SA BASS March 2017

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

March 2017

Issue 191

How to...

* Consider Colour * Pre-fish @ Home

Summer Bassin’

Feast or Famine?

Figure-

8

Technique >> What is right; what is wrong? >> Floating the Skinny Water >> Mastering Fall Rates >> Spinnerbait Tips

For Everyone That Loves Bass Fishing

www.sabass.com

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DIGITALLY If the bass fishing bug has finally bitten you and bass fever is setting in then you will be in for many fun days to come. You may be seen as the new kid on the block and might feel like someone who doesn’t really fit in. Sure there will be as much challenges as fun times. You will get to know the country and the top dogs in the sport plus those who think they are the cream of the crop. In these circles you will find many different personalities and develop your own. If you are the type of person who really cares about what other people may think of you, then you really should consider what you are going to do, and say, when you are in their midst.

Don’t pretend to be someone that you are not. People will see through your fake personality very quickly. Refrain from lying to the other anglers by telling bogus stories.

They also were new to the game and most of them probably also told some small lies to protect their patterns and secret spots.

Lying to impress other anglers might fool them once or twice, but trust me at the end of the day you will be looking more than just a fool when everybody knows that is what you are all about. If you don’t want to share your information then say so, but don’t lie about it. Nobody can judge you because you have that competitive streak in you as well and it is natural for you to protect your fishing spots.

When you are at the launching ramp, have common decency. Don’t get rude with the other anglers even if they are rude to you. Show some respect and yes, I know there are some intolerant anglers, but the last thing you want is to be labelled as one of “those” guys. Remember, if you start arguing with a fool onlookers might not know who the real fool is.

While on the water always show respect to others. Don’t go push in on a spot just because the guys are fishing “your spot”. Keep a casting distance and wait until they move off, or invite you into the spot; and vice versa. If someone tries to move into your spot politely ask him to keep his distance.

Don’t get into an argument. It’s only going to aggravate you both and your day will be spoiled. You are going to lose your focus and might even just stop fishing for the day.

At the end of the day; take part in the conversations and get to know the guys. You will find that there are many great guys to meet. You might even make a new friend or two.

We are all fishing for the fun of it, or taking a break from a bad day at the office. If you had a bad day, don’t go showing everyone that you are upset. They will only laugh at you, and not with you. Remember, cry and you cry alone; laugh and every one will laugh with you.

Enjoy the sport of bass fishing.

Bennie Wiese / Editor

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SA BASS 01 March 2017

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SA BASS Magazine

is published monthly (12 issues per annum)

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

Office hours:

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

Contact numbers:

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

Postal Address:

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Contents

Publisher:

Hannes Lindeque - hannes@sabass.com

Editor:

Bennie Wiese - bennie@sabass.com

Assistant Editor:

Chris Greenland

Field Editors:

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

Junior Field Editors:

Jean-Michel Gravenor

International Columnists:

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

Advertising Manager:

Wilma Lindeque - wilma@sabass.com

Subscriptions:

Hannes Lindeque - hannes@sabass.com

Digital subscriptions:

www.magzter.com

Layout and Design:

Storm Deezigns - dee@stormdeezigns.co.za

Distributed by RNA:

Jannie Junius (011) 248 3536

About SA BASS magazine:

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

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

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

Our mission is to promote bass angling as a socially acceptable and popular outdoor recreational activity, and in addition, to encourage acceptable angling ethics.

As such, SA BASS provides pertinent information on a wide range of subjects.

These include providing a platform for informed debate on issues affecting the sport of bass angling, providing information on bass angling strategies and techniques, bass angling waters and opportunities, and also creating awareness of new products.

Within this editorial mix, due consideration is given to developing the sport among all the country’s people 04 SA BASS March 2017

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

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

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

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

REGULARS & FORUMS 06

10

MASTER CLASS “The Figure Eight” The Figure-8 is a strategy familiar to musky anglers as they finish their retrieve boat side. Instead of removing the lure from the water when the retrieve is over the angler uses the rod tip to keep the offering in motion and remaining within the last strike zone.

– Derrek Stewart

CLASSROOM “Considering Colour” What factors do you consider when selecting a specific colour? Do you rely on old favourites?

Have you heard of a particular colour doing the trick at a certain destination? Or, do you carry on fishing with whatever was tied to your rod from the previous outing? – Divan Coetzee

14 STRATEGY “Pre-Fishing Success At Home” If your childhood was anything like mine, you may have fallen in love with the outdoors and fishing as a result of being dragged along to some local pond or farm dam by a family member – Rowan Zerf

16

CLASSROOM “Summer Bassin: Feast or Famine” Of the four seasons, summer bass fishing is slightly better than or even as difficult as winter. The reason this is the case is often the conditions are on the other end of the scale, i.e. extreme heat, low winds and warm water – Mzi Tyhokolo

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.

18 20

KLASKAMER

MASTER CLASS

22

INTERVIEW “Don’t Leave Home Without It!” Stephen Williams has been fishing the Cast-for-Cash tournament trial for the last few years and has been placed consistent in the top ten for most of the time.

– Bennie Wiese

INTERNATIONAL ZIMBABWE “Passion for Bassin’ and Joy for Life” Is it not amazing to feel infected by the spirit of bassing? We can go from someone with one little bream rod and when we hook that very first bass (most likely by accident) it is like a sleeping giant awakes – Clint Skinner

26

SA BASS

50

“What Is Right and What Is Wrong?”

As the sun rises you are preparing to make your first cast for the day. Picking up your rod your eyes focus on the target, a small dark pocket under a tree – Colin Willmer

30

KAYAKING “Floating the Skinny Waters” Fishing the shallows is what made kayaks famous, but it is only a tool in the bigger picture – Dewald Viljoen

32

STRATEGIES “Adaptation” Our dams and rivers have started to fill up and we are all excited and very enthusiastic to go and catch our beloved hungry bass.

They will be aggressive and out to start the cycle off fattening up again.

– Gareth Dryden

34 36

INTERVIEW “Richard’s Spinnerbait Tips” If you ask any angler if he knows Richard Dunn, he will tell you that Richard only fishes Mojo rigs with watermelon gold flukes.

– Bennie Wiese

54

BASICS “Bass Fishing Basics, Start-up Tackle – Part 2. Bait or Lure Selection” I remember in my first few months starting out bass fishing I couldn’t wait for the weekend! My dad would take my friend and I to the tackle store in Randburg to stock up on a few items we’d lost the week before whilst doing battle with *giant fish.

– Roger Donaldson

24

28

“Vat Net ‘n Breek” In hierdie gejaagde wêreld is daar nou nie eers meer ‘n gedagte rondom ‘n vinnige hengelsessie nie; selfs nie eers in die week nie… óf is daar?

– Philip Kemp

56

“Sportbeserings” Soos in enige sport kan selfs hengelaars beserings opdoen!

– Louis Bezuidenhout

BASICS “A New Beginning” I had the opportunity during the past festive season to spend a lot of time in some tackle shops – Bennie Wiese

64

CLASSROOM “Watching the Birds” We all have fished somewhere and have noticed the birds out fishing us... – Bennie Wiese

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

FLW “Livetarget” – Matt Williams

BEGINSELS

01

MY CAST

44

Cast-for-Cash - Tournament Results

60

LIFESTYLE – Boating & Birding – Common Whimbrel “Common Whimbrel”

FLW “Mastering Fall Rates” How quickly a lure sinks can have an impact on a presentation’s effectiveness.

– Tyler Brinks

42

“NEW GEAR FOR BASS HEADS” – Colin Moore

48

PRODUCT NEWS

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READERS’ COMPETITION 63

>> Ballistic Polarized Eyewear Readers Competition

“This Is Africa Part 2” Let’s face the fact... Africa is not for sissies!

ON THE COVER “Neels Botha with a Witbank lunker” Image: Hannes Lindeque SA BASS 05 March 2017

>> SA BASS MASTER CLASS Figure-8

The Figure Eight >> Derrek Stewart or, auth wart, e Th k Ste r ke ric Der th a lun i w

06 SA BASS March 2017

T

he Figure-8 is a strategy familiar to musky anglers as they finish their retrieve boat side. Instead of removing the lure from the water when the retrieve is over the angler uses the rod tip to keep the offering in motion and remaining within the last strike zone. There is a strong reason why musky fishermen employ this tactic; it’s based on behaviour and how musky hunt.

Performing a Figure-8 at the conclusion of every cast can increase your catch ratio dramatically, regardless of the species. Students of swimbait angling know that the Figure-8 is an excellent tactic when fish follow all the way back to the boat. Predatory fish can become so fixated on your lure that they are ‘locked on’ and nothing else matters.

The Figure-8 shouldn’t be solely associated with just musky hunters or swimbait anglers.

I’ve figure eighted six different species of game fish: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, saltwater Calico bass, tiger musky, pike, and lake trout.

My first Figure-8 catch was a smallmouth bass.

I was fishing as a co-angler during a Columbia River FLW event. While presenting a lipless

crankbait, a smallie attacked but missed my lure boat side. Off the mark, the fish bolted under the boat. Without thought, I kept my lure in the water and immediately commenced a Figure-8. Without surprise but much to my delight the smallie darted back out re-attacking the lure. This time, the prize found the hooks.

While filming for an episode of Lindner’s Angling Edge, fishing for tiger musky, the water was highly stained. I turned to the camera explaining the value of finishing every cast with a Figure-8, especially in muddy water when you can’t see past the lure but a predator might be tracking.

Shortly after delivering my comments the Figure-8 produced another catch.

Pike can be super aggressive, and there is no question that if you use the Figure-8 manoeuvre, your catch ratio will climb. Sometimes a follower is not part of the scenario; several fish species including bass use boats as cover including the boat’s shadow. I’ve seen many fish, non-followers, dash out from underneath the boat countless times to attack lures at the end of a retrieve.

As for freshwater bass, practitioners of The Big Bass Zone swimbait theory know that executing a Figure-8 boat side can turn a non-committal swimbait follower into an aggressor. In open water,

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SA BASS 07 March 2017

Derrick with a big 65lb lake trout

prey will have multiple escape routes. This can attribute to the follower’s unwillingness to attack, but once the lure’s retrieve comes alongside the boat, the predator may think that the prey is now compromised, trapped between it and the floating cover. The Figure-8 can simulate a panicked prey item and in turn, switch a casual follower into a killer.

My greatest Figure-8 catch involves a lake trout from the pristine waters of Great Bear Lake Northwest Territories Canada. Casting large metal spoons, I spotted a beast of a fish tracking my lure. The laker followed my offering all the way to the boat. I immediately started to carve a Figure-8.

That’s when this great fish leaped out of the water pouncing on my spoon. The hook was set, and the battle was on. This time, the Figure-8 produced a catch of a lifetime.

When I ran out of water during this retrieve, I was faced with several choices and the need for an immediate decision. I could have given up on the situation and pulled my lure from the water, that’s not going to catch anything.

I could have just killed the retrieve and allow the lure to hang there, depending on the lure type that’s probably not the best move. I could have disengaged the reel allowing the spoon to flutter down in the water column. The flutter drop is not a bad option and might have worked, but it doesn’t matter because obviously, this giant laker agreed with my choice, the Figure-8.

08 SA BASS March 2017

Have you noticed a pattern by now? The Figure-8 technique has the ability to put more and bigger fish in the boat, and it’s defiantly not species specific.

This manoeuvre doesn’t have to follow a strict Figure-8 path. It can be a circle, an oval, a triangle, or any combination you like. With your rod tip, you can pull surface lures subsurface as well as the converse. Don’t limit your Figure-8’s to flat horizontal paths; you can move the lure up and down in the water column, be creative.

Experiment with cadence, pauses, fast turns, slow on the straight path, depth, and so on and take notice of what persuades your quarry.

You should mentally prepare for Figure-8 situations by conditioning yourself, so it happens automatically, without thought. Sometimes the critical moment presents itself and is over within a split-second. You want to react instinctually, if you think about it and then respond you might miss the opportunity.

In the freshwater bass fishing community, the Figure 8 isn’t employed often. Keep an open mind and learn no matter where the angling knowledge originates. The Figure-8 points out that exposing yourself to as many diverse fishing disciplines as possible will make you a better bass angler.

>> SA BASS CLASSROOM Nathan Pienaar is no stranger to big bass. Here he displays a proper specimen taken on a black grub

What factors do you consider when selecting a specific colour?

Do you rely on old favourites?

Have you heard of a particular colour doing the trick at a certain destination?

Or, do you carry on fishing with whatever was tied to your rod from the previous outing?

Considering Colour 10 SA BASS March 2017

When they come in two’s you must be doing something right

>> Divan Coetzee

I

form part of the latter, not because I’m lazy and unwilling to change the bait, but because I’ll only be replacing it with more of the same. My tackle box is unexciting; you’ll find black, brown, green and maybe something Junebug, perhaps even a bit of white. I like to keep it simple. I have variations of these base colours but I don’t care much for glitter.

Let me explain my reasoning. Colour perception is relative to light penetration. When subjected to the depths, certain colours lose their integrity due to diminished light penetration. Scientists tell us that red is the first to go followed by orange and yellow. Green is next, followed by blue, purple and black. The latter three maintain their integrity at great depths, and still appear as their natural hue even as deep as 100ft depending on water clarity. At this depth, all other colours appear grey or a variation thereof.

So in essence, if you were under the impression that you were fishing Watermelon in 30ft… guess again. It would likely be perceived as pale grey, which is not a bad thing.

So where does this leave us? I think lure manufacturers are having a laugh... keep in mind that it’s not good business to have only five or six different colours in a catalogue.

Nowadays one can be overwhelmed by the variety of colours available on the market, so sticking to the basics would be recommended.

You will only face three scenarios: clear water, stained water and muddy water. My basic colour selection would be as follows; in clear water up shallow, I would start with Watermelon until I can no longer see the bottom, then I would switch over to Green Pumpkin, black or Junebug.

For stained water, up shallow, I will start off with Green Pumpkin, and use black and Junebug as I move deeper.

Muddy water can be challenging so best ensure that your bait remains as visible as possible. It is recommended to use white and black. Scientists also agree that the visibility of your bait is the overriding factor which determines whether a bass will actually commit to eating your presentation; not the shape or hydrodynamic signature of your bait. (Lure manufacturers will tell you differently.)

You can refine your approach in clear water by matching your bait colour to the immediate surroundings and cover.

For example, if the area has lots of weeds then stick to Watermelon. If the area has rocks or timber, try Green Pumpkin perhaps. Keep in mind that any variation of the base colours will also do. During hours of low light, use high contrast colours such as white and black.

With regards to hard baits; if you consider what they are imitating, it’s simple. Any form of counter shade will do.

If you are limited to only a few baits, I would recommend ones with a white belly. Spinnerbaits are most popular in white in variations thereof.

Some deem colour to be crucial. For me, there are other more important factors to consider, for example: fish movement and how they relate to a specific depth or structure. This knowledge will serve you better. If you can’t find fish, then it doesn’t matter what you have on the end of your line, because it won’t get eaten anyway.

I would like to share some insight on what I’ve just conveyed. I was guiding clients on Rhenosterkop during its prime and anyone who fished this water at the time will SA BASS 11 March 2017

Damian Vermeulen happy with his new PB. A fine fish taken on a Watermelon coloured bait

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

02 - 08 April 2017 We at SA BASS are inviting all avid young anglers between the ages of 7-16 years to join us for loads of fun and adventure.

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

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

Please call Wilma on 087 808 5406 or 083 306 2718 to book your spot. For more information visit www.sabass.com or e-mail wilma@sabass.com

12 SA BASS March 2017

recall excellent results. The clients had no experience fishing a large body of water and this would be their first time on a bass boat. I handed them each a spinning rod with identical rigs attached. The only difference was the colour of the baits; one had Watermelon and the other Green Pumpkin.

We proceeded to work a piece of shoreline that I had found a lot of fish on the previous day. It was early spring and the majority of fish were shallow. They were relating to standing reeds in about 3ft of water. The clients, let’s call them Joe and Bob, were having a blast, or at least Joe was.

He was fishing the Watermelon bait. Joe would catch three fish for every one that Bob caught. Bob, not born yesterday, asked why his bait was brown and Joe’s green? I told him it made no difference, the only reason why Joe is catching more fish is because he is standing on the front deck and gets first pick of all the good areas (and Joe was the more accurate caster). Not convinced, Bob demanded not to be discriminated against, so I promptly changed his bait to Watermelon as well. This did nothing for Bob’s average... he only understood the principal once his opportunity to come upfront arrived. It went better for Bob after that. Not wanting to offer insult, I politely explained to Bob that on this occasion colour was not as important as being able to cast accurately between the reed beds, and obviously getting first pickings. I repeated this experiment with numerous clients much to my own amusement. The results were always similar.

So does colour really matter? The variables involved are infinite and to assume there is a definitive answer would be unwise. I believe the best colour to use, is the one that works for you... go and find it.

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>> SA BASS STRATEGY

Pre-Fishing Success At Home I

>> Rowan Zerf*

f your childhood was anything like mine, you may have fallen in love with the outdoors and fishing as a result of being dragged along to some local pond or farm dam by a family member.

Great expectation and excitement was created in the garage the night before, as dusty two piece spinning rods armed with closed faced reels came down from atop a tool cabinet. I watched the re-spooling process with keen interest whilst listening to stories about ‘that one’ that wasn’t going to get away this time.

Upon arriving at said body of water, the ‘fishing spot’ was always determined by accessibility, natural shade, distance to ablutions and influence from other local fisherman’s stories about where they caught that ‘big one’ last weekend.

The excitement quickly subsided after the first couple hours of watching the strike indicators suspending moti mo tion tion ti onle lessss ooff ff th thee line lillines ines nes th ne tthey eyy w e e gu er guar a di ar d ng ng.. So w motionless were guarding. wee ass kkids ki ids ds m moved oovved oon n to fi find nd d ssomething om met ethi h ng n m more orre ex xci ciiti ttiing n ttoo do do aass he he aadults dult du lts en eenjoyed jooye yd exciting thei th heir eiir ch chat aattte ter er an nd be bbeverages. eve v raage ve ges. s. A their chatter and Alllll of a ssudden of ud u ddeen th there her ere wa w wass a ma m major ajoor ccommotion co oomm mmoottiioon mmot mm an nd ever ev eryo er ryo yone ne’s’ss ne and everyone’s aattention at teent tent ntion ion is d io rawn ttoo th ra rawn thee gu gguy uy drawn ssitting si itt ttin ing 50 50 yyards aarrds rd dss aaway wayy fr wa ffrom om u s, us,

sspri sp pri rint ntin nt tin i g fr from om h i ccamp is am amp am chai ch ha r to t sprinting his chair ssave sa vee h is rrod od d ffrom rom ro m be bbeing ingg dr in rag a ged d in i by a monst ter er. his dragged monster.

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The qquestion The ueest uest stio tio ion we aare re aalways lway lw ayys aski as ski kin ng oourselves, ng urse ur selv se lves lv es,, ‘W es Whe here r aare re ree tthe he asking ‘Where fish? h’ fish?’

A Al lth t ou th o gh h tthere heere h re iiss a cce erttai a n am amou ount ou n off lu nt uck c in ev ever erryt ythi hing ingg Although certain amount luck everything in lif iffe, I can’tt h elp bu el bbut ut th hin inkk ooff a quote t fro rom ro m Ga G rryy P laye la yerr ye life, help think from Gary Player 14 SA BASS March 2017

I heard years ago “The more I practice the luckier I get”. I for one don’t ever want to leave my fishing success or lack thereof to fate, so how can you avoid a bad days fishing then? I believe fishing success starts at home, weeks before your trip. Technology has made it a lot easier to study and visualise your target waters and surrounding areas long before you even get there.

The first thing I always do after I’ve decided on a body of water is open up my Google Earth application and start looking at the aerial imagery. The first thing to identify is a starting point, and this is probably more important if you intend to fish from the bank on a body of water that you simply can’t cover on foot in a day.

Find yourself a couple of areas that look promising to you and that are in close proximity to one another.

Inlets, bays and elevation changes along the banks are key points of interest to look out for, as well as any visible cover you may find on the imagery.

In the top left of “Image 1” you see a historical imagery bar which I use to slide through the timeline, to look at historical water level changes to see if low levels might expose some sort of cover that might be submerged at the time I intend to fish.

In image 2 and 3 you can see an example of two contrasting pictures of Rust De Winter Dam. In the one picture you can clearly see an exposed island, and in the next picture it is completely submerged. Whether the area will hold fish or not remains to be solved, but if it was submerged and you managed to stumble upon it by chance you may have made a cast and gotten bit, but you would never know why, and might think you were just lucky. Instead now you have a target to fish for whether it is visible or not, and you’re still sitting at home. When you do eventually go on your trip and navigate to the spot you want to try out and you do manage to get a bite, now you understand the why, and you can replicate your approach to similar areas in the future.

Continue to navigate your way around the water on Google Earth and add place marks to all the areas that look promising to you, and make sure you take that with you on your trip. Either by uploading it to your smart device, electronics on the boat, or even printing it out on paper form. Now you have a good idea about where your most productive area may be, and you can decide where you want to launch your boat, pitch your tent or park your car. It is also important to keep an eye on the water levels of the body of water, which you can easily find on the Department of Water Affairs’ website which is updated weekly. If the water levels have dropped, as has been the case this past season, you may or may not be able to launch your boat in the designated area. By once again studying the satellite imagery you may find an alternative launch, discover that the body of water is not accessible at all, or find that an area you intended to target is now on dry land. Once you have decided on your body of water and found key points of interest, check the weather forecast in order to plan your trip and make provisions according to what your favourite

weather app reveals. Although we all know that it is not always totally accurate or predictable, it is always a good idea to plan for the worst and hope for the best as opposed to getting on the water and an hour or two later you find yourself fighting 40km/h winds on your float tube.

Recent inclement weather in the area you intend to fish will also have an effect on where the fish may be and how active or reluctant they could be to bite. For instance, if you plan a trip in the heat of the summer, history might suggest that a lot of the fish should hold in deeper water or on steep ledges. So you tie on all your deep diving cranks, heavy football jigs and Carolina rigs the night before, only to find upon arriving at your destination, that the body of water has turned to chocolate due to recent rains. Now you find yourself wasting what could have been a productive morning bite with having to tie on a totally different arsenal of lures and adjusting your tactics and techniques to a shallower approach. Had you researched the weather before hand and planned accordingly, you may have had a couple in the live well already.

We all live in trying times, where work gets in the way of ‘the play’ way too much, but by pre fishing at home we can become more effective, efficient and maximise our limited fishing time. You’ll have a better understanding of your fishing waters and in doing all of this you’ve just replaced luck with the best fishing tool you could ever have and that’s called confidence! *Rowan Zerf is a regular and competitive Cast-for-Cash angler.

SA BASS 15 March 2017

>> SA BASS CLASSROOM

The author with a nice fish caught on weightless Senko at Woodstock Dam

Summer Bassin: Feast or Famine

>> Mzi Tyhokolo

T

his affects the bass behaviour and almost like you feel when its 28ÂşC and you are sluggish, at about 10am wh through such spells. Which is why, the bass can go th finding out what depth the fish are in, 90% of the work is findi and the rest becomes easy easy. cover and to seek cooler water where Bass use depth for cov comfortably. This is often truer for the bigger they can hold comfortabl approach a day on the lake in the middle fish. So, how do we appro summer? off summe

Summer strategies Summe S

Of the four seasons, summer bass fishing is slightly better than or even as difficult as winter. The reason this is the case is often the conditions are on the other end of the scale, i.e. extreme heat, low winds and warm water.

16 SA 16 SA BASS BA BAS B ASS AS March Mar Ma M arch a ch 2017 2017 20 17

First you will want to get on the water a lot earli er so you can catch the bass at their most earlier active and mos most probably still in the shallows. So for the fi first hour or two, when the sun is still low on the horizon, don’t be sshy, beat the banks. This is the ideal time to throw jerk baits, ttop water baits, shallow crank baits and weightless flukes an and senko type baits. Often the fish will not mind moving bbaits because they are still in active feeding mode. This is the time when you will find only two or three rods on my deck and one of them will definitely be a jerk bait. Of course, a je jerk bait is a clear water bait so if the water is too stained, the je jerk bait rod stays in the locker. This is by far the best time to fish a jerk bait and given that you are planning on beating the bank, it is also a very effective lure to cover a lot of wat water. The more water you cover, the better the chances you w will find the fish and have yourself a ball. It is quite possible possible, especially when there is a school of fish, to make ten casts and catch at least five fish with a jerk bait.

In addition, it is wo worth mentioning one of the most reliable lures of modern bass fishing when talking about depths that are tren feet aand under, the weightless stickbait.

If you have the patience with allowing these baits to sink at the slow pace that tthey do, you will be handsomely rewarded. I like throwing my weightless stick bait, the Yum Dinger, straight rigged on 8lb fluorocarbon rigged on a medium fast action rod. With this I can quickly feel the bite but the rod also has eenough give and backbone to hook Alternatively, I wacky rig my weightless and hold the fish. Altern Dinger on spinning outfi outfit, 20lb braid with 8lb leader rigged on a medium heavy spinn spinning rod. I caught a 4.82kg bass on this exact set up and man is it steady.

If there is a bit of a wind blowing onto the bank you are fishing let rip with a spinnerbait. This is another versatile and effective lure to catch very good fish. I don’t know what it is about this underrated lure but man it has a knack for catching good fish when they are around. And I would be amiss if I do not mention this absolute mainstay of bass fishing when active fish are around a windblown bank.

Schalk with a bass caught on jerkbait at Inanda

Mid-morning fishing When the sun gets a little higher in the sky, typically around 10am in summer, you may want to start thinking about finding deeper water if there is no prevalent cover like trees and brush in water around the 6 to 8ft depth. Here you want to look for the first drop off into the 15ft depth off a flat that you have had some early morning good fishing on. After all, this is where the shallow fish will go as the sun gets higher and the water in the shallows gets warmer.

Another definite is to find steep cliff faces, preferably not those with solid rock faces but more of a mix of boulders and smaller rock, with the key being to be as close to the 15ft depth as possible from the side. Here you will throw your Texas rigged creature baits, jigs, shaky head (if you know how to dislodge from rocks), and my recent favourite for this application, the Ned-rig. If you are really desperate because the bites are a bit scarce, try a drop shot rig. The key here is to cast as close to the side as possible and let the bait fall is close to the bluff / cliff / rock face as possible. Often you will get bit as the bait is still falling, so watch your line.

I do not fish heavy line anymore, especially these days when we have braid and fluorocarbon lines. I throw my lures with 10lb line and my jig rod has 12lb. If you are fishing a jig, be weary, that bite will either be a mushy feeling or a solid knock. Either way, set that hook.

I hope you’ll have a better idea next time you are on the water this summer, so go out and have a blast.

YOUR FRIENDLY FISHING TACKLE SPECIALIST

YOUR FRIENDLY FISHING TACKLE SPECIALIST For more specific details: Follow and like us on Facebook: "Knotts Outdoor Paradise"

Completely Focussed on Fishing

keith.knott@outdoorparadise.co.za Shop 1-3, Nazarene Centre, 418 Ontdekkers Road, Florida Park, Roodepoort / Tel: 011 - 672 1273

SA BASS 17 March 2017

>> SA BAARS KLASKAMER

Vat Net ‘n

In hierdie gejaagde wêreld is daar nou nie eers meer ‘n gedagte rondom ‘n vinnige hengelsessie nie; selfs nie eers

Breek

in die week nie...óf is daar?

>> Philip Kemp*

I

s jy ook een van daardie “eet, slaap en praat” hengelaars, wat altyd met ‘n versteekte visstokkie in jou voertuig se kattebak rondry?

Nouja, as jy is, is jy net nog een van talle passievolle baarshengelaars wat so ‘n vinnige hengelsessie iewers na werk probeer inpas net om van daardie onnodige stres ontslae ‘n Lekker vinnige wegbreek vir die te raak. Net om vir ‘n skrywer by Rietvleidam uur of twee jouself in jou eie wêreld, waar dit net jy, die wind op jou wang en die stok in jou hand is.

Sulke geleenthede kom soms onverwags. Glo my, daar is tye wat ons almal so ‘n vinnige wegbreek nodig het. Dit is dan wanneer ek ‘n stok of twee gryp en afsit na een van my gunsteling damme toe.

So ‘n sessie het ongelukkig ook deeglike beplanning nodig. Om dit uit te skakel het ek altyd ‘n sak gereed met al die nodige aas wat moontlik kan werk op so ‘n betrokke dag.

Omrede sulke dae skielik net opduik, moet die hengelaar seker maak dat sy sak reeds gepak is met verskeie tipes aas wat op enige gegewe dag kan werk. Daar is niks meer frustrerend as om ‘n ander hengelaar die een vis na die ander te sien vang met ‘n aas wat jy wel het, maar nie die nodigheid daarvoor gesien het om dit in te pak nie. Dis daardie “hare uit my kop trek”-oomblikke wat my laat dink het wat dan die ideale sak is om te pak vir enige geleentheid.

18 SA BASS March 2017

Hengel die toestande So ‘n skielike onbeplande sessie kies jou en jy nie noodwendig die toestande nie. Lugen watertemperatuur, lugdruk en die kleur van die water kan ‘n belangrike rol speel en bepaal watter aas en kleure gaan werk, en wat nie. Ek glo dat lugdruk net so ‘n belangrike rol speel in die gedrag van baars. Sodra daar ‘n skielike daling of verandering in lugdruk is, kan die baars besluit om te begin eet, of nie te eet nie. Waai die wind of nie? Dit kan ook die hengelaar se besluit drasties beïnvloed. Die volgende aas is werklik belangrik vir die impulsiewe hengelaars wat so ‘n skielike besluit neem om net vir ‘n uurtjie of so ‘n lyn in die water te kry.

My rondritstassie Bo-loperaas Het jy al ooit in spanning gewag dat ‘n baars skielik, in ‘n ontploffing van water, jou bo-loper gryp? Een van my gunstelinge is beslis die knalprop (popper). Ek sal gewoonlik ‘n deurskynende een, een met ‘n wit en een met ‘n helder oranje pensie gebruik na gelang van die waterkleur.

Ek maak ook seker dat ek ‘n raasaas (eierklitser of buzzbait) in my tassie het. Hierdie aas dryf nie en moet dadelik ingebring word sodra dit die water tref. Die waterskroef (propeller) begin draai en skop ‘n groot bohaai

Vier ase wat beslis deel uitmaak van die skrywer se rondritstassie

op terwyl dit bo die wateroppervlak draai. Hierdie geluid dryf die baars tot raserny en kan dit nie weerstaan om die aas nie te gryp nie. Ek gebruik die aas altyd in troebel water of in baie swak lig; gewoonlik na sononder. Groot areas kan vinnig gedek word met hierdie aas en omrede die hoekie boontoe wys haak hulle selde vas. Hierdie aas kan dus oor watergras gehengel word en dit is veral oor die watergras waar ‘n raasaas baie goed werk. My gunsteling is ‘n raasaas met n wit frokkie en ‘n silwer lem.

Ruk-en-pluk-kunsvissies (jerkbaits) Ruk-en-pluk-kunsvissies maak altyd deel uit van my arsenaal en is ‘n wenner wanneer hulle korrek gebruik word.

Ek verkies om hulle veral in skoner water, met ‘n pluk-plukstop aksie, te gebruik omrede hulle so realisties voorkom.

Hierdie aksie kan wel aangepas word totdat die hengelaar agterkom waarop die baars reageer. Maak seker dat die vissie van die tipe is wat suspendeer. Ek gebruik graag die vissie in areas met ‘n klipperige bodem of oor watergras wat in dieper water lê. Ruk-en-pluk-kunsvissies werk veral goed net voor die broeiseisoen (vroeg lente) terwyl die water stadig besig is om warmer te word en die mannetjies begin nesskrop.

Vissies wat ‘n silwer flits afgee met ‘n donker rug werk veral vir my goed in Suid-Afrikaanse waters.

Swaailemme (spinnerbaits) Swaailemme is beslis een van my gunsteling ase en kan meeste van die tyd in feitlik enige toestande gebruik word.

Omrede die raamwerk en die lemme die hoek beskerm kan ‘n swaailem in enige plek gehengel word. Hulle werk veral goed in watergras waar die hengelaar die aas met rukbewegings deur die watergras kan pluk. Dit is ook ‘n baie goeie “soekaas” wat vinnig in areas gehengel kan word om te bepaal of daar enige aktiewe baars in die omgewing is. Die drie basiese kleure wat beslis in jou sak moet wees is wit (vir skoon water), wit/chartreuse (effekleurige water) en chartreuse (vuil water). Hierdie aas is veral baie effektief as daar ‘n windjie opsteek. Hulle kan wel ook op windlose dae gehengel word.

Harde kunsvissies Omrede so ‘n vinnige wegbreeksessie gewoonlik gepaard gaan met oewerhengel maak dit nie sin om ‘n langlip kunsvissie wat dieper as 20 voet duik, te gebruik nie. Ek verkies kunsvissies wat tussen 1 tot 3 voet diep kan duik.

Kunsvissies met ‘n vierkantige lippie wat tussen 3 tot 6 voet duik werk veral baie goed wanneer die hengelaar in areas hengel waar daar versuipte boomstompe lê. Sodra die vierkantige lippie die boomstomp tref, sal die aas op sy sy draai en oor die stomp gly sonder om vas te haak. Baars sal die meeste van die tyd die vissie gryp nadat dit die stomp getref het.

Liplose kunsvissies (rattletraps) is seer sekerlik een van my gunsteling kunsase om te gebruik. Hierdie vissie met sy nou, stywe swemaksie kan orals langs grasbanke af, gehengel word. Hulle kan teen ‘n konstante spoed ingebring word.

Hierdie aas moet verkieslik nie in areas gehengel word waar daar baie onderwater boomstompe is nie omrede hulle maklik vashaak. Indien die hengelaar weet dat die bodem

aar redelik skoon is en daar geen watergras off stompe is nie, kan die kunsvissie op die bodem lê en kan daar met tussenposes sporadiese plukkies gegee word. Hierdiee oplukkies word die “yoyo” metode genoem en werk veral goed met baars mende aas wat nie vinnig-swemmende wil eet nie. Die hengelaar kan gerus vir sy rondritstassie ‘n liplose kunsvissie in chroom/silwer, wit en in ‘n helder oranje of charteuse kleur aanskaf.

Sagte plastiekaas Dit kan heelwat moeiliker wees om met plastiese-ase te hengel omrede die byt van die baars heelwat sagter kan wees en die hengelaar nie altyd so maklik kan voel wanneer daar ‘n byt is nie. Om die byt beter te voel kan die hengelaar met so lig as moontlik gewiggies hengel of selfs verkieslik heeltemal gewigloos. Dit is moeilik om met plastiese-aas die byt te voel, veral as daar ‘n gewiggie aan die lyn is. Daarom is gewigloos hengel makliker. As die wind egter waai moet die hengelaar ‘n gewiggie oorweeg. In sulke gevalle moet die hengelaar een vinger op die lyn hou en sy lyn dophou vir enige onnatuurlike beweging in een of ander rigting. Tussen bome, takke en watergras sal ek eerder die Texas-strop gebruik wat ek ook onder oorhangende bome en jetties kan ingooi.

Ek sal ook altyd drywende wurms, in veral wit en kougom kleur, op die oppervlak hengel en Senko’s aan ‘n Wackystrop werk ook goed. Daar sal ook altyd Flukes in gewone en junior groottes in my arsenaal wees. En natuurlik is my gunsteling aas Damiki se Mr. Jumbo grubs. Ek gaan nêrens sonder hierdie ase nie en het hulle in al die denkbare kleure beskikbaar - dit is egter nie nodig nie. Kleure wat altyd goed werk is swart en Junebug in vuiler water of as die lig swak is soos vroegoggend en laat saans. In skoner / helder water gebruik ek Watermelon, Green Pumpkin en wit kleure.

My kleiner rondritstassie moet ook so klein en kompak as moontlik wees en moet nie in die pad wees in jou voertuig nie. Een groot 3700-plastiese boks met rakverdelers kan maklik in ‘n rugsak pas. Daar is egter verskeie hengelgereiinvoerders wat handige gereitasse het wat soos ‘n rugsak op die rug gedra kan word.

Stok en katrol Omrede die stok en katrol orals, agter die kar se sitplek óf in die kattebak moet saamry, moet die hengelaar ‘n tweestukkombinasie oorweeg.

Ek verkies ‘n tweestuk spinkombinasie omrede ek feitlik enige tipe aas, van swaar tot lig, daarmee kan hengel. Dit is ook belangrik om vislyn wat kan dryf te gebruik omrede bo-loper ase moontlik gehengel gaan word. *Philip Kemp is ‘n gesoute swartbaarhengelaar en ‘n gereelde bydraer.

SA BASS 19 March 2017

>> SA BASS BASICS

Bass Fishing Basics A

n of ctio es le

baits to start up your

tac

kle bo x

Start-up Tackle – Part 2

I will never go without two very particular lures when there is wind around.

Too many anglers shy away from these conditions, but I’ve found P\ EHVW ¿VKLQJ WR happen around these times.

Rogan Evans with a healthy bass from the clear waters of a private dam in Fourways using 12lb line and a weightless rigged Watermelon Purple Flake Super Fluke

Bait or Lure Selection >> Roger Donaldson*

I

remember in my first few months starting out bass fishing I couldn’t wait for the weekend! My dad would take my friend and I to the tackle store in Randburg to stock up on a few items we’d lost the week before whilst doing battle with *giant fish. Walking in the door I remember the robust aromas of vanilla and berry fragranced ‘pap’ mixtures wafting throughout the store. Thank goodness these baits weren’t for human consumption otherwise I could’ve been many kilos heavier today.

So, just because of the smell I’d bag a bottle of mielies which were soaking in some red syrup (I had no idea whether it worked or not) and 20 SA BASS March 2017

then headed for the next section of the store… the artificial lure section for the bass I was going to target!

Already in my cupboard back home I had a large shiny silver and ruby red Mepps spinner (actually meant for tiger fishing), as well as a lure which looks like a fury little mouse, has metal flippers on either side, two treble hooks, glued on tail, crazy looking.

I never showed, or told any of my girlfriend’s about these lures – I knew they couldn’t handle it… they were just too cool to mention.

I purchased many colour varieties of Mepp’s spinners in those days (silver/ yellow dots on the blade, black/orange dots on the blade) mainly because

I could use exactly the same lure for catching trout at the local trout farm.

But this was all soon to change. One day I upgraded to a larger spinnerbait 1/16th oz weight, which was gobbled up by a very feisty bass on the edge of a patch of reeds in Golden Harvest Dam here in Johannesburg.

Eventually I dabbled more seriously in the soft plastic lures and the spectrum of choice became vast.

I had no clue what to choose. They all looked cool. Then the lure market exploded further and the hard plastic varieties also detonated on the scene.

Colour options were spectacular and every size available to suit every mesmerised eye. It was time to hone

my skills and find out exactly what to select and why.

I often use the sport of golf as an analogy. Did you know that golfers can choose different densities of golf ball according to the distance they want to achieve, or spin required? We have similar choices to make in bass fishing – much more intense of course and that’s why there are far fewer bass fishermen than golfer’s! But seriously, your lure choice will be affected by a myriad of factors and it will help you a great deal to narrow them down in order to catch more fish. Here’s how:

Windy days I will never go without two very particular lures when there is wind around. Too many anglers shy away from these conditions, but I’ve found my best fishing to happen around these times. The surface is rippling, oxygen is churning through the water column and in turn the bass are almost frenzied by the increase in activity and levels of oxygen.

Spinnerbaits and crankbaits will instantly become your new BFF’s.

Because they are heavier than soft plastic baits they can often be cast much easier when wind is about. Spinnerbaits can be a little tricky to cast into the wind and this may take some getting used to with some adjusting on your reel settings. Nevertheless, the spectacular erratic action of these lures beneath the water surface during windy conditions is irresistible to our target species pretty much year round.

So first up in your tackle box should be a medium diving crankbait (Rapala DT10 or Norman DLN series lure), or lipless crankbait such as the SPRO Aruka Shad and a spinnerbait in chartreuse/white, or any natural colour which tickles your fancy.

Calm conditions This is the opposite to the above scenario and will demand a lot of attention in the soft plastic lure section.

Vast as the selection may seem you can start your journey by sticking to a few very popular and easy to rig options, namely the Super Fluke and Senko for open/sparsely covered water and the Brush Hog or creature style lures for

heavy cover (not forgetting that you will need to add weight to the lure).

The Flukes and stick worms such as the Senko act similarly to baitfish in open water and the creature type baits can resemble morsels such as crabs and other crustaceans which inhabit the waters.

Dawn, dusk and backwaters If I left this lure out you would be missing out on the most exciting aspect of bass fishing – the top water lure! Do not leave home without at least one frog / toad bait in your box. You’ll be able to choose from a variety, including the Horny Toad and SPRO Frog. Each have a very particular fishing technique and both can be confidently cast right into the thickest cover, or backwater available. This is not for the faint hearted and caution must be taken to tackle up with the strongest line and rod to back yourself.

However, in open water I urge you to attempt another top water lure that will leave you sitting in the edge of your seat, the Zara Spook (similar lures are the Rapala Skitter Walk and many more).

How to retrieve these lures is a technique we will need to leave for next month, part three of our series.

Oh well, it’s 5am on this balmy summer, Saturday morning and I’m off to a private dam in Fourways, Johannesburg with a friend to catch bass.

Oh, that mouse lure was called the Crazy Crawler! Golly, cast it under an overhanging tree… count to three and hang on tight. *giant: The fish could have ranged in size between a stick under the water, tiny and huge, but to the fisherman the one that got away will remain a complete giant! *Roger Donaldson is an experienced journalist and knowledgeable bass angler who has enjoyed many enlightening hours with many of South Africa’s top, competitive bass fishermen. As a competitive angler himself, he also enjoys sharing his expertise with fellow bass fanatics in the hope that they find the same joy in this unique sport.

>> SA BASS INTERVIEW

Stephen Williams KDV EHHQ ȴVKLQJ the Cast-for-Cash tournament trial for the last few years and has been placed consistent in the top ten for most of the time.

Don’t Leave Home Without It! >> Bennie Wiese*

S

tephen was introduced seven years ago to lipless baits by one of his fishing mates, Lappies on how and where to fish it. Since then he has strived to perfect his own technique.

Why these lures?

“It is easy to cast very far. They go like a missile. You can cover lots of water in a short time and if you stop on a drop-off, or brush you can fish it vertical like a jig.

These baits can move lots of water around them; sending strong vibrations that will get the attention of bass.”

There are many retrieves that anglers can use in different conditions that can help you to be successful.

“I see many anglers fishing these baits without success. Personally, I think they are fishing it too slow. If you give bass the smallest amount of time to have a second look, you have been fishing it way too slow. Remember, most times the bass will 22 SA BASS March 2017

respond on these baits out off aggression.”

Many anglers will have different views on when to fish lipless lures.

Stephen showed me some of his lipless baits.

“It does not matter where I fish, there will always be a lipless tide on at least two of my rods; small or large. I use them throughout the year in many tournaments. It has helped us many times to limit and to upgrade. Don’t leave home without it.” he said laughing.

“These baits will and can produce bass all year; from autumn to spring.

When bass are moving or restless, lipless will be deadly. Also during pre-spawn.”

Stephen believes that lipless crankbaits must be the one lure tied to a rod, even if you are fishing from the shore. It will help any angler to cover lots of water. “If you can get that bait close to a big fish the chances are great that it will respond. If you look at the

anglers worldwide, many are using it big time.”

Truly, these baits are one of the best sellers. That is why almost every lure company has them in their range.

There are many lipless types of bait available and also in many different colours.

“Every season new colours and shapes will hit the market. If the shape and colour works for you, get yourself a couple of spare ones. Chances are good that it could be discontinued in the next season.

Don’t buy colours you will never use.

Spend the money on the colours you will use.

Just think about it… you go into a tackle shop and certain colours draw your attention. You can pick it up, look at it and put it back! The bass can’t do that, they see it, and then they have to inhale it before it disappears out of sight.

I will start off as natural as I can.

Depending on the water clarity, most bait fish have silver on them, so start with that; especially in clean water. I’ve had good success with these natural colours and lures with a tight, wiggle action. The bass will see them from a distance and move in to attack.”

What will you use on sunny days in stained water?

“I will go more for the golden colours.

This, for me will be the winner. Also when fishing cloudy conditions any gold colour lipless crankbait can work great. I believe that gold gives a better shine and attracts bass better. One of my old time favourites is a black back and gold body.”

“How many anglers have chartreuse lipless crankbaits in there tackle boxes?

Bright colours and rattles are known to

be successful in dirty water. It might take you a while to gain confidence in such bright colours.”

Stephen’s favourite areas to target are banks that get lots of sun during the day with grass lines not too far from the bank.

“These baits are deadly if it’s windy.

One of the biggest mistakes anglers do is that they do not cast into the wind.

Wind breaks up your silhouette so fish can’t see you. Wind also stirs up the bottom which usually makes fish active.”

There you have it and remember; don’t leave home without it! *Bennie Wiese is the editor of SA Bass magazine and an experienced provincial bass angler.

Silver Knight

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GET YOUR FAVOURITE SA Bass MAGAZINE 14

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

MicropterusDolomieu, commonly known as smallmouth,bass are also found in Southern Africa, but are not as widespread – Richard Grant

16

28

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CLASSROOM

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

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MY CAST Cast-for-Cash - Tournament Results GEAR UP

CLASSROOM “Short- or Long-Shank?”

What is one of the most over looked things that we miss when we are searching for the perfect hard bait? – Hendrik

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TACTICS “Big Spoons for Big Bass”

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– Shandon Hawman

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BASICS “Morning, Noon and Night” it may seem intimidating. You may be start with this new and wonderful hobby. outhern Division Junior Bass Angler

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MONTHLY GIVE AWAYS

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

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

– Craig Fraser

ITAGS Takes you directly to the SA BASS website.

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

ON THE COVER “Willie Swart” Image: Hannes Lindeque

SA BASS 03 November 2014

14

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

MicropterusDolomieu, commonly known as smallmouth,bass are also found in Southern Africa, but are not as widespread – Richard Grant

16

CLASSROOM

28

TACTICS “Big Spoons for Big Bass”

CLASSROOM Many years ago one of my friends

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS 01

MY CAST

30

“Short- or Long-Shank?”

What is one of the most over looked things that we miss when we are searching for the perfect hard bait? – Hendrik

18

– Shandon Hawman

32

BASICS “Morning, Noon and Night”

ATIONAL

22

STRATEGIES

24

BASICS

assin’ in Europe

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“A Basic Guide on Boat and Outboard Selection for the Novice Angler (Part 1)”

basies net vier seisoene in ‘ – Philip Kemp

ADERS’ ITION ubscribe and win with COBB

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icious Fishing Line” ay angler. Today’s angler deserves ality, durability and reliability in their ar and Vicious delivers all of that with

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

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

– Craig Fraser

ITAGS Takes you directly to the SA BASS website.

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

O

“Willie Swart” Image: Hannes Lindeque

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SA BASS 23 March 2017

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>> SA BASS INTERNATIONAL ZIMBABWE

Anthony Skinner’s first bite

for Bassin’ and Joy for Life

Jamie Ward - Mteri 4.76kg

>> Clint Skinner

I

Anthony Skinner, stolen moments 24 SA BASS March 2017

s it not amazing to feel infected by the spirit of bassing? We can go from someone with one little bream rod and when we hook that very first bass (most likely by accident) it is like a sleeping giant awakes.

Suddenly we want to buy another rod and reel and very quickly this turns into another ten rods and reels.

Recently I was with John Badenhorst from Wolf Lures getting kitted out for the 2017 season and the talk turned to the article I had written in the December issue of SA BASS magazine. Both John and I agreed that there is nothing that gives more pleasure than seeing a youngster catch their first fish and seeing the infection spread. As seasoned anglers we all have passion but do we have the joy? We spent a few minutes looking at photos and there were no bigger smiles and no more joy apparent than on the face of a child that has caught their first fish. I fished with my sister’s son Jamie at Mteri last year and watching him hook a proper fish on the frog and

Sean Pretorius - Ngezi 2.1kg

seeing his face as he carefully held it up for the photo made the entire trip worthwhile.

2017 is bringing its own challenges to the fore. In parts of Southern Africa there has been a lot of rain. Many dams are full and spilling while others are still almost in single digits. In the Western Cape levels are already dropping and some dams are dangerously low in KZN. In Zimbabwe we have been blessed with good rains. Many of our dams are 100% and rivers are running. Dams like Kyle are rising and at the time of writing was approaching 15%.

So as tournament anglers how do we approach the different levels? We could be fishing a dam that has gone from very low to spilling one weekend and fishing a dam that is dropping the next.

Understanding the waters you fish and understanding fish behaviour in differing conditions are the only key to success. With the differing weather we have seen conditions at some dams bringing fish into spawn again,

this moves things around with the traditional post spawn blues taking a toll again. New flooded grass should bring the fish onto the surface right?

But what happens if, after the legs of your frog have been cast off, you have not had that heart stopping surface bite you were expecting? Well sometimes we need to think that the fish may not have moved far from where they were. Their home is now deeper but that does not mean they have evacuated it? Look for things close to where they were, have they moved higher up the same tree? Are they still holding on the weedbed that was on the surface but is now several feet under the water? Figuring it out and then getting it right is where the passion of bassing comes in. Recently I was fishing Claw Dam with my league partner Damon and we were pitching lures to trees in about 12ft when he was absolutely smashed. Within seconds we both knew it was not a bass but that did not diminish the joy of a solid fight from a beautiful 1.6kg bream. The smile as we took a picture back on shore says it all. Passion that becomes joy!

I watch my six year old, be it on the bank or on the boat, he does not want to stop casting. I see him tire as the morning progresses and his fishing slows but the lure is still more in the water than out. Inevitably the line straightens, the rod bows and it’s a cry of “fish on Dad”. My passion then becomes my joy and knowing its now his passion gives me more to live for.

I promised in the December article that things were going to be different in 2017. This year I am carrying an anchor and instead of racing around power fishing I am going to take time to appreciate the beauty of the dam, watch the antics of the white faced whistling ducks and the nest building of the weaver. Take the time to appreciate the environment our Creator has made for us. My new Wolf Lures are smaller than those I am used to throwing but then again I have caught two fish over 6kg on baits smaller than five inches in the past so why not. This year where possible my nine year old daughter, Samantha,

Damon Mesley - not the target species

and my six year old son, Anthony, are going to be nearby where I can pick them up with the boat and spend a few hours bringing joy into their lives.

Life is short folks… we never know when our time is up. Remember it is not the trip of a lifetime that makes all the memories; it’s the little everyday events and the time we take to make these happen. Our kids don’t forget the big holidays either, but right now is the most important so make something happen today.

Until next time “fish on Dad”

SA BASS 25 March 2017

>> SA BASS

This Is...

Let’s face the fact...

Africa is not for sissies!

Part 2

I

t’s a big continent with big personalities like our president and also with big predators... like our president.

While pursuing those that dwell in the deep were bound at some time to encounter one of the members of the Big 5 and yes, from a distance and behind glass and maybe a camera. I’m sure you will get some god shots but an encounter with one of these up close and personal and the chances are rather good that your future accommodation will consist of a nice wooden box with silk linings.

Rhinos, elephants and buffalo will not only stomp the yard but will probably make the saying... dust to dust... way more real than what would generally be good for your health. Lions and leopards are a slightly different story; sneaky, quiet and with plenty of patience and stealth and of course with a set of fangs and claws to match their sometimes seriously bad attitude... These bad boys would have no problem to unzip your birthday suite with a simple swipe of the paw. After all, in the great scheme of things, your squishy self merely represent a screaming two legged, soft centered snack en route to a bigger meal.

Over the years there have been many unfortunate anglers that have had very close encounters with some of these creatures. Most of the encounters have been either by accident or purely ascribed to bad luck and timing. In any event, most of these encounters have resulted in a newspaper highlight and a brief mention on the local radio station. For some unlucky anglers the resulting encounter has resulted in months of reconstructive surgery and physiotherapy. For the even less fortunate it has resulted in a new beginning, a journey towards the light and a visit to the big bass pond in the sky. Any close encounter with the big cats can be extremely bad for your health so it’s best to avoid a situation where this might happen.

Some years ago, a couple of anglers keen to get some fishing done booked a tented camp on the banks of the mighty Zambezi. The fishing had been excellent and the guys had some good times. As it was a tented camp, with the tents set up on platforms it seemed rough but yet comfortable enough. Late one night, one of the guys rolled 26 SA BASS March 2017

over in his tent and his back came to rest against the tents side from the inside. A couple of minutes went by and he felt something nudging him in his back. Half asleep, he thought it was one of his mates and gave the person on the outside of the tent a massive hit with his elbow. That hit with the elbow resulted in an ear splitting roar that ripped the African night apart. What had happened is that once the camp fire died down and everyone went to sleep, a small pride of lions came visiting and made themselves rather comfortable between the two tents. To say all hell broke loose would probably be the biggest understatement of the century and the next morning when the camp supervisor came to start making breakfast for the guests he found all six anglers hanging amongst the branches of the nearest marula tree. Funny right now but that encounter could have ended badly with one or more anglers taking the journey to the great unknown.

The Big 5 are dangerous in any confrontational situation but seen from the safety of a boat or even a vehicle represents one of the things we love so much about Africa. Where else can you throw a line into pristine waters with a herd of elephants bathing close by or a herd of buffalo taking a relaxing drink?

There are other creatures besides the Big 5 that would cause you some extreme discomfort. One of them is a creature that we can relate to, watching them is fascinating and fun especially for kids. Beware, although they represent us humans in many ways, this is still a wild animal and a confrontation will not be good for your immediate health.

The African baboon is an animal with a fierce reputation.

He fights dirty and with not two hands but four hands and a nice set of fangs and the speed of an avalanche this guy can and will give you a spanking of a different kind.

In the wild, even lions and leopards would rather avoid a confrontation with these animals. The same applies for monkeys. Remember, they bite.

Catching a fish in stunning surroundings with nature all around you is a very special thing indeed. Fighting that fish a little while longer to enjoy the encounter might just result

in you having a Lacoste sleeping bag in the near future...

Fighting a decent fish in crocodile infested waters is like ringing the dinner bell and the unsuspecting angler might be leaning over the side of the boat to net the fish when low and behold, the fresh water staffie comes up from beneath to remove the fish, the net or even a good portion of your arm.

That’s if you’re lucky... In some cases you will be dragged under followed by a couple of death rolls. Once your soul has departed for the hereafter, this creature of nightmares will stash you in a nice weedbed or under the roots of some water bound trees and wait for you to mature a bit before the Lacoste sleeping bag will be your final resting place. In some of our waters, crocodiles are rather wary of humans and boats and in some places anglers still take chances wading next to the shore, washing their boats after a good day on the water. That splashing sound you’re making while washing your pride and joy sounds like... yup, you guessed it... a dinner bell being rung for this hungry croc. Crocs eat an enormous amount of humans in Africa every single year and one only has to read stats to get an idea of exactly how many have simply vanished at the side of a river or dam. Even a small crocodiles can do some serious damage to your casting arm so always be careful, especially when other anglers mention that there are crocs in the water.

They look so slow and fat and sluggish but on land the hippo can get up to 40km/h and in water. You and your canoe or small inflatable stand absolutely no chance at all.

Weighing in at over one ton of flesh, this animal is very deceptive and can go from zero to being airlifted to the nearest emergency trauma unit in a heartbeat. Even your big fancy bass boat will not hold up against the charge of an angry adult hippo. Best to avoid these altogether especially when the pod has calves around, then tempers flare very quickly and you and your boat might just be the subject of their anger.

With there being so many dangers out in nature including the African wild dog, cute looking badgers and meerkats and more, I sometimes ask myself why we do what we do and take the risks that we do? An addiction must be fed, it must have release and so the answer is simple... Were all addicts and we will risk life and limb to feed that addiction. However, if you’re not careful enough, it might just cost you a limb or your life. Close encounters of the African kind is not fun and thus, careful planning should go into your outings. Do some research and always be vigilant and careful... after all... Africa is NOT for sissies.

SA BASS 27 March 2017

>> SA BASS MASTER CLASS

What Is Wrong?

What Is Right

A

s the sun rises you are preparing to make your first cast for the day. Picking up your rod your eyes focus on the target, a small dark pocket under a tree. The first cast into any spot has a little excitement attached to it and is always done with an expectation of landing “The One”.

The rod feels comfortable in your hand; you have done this so many times, and still focused on the small pocket you are standing up behind the steering wheel. Putting your foot on the trolling motor is followed by a smooth and accurate pitch into the target area. Slow sinking plastic bumps and bounces of the limbs of the underwater tree and then stops; or did it? A slight pull and you step back on the deck, dropping the rod tip and setting the hook with everything the moment allows.

The water explodes under the tree and it is game on. Pulling, tugging and manoeuvring him out from under the tree. You see him for the first time and after swinging him onboard you look 28 SA BASS March 2017

>> Colin Willmer at him like it’s the first bass you have ever seen.

This is the reason why we leave home at 04:00 and drive the worst roads, sleep in some dodgy places and freeze our arms off. We need to be honest… we are addicted.

After pitching and casting that bank to pieces, the life jacket comes out and the outboard whisks you off to another hopeful spot. Grass flats and lily pads invite a long cast. A popping frog jumps over them to see what lurks below. A longer rod gets picked up and it “hisses” as a power cast sends a lure travelling through the air. You start retrieving as soon as the lure hits the water. Two, three, four lilies crossed before the water boils up and something jumps on your presentation. Now the fight is on. “Turn his head” someone shouts; reminding you how you have lost a similar fight before.

A great bucket mouth comes from under the grass and acknowledges that the fight is over. Photos are taken, short videos are made and stuff posted next

to your wedding photos on Facebook and Instagram for everybody to see.

That is what fishing should be. There should be excitement when reversing your boat into the water and walking up to a farm dam as the sun comes up, rod in hand.

So after reading all of this and remembering those great days on the lake, with friends or your kids you look at all the rods hanging on the wall. Strange how a rod has its own personality. Now before you think I’m crazy, think about it. Every rod bought and fished and broken sticks in your mind. Good reels seem to always find their way onto a favourite rods and the time spent together.

So, should that not be the way that you buy gear. Buying really cheap obviously will have its own problems and disappointments, but buying something that feels right for you should normally be perfect.

The most expensive is not always the answer. I brought in some rods from the USA a couple of years ago

and they were supposed to be the only thing you should use when fishing tournaments. Spending way too much and after all the trouble, having to admit to myself that they were horrible, I realized that I am comfortable using my current rods.

So, when a rod pitches straight, or casts a mile it sounds like you have a perfect fit. Yes, it is very nice when you can feel the bottom or the expression on the crabs face that you are passing, but it is not everything.

Enjoy your fishing.

I watched someone cast an in line spinner of a R130,000.00 bass boat and life was good again. Those baits used to catch many fish in the past and we ditched them for the latest and greatest releases from all over the world.

Do what you feel is right; cast where you want to; cast what you want to and get rid of the bassin’ rule book and just enjoy being out there.

>> SA BASS KAYAKING

Floating the Skinny Waters

Fishing the shallows is what made kayaks famous, but it is only a tool in the bigger picture.

>> Dewald Viljoen*

T

The ability to stalk fish in skinny water is where the kayak angler gains a distinct advantage 30 SA BASS March 2017

here are always bass hangings around the shallows. When they are born it is the safety of the shallows that protect them from larger fish. As they grow the small baitfish in the shallows provides them with a ready food source and while most adult bass will leave the really skinny water for more spacious accommodations there are always a few who never leave their childhood homes. These fish are often skittish and easily spooked by noise and sudden movement but are rarely pressured fish and will easily take a well presented lure. Long accurate casts is the hallmark of the skinny water specialist, often overshooting a spotted fish by many metres and work a lure into the strike zone with minimal disturbance to the environment.

The ability to stalk fish in skinny water with minimal disturbance is where the kayak angler gains a distinct advantage over most other forms of fishing. Kayaks are the kings of the shallows. When my Ride 135 is fully loaded it must weigh close to 180kg, if not more and yet it will float freely in six inches of water. That is barely ankle deep! Perfect for stalking shallow water bass!

A push pole also has the added benefit of acting as a shallow water anchor

Now people will try to tell you that you can get shallow by wading or on an inflatable or even that you can float a glitter boat in two foot of water and that is shallow enough.

These are mostly people who have never fished truly skinny water! With the recent rains a lot of our dams have picked up dramatically flooding hundreds of hectares of very shallow grass and causing thousands of fountains the break through, feeding little run offs everywhere. These areas are often less than a foot deep and full of hungry bass. It is very difficult moving undetected through all of this. Trying to wade through grass is not only tiring but when it gets really thick it is almost impossible to do so undetected.

Inflatables float high and will move easily over the top of a grassy shallow flat but with submerged stumps and rocks you always run the risk of getting a puncture, but on your trusty kayak none of these issues will prevent you from creeping up on those nervous shallow bass.

There are two main methods of moving a kayak along in shallow water. Firstly and most obviously is paddling like you normally do. Paddling is most effective when the water is deeper than length of your paddle blade. This will stop you from constantly hitting the bottom, making unnecessary noise and stirring it up, it is also the best method for covering and extended distance over a flat. My preferred method of propulsion over the flats however is a push pole. Since it is best to operate a push pole while standing up it provides the angler with an added advantage of height. It causes minimal bottom disturbance and with a little practice, a kayaker with a push pole can move around like a ghost!

Since our market for specific kayak accessories is rather limited, it took me a while to find a pole that could do the job right but I finally did when I stumbled across an extendable painter’s pole in my local hardware store. The ten foot telescopic pole comes with a comfortable grip and is fitted with a telescopic twist lock that allows me to extend the length of my push pole to exactly where I need it. It is also very light which is quite the selling point when you are planning on using it for hours on end! A push pole also has the added benefit of acting as a shallow water anchor.

You simply slip it through the anchor trolley loop or even a scupper hole in your kayak and push the tip into the bottom and your kayak is anchored quietly and efficiently, allowing you to work an area without worrying about keeping yourself in place and remaining as stealthy as possible.

Just like fishing extra deep water or giant swimbaits, stalking the shallows is a specific discipline. It requires a certain mindset and patience, and like all specific disciplines it brings it own set of rewards. It might not be the thing for you but since you are on the water and in a kayak, the world’s most versatile fishing craft, you might as well give it a try! *Dewald Viljoen is sponsored by Canoe & Kayak Centre, the owner of Hot Reels Service Centre, partner and designer at AfriBaits.

Contact us for a quote on any reel service or repair Services Repairs Maintenance Authorized

Tel: 078 548 1301 Email: hotreeltec@gmail.com Service Center SA BASS 31 March 2017

>> SA BASS STRATEGIES

32 SA BASS March 2017

Our dams and rivers have started to fill up and we are all excited and very enthusiastic to go and catch our beloved hungry bass. They will be aggressive and out to start the cycle off fattening up again. >> Gareth Dryden

W

hat is the first thing that we as anglers tend to do?

We all want to start with the basics again. We adapt our fishing style to the new season and to what we have read and heard throughout the season. The Senkos, weedless jigs, Zara Spooks, frogs, twitch baits and lipless crankbaits is the six top summer baits that I will have on my boat’s deck and there is nothing wrong with that. But, we shouldn’t be too hasty in that regard when we are targeting big waters.

In summer the light penetration is a major factor in determining the depth where the bass would be holding. I found that they would be holding at the lower end where they would have a lot of cover to enable them to ambush their prey. We have had some real scorchers these last few months.

At Rust de Winter Dam I found that in these extreme hot conditions bass tend to avoid over stressing themselves by keeping, or suspending near to the cover, or drop offs for very long periods of time. Then they will quickly feed aggressively and even with a very subtle tap, sometime almost undetectable and then, like someone has flipped a switch, the bite is off again.

Fishing basics has taught us that heavy cover, grass and weed areas should be the ideal areas for bass. These areas are going to hold a lot off fodder fish hiding from predators, including bass. The ideal technique should be to use punching weights and flipping in the open pockets, but that isn’t always the case. I have learned to cast my crankbaits as close to the grass line as possible. Bigger fish tend to react to that sort of thing. Yes, it is a risk, but with big risk comes big reward. But still these techniques produced a big fat zero.

We didn’t lose hope and still had an Ace up our sleeves. We switched over to very light finesse presentations on a very slow retrieve. My weapon of choice was 10lb fluorocarbon line with a three inch GYB Senko and four inch Club Foot on a Mojo rig and the smallest Mojo weight I could find.

My boat partner, Tony, used a 1/4oz finesse Hillbilly Poison jig. At one stage we almost lost hope but once the bite came on again we were in the game again.

The fishing was still tough but we managed to get our fish. Because of abundant bait fish around the bass were very picky. Every bass we caught was fat and had full bellies. It took a lot of concentration to get those bass but persistence prevailed.

Fishing in conditions like this will take a lot out of you and being competitive makes it even worse.

Being a power fisherman like I am took a lot of determination to make a mind switch. Staying on one spot like that is hard, you just want to move on, but if you know the fish are there you just need to hang tight.

It will also happen that you start to think about the information you got from other anglers, like “They didn’t talk about this spot”. That is when you will start to doubt yourself. Don’t fall in that trap and concentrate on what you know. Don’t make it a harder on yourself; enjoy it. If you find it hard to change over, think back and what patience your dad had to have to teach you how to fish. Take a look to where you are now and then you will see - if he didn’t give up, how can you? You know the fish are there; the trick is to make them do what you want and then you will be in the game.

Email: hillbillypoisen@gmail.com il Available at leading tackle shops

GEAR

PRODUCT REVIEW

LIVETARGET 5 1/2-INCH GIZZARD SHAD SWIMBAIT

By Matt Williams

I

f you’re in the market for another swimbait with a tail-wagging, tailthumping swagger that rattles the water column, this one isn’t going to fit the bill.

Like the rest of the family in LIVETARGET’s all-new Swimbait Series, the 5 1/2inch Gizzard Shad is a smooth operator that’s been intricately designed so it looks and behaves exactly like the real deal.

First Impression The first thing that grabbed my attention is how anatomically correct the swimbait is. With a barrel-chested body, raised gills, dorsal fin, textured scale pattern and authentic color scheme, it truly looks like a forage fish fresh out of the water.

Several other cool features that stood out are the unique tail design – a realistic tail cast inside clear plastic that’s flared to create the 34 SA BASS March 2017

swimming action – a soft, yet durable, PVC plastic body molded around a beefy 9/0 Mustad hook, and an internal weighting system.

The top-hook bait comes pre-rigged with no fine-tuning required. Just tie it on and fish.

On the Water Keeping with the belief that more isn’t always better, the folks at LIVETARGET engineered the bait so it swims along with a smooth, fluid motion, rather than with a radical action that sends vibrations all the way up to the rod tip on the retrieve. Accordingly, I didn’t feel much as it swam it’s way through the water, mainly because the oscillating tail is strategically crafted to provide a tighter, lifelike swimming action compared to the harder-thumping paddle-tail swimbaits many of us are accustomed to using.

Visually, the bait looks killer in the water as the tail wag speeds up or slows down depending on how fast it is retrieved.

This isn’t a swimbait you should toss into dense cover, but I found that it could be fished around scattered vegetation and light brush fairly well, thanks to a dorsal fin that acts as a weedguard to help reduce snagging.

Final Thoughts A big bass is an opportunistic feeder, and this swimbait is sure to rate high on the hit list on lakes where good populations of gizzard shad and large bass are present, particularly in clearwater situations where you don’t need a lot of vibration to help the fish home in on the lure.

Weighing 2 ounces, it casts extremely well and has a sink rate of about 12 to 18 inches per second,

making it a good candidate for counting down around ledges, humps and points away from the bank, or winding over grass closer to shore.

It’s simple to fish, too.

Just chunk it, wind it with a steady retrieve and hold on tight.

!

VIDEO AID If you want more advice on using the Swimbait Series baits, FLW Tour pro Scott Martin, on behalf of LIVETARGET, recently prepared a 3 1/2-minute video that covers everything from rod, reel and line selection to tips and tactics for fishing with this family of lures. View the video presentation at livetargetlures.com.

DORSAL FIN

TAIL DESIGN

A semi-rigid soft-plastic dorsal fin sits in line with the point of the 9/0 Mustad hook to help reduce snagging on weeds and small brush.

The tail is molded with a unique “oscillator” that extends outward and creates resistance, causing the tail to move back and forth as the bait comes through the water.

ACCESSORY EYE A built-in belly accessory eye can be used for hanging an additional treble hook, small spinner blade, weight or other tackle.

Performance Advice

>> IN ACTION

The 5 1/2-inch Gizzard Shad is no different than most swimbaits its size; you need to be pretty specific when choosing a rod, reel and line in order to fish it properly. A heavy-action rod in the range of 7 feet, 6 inches to 7 feet, 11 inches long will handle the weight sufficiently while allowing for long casts. LIVETARGET recommends 17- to 25-pound-test fluorocarbon or monofilament in combination with a baitcasting reel having a medium retrieve ratio such as 6.3:1.

HITS & MISSES + Comes out of the package ready to fish + Anatomically correct from nose to tail + Easy to fish + Equipped with a high-quality, heavy-duty hook + Made from durable PVC plastic + Competitive price for the authentic look + Subtle, lifelike action – Additional sink rates would be nice

Like many of the popular jumbo soft-plastic swimbaits, the Gizzard Shad isn’t intended to entice bass with tons of vibration. It’s primarily a “visual bait” with a realistic tail-swimming action.

APPLICATIONS As mentioned, this is a bait that can be equally effective around offshore structure and shallow cover, especially on lakes with sizeable populations of big fish. That’s not to say 12-inch bass won’t hit it. They will. But the sheer size of the bait is certain to help weed out those non-keepers and appeal more to bass in the “kicker” class.

The LIVETARGET Swimbait Series extends well beyond the Gizzard Shad model, too. The family actually includes seven freshwater models that mimic various baitfish species, ranging from trout and yellow perch to threadfin shad and golden shiner. There are saltwater variations as well. The swimbaits come in various sizes, so tackle requirements could change on the lighter baits.

DETAILS

Size Reviewed: 5 1/2 inches, 2 ounces Other Sizes: 5 inches, 1 1/2 ounces; 4 1/2 inches, 1 ounce Colors: two Sink Rate: medium slow MSRP: $11.99 Contact: livetargetlures.com

SA BASS 35 March 2017

GEAR

FALL RATES

MASTERING FALL RATES HOW QUICKLY A LURE SINKS CAN HAVE AN IMPACT ON A PRESENTATION’S EFFECTIVENESS

By Tyler Brinks

36 SA BASS March 2017

FLWFISHING.COM I FEBRUARY-MARCH 2017

ILLUSTRATION BY JOE MAHLER PHOTOS BY MATT PACE

S

ometimes the simplest changes to your lures can affect how they perform, including the rate at which they sink – the fall rate. These basic modifications can be vital when faced with changing conditions, excessive fishing pressure or bass that are inactive. Beyond simply using a heavier weight, there are other adjustments that can help you master fall rates. The tricks outlined in the three categories included here can be applied to most fishing scenarios, regardless of depth and lure.

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2017 I FLWFISHING.COM

SA BASS 37 March 2017

Flipping and Punching Rigs — Shallow Water When the fish are aggressive and willing to bite, your fall rate is not as important, according to Forrest Wood Cup champion John Cox. When they’re not aggressive, he will adjust the fall rate based on weather conditions and fishing pressure.

During a cold front or other instances where fish are in a negative mood, Cox prefers a fast fall, accomplished by decreasing line size and/or increasing the weight.

“These are times when you want your bait to drop quickly underneath a mat or in a big tree,” he says. “This will trigger a reaction from the fish, and that is often the only reason that they will bite it, because they are not thinking about feeding.”

In situations when the fishing pressure increases and bass are seeing many soft-plastic lures, Cox prefers for his bait to have a slower fall.

“In this case you want a slower fall so the fish grab the bait as it is falling and you can set the hook before they feel the weight,” he explains.

Heavier line and a lighter weight help slow it down.

The soft-plastic bait will also play a role in the fall rate.

Cox categorizes baits as either having a controlled or erratic fall.

“Baits that fall and go straight to the bottom are the controlled baits, and this is what I prefer during cold fronts. These are baits with ‘kicking’ appendages or curly tails, and they will not spiral as they fall,” he says. “The other group would be baits with an erratic fall. Beaverstyle baits and those with a straight tail will ‘glide’ down before they hit the bottom no matter how heavy your weight is, and this is what I’ll use when fishing pressure increases.”

“Kicking” appendages on creatures baits help stabilize the fall so that they travel straight down. Cox likes this style during a cold front.

John Cox

Beaver-style baits with flat tails and bodies tend to glide on the fall. Cox prefers this style when fishing pressure is high.

ADD A PUNCH SKIRT A punch skirt can really slow down the fall rate of a Texas-rigged soft plastic. All the extra surface area of the skirt creates a lot more “drag.” In some instances, adding a punch skirt is the best way to slow down a presentation. However, there’s a tradeoff. Punch skirts greatly increase the profile of a lure. If it’s a small, compact profile you want, you’ll need to consider the other options outlined here.

cont. on p40 38 SA BASS March 2017

contd. from p38

Jigs — Middepth Water A large trailer with claws and a full skirt help create a slow-sinking presentation.

Bryan Thrift

A compact, streamlined trailer and a trimmed skirt let the jig sink faster.

For jig fall rates, the strategy comes down to how the fish are biting that day.

“If I notice all of my bites are coming on the fall, I will change to a slower-falling jig,” says Bryan Thrift, winner of the 2016 FLW Tour Invitational at Lake Norman. “If they are biting it as I’m working it on the bottom I want it to get down quicker.”

Thrift is one of the best in the business at skipping jigs deep underneath docks. He nearly always uses a 1/2-ounce jig for this situation. To adjust his fall rate, he will either change his line size between 15- and 20-pound-test P-Line fluorocarbon – lighter for a faster fall, and vice versa – or change soft-plastic trailers.

“If I want my jig to fall slower I’ll use a bulkier trailer such as the Damiki Knockout.

If I want it to fall faster, I switch to the Damiki Air Craw because it is much thinner in profile and falls much quicker,” he says.

Drop-Shot Rigs — Deep Water When fishing for suspended bass he can see on his electronics, FLW Tour pro Braxton Setzer pays close attention to how the fish are acting.

“I have found that when bass get pressured on deep spots, your fall rate is very important,” says Setzer. “Sometimes they will only hit it on a fast drop, and other times you can watch them on your graph following a slowly falling drop-shot rig and eating it once it reaches the bottom.”

To adjust his fall rate on his drop-shot rig, Setzer will adjust three things: size of weight, type of soft plastic and line size.

The weight adjustment is pretty obvious.

Setzer carries weights as light as 1/16 ounce.

Line changes are straight-forward too, but be aware that lighter line often allows a supple soft plastic to have more action.

Soft plastic selection is about buoyancy.

“If I want it to fall slower I’ll go with a worm that is more buoyant,” says Setzer.

“When I want it to drop quickly I will use a heavy bait such as a soft stick bait to get it to fall that much faster. Worms that have a lot of salt like your stick baits are heavier baits, so they’re going to fall faster. Then there are some baits out there such as the Z-Man ElaZtech baits that float.”

Though Setzer doesn’t often wacky rig a soft bait, he does advise that switching from a nose-hooked or Texas-rigged worm to a wacky-rigged worm can also alter the fall rate since the wacky-rigged worm catches more water as it sinks.

40 SA BASS March 2017

Some worms float, while worms with a lot of salt sink quickly. A worm’s shape and size also impact fall rate. The three shown here — Z-Man ElaZtech FattyZ (top), Yamamoto Thin Senko (middle) and Roboworm Fat Straight Tail Worm (bottom) — can all be used to create different fall rates.

How you rig a worm also affects the fall rate.

A wacky rig (top) without weight will sink very slowly, but even with a weighted wacky head it’ll still flutter down due to the tails “catching” water. Texas-rigged (middle) and nose-hooked baits (bottom), when pulled down by a weight, will plummet faster because they’ll turn vertical as they sink and experience little resistance.

Braxton Setzer

Boat Package

Terms and conditions apply.

GEAR

FIRST LOOK

NEW GEAR FOR BASS HEADS

By Colin Moore WSI HEATR CLOTHING

PLAY AGAIN NOW

Play Again Now Practicing for a tournament and then fishing in it for a day or more is physically taxing on the muscles and joints.

Play Again Now is an oral liquid gel that reduces the time it takes to get over the aches and pains associated with pounding boat rides as well as standing and casting all day.

The two all-natural active ingredients in Play Again Now are said to support the body’s anti-inflammatory properties and improve performance and stamina. A 24-ounce bottle will last a month and costs $49.95. playagainnow.com

WSI HEATR Clothing Originally designed for the skiing market, WSI’s HEATR clothing line incorporates a fabric that actually heats up when it comes in contact with skin. The special fabric is woven into the clothing where body heat is apt to escape unless insulated. Three different weights of underwear are available: zero to 75 degrees, minus 10 to 60 degrees and minus 20 to 50 degrees. Additionally, HEATR is available in various caps, balaclavas, socks, pants, shirts and gloves that WSI offers. $23.50 to $159, depending on article of clothing and fabric weight. wsisports.com

OMTD Swimbait Hooks

OMTD SWIMBAIT HOOK

BUDDHA BABY MOMMA

Italian company OMTD is producing some world-class fishing hooks. Its two latest models are wide-gap weighted and unweighted hooks for big swimbaits. The unweighted OH2400 comes in 7/0, 9/0 and 11/0, while the bellyweighted OH2400W in the same sizes is available in 3/8-, 1/2- and 3/4-ounce weights. A screw-in attachment holds the bait in place, and the eye is parallel with the point. Cost is $3.50 to $8.50, depending on size and number of hooks (two to four) in the package. omtdhooks.com

Buddha Baby Momma The Baby Momma combines all the best features of a bait made for pitching and flipping in heavy grass: oversized claws, an angled head designed to be used with flipping hooks and keepers, reversed ribs on the thick body that allow it to fall through thick cover easier and garlic scent that helps bass home in. As a trailer or by itself, the Baby Momma is also a good choice for skipping under docks. The bait is available in eight colors, with more on the way. The price is $4.99 for a package of eight.

BULL GILL GENERATION 2 SLOW SINKER

buddhabaitco.com

Bull Gill Generation 2 Slow Sinker Mike Bucca’s latest swimbait rendition is a slow-sinking Bull Gill whose four parts deliver an undulating wobble as it’s retrieved slowly through the water in mid-depth areas where bass are staging before moving up. The Slow Sinker is 6 inches long and 2 1/2 ounces in weight, and available in two colors: blue gill and dirty bone. $57 bullshad.com

42 SA BASS March 2017

January 2017 Results Gauteng 1: Team New Anchor - 3.3kg 2: Team Ras Brothers - 3.05kg 3: Team Greens - 2.93kg 4: Team Cobat Transport - 2.9kg 5: Team Bass.co.za - 2.82kg

1: Team RS - 3.36kg 2: Team Crank Brothers - 3.35kg 3: Team Hillbilly XXX - 2.71kg 4: Team Transax le - 2.36kg 5: Team B_SS Toppies - 2.24kg

44 SA BASS March 2017

Mpumalanga 1: Team Mercury Pro Team - 5.765kg 2: Team Knotts Nissan Woodmead - 5.135kg 3: Team Cube Design Innovations - 5.075kg 4: Team R&R - 3.445kg 5: Team Bass Couple - 2.565kg

1: Team Woolybugger Farm - 4.44kg 2: Team Outcast - 3.585kg 3: Team Culprit - 1.745kg 4: Team X-Factor - 1.255kg 5: Team Stretch 60 - 0.135kg

Limpopo 1: Team Beli VC - 5.283kg 2: Team Levubu Bulle - 2.018kg 3: Team TFF - 1.86kg 4: Team Fear no Fish - 1.375kg 5: Team Slabbert - 0.808kg

SA BASS 45 March 2017

KZN 1: Team Strike King Bass Warehouse - 6.71kg 2: Team One 3 Fishing - 6.12kg 3: Team R & R - 4.79kg 4: Team Gamakatsu Outdoors 365 - 3.61kg 5: Team SPRO Outdoors 365 - 2.14kg

W-Cape 1: Team Berkley Hav oc - 7.72kg 2: Team Bassfishing.co.za - 6.26kg 3: Team Varkenelli - 5.63kg 4: Team Picasso SA - 5.62kg 5: Team Nagel and Barnard - 5.21kg

46 SA BASS March 2017

Cast-for-Cash The SA BASS Cast-for-Cash bass tournaments are qualifying rounds to the FLW SA Championship.

Each team consists of maximum two persons per boat who are allowed to weigh five fish per day. Because it is a catch-and-release event, teams are penalised for weighing any fish that cannot swim away from the way station. The top five heaviest bags for the day are declared winners at prize giving. Apart from the cash prizes contestants also have a chance to win various lucky draw prizes, but they have to be present at prize giving to receive the prize.

The SA BASS Cast-for-Cash / FLW South Africa mobile stage / weigh station and towing vehicle

Next event: Visit our websites for full results and tournament dates www.sabass.com and www.flwsouthafrica.com

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

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

Member’s details: YY / MM / DD Date of birth: .......................................................

First name: ...............................................................................................................

Last name: ...............................................................................................................

Landline: ............................................... Mobile: .................................................

Postal Address: ....................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................

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Contact us:

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

Gift subscription from: .........................................................................................

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www.flwsouthafrica.com

SA BASS 47 March 2017

>> SA BASS MOTORING

VW Amarok

Not Just Tough, Smart Competitive anglers all fish from customised bass boats and need to tow their rigs across the country.

Therefore they rely on trustworthy towing vehicles. Which brand of towing vehicle is a personal choice but have you considered the VW Amarok?

t seems that everything is getting bigger in South Africa and our local towing vehicles also starts to look like American Yank Tanks. When the VW Amarok was first unveiled in SA some people tried to make fun of the name.

I

VW Amarok is available in seven models and here is a basic comparison to see which model will suite your need the best.

For more information contact McCarthy Volkswagen Wonderboom on 012 567 9300.

According the latest motoring statistics VW is currently the number one seller across the globe.

At SA BASS and FLW South Africa we are very grateful for the Amarok towing vehicle from McCarthy Volkswagen Wonderboom, Pretoria. The vehicle is quite intimidating in size and under the hood you will find a 2.0 litre bi-turbo-diesel engine that offers more torque and power than many of its 3.0litre competitors. The Amarok's 2.0-litre bi-turbo proves faultless and it performs every bit as well as rivals and when it comes to fuel economy, there's no contesting the Amarok's superiority.

“One thing that really impresses me about our VW Amarok towing vehicle is the power and fuel consumption.” said Hannes Lindeque, tournament director of FLW South Africa.

2.0 TDI Trendline 4x2 103kW at 3500 7.6l /100km (13.2km/l ) 6-speed manual ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) incl. offroad ABS HVV (Maximum Rear Axle Deceleration) Height and depth adjustable steering wheel

48 SA BASS March 2017

2.0 BiTDI Highline 4x2 132kW at 4000 7.9l /100km (12.7km/l ) 6-speed manual 17" “Aldo” alloy wheels ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) with Brake Assist,

Hill Start Assist & Hill Descent Control Chrome in upper radiator grille

2.0 BiTDI Highline 4MOTION Auto Permanent 4MOTION 132kW at 4000 8.3l /100km (12.0km/l ) 8-speed automatic Alloy wheels – Aldo 17” with anti-theft wheelbolts ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) with brake assistant and Hill Start/Hill Descent Assist

2.0 TDI Trendline 4MOTION 103kW at 3500 7.7l /100km (13.0km/l ) 6-speed manual ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) incl. offroad ABS HVV (Maximum Rear Axle Deceleration) Height and depth adjustable steering wheel 2.0 BiTDI Highline Auto 4x2 132kW at 4000 8.2l /100km (12.2km/l ) 8-speed automatic Alloy wheels – Aldo 17” with anti-theft wheelbolts ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) with brake assistant and Hill Start/Hill Descent Assist Chrome in upper radiator grille

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

2.0 BiTDI Highline 4MOTION 132kW at 4000 8.0l /100km (12.5km/l ) 6-speed manual Leather steering wheel with silver inserts Anchorage points (2) for ISOFIX child seat attachment on rear 3-seater bench

2.0 BiTDI Ultimate 4MOTION Auto Highline Permanent 4MOTION® 132kW at 4000 8.3l /100km (12.0km/l ) 8-speed automatic 19” Cantera alloy wheels ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) with brake assistant and Hill Start/Hill Descent Assist Bi-Xenon headlights Silver-painted exterior mirror housings Under-run guard Stainless steel styling bar with 'AMAROK' nameplate Stainless steel side steps with 'AMAROK' nameplates 'ULTIMATE' side decal Park Distance Control (front and rear) with rear view camera 'Alcantara' leather* seat trim covers Seat heating for driver and front passenger seats

Limited offer

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

Save R336

Sail blue

Vivid blue

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

Members: R639.oo each Non-members: R975.oo each

(excludes delivery cost)

See the outer back cover page for full membership benefits or visit our website www.flwsouthafrica.com SA BASS 49 March 2017

>> SA BASS INTERVIEW >> Bennie Wiese*

R

ichard was one of few anglers who managed to be presented with national colours in only two years.

I have fished with him for five years and the Mojo rig wasn’t his only confidence rig.

“It is no secret; I enjoy fishing spinnerbaits and I’m convinced that it is second best to soft plastic worms in terms of versatility and productivity. Everybody will not agree, but it is their prerogative” said Richard with a big smile.

Some anglers struggle to catch bass on spinnerbaits, even if they use different techniques; from slow rolling, burning and yo-yoing, but spinnerbaits will catch bass in almost any condition providing you use the correct combination of blades for the conditions. Another important factor is your own confidence in the bait.

“If you are one of those anglers that do not have successes then maybe you are using the wrong spinnerbait”.

The following tips have been working for Richard; Almost every angler knows that structure is the key in catching bass and to be successful with a spinnerbait you will have to use it close to structure, or bump into it.

When fishing spinnerbaits in shallow water try to and swim it through the middle of the brush or structure. Or try and fish the spinnerbait parallel to a lay down from the shallow towards the deep end. Always fish it as close as possible to the structure.

One of Richard’s spinnerbait techniques that he uses in venues with steep banks will be to sit in the shallows and cast to deeper water. After the spinnerbait has hit bottom, jerk it once so that the spinnerbait blades can flash. Pick up any slack line to around the 12 o’clock position and drop the rod’s tip again making sure that the spinnerbait falls on tension back to the bottom. Keep on repeating this action till it gets to the boat.

Spinnerbaits mostly used have a combination of gold and silver, willow leaf and small Colorado blades which work great in all conditions.

“I keep it easy. I use a medium heavy bait casting combo with a 6:1 ratio reel, 17lb test line, a 3/4-ounce spinnerbait and I cast around the thickest cover you can find. For sure you will get hang up but the chances are better to get the bite and bigger fish. When you need the spinnerbait to run deeper then use 10 to 12lb test line, especially when fishing grass areas.”

One of his favourite ways to use these baits will be to fish a ¾oz spinnerbait with big blades that produce extra vibration in windy conditions or stained water.

“You need that extra flash and vibration, especially if you fish it over submerged structures that sit around 8 to 12 feet.” says Richard.

If the conditions are calm he prefers to fish smaller spinnerbaits with tiny willow leaf blades with less flash because bass will be spooked easily in clear water.

It is important to make long make longer casts in such conditions. Willow leaf blades work well in the grass.

50 SA BASS March 2017

Bass can always be found along grass edges, bed point or cuts. The goal will be to retrieve the spinnerbait parallel along these target areas. When the spinnerbait gets to the strike zone; jerk or stop the lure and then continue the retrieve action. The spinnerbait’s skirt will flash giving it more action.

Regarding colour; every angler has his own confidence colour. When fishing clear water on sunny days Richard starts off with white or transparent coloured skirts. Fishing dirty water he uses chartreuse/white or just chartreuse. The combination of blue/chartreuse works for him when it is overcast, especially on the Vaal River.

Weather conditions can play a big role in spinnerbait fishing. According to Richard bass tend to hit spinnerbaits more often on the first cast during low light conditions as to where on sunny days you will have to make multiple casts. On sunny days bass will move deeper in or under structures and you will have to draw their attention with more than one cast.

Wind also plays a big part in bass fishing and spinnerbaits produce bigger fish when the wind is blowing.

In such conditions he will add some type of trailer like a grub to his spinnerbait; something with flash. He will also only use stinger hooks when fishing tournaments. He doesn’t use them on social outings as stinger hooks tend to hurt bass too much.

RICHARD’S Spinnerbait Tips If you ask any angler if he knows Richard Dunn, he will tell you that 9PJOHYK VUS` ĉZOLZ Mojo rigs with watermelon gold Ċ\RLZ

Richard with a Vaal River kicker that could not resist a blue/ chartreuse spinnerbait

Richard’s special blue/ chartreuse spinnerbait for the Vaal River with a good quality ball bearing

One last important tip; don’t use spinnerbaits with low quality swivels. The blades must be able to move freely.

Ball bearing type swivels are the way to go. *Bennie Wiese is the editor of SA Bass magazine and an experienced provincial bass angler.

This big fish came of an old river channel when fished from deep to shallow

I only use stinger hooks when I fish tournaments SA BASS 51 March 2017

>> SA BASS PRODUCT NEWS

High-Powered HDS Multifunction Displays

L

owrance, a world-leading brand in fishing electronics since 1957, has released a high-performance addition to the HDS® series of fishfinders/chartplotters – Lowrance HDS Carbon™.

The new Lowrance HDS Carbon adds a highperformance dual core processor, multi-touch SolarMAX™ HD screen, dual channel CHIRP and Network Dual Sounder to the proven features that have made HDS multifunction displays the choice of anglers at all levels. The HDS Carbon series includes 12-, 9- and 7-inch models.

Anglers in the market for a want-it-all integrated system need a processor that can smoothly drive the high-tech capabilities of HDS Carbon like StructureScan® 3D with SideScan and DownScan Imaging™, dual channel CHIRP sonar, StructureMap™ and Broadband Radar™.

HDS Carbon takes processing power to an unprecedented level with a dual core processor that allows anglers to switch between applications and simultaneously view independent sonar feeds with ease.

Lowrance SolarMAX HD display technology features high-definition views and clear visibility in all conditions with the widest available range of viewing angles. The new displays are engineered to withstand higher temperatures than conventional units, offering enhanced reliability in warmer climates – ideal for Southern Africa.

The secret behind the new SolarMAX HD displays comes from the implementation of the most advanced inplane switching (IPS) screens in fishing electronics. With superior colour accuracy and boosted high-definition reproduction, IPS screens are perfectly designed for viewing picture-like sonar images. Whether viewing menu panels or onscreen fish targets, the improved clarity and sharpness of SolarMAX HD displays are clearly evident from any angle.

HDS Carbon expands the Lowrance arsenal of sonar technology with dual channel CHIRP and Network Dual

52 SA BASS March 2017

Lowrance HDS-12

Lowrance Carbon HDS-9

Loaded with a dual-core, high-performance processor, HDS Carbon delivers faster redraw speeds and quicker response times to easily power Dual-Channel CHIRP sonar, Dual Network Sounder, StructureScan® 3D, StructureMap™ and future high-powered fish finding upgrades.

Sounder. Dual channel CHIRP enables anglers to get dual range sonar coverage from the same transducer with a dual channel CHIRP sonar transducer installed on their boat.

Anglers can also cover more water and mark fish targets more clearly with Network Dual Sounder technology, which provides sonar data from a network of CHIRP transducers.

In addition to integrated wireless connectivity that enables anglers to download software updates and map purchases directly to the unit, HDS Carbon features Bluetooth® control of multiple Power-Pole shallow water anchors and Bluetooth audio streaming from the SonicHub®2 marine entertainment system. Anglers can navigate with ease with HDS Carbon using proven Lowrance navigation technology, a 10Hz internal GPS antenna and compatibility with the most expansive selection of optional cartography on the market, including Insight Genesis™ custom mapping, C-MAP, Navionics® and Fish Tec charts.

HDS Carbon supports radar, SmartSteer control of MotorGuide® Xi5 trolling motors and Lowrance Outboard Pilot, and full engine data integration through compatibility with Mercury® VesselView® Link.

“Our new HDS Carbon displays are not only more than capable of handling our current technologies, but are designed to grow with our future innovations for years to come,” said Leif Ottosson, CEO, Navico. “From the enhanced viewability of our SolarMAX HD displays, our new dual channel and Network Dual Sounder technologies, to the high-performance processor, we are confident our customers will be as excited about the increased performance they get from HDS Carbon as we are.”

These units will be available in South Africa in March 2017.

For more information and pricing contact Lowrance South Africa: (031) 368 6649 or your nearest Lowrance dealer.

New Widescreen Elite-Ti

The Elite-9 Ti

L

owrance® has added a pair of widescreen displays to the EliteTi standalone series of fish finder / chart plotters.

The new Lowrance Elite-12 Ti and Elite-9 Ti touch screen fish finder / chart plotters include the same features that have generated so much excitement about the Elite-Ti series - but on bigger 12- and 9-inch highresolution, widescreen displays.

Including premium features like an easy-to-use touch screen interface, Bluetooth® and wireless connectivity, proven Lowrance navigation technology and high-performance sonar – including CHIRP, Broadband Sounder™ and StructureScan® HD with SideScan and DownScan Imaging™ – the new displays are still available at an affordable price. CHIRP sonar offers improved fish-target separation and screen clarity, while the StructureScan

The Elite-12 Ti

HD sonar imaging system with exclusive Lowrance® DownScan Imaging delivers photo-like images of fish-holding structure on both sides and directly beneath the boat.

For the ultimate in on-the-water navigation, Elite-12 Ti and Elite-9 Ti displays feature a highly accurate, built-in GPS antenna that displays position on either Navionics, C-Map or FishTec charts.

With integrated wireless connectivity, the Elite-12 Ti and Elite-9 Ti operate directly through the GoFree® Shop for downloads of mapping and software updates. EliteTi also works seamlessly with the Insight Genesis™ map-creation service, which allows users to make custom, high-resolution contour maps from recorded sonar logs, with bottomhardness and vegetation overlays, as well as Insight Genesis Social Map community chart sharing.

Bluetooth and wireless connectivity also provide control of single or dual Power-Pole® shallow water anchor installations, as well as access to the GoFree link app, which allows anglers to view and control the display from an iPad® or Android® tablet.

“With the addition of our new 12and 9-inch fishfinder/chartplotters, we are adding even more value to the Elite-Ti family,” said Leif Ottosson, CEO, Navico.

Protected by the Lowrance Service and Support program, the Elite-12 and Elite-9 Ti can be purchased from authorized Lowrance South Africa dealers.

The Elite-9 Ti is already available countrywide and the Elite-12 Ti will be available in March 2017.

For more information and pricing contact Lowrance SA (031) 368 6649 or visit your nearest Lowrance dealer.

Tel 0861 282 282 info@armaiuris.co.za Authorised Financial Services Provider: FSP21529

CONGRATULATIONS TO: Winner of the Bull Dawg Pro Series readers competition.

Leon Coetzer, Middelburg, MP Winner of the Spage CAGE readers competition Gertjie Odendaal, Protem

Arma Iuris is a national legal cost insurance company rendering a service to individuals and businesses for the past 11 years. The individual legal cost product consist of the following: We provide legal advice to our clients 24/7 by means of a 0861 emergency number which is answered by an attorney. / We draft and provide any form of legal documentation as needed by our clients i.e wills, contracts, agreements etc. / We render legal administrative services i.e firearm motivations (licensing and relicensing), pension fund enquiries, tax issues and problems experienced with service providers like local authorities etc. / We represent our clients nationally whether magisterial or higher court cases for civil or criminal law suits. Your spouse and/or all financially dependants also enjoy cover under this policy. / This service will be offered to FLW members at a reduced fee of R250 (VAT Excl). Terms and conditions apply.

SA BASS 53 March 2017

>> SA BAARS BEGINSELS

SPORTbeserings Soos in enige sport kan selfs hengelaars beserings opdoen! >> Louis Bezuidenhout

N

a laasmaand se artikel oor hoe om aktiewe areas te identifiseer en te fynkam, het ek besluit om die Texas-strop deeglik te bespreek. Wel, dit was die

Let op; die kunsvissie se lip het afgebreek op impak!

54 SA BASS March 2017

plan!

Na aanhoudende donderstorms wat heeltyd met my hengelplanne inmeng, het ek uiteindelik ‘n geleentheid gekry om by die water uit te kom. Ek en my vriend het ‘n vinnige middag hengelsessie aangepak. Omrede ons albei tot 17:00 werk het ons eers ‘n halfuur later by die dam opgedaag. Die water het baie belowend gelyk.

Die ligintensiteit was laag en ideaal vir liplose kunsaas. So kon ek groter areas vinniger dek en goeie areas identifiseer.

Die kabbeling op die water was effens te veel vir ‘n oppervlakkunsaas en daarom was die liplose kunsvissie die beste opsie. My vriend het besluit om eerder ‘n normale dieploper te gebruik. Vanweë die omstandighede het ek ‘n kunsvisse met bietjie chartreuse gebruik sodat die vis die aas makliker kan sien. Gewoonlik is ‘n spinnerbait ‘n baie goeie opsie, maar die dam waar ons gehengel het, het uiterse hengeldruk oor naweke ervaar en sou spinnerbaits iets wees wat die baars gereeld sien.

Ek het parallel met ‘n rietlyn in die dam gehengel en onmiddelik ‘n baars van 500gram vasgemaak. Met my tweede gooi het ek nog ‘n vis gevang. Dit was op daardie stadium wat my vriend besef het hy raak agter en het besluit om langs my te kom hengel...

Met my derde gooi; nog ‘n vis… die volgende oomblik voel ek net een geweldig klap teen die agterkop! Eers kon ek nie dink wat gebeur het nie tot ek die al bekende geklingel van ‘n kunsvissie hoor. Jip; my vriend se korrel was uit en het sy kunsvis behoorlik teen my kop vasgegooi.

Met syy kunsvis in my kopvel voel ek hoe nog ‘n vis my aas vat vat. Ek moes eers my aas uit die water kry en die vis veilig terugplaas voordat ons aandag aan my nuwe Die hoekpunte wat uit my aanhangsel kon gee. kopvel uitgehaal is Die py pyn was aanvanklik minimaal en na nadere ondersoek het ek besef dat albei drie-angelhoeke diep ingeslaan h het. Die enigste manier om die hoek uit te kry was om die hoeke deur te druk, want... om dit uit trek, was nie ‘n opsie nie. Die weerhake het hulle werk gedoen. ‘n Vinn Vinnige poging met die hand was baie moeilik, want daar was nie n behoorlike vatplek nie. My vriend besef toe ons het iets soos ‘n tang nodig en hardloop motor toe om iets te gaan soek.

So in die pyn en ellende besef ek dat die wind effens gaan lê het en die toestande perfek is vir oppervlakaas! Aangesien my vriend nog nie terug was nie en ek niks anders kon doen nie, het ek my kunsaas verander. Maar terwyl ek die aas inbring voel ek hoe die pyn in my agterkop erger word. My fokus was nie meer op die hengel nie en het besef dat ons vinnig moes plan maak.

Justin kom aangehardloop met ‘n groot skerpbektang wat hy iewers uitgekrap het. Die kunsvissie word vinnig van die hoeke afgehaal sodat hy die hoeke makliker kan deur druk.

Hy probeer sy bes, maar die tang was te groot en hy kon nie die hoek ordentlik vasvat nie. Die volgende opsie was ongevalle toe.

Justin noem dat sy pa deel van die weermag se mediese personeel is. Uiters goeie nuus vir my, want ek verkies dit om nie hospitaal toe te gaan en inspruitings te kry nie... Wel, so het ek gedink!

Ons kom in die donkerte by Justin se huis aan waar sy pa gereed staan met al sy mediese toerusting. Eers probeer ons sonder enige verdowingsmiddels om die hoeke uit te haal, maar dit het nie so goed verloop nie! Na ek die snaakste pyn in my lewe gevoel het, van hoe jou kopvel van jou kopbeen af lig, het ek besluit om eerder ‘n verdowingsnaald aan te durf.

Na vyf minute en ‘n bietjie gesukkel was die pyn minder en die dun hoekies deur my kopvel.

My raad aan medehengelaars sal wees om altyd seker te maak dat dit rondom jou veilig is voordat jy jou kunsaas uitgooi. Selfs kunsaas wat op die grond lê kan ook ergerlike pyn veroorsaak... wees dus altyd veilig.

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>> SA BASS BASICS

>> Bennie Wiese*

A New BEGINNING I had the opportunity during the past festive season to spend a lot of time in some tackle shops. Doing so I met quite a few new anglers who wanted to take up the sport that I love so much.

56 SA BASS March 2017

H

ow great would it be if one could only transfer one’s knowledge to another in order for them to quickly understand how great this sport is, but then again; isn’t learning the sport part of the fun?

To answer all the questions that these guys had would have taken months to answer. Before I knew it I have spent hours upon hours talking and they almost didn’t have enough time to do their shopping.

Many new potential anglers might be under the impression that bass fishing might not be a growing sport in South Africa and that carp angling might be the way to go.

Yes, carp angling is a massive sport, but bass fishing is just as exciting.

Unfortunately I think we don’t have enough local resources available and our water levels are very low.

The only way we can grow the sport is by educating new anglers and help them to catch more and bigger bass.

Unfortunately many anglers might be a bit reluctant to do so in fear off giving up there spots and secrets.

Off course any angler can pick

up a rod and start to fish, but that will only go so far. Won’t the sport grow faster if knowledgeable anglers assist the new guys on the various lures and techniques? Learning al this overwhelming information on your own will take quite some time, depending on your interest.

Yes, you might think that all these different techniques are way too much for someone who is just starting out, but if everyone of us can “adopt” a new angler we will have doubled our numbers overnight.

Here is a very basic outline of what new anglers need to get started:

Rods When selecting your first rod you will have to look at getting the best all rounder, meaning a rod that you could use for almost any presentation.

I suggest using a medium heavy rod.

The rod length will be what you are most comfortable with. You can choose between a bait caster, and spinning rod.

Many new anglers find spinning rods much easier but it won’t be long

before they will switch to bait casting rods. Personally, the quicker they get used to using bait casting equipment the better.

There are some great combos (rods and reels) available to start with. Every season there will be new rods and reels on the market but whatever you do, don’t fall into the trap of just buying because it is new.

Just because the combo is within your budget doesn’t always mean it is a bargain. Unfortunately dead stock needs to be sold off and are sometimes paired up. This equipment is not up to standard and the moment you start to fish with it you will find that you’re not comfortable with the rig.

You will end up putting it aside and buying new stuff. Don’t be scared to ask some anglers for advice who have been fishing for a while. Or, read up on these things and you will soon see if the salesman knows what he is talking about. Buying a rod and reel combo is like buying a new car; if that car is not what you want you will not buy it; doesn’t matter what everyone else say. At the end of the day you will be driving it, not them.

Spinning reel Spinning reels, (also called coffee grinders) must be the most favourite reels when it comes to new anglers.

They are considered the easiest reels to use although the close face reels are easier to use but they are not popular in South Africa.

The spinning outfit is especially popular with those that like to take small children fishing. The spinning reel will hang below the rod and all you have to do will be to flip the bail arm open while holding onto the line.

Cast and engage the bail to reel in the line.

Bait casting reel Bait casting reels are commonly used among bass anglers although they are more difficult to use. Even the top anglers still get over winds but once you’ve got the hang of it, you will be making very accurate casts and use it for various fishing techniques.

The cast is controlled by tension settings on the reel and your thumb on

the spinning spool. It’s about knowing how much pressure to apply and when to stop the spool. It’s important to know how to do the settings on these reels. Ask the shop assistant to show you how to adjust the settings, or visit YouTube. The best way to master a bait caster is to use it.

Line Line choice will depend on the type of combo you’ve selected. For spinning reels use between 8 and 10lb line and for casting combos not lighter than 12lb. (The different types of line and when to use what, were discussed on page 8 in our December issue – Ed.) What is great about bass fishing tackle is that most of the bass tackle items are rated with specifications and most rods will inform the user about the rod’s action, line sizes and lure weights to be used with that specific rod.

Hooks Almost everybody has his own opinion about hooks but the most important thing; hooks must be sharp and strong. Just because the hook is new doesn’t mean it is sharp. Also don’t expect a cheap hook to be sharp. Even the higher quality hooks will get dull quickly especially when they get hang up or fished across hard bottoms. I prefer hooks that have been chemically sharpened. They are manufactured form higher grade steel and are treated different than cheaper hooks.

The most popular hook in the country must be EGW (extra wide gab) size 3. They fit most plastic baits and have a Z-bend that keeps the plastic lure in position. Popular brands are Gamakatsu, Owner, Eagle Claw, Daiichi, Mustad and Lazer.

Knots Many angles will only use one or two knots but they will all tell you the same story “Your fishing line is only as strong as the knot you used”. Over time all knots start to weaken in some degree. The ability to tie a correct knot will save you from losing lures, bait as well as a fish. Some popular knots that have been proven to work overtime include the Palomar knot, improved clinch knot, Trilene knot, Uni-slip SA BASS 57 March 2017

different looking lures but also a range of different colours. Bait companies are in the business of selling tackle and why they are always introducing new and improved lures to the market.

We all have a favourite colour lure that worked for us in the past but as soon as we get our hands on a new lure / colour and it produces then suddenly we have new secret bait.

My theory is; keep it as natural as possible. Select a dark colour or two, as well as light colours and two colours with some flash in them. You will also need different size lures for when conditions change. knot, Snell knot and Rapala Loop knot. You will gain confidence as you practice to make them.

Fishing weights There are many types of fishing weights (sinkers) available and are made from lead, steel, tungsten and brass. Lead is the cheapest and the softest (dull sound) where tungsten is the most expensive and the hardest (very loud sound).

There are two ways, Mojo rubbers or gummy stops, to peg the weights to your line. It will all depended on what rig you are using. If you are not serious about bass fishing then I suggest you buy lead weights. They are one third of the price of the tungsten weights.

Get two or three different sizes. The heavier weight will help you to get better distance and you will feel the weight easier on the bottom. One of the most importer things about bass fishing is to feel the difference in the hardness of the bottom and to know where your lure is.

Rigs Almost every year there are new techniques developed and many of these techniques use difference rods.

Here are the most common rigs used:

Mojo rig Mojo sinkers are long cylindrical weights and the rig is a finesse version of the Carolina rig. Because of the weight’s shape it will slide easily through most structures like weeds, rocks and brush. Mojo rigs are fished 58 SA BASS March 2017

on a long cast and worked slowly back to the angler. The weight is pegged about 30cm from the hook using Mojo rubbers strands or gummy stops.

Increase the distance between the hook and weight when fishing in clean water and closer when the water visibility is less. It is not a written rule, but it works for me. Most soft plastic baits can be used on this rig.

Weightless rig With this rig you don’t use any weights. It must be one of the most popular rigs ever and it works great when using “Senko” baits. Although it takes longer to reach the bottom the lure has a much more natural action in the water.

Split-shot rig This rig works extremely well with a spinning rig, thin line and small grub baits. Add a split-shot weight on the line 30 to 40cm away from the hook. Make a long cast to the target area and let the bait fall to bottom.

Then on a steady slow retrieve keep contact with the bottom. Baits with tails like grubs or small paddle tails work great on this technique. Fish it close to grass lines and rocky areas.

Lures All anglers get carried away when it comes to buying lures. Everybody is searching for that one “magic” lure that will work in any condition.

There is not only a wide variety of

Soft plastic lures Senko baits are deadly on a long cast next to structures or deep drop offs. They have a high ratio of salt in them that’s give them the needed weight to cast it weightless. When it is windy you can add a pencil weight.

Patience is the key word when fishing this type of bait. Let the bait decent all the way to the bottom and let it lay still for a few seconds them move the bait and repeat the produces all over. The bait will have a tap or spongy feeling when you pull it through grass. You will find that you have much less line twist with this type of bait. Some anglers will add a two way swivel to prevent line twist.

Hard baits There are countless types of hard baits available on the market. If you are fishing from the shore then I will recommend you start with natural coloured shallow crank baits that do not run more than four feet. Fish these baits with a slow stop and go retrieve close to any structure.

The best time to fish top water lures is during early morning or late afternoon.

These were some basic guidelines but before you go on a shopping extravaganza, get someone to give you some advice and start the correct way. *Bennie Wiese is the editor of SA Bass magazine and an experienced provincial bass angler.

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Bookings are essential!

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

Please call Wilma on 087 808 5406 or 083 306 2718 to book your spot. For more information visit www.sabass.com or e-mail wilma@sabass.com

>> SA BASS LIFESTYLE

Common Whimbrel

B

eing married to Rudi has many advantages!

Especially in the sense of being a birder that is married to a fisherman, it definitely has its perks.

You get to see water birds from the water and not having to always use a scope or some serious binoculars from the shore. However, I must also point out that sometimes there can be an argument or two on the water, but these arguments usually include, ‘where we are going next?’, ‘wait, don’t go yet’ or Rudi’s personal favourite when I say, ‘Stop! Go back…’ In reality, you cannot stop and go back on a boat, Rudi has said this to me so many times, but I just don’t see his point. So then the convincing starts. Rudi has to turn the boat around and go back past the spot where I saw a bird to get a photo and that leads to some serious tension on the boat. Who wins, you ask? Me of course…

I always win. Okay, I don’t always win, but I choose to believe that I do.

I must also point out that with Rudi’s love for bass fishing and want and need to be on the water every chance he can get, really makes birding a great hobby to have.

We decided in December that we needed to do something a little different and said that we were going to go on holiday at the coast and visit my mom in East London 60 SA BASS March 2017

>> Jo Dreyer aass I mentioned in my previous article. All was fi fine and well, accommodation was booked aand we were ready to go but then Rudi started aasking, ‘what am I going to do while you natter aaway with your mom?’ The answer was simple, ‘‘Wriggleswade is around the corner, so take yyour boat.’ Did Rudi need convincing? No. So we took the boat down and that was it. I truly love that part of our relationship; we allow both our passions to suite the other, so much so, that we can enjoy what we do together, even with a few arguments here and there.

I believe it is critical to allow each other to enjoy what you love to do which is imperative to a relationship. If your partner loves fishing, then make it work in your favour! Of course, not everyone has a pastime or hobby that will suite what a fisherman does, but there w you can do while hubby or wife are out are many ar are many ma ny tthings hii h pulling lines. lllli li iin tight i Whilst at the coast, I found a Common Whimbrel at the water’s edge of a lagoon. What stood out about this bird was that he had a peculiar partner, a Little Egret.

Usually when you see two different species of wader next to each other, you automatically assume that they just happen to be next to each other and they are just feeding off the same shore and eating the same food. This was what I thought, until after going to the same beach for a week, I noticed that these two birds, without fail, never left each other’s side. When either one flew away, the other shortly followed. The whole week these two walked together, flew after each other and stayed in close proximity of each other.

It was bizarre. Although both birds are communal birds, it wasn’t strange that they’d seek other company, but a totally different species was quite odd. What I did notice, was that the egret would walk, scan and dart for fish and then the whimbrel would then poke at the soil under the water where the egret was and vice versa.

It could just be that they found a way to hunt for food without needing great effort as the other made it simple, which goes to show that no matter how different you are, you can find a way to be together and share each other’s company.

The Common Whimbrel is a large, grey-brown wader with a long, strongly decurved bill. It is quite camouflaged and this works to its advantage as it blends in with its surroundings. The feathers are mottled with white and it has a short black strip across the head. The belly comes across as white, especially in flight. The beak is black on top and at the length of the tip, but has a red strip on the lower mandible extending to the middle of the beak. The legs and feet are a pale grey-brown colour. The eye is black with a white outline. In flight the unmistakable white patch at the rump is easily seen which could be confused with a Marsh Sandpiper, but the bill is the dead giveaway. This whimbrel is a common Palaearctic migrant at coastal wetlands, and, to a lesser extent, found at open shores and has been spotted, on occasion, inland at dams and often in pastures. Its diet consists of crustaceans, worms, molluscs and occasionally small fish which could explain why it buddied up with the egret. It feeds by probing and picking. The nest is a bare scrape in the ground where 3to 5 eggs are laid. Both adults tend to the eggs and young and are very defensive of nesting areas and chicks, and will even attack humans or prey that come too close.

This whimbrel has proven that it is great to have company in what you do and you can benefit from your partner, no matter how different you are.

Happy Birding

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SA BASS 61 March 2017

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS The size of each classified advertisement block is 44mm (w) x 40mm (h). Advertisers can book one or more blocks per issue. The cost is R271.00 VAT excluded, per block, per issue and is payable strictly upfront.

Advanced payment can be made into our BB Print bank account at ABSA, account number 404 881 8651, branch code: 334 645 before the 25th of each month to appear two months later.

Proof of payment plus a contact number must be faxed to 086 234 5026 or e-mailed to advertise@sabass.com

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62 SA BASS March 2017

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RULES: The prizes may not be exchanged for money The closing date for entries is 17 March 2017 To enter simply e-mail your answer to: competitions@sabass.com The first correct entry drawn on the closing date will be the winner The prize may differ from the picture shown By entering this competition you agree to all rules and accept that the decision of the publisher is final and that no correspondence thereto will be entertained This competition is open to all readers of SA BASS except employees of SA BASS, BB Print and Brentoni Eyewear and their immediate families.

>> SA BASS CLASSROOM

Watching the Birds W

e all have fished somewhere and have noticed the birds out fishing us why, because they are the most natural fisherman around. They don’t have any opinions to out and stop at the local takeaways to pick something up to eat; if they don’t catch it they will stay hungry. If you are fishing an area and don’t see any birds the chances are there are not really bass around. Bass will in most conditions follow the bait fish and birds will follow, they are expert in finding food. Yes, not all the birds are following the sizes and type of fish we are targeting. Some birds will feed on the grass and insects; they will find grass where you want to fish. These types of activities can and will attract bigger bass. I am no bird expert; however I have seen four different types of birds that have been active with different behaviours on the dams.

Grass eaters As soon as the water level is high enough the oxygenweeds will start to grow. This will lead to different types of insects that will be present. Coots will start to appear over these weed patches. They will dive in and out of these weed patches looking for in insects and new grass to feed on. I don’t look for just one bird on its own, I look for a flock of birds in areas, because there will be bigger patches of oxygen weed under them. This type of weed makes excellent cover for bass and can be very productive. If I am looking for these types of weed cover I will dive all over the dam looking for it by searching for the birds.

Sky divers - gulls and kingfishers On fishing venues close to the cost like Clanwilliam seagulls are probably the most obvious helpers for finding fish. These birds will dive from the sky to the water to catch baitfish on the surface. Bass will for instance chase the baitfish to the surface from below to feed on the school.

Finding the seagulls is easy you will see them from a distance if they start to dive you will find the bass in that same area. Seagulls are especially helpful in finding small 64 SA BASS March 2017

>> Bennie Wiese* mouth and spotted bass. They can be useful for finding black bass, but they can also work against you. Sometimes the seagulls can be working an area that is overpopulated by baitfish. If there is too many baitfish on the top of the water it will not always work in your favour. If the bass gets in that feeding frenzy they will be in the same surrounding area in which the birds are working. The kingfisher is more common in the rest of the country and they will help you find the baitfish, especially when the fishing is tough.

Underwater divers – darters and cormorants I believe there is no love between these birds and anglers, or fish farmers they have been known to destroy ponds with fish in them in a short time. They need to feed a lot more than other birds, up to their own body weight per day. If you see them working an area you can be sure that there will be plenty of baits fish around. They spend a lot of energy diving under the water looking for food.

They waste energy while doing so and so they have to feed more frequently. Baitfish is usually suspended where you find these underwater divers. Use your graph to find how deep the baitfish is. Look for those bigger fish around the baitfish. Even if you don’t find them actively feeding fish around these birds, bass will likely be in that area when they are getting ready to feed.

Stalkers - herons and cranes These birds have helped me a few times finding bass feeding in the same area as they do. Maybe it’s because of the way they move through the water. Herons and cranes stalk their prey by waiting for the fish to come to them.

You can expect to find fish where you find these birds. They will always be hunting on the windy side of the shoreline as they will wait for the baitfish that follows the plankton that gets pushed by the wind. Bass will follow not far behind the baits fish. *Bennie Wiese is the editor of SA Bass magazine and an experienced provincial bass angler.

Photo by Patterson Leeth

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