time (months or years) then it will be water-logged and heavy enough to sink. These water-logged pieces then come to rest, or lodge themselves in depths deep enough to be completely out of site. These deeper, hidden structures can be tough to find, but I this is where the larger bass certainly spend a large amount of their hours. These spots are away from too much human activity, just deep enough to shade the bass from direct sunlight, provide a comfortable temperature zone and is also is often a place where fish are just camouflaged sufficiently to stay hidden from their prey whilst they plan their activities for the day/ night ahead. On the Vaal River barrage bass anglers need to be quite adept at using their electronics to source these deeper, sunken, wooden structures. It’s beneficial if your sonar can look both directly downward beneath the water as well as sideways. Downward looking sonar is essential and the reason for looking sideways is because the logs are often washed up against the banks. This structure is wedged between the reeds, or deposited just at the mouth of tributaries off the edge of the main river channel. Sideways looking sonar is extremely helpful with highlighting logs and trees up against the banks, although it is still not very easy to distinguish. You will need to get used to looking for the shadows which are created beyond the structure as the sonar pulse doesn’t penetrate the structure. Unfortunately, although sideways looking sonar is helpful you will still need to put in a level of technical effort and get close up to the bank to eke out key structures which are too shallow for the side-imaging sonar to pick up. These important items may be 6ft below the water surface, yet too shallow for your sonar beam to reach as it triangulates from the hull of the boat. On the other hand, those drier pieces of timber, which are still mostly full of air, will float. Depending on how large they are (because sometimes these take on the form of entire willow trees for example) they tend to get stuck in shallower landing areas, including along banks (as the current flows madly through the shallows during the flood) and then as the water subsides rapidly it leaves debris deposits of all kinds. Along the Vaal River barrage, I have also found that the many bridge pylons hinder these large trees from passing through and so the timber stacks up around the pylons. These larger trees tend to be visible, protruding from the water and sitting sometimes quite far from the river edge. You just can’t ignore fishing them as bass, crabs, baitfish, insects and birdlife all seem to gravitate to these islands for

refuge and feeding. Undoubtedly, because the structure is visible to all, they will also receive heavier fishing pressure than the out-of-sight ones. Don’t get me wrong, as this is not to say that you won’t be finding larger fish here. In the next issue we’ll jump into the exciting fishing techniques along the Vaal River barrage and see how to target both shallow and deep water timber structures. *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. breaking news

MA JOR LEAGUE FISHING TO ACQUIRE FLW Brand merger sets stage for tremendous growth at all levels of competitive bass fishing October 10, 2019

How will it affect FLW RSA?

The FLW Cup is being replaced by an FLW Pro Circuit Angler of the Year Championship, so there will be some changes on that front. FLW & MLF are still working through the options as it pertains to the FLW International Division. Participation in the FLW Series Championship for International Division partners will not change. We also have plans to significantly boost the payouts and media coverage of the FLW Series Championship in 2020, which will mean a direct opportunity to win FLW Cup like payouts for international anglers at the FLW Series Championship. We will relay more information once FLW & MLF have ironed out the details.

www.flwsouthafrica.com SA BASS 25 December 2019

>> SA BASS BASICS

BASICS FOR BEGINNERS

>> Hannes Lindeque

Only one chance Think light Light line and small lures will draw more, consistent strikes than heavy tackle in clear-to-stained water.

Cattails offer hiding spots for bass in shallow water. Bass normally hang close to the shore off the point at the end of cattails. Try and cast at every point, mini-cove and pocket. Best lures to use are plastic worms or spinnerbait. 5 Sure ways to loose fish 1. Not paying attention to pick up the bite 2. Not pressuring fish enough 3. Too light outfit 4. Improper hook setting 5. Getting too excited

Clear water tactics

Bass vocabulary:

Bass may go very deep to escape sunlight and warm temperatures or move into the shade of dense cover in the shallows.

Jig-n-Pig - combination of a leadhead jig and pork rind trailer; among the most effective baits for attracting trophy-size bass. Keeper - a bass that conforms to a specific minimum length limit established by tournament organizations. Lake modification sources - elements that change bodies of water, such as wave action and erosion. Lay-down (or fall down) - a tree that has fallen into the water. Light intensity - the amount of light that can be measured at certain depths of water; the greater the intensity, the farther down the light will project. This measurement can be significantly affected by wind conditions and water clarity. In waters where light intensity is low, brightly coloured lures are smart choices. Line guides - rod rings through which fishing line is passed. Lipless crankbaits - artificial baits designed to resemble a swimming baitfish. Such plugs vibrate and/or wobble during retrieve; some have built-in rattles. Also called swimming baits.

Why fishing weeds? Bass have learnt to do two things to survive: to feed and to conserve energy. Weeds present a perfect habitat for bass to meet both requirements. Food is abundant and shelter is unmatched by any other form of cover.

Best colour Many night fishermen or anglers fishing deep water on a cloudy day report their best success comes when using lures with contrasting dark colours. 26 SA BASS December 2019

>> SA BASS INDUSTRY NEWS

/// NEW

SUZUKI OUTBOARD

RED AND FAST DF200ASTL IS THE LATEST ARRIVAL IN THE SS SERIES

uzuki is bringing a new level of excitement to the water with a new addition to the SSser series erie riees of Suzuki outboard engines. The difference with the DF200A D DF F is that the gear case on th the he new DF200AS has a new h hy hydrodynamic y design, similar to the DF300, that reduces drag to ccreated creat re reaat as the lower unit moves thr th throu hro rou ou the water. This contributes through too faster ffas as acceleration and increased spe sp speed peed ed speed. M Moreover, the new Watergrip Sp Sport Spo por ort rt propeller employs a high rake blade bla bbl lad ade dee design. d As a result, it delivers rremarkably re em eemarka mark rka ka stable thrust power to th he water he w wate atter when turning, which results the in superior in supe per erio rioor maneuverability, excellent accceleeratiion n and an nd exceptional top speed. acceleration The SS-series models all take advantage of Suzuki’s Big Block displacement, offset driveshaft layout with 2-stage gear reduction and multipoint sequential electronic fuel

injection. These Suzuki innovations deliver a powerful hole shot, exhilarating mid-range punch and great fuel economy. The exclusive matte black paint job and striking cowling graphics are a perfect match to the performance of these proven engines. The DF200ASTL brings you the best of brains and brawn, combining high tech features with Suzuki’s proven Big Block displacement. Redesigned inline 4 cylinder engine features dual overhead cams and powerful 10.2:1 compression ratio for superior throttle response. Suzuki’s multi-stage sequential fuel injection and variable valve timing take full advantage of this engine’s Big Block displacement to provide power and torque for hole shot and top end speed. This four stroke engine is a clean runner and certified with a 3-Star Ultra-Low Emission rating from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and has also met the EPA 2010 standard. So if you want to run with a proven winner, go for the ultimate outboard. Go Suzuki. For more information visit your nearest official Suzuki dealer, or visit their website www.suzukimarine.co.za or call 011-574-1900

NRF CalMag Fizzy with vitamin D

RF Health brings you another great, new product, NRF CalMag Fizzy with added vitamin D, a lime flavoured, effervescent tablet which when dissolved in water, is easily absorbed by the body. NRF CalMag Fizzy is suitable for the most sensitive of digestive systems and can be taken before, during and after pregnancy to ensure the developing baby receives enough calcium from the mother. Calcium is vital in building and maintaining strong, healthy bones, nails and teeth but if taken on its own, it may be lacking because the body often has difficulty in absorbing it. The added vitamin D in NRF CalMag helps with the absorption of calcium and the magnesium helps with

improving bone mass and maintaining i bone density. Calcium assists in treating b health h problems such as headaches, m migraines, depression, stress, anxiety, sore m muscles, muscle spasms, heat exhaustion, IBS, I arthritis, osteoporosis and helps strengthen bones, teeth and nails. If one s has h a magnesium deficiency, it can cause stress, s anxiety, fatigue and muscle cramps, so s it is an important mineral for athletes or o people on the go. NRF CalMag Fizzy m also assist those who suffer from a may c compromised immune system and it can be b safely taken by diabetics.

NRF CalMag Fizzy is available from D Dis-Chem, Clicks and independent pharmacies.

*Please note that if taking chronic medication, it is wise to check with your medical practitioner for guidance before taking any supplement. SA BASS 27 December 2019

>> SA BASS This was the day of our 2ft, fibreglass rod challenge

The objective of the challenge was to see who could catch the biggest fish using the smallest rod.

>> Dylan Wheeler

2FT ROD CHALLENGE

December 2019

Max was the winner and I had to face my fate

28 SA BASS

The authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first fish was caught on a Wacky rigged Senko

>> Mike Hassan

We woke up at 02:15 in the morning with very mixed feelings about the day ahead. An awesome challenge was about to take place, with two “not so awesome”, possible consequences to follow.

his was the day of our 2ft, fibreglass rod challenge. Now we bet some of you are wondering how you set up and fish with a rod that is no longer than the average person’s forearm… Well let us tell you, it’s no easy task! First of all, you need to find a reel that is small enough to fit the butt but big enough to use efficiently. Secondly, you need to attach that reel to the rod using rubber bands. Yes, you read that correctly… rubber bands! Which I’m sure you can imagine are not the best at keeping the reel in one place. We did consider using cable ties to hold it in place, but that would take away the “challenge” from the challenge. So off we set to our favourite fishing spot, Witbank Dam, and while we were on the road, we started discussing the punishment for this challenge. Max’s idea of a punishment was that the loser would have to shave his head… clean off! I on the other hand thought we should do something slightly more painful, but a lot more entertaining. The loser would have to wax his armpits. (Okay… a lot more painful!) Upon arrival, we decided that the only way to settle this was a classic, best out of three “rock, paper, scissors” battle. This was the only challenge I ended up winning on the day… but we’ll get to that later. With both the challenge and the punishment now finalized we set off to start our day. The objective of the challenge was to see who could catch the biggest fish using the smallest rod, and at 7:00 on the dot, the first casts were made. Casting using these little rods is a challenge all on its own for many reasons. 1) Casting such a small rod requires an entire arm movement as opposed to a simple wrist flick. 2) The reel is not firmly attached which means it slips and slides and twists and turns in all directions from simple movements. 3) There is very little tension felt through the rod which means that feeling a bite is extremely difficult! A little while later the first fish was pulled out by me, measuring 28.5cm. This fish was caught on a Wacky rigged Senko. Knowing that this was not the biggest of fish, I knew I had to get cracking and find a bigger one. But not too long after that, Max managed to pull in a 30cm fish on a Ned rig Craw, or as Max calls it a “neddy-ma-reddy”. Now cocky from besting my fish, Max set off to find another but by ten o’clock, neither of us was successful. Until… I had decided to target pockets and thick grass and found a distinctive opening in the grass, made my cast and before my lure had even had time to sink to the bottom, I felt the distinctive, albeit very feint tug on my line which resulted in a 32cm fish, putting me back in the lead! While busy celebrating my success, the wind had picked up and I had drifted out of the grass line. Once again I cast out, and as soon as my lure hit the water, for the second time in a

row, it was an immediate take and my reel started running! This fantastic cast led me to a 38cm catch. With my hopes now high and ego huge, I bragged to Max that this was the winning fish. Or so I thought… A couple more hours went by with no “upgrades” to be made and then, in true Max fashion, he pulled in another fish. From where I was sitting on my boat I could already tell that this fish was bigger than mine, but not wanting to believe it until I saw the measurement for myself. Awaiting the bad news, I sat panicking. And then it happened… 41.5cm. Still not wanting to believe it, I moved over to Max only to have my worst fears confirmed… It was true! Four o’clock had come and gone. Max was the winner and I had to face my fate and endure some “male grooming”. The very next day I woke up with a heavy heart. It was time! After some quick “pre-waxing” preparation, I lay down on the coach and watched wide eyed as my girlfriend warmed up the wax strip. Already panicking about what was to follow, you can imagine how terrified I was when the strip made contact with my skin. I’m sure you can fill in the blanks and the bleeps as to what came next… To watch my painful experience visit my YouTube channel FISHING INFLATED and enjoy the laugh!

We attached small reels using rubber bands

The loser had to have his armpits waxed SA BASS 29 December 2019

>> SA BASS An example of some mixed colour saltwater lures

Pass the

salt Saltwater just got fresher

rtificial lures have formed a unique category in the history of fishing for decades. Their designs, shapes and colours are but a few aspects which have captivated anglerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interests in the pursuit of that ultimate catch. Whether it was engaging the seas or stalking the streams, artificial lure angling seems to know no boundaries. Of these high, ranking species of game fish that anglerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s target world-wide, fresh water bass are in a class of their own. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to say though that the lures used in the ocean are not to be utilised in the dams and vice versa. This led to a phase where many a bass angler couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist giving the theory a go and too this day veteran bassers still have a spoon or bucktail jig stashed in their tackle arsenal. When you actually give it some thought, it makes total sense and witnessing the action up close speaks louder than words. This has been demonstrated to me countless time by a good angling friend of mine whom I have often had my own doubts about when it came to his lure choices. Yet nothing is as sweet as humble pie and soon after hooking into bass after bass I too began to believe that the proof was in the pudding. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;So why all the doubt in the first place?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Well at first glance over a variety of saltwater lures available on the market today one canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t but help to notice the size difference in the lures themselves. t $PNQBSFE UP CBTT MVSFT TBMUXBUFS TUZMFT BSF HFOFSBMMZ larger, more bulky and quite thick in profile. t É¨F DPMPVS TDIFNFT BOE CJ[BSSF QBUUFSOT DBO TFFN TPNF what ridiculous if you are trying to match the hatch or present realistic colour related creature baits, which in turn can be off putting to bass fans. t É¨F TJ[F PG UIF IPPL PS UIF BNPVOU PG USFCMF IPPLT attached in some cases looks pretty intimidating and 30 SA BASS December 2019

>> Jay RĂśhm-Williams harmful to anyone let alone the bass which of course is completely understandable. t É¨FO JG BMM UIF BCPWF XBT OPU FOPVHI UIFSF JT TUJMM UIF thought of having to master each saltwater lures retrieval technique with a new rod setup. Fortunately though with some careful thinking and the aid of common sense, bass anglers having been solving problems since the crack of dawn. When it comes to sorting through your saltwater lure decisions consider the following: t É¨F TJ[F PG UIF MVSFT TIPVME OPU EFUFS BOZ BOHMFS BT OPU BMM saltwater lures are too huge and unmanageable. Instead consider the action and movement of the prey you wish to imitate and use that as a good starting point. Majority of jerk baits and plugs are designed to mimic baitfish regardless of what water type. t $PMPVS DPNCPT DBO CF GBTDJOBUJOH TP JU SFBMMZ JT ZPVS own choice here with water clarity usually been a leading factor. Patterns and designs may well not be appealing to anglers but bass have a reputation to keep on surprising us by hitting anything that moves as long as the timings right. t 8IFO JU DPNFT UP UIF IPPL GBDUPS CFDPNJOH B DPODFSO a quick DIY job to remove or replace anything that resembles a deadly weapon can be easily seen to. Bending barbs closed in this regard can also be done. t 4PNF NPSF HPPE OFXT JT UIBU XIFO JU SFFMT EPXO UP evolving or changing oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technique to compensate for this foreign lure we are now casting there really is not too much of a difference. In some instances it would be advisable to have a slightly sturdier rod setup similar to a good power fishing approach. However big baits on light tackle can give you quite a lot of fun too. The main

alteration here will be the speed of your retrieval for it will have to be quicker in some scenarios to match the weight or size of the lure. Spoons for example are much heavier than normal spinner style lures so to avoid bringing in half the dam an elevated rod position should be adopted while reeling in at a decent pace. Another example would be to apply a little more pressure on the retrieval methods when using larger, saltwater jerk baits to achieve that convincing movement that triggers action. It has been amazing to see throughout the seasons this year how bass have reacted to saltwater lure tactics. Anything from

Big baits providing results

creature-style soft plastics to big stick baits have produced some really solid bass. Larger specimens tended to nail the bigger sized top water lures during the warmer months where minnow swimbaits produced more strikes from winter tanks below. The principles of location, weather, water conditions and locating that stash of bass are all still the same with perhaps only a few odd tweaks to our tackle equipment needed. December is here again and the waters are calling so if you fancy your chances at hooking into that king bass give a saltwater lure a throw. Keep in mind itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a matter of will you catch bass but more a question of how many can you keep up with? Rods out, happy holidays and safe fishing everyone.

Power fishing with salt lures through channels can be rewarding SA BASS 31 December 2019

>> SA BASS Daar is soveel verskillende tegnieke, stokke en katrolle om van te kies hierdie Kersfees

WAT KOOP EK DIE KERSFEES? K

ersfees in Suid-Afrika hou beslis nie by ons verband met kersvader, koekies en melk by ‘n kersboom, sneeu en warm kaggelvure nie. Vir ons SuidAfrikaners, met ‘n groot liefde vir baarshengel, is dit eerder Ń uitgestrekte stuk water met dekking en struktuur en die moontlikheid om Ń groot swartbaar aan die lyn te kry. Dan is daar natuurlik die nuwe geskenke; Ń nuwe visstok, nuwe kunsaas, en dalk een van die nuutste katrolle op die mark. My vrou verwys gewoonlik na ons visstokke as, “die rietbos in die waskamer”, maar hulle is onmisbaar en kosbaar, en ons kan net nie klaarkom sonder een van hulle nie. En dan is daar teen kerstyd altyd plek vir nog een, veral met ‘n vrou... ja, julle lees reg... wat ek saans moet wegsleep van die water af. Vir die hengelaar wat net drie of vier keer Ń seisoen gaan baarshengel, is dit nie te moeilik om Ń stok en katrol aan te skaf nie... of is dit? Daar is deesdae soveel handelsname en hengelwinkels wat stokke en katrolle as kombinasies verkoop teen sakpas pryse. Hierdie sal gewoonlik Ń kombinasie wees wat vir die meeste hengeltegnieke gebruik kan word. Maar vir ons hengelaars wat swartbaarhengel beskou as Ń meer ernstige stokperdjie, of iets wat bykans grens aan Ń obsessie, is dit Ń heel ander storie. Ek wil graag met dié hengelaars, en ook met die minder ernstige hengelaars gesels, en hopelik kan my raad jou help om steeds Ń goeie verhouding met jou bankbestuurder te hê.

Hoe kies ek die regte stok en katrol? Die eerste belangrike stap is om te besluit wat om eerste te koop. Ek verkies om my katrol eerste te kies en daarna

32 SA BASS December 2019

>> Philip Kemp* Images: Jody White die stok. Die grootste rede daarvoor is die feit dat ek Ń katrol wil laat pas by Ń visstok wat gemaklik in my hand voel en waarvan die balans van die stok perfek moet wees. Na gelang van die lengte van die steel van die stok, kan dit die stok se balans in jou hand bevoordeel of benadeel. Ń Katrol moet ook gekies word volgens die tegniek wat gehengel gaan word. Wanneer Ń katrol gekies word, is dit belangrik om eerder te kyk na waar die rollaers (bearings) in die katrol geplaas is, as om te kyk hoeveel rollaers Ń katrol het. Die hengelaar moet versigtig wees om Ń katrol te koop teen Ń lae prys wat aandui dat daar 9 tot 11 rollaers in is. Ons moet onthou dat goedkoop koop, duur koop kan wees. Die meeste van die katrolle het wel baie rollaers, maar hulle is nie noodwendig op die regte plekke in die katrol aangebring nie. Ek verkies die ligste katrol moontlik met die hoogste wringkrag (drag) sisteem. Ń Ligte katrol en stok is net soveel makliker om mee te hengel en jou arms en gewrigte word nie so gou moeg nie. Indien jy egter nie een van die meer ernstige hengelaars is nie, kan ‘n goedkoper opsie oorweeg word.

Waarna kyk ek as ek ‘n stok vir harde kunsvissies wil aanskaf? Vir harde kunsvissies verkies die ernstige hengelaar Ń stadiger 5:1 ratverhouding. Hierdie stadiger katrol verhoog ook die wringkrag sodat die diepduikende kunsvissie nie moeiliker is om in te bring nie. Hierdie katrolle is egter moeilik bekombaar en daarom sal ‘n katrol met ‘n 6:1 ratverhouding ook werk. Saam met hierdie katrol kan die hengelaar Ń lang 7 voet tot 7’4” medium aksie-stok oorweeg na gelang van die diepte wat die hengelaar wil hê

die vissie moet duik. Langer stokke help ook om groter afstande te gooi en dus groter areas te dek en ‘n optimale diepte met die kunsvissie te bereik voordat hy terug is by die boot. Dunner lyn sal ook help om die kunsvissie op die optimale diepte te kry. Die stok moet Ń sagte punt hê wat die skok van die byt kan absorbeer. Indien die punt van die stok te styf is, sal die drie-angelhoeke met die inslaan-aksie letterlik uit die vis se bek geruk word. Veselglasstokke is ook baie gewild. Die stokke is egter moelik bekombaar. Ek hengel my harde kunsvissies met Ń stok wat 50% grafiet en 50% veselglas is. Stokke soos die kan die hengelaar egter Ń

arm en ‘n been kos. Vir die hengelaar wat iets goedkoper soek sal ‘n medium aksie, goedkoper stok ook die ding doen. Ons moet onthou dat dit nie so belangrik is dat die stok so sensitief moet wees nie omrede die hengelaar staat maak op ‘n reaksie byt.

Waarna kyk ek as ek ‘n stok vir digte dekking wil aanskaf? Ek verkies ook om swaar aksie-stokke van 7’2” te gebruik om ase in digte dekking te hengel waar jy die vis met krag moet wegkry uit byvoorbeeld lelies. Ek gebruik

SA BASS 33 December 2019

Hoe koop ek die regte katrol vir die regte tegniek? Om die hengelaar of voornemende kersfeeskoper te help besluit: a. 7:1 ratverhouding dwarsspoel (baitcaster) katrol: Gebruike: vir “flipping”, “pitching”, “punching” en paddas. b. 6.4:1 ratverhouding klein profile dwarsspoel (baitcaster) katrol: Gebruike: klein profiel maak gewrigaksies makliker vir boloper ase en jerkbaits. (Ruken-pluk kunsvissies) c. 5.4:1 ratverhouding dwarsspoel (baitcaster) katrol: Gebruike: lae wringkrag katrol spesifiek vir diepduikende harde kunsvissies wat die vissie langer in die trefsone hou. die stokke om kunsaaspaddas te hengel en vir werptegnieke (pitching). Saam met die stok sal ek Ń katrol met Ń vinnige 7:1 ratverhouding kies om sodoende die vis so vinnig as moontlik weg te kry vanaf al die vashaakplekke. Vir hengelaars wat kraghengel, is dit ook belangrik om die aas weer so gou as moontlik terug te kry in die area waar ‘n baars hom sou bevind. Daar is heelwat handelsname met 8:1 en 9:1 ratverhoudings wat baie goed in die tipe toestande sal werk. Hierdie is dus katrolle wat ek beslis op my wenslysie sal plaas vir Kersfees.

Waarna kyk ek as ek ‘n stok vir wurmhengel en swaailemme wil aanskaf? Afgesien van bogenoemde stokke gebruik die meeste hengelaars ander tegnieke ook en is die mees algemeenste en veelsydigste stokke vir wurmhengel in oop water en gras, Ń medium-swaar aksie stok met Ń 6:1 of 7:1 spoed katrol. Die hoëspoed katrol help ook om weer vinnig die aas terug te bring, om die volgende gooi te kan maak. Dit bespaar ook waardevolle tyd op die water. Ek verkies ook Ń stok met Ń baie sensitiewe punt sodat ek die geringste byt aan die aas kan voel. Omrede die aksie stokke vir so ‘n groot verskeidenheid aanwendings gebruik kan word, moet die koper meer kieskeurig wees en die mees sensitiewe stok, wat natuurlik binne jou begroting pas, aankoop. Die sagter punt help ook om die kleiner ase verder te gooi. Na gelang van die lengte van die hengelaar kan daar besluit word met watter lengte stok daar gehengel moet word. Ek verkies Ń 7 voet stok, maar vir korter hengelaars sal Ń 6’6” stok ook baie goed werk. Met my dubbel swaailemme wil ek die aas so naby aan die struktuur hengel as moontlik en selfs die aas kry om teen onderwater dekking soos boomstompe te stamp. Om

34 SA BASS December 2019

d. 7:1 ratverhouding dwarsspoel (baitcaster) katrol: Gebruike: vinnige katrol wat slap lyn vinnig optel - vir wurms en loodkoppies hengel. e. 6.4:1 ratverhouding dwarsspoel (baitcasting) katrol: Gebruike: die vinniger spoed sal jou swaailemme, kletsase (chatterbait), en swem loodkoppe (swim jigs) bo die bodem hou teen die regte spoed wat nie te vinnig behoort te wees nie. f. 5:1 ratverhouding koffiemeul (spinning reel) in ‘n 1000 of 2000 grootte spoel: Gebruike: Ligte lyn vir baarshengel met shaky heads, drop shots, finesse en natuurlik die nuwe Ned-rig. dit reg te kry moet my gooi baie akkuraat wees. Vir die tegniek is dit nie nodig om Ń baie lang stok te gebruik nie. Ek verkies Ń korter 6’10” vir die tegniek. Wanneer ek egter die swaailem as Ń soek-aas wil gebruik, verkies ek weer Ń langer 7” of selfs Ń 7’2” stok om groter areas te dek. Swaailemme kan natuurlik ook deur gras gehengel word en daarvoor kan ‘n swaaraksiestok gebruik word om die swaailem met krag deur die watergras te pluk. Omrede swaaraksiestokke nie so groot in aanvraag is nie, kan jy dalk gelukkig wees om een iewers spotgoedkoop aan te koop.

Waarna kyk ek as ek ‘n stok vir ligtegerei en finesse hengel wil aanskaf? Vir hierdie tegnieke gebruik ek beslis Ń koffiemeulkatrol met Ń medium- of ligte aksie stok. Hierdie tegnieke word gewoonlik in baie moeilike omstandighede gebruik. Die stok moet Ń sagte punt hê en nie te kort wees nie. Ń 7” tot 7’2” lengte stok help om die klein gewiglose ase verder te gooi. Vir die “drop-shot” tegniek is Ń langer stok egter nie nodig nie. Omrede ligte lyn tussen 6 en 10 pond gebruik word, is dit belangrik om nie Ń stok met Ń stywe punt te gebruik nie. Gewoonlik word die gekose breekkraglyn op die stok aangedui en is dit belangrik om daardie riglyne te volg. Natuurlik het die Ned-rig ook die afgelope tyd groot opgang gemaak in die afdeling en is dit ‘n tegniek wat skitterend werk op moeiliker dae. Vir my gaan die moeilikste deel van hierdie kersfees se geskenkaankope egter wees om vroulief in toom te hou as sy by die hengelwinkels instap. Geseënde Kersfees en sien jou in die nuwe jaar. *Philip Kemp is ‘n gesoute swartbaarhengelaar en assistentredakteur van SA BASS.

>> SA BASS Hengel harde plastiekvissies met ‘n ruk-en-pluk beweging

Ruk-en-Pluk I

n hierdie reeks van artikels het ons reeds na twee belangrike interne faktore gekyk wat swartbaarhengel beïnvloed; naamlik watertemperatuur en die water se suurstofinhoud. Nog ‘n uiters belangrike faktor is waterhelderheid! Hierdie faktor bepaal die keuse van aas, aasgrootte, kleur, aanbieding, asook waar die hengelaar vis gaan soek. Met waterhelderheid verwys ek na hoe diep die hengelaar in die water kan sien. Sommige damme se water is vir etlike meters glashelder, terwyl ander damme se water troebel is. Damme waarin karpe voorkom is altyd troebel – die manier hoe karpe wei maak damme troebel. Water word gereken as troebel wanneer die hengelaar nie verder as ±30cm in die water kan sien nie en hierdie scenario verg ‘n totale ander hengelbenadering as helder water. Albei, helder- en troebelwater, het dus hulle eie voor- en nadele. Watergras in die damme werk soos groot filters wat die water skoon hou. Gepolariseerde sonbrille help geweldig om die weerkaatsing op die wateroppervlak te breek en stel die hengelaar in staat om in die water in te sien. Die nadeel is; nog voordat jy die vis sien het hy jou al lankal gewaar en is hy op sy hoede, óf weg. In helder water maak swartbaars gebruik van sig wanneer hulle jag en is dit belangrik dat die hengelaar ver en akkuraat kan gooi. Die kunsaas moet ‘n natuurlike kleur hê en die beste is om te sien hoe die vissies lyk waarop die swartbaars leef en hulle kleur asook grootte na te boots. Die kunsaas moet met ‘n ruk-en-pluk beweging ingebring word wat ‘n sieklike vissie naboots - ‘n maklike prooi. Hou in gedagte dat die swartbaar aan die skadukant van wegkluipplekke gaan lê en die hengelaar moet dus verby die teikenarea gooi en die kunsaas deur die skaduwee óf naby wegkruipplekke inbring. Indien die kunsaas op die teikenarea val, sal die vis skrik. Wanneer met harde plastiekkunsvissies (crankbaits) gehengel word, is die beste stok om te gebruik ‘n mediumswaar aksie stok en monofilament vislyn wat toegee wanneer die vis die aas gryp. In troebel water word groter kunsaas wat meer lawaaierig is gebruik. Dit is kunsaas soos spinnerbaits met groot Colorado-lemme, groter harde plastiekvissies wat geraas maak, óf sagte plastiekwurms met groot sterte wat sterk vibrasies uitstuur. Anders as in helder water moet die kunsaas stadig teen ‘n konstante spoed ingebring word

>> Hannes Lindeque* sodat die vis kans kan kry om op die vibrasies in te zoom. In troebel water is ‘n swartbaar se sig beperk en maak hy gebruik van sy laterale lyn op die kant van sy lyf om vibrasies op te tel. Die probleem met troebel water is dat die vis enige plek kan wees en sonder ‘n elektroniese visvinder gaan dit maar sukkel. Al die wegkruipplekke lê versteek onder die water en die hengelaar moet die hengelarea voor hom fynkam, van links na regs, en herhaaldelik in dieselfde area gooi. Persoonlik sal ek ‘n sewe-voet-ses, swaar-aksie stok met 17lb fluorocarbon vislyn gebruik om donkerkleurige sagte plastiekwurms aan ‘n Texas-strop te hengel. In die volgende uitgawe kyk ons na nog ‘n belangrike faktor wat swartbaarhengel kan beïnvloed.

Wenk: Die beste tyd vir helderwaterhengel is vroegoggend, laatmiddag en selfs in die aand wanneer die skaduwees lank is. *Hannes Lindeque is die stigter en uitgewer van SA BASS tydskrif sedert 2001; die hooforganiseerder van FLW SuidAfrika en SA BASS Cast-for-Cash swartbaarhengeltoernooie.

013 243 9401 082 892 3029 www.olifants-river-lodge.co.za

SA BASS 35 December 2019

>> SA BASS

Secrets of South Africa’s Pros

Crankbaits - Part 2

A perfect selection of three different shaped lips which will provide a unique swimming action and deflection off structure

y now you’ve chosen your fishing depth and you’ve rigged up accordingly. Let’s cast in now shall we and then retrieve the crankbait down to its desired

36 SA BASS December 2019

>> Bass Spy* swimming depth (which you will see displayed on the box in which the lure was purchased). The interesting thing here is that the lure will probably only reach that swimming depth if you have

it rigged with the appropriate fishing line and if you are retrieving the lure at a quick enough pace. Your objective will be two-fold; either you want to get down to the structure around

which the bass are hiding out, or you’re fishing open water for suspending fish. Fishing the structure on the bottom is the one I want to focus on, as it is that much more difficult and probably the most frequently implemented strategy. As the lure strikes the bottom the rod and line emit vibrations into your hands and you need to establish some important information immediately; what is the type of structure I am feeling and also, is this actually a bass biting? Well, it takes a little getting used to at first and normally NO, sadly those strange “pulling” feelings are often not a bass biting. After a few turns of the reel you begin to feel the flatness, or the undulations of the bottom. Sometimes the feeling “pulls” and/or “hanging” on your line like a wet sponge (likely a substrate of decaying plant matter or mud). Sometimes the vibrations are sharp and thumping (caused often by the lip of the lure crashing into rocks, wooden structures and the like). Understanding the features of the structure you’re fishing below will help you more easily define the signals being transmitted up your line and through to your hands. Now, there’s a subtlety about how you want to retrieve your crankbait. You want the lure to bump and trickle over the structure as you retrieve and feel your way through the depths below – picture the lure and line as an extension of your hands – almost a sixth sense. When you feel the “knocks” and “bumps” place special attention not to strike immediately, as this often ends up with the lure chronically snagged in structure deep below the surface. A bite will most likely be defined by a definite “thump” on your line and then an easily identifiable surge from the hooked fish. Considering though that you struck too soon and it was actually a tree, rock, or log - not too serious, as devices are available to remedy that situation, but it can be very time consuming and not always as successful as you’d have hoped. Eventually you would have retrieved your crankbait through the area and possibly even without a bite. In fact,

you may very well have made four or five casts in the general area and still without any bass to show for it. But be sure that when the bass does show interest (and this may even be after 10 or 12 casts in the same general area) you will certainly know the difference between a rock and the bass. Bass really do strike crankbaits with some surging ferocity. It’s a very rewarding feeling and I can recall countless days fishing when I’ve enjoyed bass after bass, cast for cast when fishing a crankbait (thank you Albert Falls Dam with a Rapala DT10 and Rhenosterkop Dam with a lipless SPRO Aruku Shad). In the previous issue I made mention to the fact that 95% of the time the bite is unmistakable. So, what about that 5%? There are times when bass swim up behind your crankbait and inhale it so casually that you would possibly not know your next personal best fish was actually on the line. If you have ever had the fortune of sitting with long-time anglers such as Clive Harries of Albert Falls, you’d hear first-hand about the very large bass which managed to fool them cast after cast. These large fish swam up behind the crankbait, gently mouth the lure and swam with it at the same speed as the retrieve. Then, without swallowing or grotesquely mauling the lure the large fish would open it gaping jaws and expel the lure virtually unnoticed. Seasoned anglers have a few techniques which they use to reduce the chances of losing these all-important bites: they often change the speed of the retrieve and they have a very keen attention to the vibration coming from the lure. If the lure stops wobbling and reacting with the same action then the chances are you have either picked up a piece of weed, or you need to strike and reel up line a lot quicker to get ahead of these crafty bass. *The Bass Spy has fished alongside and been exposed to the secrets and tactics of many competitive bass anglers on waters throughout the continent. This column is dedicated to all fanatical bass enthusiasts looking for the inside track and an edge on their favourite past time.

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For quickest delivery, visit www.flwsouthafrica.com or call 065-849-3264

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SA BASS 37 December 2019

>> SA BASS CONSUMER NEWS

NEW PRODUCTS FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS

1. MEGABASS OKASHIRA SCREWHEAD >> Available from Solly’s Anglers Corner

Megabass Okashira Screwhead is a screwhead swimbait jig head. Asymmetrical prop with one blade longer than the other to provide flash and vibration. The head has lanes channelling water under the chin for increased stability at all retrieve speeds. Boasts a Super Slide hook and a hand-tied keeper to hold trailers. Available in 4 colours and 2 weights (1/16 ounce and 1/8 ounce), 3 pieces per pack.

2. RIVER 2 SEA WHOPPER PLOPPER 75 AND 110 >> Available from Solly’s Anglers Corner

River2Sea’s Whopper Plopper, designed by the legendary angler Larry Dahlberg, is his secret weapon for musky and bass fishing. The soft, pliable tail rotates on the harness and creates bass alluring rumbles at variety retrieve speeds and depths. The tail is designed to withstand the punishment rendered rocks, stumps and bass.

Perfectly balanced as well, the Duo Realis Apex Vibe 100 Lipless Crankbait will swim keel-first at an angle when paused and will rest in an upright position on the bottom, allowing anglers to utilize multiple retrieve styles whether it’s horizontal or vertical in both shallow or deep water. Armed with two razorsharp treble hooks and available in a range of lifelike colour patterns, the Duo Realis Apex Vibe 100 Lipless Crankbait is sure to become a permanent fixture in your lipless tackle box.

4. RAPALA TOURNAMENT TOUCH SCREEN SCALE >> Available from Solly’s Anglers Corner

3. DUO REALIS APEX VIBE 100 >> Available from Solly’s Anglers Corner

The Duo Realis Apex Vibe 100 Lipless Crankbait is engineered with an aerodynamic foreregion to provide flight stabilization and accurate trajectory, a strategically arranged keel cavity to initiate low frequency acoustics and significant water displacement, and a high quality ABS construction with diagonal framing assures rigid and durable structure. It also generates a unique pulsation and fluid swimming action that creates a more thumping vibration, rather than a traditional rapid vibration, which attracts more bites from big lure-shy bass. 38 SA BASS December 2019

The touch screen scale adds ease and convenience to weighing and tracking your catch. Large digital scale is packed with features, yet intuitive in use. Displaying weight in lbs/oz, decimal lbs or kg, easily record and determine the position of current catch in your weight total. Simply hang catch from heavy-duty composite clamp, or included stainless steel hook to view weight. Tap on one of eight storage locations to enter fish into memory and add to total catch weight. Runs up to 400 hours on two AA batteries (not included). Back-up memory retains stored data in battery power is lost. The tournament model features a 15lb digital scale, plus an eight-piece culling system that allows easy management of your catch. Quickly record and determine the position of current catch in your weight total. Culling system permits easy identification of fish to be released for maximum total weight. Includes storage bag with sewn in instructions.

5. BANG GARLIC SPRAY >> Available from Solly’s Anglers Corner

Short-striking bass will drive even the most even-keeled bass fisherman crazy - you make a perfect cast with the perfect bait, feel the “thump” on the end of your line and… nothing. You completely whiff like a little league baseball player. Not only are short strikes a wasted opportunity, but they can get into your head and make you question your skillset, gear choices and bait selection. Whenever the bass get moody and start pecking at your soft plastics and jigs, this scented aerosol spray drastically increases your hookup ratio. It helps the bass hold on longer and won’t ruin your boat or tackle bag. When pitching and flipping it makes your plastic slide through the vegetation.

6. GAMAKATSU FINESSE SWIVEL >> Available from Solly’s Anglers Corner

The original G-Finesse Swivel Shot changed the game and professional anglers were eager to play. Some, like Shin Fukae, recognized the G-Finesse advantage but didn’t want to break from tradition entirely by using the integrated octopus hook. They already had their drop-shot rigs dialed to perfection. So, they designed the new G-Finesse Swivel Shot drop-shot to accept traditional drop-shot hooks with a true swivel connection. No unreliable wire loops like

other brands. Additional features include TGW (Tournament Grade Wire,) and both the hook and swivel system boast the benefits of a nano smooth coat finish. Available in sizes 2, 1, 1/0 and 2/0. Drop the old-school rigs and try the Swivel Shot drop-shot inspired by Angler of the Year winner, Shin Fukae.

7. GAMAKATSU SUPER LINE EWG >> Available from Solly’s Anglers Corner

Gamakatsu’s Superline Offset Shank EWG work hook is a high carbon heavy-wire hook designed to fish braided line in heavy cover. Built for serious flipping in the tules, overhead mats or pads. Gamakatsu’s Superline Offset Shank EWG is perfect when you require a quicker decent rate without increasing size or adding weight. Want to turn up the heat with a Senko? Fish with a Superline EWG for that deadly quick fall.

9. DUO REALIS ROZANTE 77SP >> Available from Solly’s Anglers Corner

The beefy body has been equipped with a magnet detaching moving weight system for absolute cast ability for land based anglers to get their lure out in strong head winds and side winds. The vibration is caused when a tighter darting action is imparted. The result is a mimic action similar to a fleeing fish. This consequently activates the feeding switch for the bass as soon as the lure comes into sight even with simple slow or fast retrieval. Furthermore, the lure can be worked as a shad type lure with a panicking dart like action through twitching of the rod, enabling anglers to invoke a bite from a bass in the least amount of distance. This lure will surely help those land-based anglers in a “linear” style of fishing of straight retrieval and a “spot-light” style of fishing with its panic dart action.

8. GAMAKATSU WICKED WACKY >> Available from Solly’s Anglers Corner

The new standard in wacky hook designs. Built on Gamakatsu proven Shiner hook, the Wicked Wacky features a durable hand tied weed guard that provides anglers the confidence to throw their wacky rig in and around heavy cover. In addition the Wicked Wacky takes the power drop-shot to a new level. Gamakatsu designed an innovative hollow tube, hand tied on the shank. Simply run the tag end of your line through the tube, tie on your weight, and pitch into the heaviest cover for a whole new power drop shot presentation.

10. MEGABASS DARK SLEEPER SWIMBAIT >> Available from Solly’s Anglers Corner

The Dark Sleeper is an absolute fish catching machine. It is one of the most versatile lures and enables anglers to effectively target bass when fishing fast or slow and even around cover. Fish cannot hide from the Dark Sleeper, and once you dial in the retrieve for your unique body of water, this small, yet mighty bait, can deliver numbers and quality fish. SA BASS 39 December 2019

>> SA BASS DESTINATIONS

SA BASS PRESENTS FISHING

Chinaka Game Lodge

hinaka Game Lodge is an old-fashioned game lodge situated away from the hustle and bustle of huge amounts of tourists. Chinaka are situated in the Northern Limpopo province and ideal stop over for visitors heading into Botswana or Mapungubwe. (Just a mere hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive from both) There are a variety of animals that can be viewed from a game viewer or on foot (giraffe, zebra, pangolin, kudu, impala, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, eland, leopard, brown hyena and many of the amazing smaller animals). Chinaka are also a mere 35km from Blouberg Nature Reserve who boasts having the largest breeding colony of Cape Vultures (an endangered species) and 3,5 hours from Pretoria. Facilities include: Bar area, swimming pool, deck that overlooks the waterhole, TV, air cons, coffee/tea stations, bar fridges in the chalets and also have three self catering chalets. For more information please contact their office on 083-709-2806 and for bookings send an email to elcosa@tiscali.co.za

40 SA BASS December 2019

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>> SA BASS

The martial arts of bass fishing >> Jaco Smit

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s step into the world of the martial artist and see what we can learn and apply to our sport. A martial artist must have discipline, focus and lots and lots of patience, just like in the pursuit of our elusive green fish.

// Skill Level I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bruce Lee The first thing that will immediately improve your fishing is being able to place your lure exactly where you want it. If you are not skilled at casting, you will spend a great deal of time retrieving your lures from trees, reeds and other fish holding structures. There are various casting techniques that will assist you in placing your lure in the sweet spot. t /PSNBM PWFSIBOE DBTU UP HFU EJTUBODF t 6OEFS IBOE DBTU DPNCJOFT EJTUBODF BOE BDDVSBDZ t 'MJQQJOH BOE QJUDIJOH ZPVS MVSF JOUP QPDLFUT JO HSBTT PS lily pads t 4LJQQJOH ZPVS MVSF VOEFS EPDLT PS PWFSIBOHJOH USFFT These are a few techniques you can master to greatly improve for catch ratio. With a bit of practise you will be able to cast your lure into fish holding structure with much greater accuracy.

// Ste ealth Water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bruce Lee Whether you are fishing from the bank or a boat, it pays not to advertise, in the words of the late and great Charles /PSNBO 42 SA BASS December 2019

A bass â&#x20AC;&#x153;fly kickingâ&#x20AC;? in the air

Keep a low profile when hunting olâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bucket mouth. Bass IBWF WFSZ HPPE FZFTJHIU BOE BO BDVUF TFOTF GPS WJCSBUJPO 4P even though noise outside the water does not really bother them, a clumsy drop of a rod on the boat deck or a bump against a rock while wading can spook fish in a very big radius around your chosen fishing spot. They might still be there, but they are now fully aware of your presence. When stalking bass from the bank, wear subdued colour clothing such as khaki, greens or even light blue to blend in with your surrounding area. If you can, camouflage clothing will give you an added advantage.

// Kno ow you ur opponent If you want to learn to swim jump into the water. On dry land no frame of mind is ever going to help you. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bruce Lee :PV OFFE UP VOEFSTUBOE IPX CBTT CFIBWF 4UVEZ UIF vast amount of information available in our magazine and articles, forums and videos on the internet. Each change in weather, barometric pressure, water clarity and water temperature will have some effect on bass. You need to know how bass will react under these conditions, and how to target them in the most effective way. Certain factors such as cold front will have bass moving into deeper water while more favourable weather will have them feeding in the shallows. If you are not aware of how these factors effect bass you will be spending time fishing empty water or using ineffective techniques.

Martial arts master: Bruce Lee

// Fo ocus

// Ve ersatility

The successful warrior is the average man, with laserlike focus. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bruce Lee

Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bruce Lee

This is probably one of the most important key characteristics of a successful angler. Being constantly focused on what you are doing, what your line is doing, what your rod tip is doing and what is happening around you will help you establish the desired pattern much quicker. Be focused on what happens to your lure while retrieving it. Is it making bottom contact? Is it bumping rocks or do you feel that spongy pull from grass and other vegetation. An angler should be able to distinguish between a lure bumping structure and subtle bites. You must be able to maintain consistent focus throughout your fish day, yes, even after your fifth fishless hour. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss the only bite of the day because you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay attention.

Versatility is the ability to apply your skills and knowledge to each circumstance you may encounter. It is also the ability to adapt to changing conditions and keep thinking, experimenting and trying new techniques and methods until you uncover the pattern. Here again, knowledge and reliable tackle will give you the edge and put you in a positive position to quickly and efficiently change tactics.

// ConďŹ ďŹ dence Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s battles donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later the man who wins, is the man who thinks he can. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bruce Lee 5P RVPUF $IBSMFT /PSNBO BHBJO i%P ZPV GPS FYBNQMF believe that the lure you are tying to the end of your line is a living thing, and a particularly tasty one at that? You better believe it, because if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, then the fish certainly will not.â&#x20AC;? You need to be confident in your knowledge of bass behaviour and in the technique you are applying in the particular circumstances you are fishing. In addition, you must have confidence in the tackle you are using. While you are on the water, is not the time to start doubting the sharpness of hooks, or noisy bearing in your reel. You need to know that when that lunker takes your bait, your knots are strong, there are no nicks in your line and you can only concentrate on bringing your priced fish to the boat.

// Patien nce Patience is not passive, on the contrary, it is concentrated strength. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bruce Lee Patience is being able to stay calm under pressure. When the fishing tough, the live-well is empty and the weigh-in is about to start, panic starts to set in. When this happens, focus and concentration are the first things out the door. Then we start to, unconsciously speed up retrieves, not waiting long enough for the lure to make bottom contact and various other small mistakes that will lead to missing opportunities. When things start to go wrong, we tend to get frustrated. Once this happens, we start losing concentration and this leads to even more things going wrong. Except the fact that things like overwinds and snags will happen, does not matter how good an angler you are. Once you are at peace with this, you will be able to deal with these unfortunate mishaps more efficiently. In short, stay calm, stay focused, keep thinking and make sure you have enough knowledge about your opponent. Practice your casting and keep your tackle in tip-top shape. If you have these few things in order your fishing will undoubtedly improve immediately. Most of all, enjoy your day on the water and send those green lunkers back to fight another day. SA BASS 43 December 2019

Mpumalanga

KwaZulu-Natal

Mpumalanga Winners

Robbie Olivier, Wayne Easton, Simon Haden, Brad Hunter, Dennis Lutge, Ross Summerell, Stacey Wing

7.565kg

6.495kg

Venue: De Hoop Dam

Venue: INANDA DAM

Fish caught: 80

Fish caught: 41

Fish/team caught: 5

Fish/team caught: 4.6 Biggest fish: 2.145kg

Average weight of fish: 0.672kg

Average weight of fish: 0.929kg

Top 10 places: 1: Team Mias - 7.565kg

Top 9 places:

2: Team Fishing Focus - 5.885kg

1: Team Gamakatsu Outdoors 365 - 6.495kg

3: Team Old Cranks* - 5.795kg

2: Team Simon - 5.630kg

4: Team X Factor - 5.165kg

3: Team All The Gear, No Idea - 5.465kg

5: Team Vesa - 4.935kg

4: Team Outdoor 365 & Fuchs - 5.335kg

6: Team Boksombende - 3.275kg

5: Team Yes Dear - 4.550kg

7: Team Six 8 Custom Baits* - 2.790kg

6: Team Bass Warehouse FishTec - 4.000kg

8: Team Reel Rebels - 2.755kg

7: Team Hatchery Hackers - 3.030kg

9: Team Zacks - 2.530kg

8: Team BCS Vamoose - 1.815kg

10: Team Dog box - 2.265kg

9: Team Frankie Bananas - 1.775kg

T: 065 849 3264 E: hannes@sabass.com W: www.flwsouthfrica.net Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) is the world's largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money across various tournament circuits. FLW and their partners conduct 286 bass-fishing tournaments annually around the world, including the United States, Canada, China, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, South Korea and South Africa. The FLW television show is broadcast to more than 564 million households worldwide, while FLW Bass Fishing magazine delivers cutting-edge tips from top pros. PO Box 24938 Gezina, Pretoria, 0031

44 SA BASS December 2019

For the complete results and next venue: see our website www.flwsouthafrica.com

October Results Limpopo

Back: Wynand Scholtz, Stefan Badenhorst, Theo van Rensburg Front: Stef Lordan, Alexis Kuisis, TP Erasmus, Wayne Kurten

9.385kg

Catch more, bigger bass, read...

SA baars BASS MAGAZINE Since 2001

Venue: Nandoni - day 1 Fish caught: 71 Fish/team caught: 4.4 Biggest fish: 3.15kg Average weight of fish: 0.94kg Top 10 places: 1: Team Young Guns - 9.385kg 2: Team Fear no Fish - 8.005kg 3: Team JV Hidrolies* - 7.760kg 4: Team Wack & stack - 6.605kg 5: Team Beli Farming - 5.740kg 6: Team Tabassco - 4.650kg 7: Team Agri bass - 4.330kg 8: Team Optimax - 4.070kg 9: Team Erasmusse - 3.565kg 10: Team California - 2.620kg

For the complete results and next venue: see our website www.flwsouthafrica.com

Polokwane / Pietersburg

VisitVisit www.flwsouthafrica.com www.flwsouthafrica.com for entry for entry forms, forms, dates, dates venues and and venues. results. For general enquiries phone 082-416-5524

SA BASS 45 December 2019

North West

O.F.S.

O.F.S. Winners

6.525kg

7.140kg

Venue: Boskop Dam

Venue: Sand Rivier

Fish caught: 37

Fish caught: 14

Fish/team caught: 3.1

Fish/team caught: 3.5

Average weight of fish: 0.98kg

Biggest fish: 2.23kg

Top 9 places:

Average weight of fish: 1.075kg

1: Team Bassw orld - 6.525kg

Top 4 places:

2: Teams GreensÂ˛* - 5.415kg

1: Team Hit n Run - 7.140kg

3: Team Terminator - 5.200kg

2: Team Nitro - 3.420kg

4: Team H Tripple F - 5.070kg

3: Team Bass Pro - 2.500kg

5: Team Raptor - 4.030kg

4: Team Bassin buddies - 1.990kg

6: Team Bass Factory - 3.705kg 7: Team Ex pert Fire - 3.200kg 8: Team Hook Line & Sinker - 2.900kg

For the complete results and next venue: see our website www.flwsouthafrica.com

9: Team Bad Bass - 0.225kg

C: 082-416-5524 T: 065-849-3264 F: 086-234-5052 E: info@sabass.com

T: 011-251-9999 E: info@garmin.co.za W: https://garmin.co.za Garmin is the world leader in GPS Satellite Navigation and a global manufacturer of in-car GPS systems, portable navigation devices, handheld GPS units, and GPS products for the marine, aviation, outdoor and fitness sectors . In your car, on your boat, in the air, in the great outdoors or training in the gym - there's not a single area of your life where Garmin isn't welcome. The Mall Offices 11 Cradock Avenue Rosebank, South Africa

46 SA BASS December 2019

For everyone that loves bass fishing! SA BASS is a specialist bass fishing publication catering for a well-defined niche market since April 2001. Our mission is to promote bass angling as a socially acceptable and popular outdoor recreational activity, and in addition, to encourage acceptable angling ethics. Due consideration is given to developing the sport among all the country's people. PO Box 24938 Gezina, Pretoria, 0031

October Results T.B.C.

TBC Leg #3 Winners Catch more, bigger bass, read...

6.250kg

SA baars BASS MAGAZINE Since 2001

Venue: Bronkhorstspruit Dam Top 5 places: 1: Team Not Again: Mohammed & Juan - 6.25kg 2: Team Fish Doctor: Alex & Lourens - 4.53kg 3: Team Educators: Row an & Michael - 4.11kg 4: Team WAFT: Max & Dy lan - 3.85kg 5: Team Bench Warmers: Vaughn & Deon - 3.05kg

Winners

Mohammed & Juan

VisitVisit www.flwsouthafrica.com www.flwsouthafrica.com for entry for entry forms, forms, dates, dates venues and and venues. results. For general enquiries phone 082-416-5524

SA BASS 47 December 2019

>> SA BASS DESTINATIONS

SA BASS PRESENTS FISHING

Nabana Lodge Genuine Hospitality in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Warm reception From first enquiry until checking out, you are assured of owners Magda and Paul’s personal attention, with all staff committed to exceptional service to every guest, whether tourists or business traveller.

Perfect base from where to explore With rates affordable for the South African tourist and business traveller, we are only 22km from two gates to the Kruger National Park and on the Panorama Route, ideally situated to explore the wildlife, extreme outdoor activities, natural wonders and wide vistas of the Lowveld surrounding Hazyview, Graskop, Sabie and Hoedspruit.

What memories are made of Where tourists, business travellers and locals meet ... with sport on the big screen the atmosphere can become electric. Sip an ice cold drink whilst swopping stories of the adventures of the day in the Sportsman’s Pub. Wild Thyme Restaurant and the Sportman’s Pub is independently owned and managed by Paul Shepheard. Not many families boast an internationally trained chef

and thanks goes to Liesl, who met and married Paul in England and brought him here. From gourmet meals and comfort food to delicate deserts, Paul will delight you with his passion for cooking. He is ably assisted by soux chef, Portia and trainee chef, Zama. Meals are generously portioned and great value for money. Paul is also your host in the pub and his knowledge of all sport matters keep guests entertained and up to date. He is also an avid angler, whose little girl, Rebecca, shares this passion. As founder member of the Nabana Fishing Club, with knowledge of local dams and fishing conditions he can arrange fishing excursions for individuals or groups. All guests are welcomed into our family, and we extend our love for each other to all our guests.

Accommodation En-suite rooms in four garden cottages with a shared deck are set in tropical gardens overlooking the eastern escarpment. Two cottages have inter-leading doors and can be used as family units. Twin beds in three rooms can be converted to king beds.

For more information please contact their office on 083-268-5395 and for bookings send an email to bookings@nabanalodge.com 48 SA BASS December 2019

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