SA BASS May-19

May 2019

Issue 217

Seasonal Change

Bass starts to group up in anticipation of optimal feeding conditions

RSA: R39.34 (VAT incl.)

Other Countries: R34.21 (Tax excl.)

The Keitech

FLW pro, Casey Smith, reveals his system for maximizing success with the Swing Impact FAT

18

YE AR S

Adjusting to seasonal change | Bright coloured lures | The strategy of wading | Conservation concern | Bassin’ Reels Spinnerbaits versus Chatterbaits | Adding electronics to kayaks | Farm dam strategies | Photography 101 Basics for beginners | Tolderia Resort | Industry news | Tournament reports and more...

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Contents

SA BASS Magazine

is published monthly (12 issues per annum)

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

Office Hours:

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

Contact Numbers:

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

Postal Address:

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

Editor:

Hannes Lindeque - hannes@sabass.com

Assistant Editor:

Philip Kemp - editor@sabass.com

Sub-editor:

John Badenhorst

Senior Writers:

Roger Donaldson, Jay Röhm-Williams, Gordon Brown

Contributors:

Divan Coetzee, Ivan Sonnekus, Gary Peter

International Columnists:

Bertrand Ngim, Clint Skinner, David Swendseid, Curtis Niedermier, TJ Maglio, Matt Williams, Tyler Brinks, Joe Balog, Anthony Hawkswell

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

REGULARS & FORUMS 08

FLW “The Keitech” The Keitech Swing impact FAT is now a known entity; a staple on the pro trails because it works. There are also a lot of options available to anglers.

When you combine all the sizes and colours, you have a collection of swimbaits to cover just about any scenario.

– Curtis Niedermier

14

FLW

“Adding electronics to kayaks” If you are interested in adding a fish finder to your kayak, here are a few things to consider.

– Matt Ball

About SA BASS magazine:

SA BASS, which is editorially and financially independent, is a monthly magazine catering exclusively for the bass angling community in Southern Africa.

SA BASS is distributed country-wide

by RNA to outlets, not only in South Africa, but also in Namibia, Swaziland and Botswana.

SA BASS is designed as a specialist bass fishing publication and has catered for a well-defined niche market since April 2001. It enjoys the support and endorsement of non-government organisations, but is not affiliated in any way to these bodies or to any other publishing, environmental or political interest group.

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

Within this editorial mix, due consideration is given to developing the 02 SA BASS May 2019

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

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

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

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

16

BASICS “Photography 101” Becoming a photographer is kind of like the sport of bass fishing, there are some pretty solid guidelines to work from, but ultimately you need to grow… – Ivan Sonnekus

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.

20

22

SA BASS “Brighten up your day” You need to know when, how and where to use those bright coloured lures lying unused in your tackle box – Roger Donaldson

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

KLASKAMER “Die swaailem versus die kletsaas” Ons begin hierdie reeks artikels deur ‘n swaailem met ‘n kletsaas te vergelyk deur die voor- en nadele van elke aas te bespreek.

– Philip Kemp

04

MY CAST

06

READERS-go-BASSING

40

Basics for beginners

SA BASS “Adjusting to seasonal change” With summer gone, water temperatures falling and daylight hours getting shorter, fish will start to group up in anticipation of optimal feeding conditions.

– Divan Coetzee

24

26

28

30

TOURNAMENT NEWS

STRATEGIES “Close bass combat – Part 2: Preparing for battle” To obtain the best out of any bass wading venture one must be prepared for close bass combat! We take a better look at some of the wading kit and gear one might consider to include in your wading arsenal – Jay Röhm-Williams

36 41

>> Cast-for-Cash report >> Small craft tournament results INDUSTRY NEWS

42

>> Irwin & Alexandra Jacob’s deaths

46

>> International angling news

BASICS “Katrolle” Ons bespreek die drie groepe katrolle wat swartbaarhengelaars gewoonlik gebruik naamlik die lae profiel “bait caster”, die “koffiemeul” en toegesigkatrol – Hannes Lindeque

34

DESTINATION

SA BASS

48

>> Tolderia Resort

“Secrets - Part 10: Alternate lure to see what’s working” Alternating between bait types, colours and sizes sometimes three, or four times in every spot. You may just be pleasantly surprised.

STRATEGIES “Farm dam strategies – Part 3” In this issue we entertain a few scenarios that will help you decide how to select three rods to really take full advantage of your fishing opportunity – Roger Donaldson

44

CONSERVATION “Homo horrendous” Appeal to fishermen to act more responsibly.

– Hugh Chittenden

ON THE COVER “Jahnrich Venter, Bronkhorstspruit Dam bass, 3.060kg” Image: Hannes Lindeque

SA BASS 03 May 2019

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Baie mense het die afgelope tyd in groot afwagting gesit om te sien watter kant toe die bal na die nasionale verkiesing gaan spring. Ander het weer geen erg daarin nie en leef rustig voort. Wat ook al die uitkoms gaan wees, dit gaan ons almal raak in die vorm van wisselkoerse wat uiteindelik die aankoopprys van onder andere hengelgerei en die petrolprys bepaal. Dis belangrik dat ons as hengelaars wegbreek na waters waar daar rus is, om ons innerlike krag op te bou en die toekoms met nuwe moed weer aan te pak.

Die foto-bydrae van Hugh Chittenden op bladsy 44 is ontstellend en hierdie keer kan ons nie die vingers na “ander” mense wys nie. Nie dat ek sê dit is ons as swartbaarhengelaars wat skuldig is nie, maar wel dat ons elkeen ‘n verantwoordelikheid het om toe te sien dat onsself, ons hengelmaats, ons kinders en ander hengelaars om ons nie vislyn laat rondlê nie. Mens sou dink dat om netjies te wees op jou omgewing is basiese kennis, maar blykbaar is dit eerder ‘n opvoedingstaak waarby ons almal betrokke kan raak. Voeg daarby die staat se totale mislukking om ons waterbronne skoon te hou, te beskerm en wat nog van te ontwikkel! Waar gaan alles eindig as ons nie elkeen self betrokke raak en maar net ‘n papiertjie, stukkie vislyn of stuk kunsaas optel nie?

Op ‘n tragiese noot; ons by SA BASS en FLW Suid-Afrika betoon ons innige simpatie met die familie en vriende van Irwin and Alexandra Jacobs na hul skielike en ontydige afsterwe. Irwin was die stigter van FLW soos ons dit vandag ken en was vir lank voorsitter gewees. Meer daarvan op blaysdye 42 en 46.

Die res van die tydskrif is propvol handige wenke en artikels; veral Curtis Niedermier se artikel oor “The Keitech” (bl.8), Philip Kemp se nuwe reeks wat hy begin met die vergelyking van ‘n swaailem met ‘n kletsaas (bl.28) en Roger Donaldson se gereelde insiggewende bydraes.

Indien enige hengelaar al ooit gewonder het of mens werklik hemel op aarde kan kry, dan moet julle beslis meer lees oor Tolderia op bladsy 48. Maar waar jy ook al besluit om ‘n lyntjie nat te maak, onthou jou kamera en stuur asseblief fotos vir publikasie in ons Readers-go-Bassing afdeling.

Intussen, laat julle lyne sing.

Hannes Lindeque, Uitgewer

04 SA BASS May 2019

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READERS

GO BASSING

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

RUK-EN-PLUK ‘n Goeie vriend van my, Johan Smit, het hierdie mooi Roodekopjes-swartbaar op ‘n Berkley Cutter ruk-en-pluk kunsaas vasgetrek. Hy en sy bootmaat, Anton Bouwer, is twee hengelaars wat gereeld presteer in die Cast-for-Cash kompetisies – Philip Kemp

BEKAF Douvoordag die oggend van 28 April 2019 het ek, my pa en boetie vertrek na Thabo se dam om karp te gaan hengel. Toegerus met karpvisstokke (pa het skelm ‘n bassstok ingepak) het ons op aanbeveling van mnr. Pillip Kemp, my krieketafrigter, vol hoop gaan karphengel. Pa het met ‘n Black Fury Spinner (nommer drie) in die vlakwater, tussen die riete, gespin vir bass.

Met sy vierde gooi het Pa ‘n mooi swartbaar van 1,2kg gevang. Na ‘n vinnige geveg het Pa die vis geland. Ek en boetie was baie jaloers want die karp het nie gebyt nie, maar verseker sal ons weer ‘n draai maak by Thabo se dam; dié keer om bass te vang! – Dian van Zyl

LLC My wife and I spent the long weekend, 21-24 March 2019, at Little Long Creek near Vrede.

I caught some nice bass and lots of this size on flukes and Senko’s.

Thank you for an awesome magazine – Curt Dussé 06 SA BASS May 2019

FLOT Ons het nie verwag om iets te vang nie want dit was ‘n koue en winderige dag in Februarie. Skielik trek my vriend, Carel Cilliers, ‘n 2.5kg knewel uittrek. Ek klim toe op ‘n flot en vang later hierdie mooi vis. Dankie vir al die riglyne in die tydskrif – Xander Odendaal

PRET Ek hou baie van swartbaarhengel en my vriende deel my passie. Ek het hierdie vis in ‘n plaasdam naby Vrede gevang.

– Xander Odendaal

REKORD Hierdie mooi swartbaar is deur my vriend, Handré Kritzinger, gevang by Driekoppen Game Lodge naby Vrede.

Die vis het 4.98kg geweeg en is ‘n nuwe plaasrekord. Die vorige damrekord was 2.98kg. Handré het die vis met ‘n goue Super Fluke gevang. “Almal het gedink daar is nie meer groot vis in die dam nie, totdat ek dié een uitgehaal het.” het Handré spoggerig gesê – Xander Odendaal

SA BASS 07 May 2019

PHOTO BY MATT PACE

08 SA BASS May 2019

PHOTO BY JODY WHITE

FLW pro Casey Smith has won with the Keitech from the Midwest to the Potomac River, and he’s used it from Champlain to Florida.

THE KEITECH FLW PRO CASEY SMITH REVEALS HIS SYSTEM FOR MAXIMIZING SUCCESS WITH THE SWING IMPACT FAT

T

he Keitech Swing Impact FAT joined the list of pro fishing’s go-to lure choices pretty quietly. Even though it’s won hundreds of thousands of dollars in the last few seasons, there was no sudden explosion onto the pro tours.

Probably, that’s because the overall swimbait category isn’t new. There was no race to snatch it up like there was with ChatterBaits and magnum casting spoons, which were entirely new classes of lures when they busted onto the scene. There was no monumental win or AOY title, like with the Basstrix. Heck, there was no American pro willing to talk about it, even though we saw glimpses of Keitechs in tournament TV shows and live streams. It was supposedly a secret, even though its popularity was growning.

By Curtis Niedermier

Also, for some time, a Keitech was viewed as just what you use to bait up an umbrella rig. That’s all changed.

Savvy bass catchers realized that what works in a cluster on a rig also works really well alone on a jighead. And as a trailer. And on a weedless rig. And on a football head. And several other ways.

The Swing Impact FAT is now a known entity; a staple on the pro trails because it works. There are also a lot of options available to anglers. When you combine all the sizes and colors, you have a collection of swimbaits to cover just about any scenario.

If you fish for money, or you just like to catch bass, you need to learn the ins and outs of the Swing Impact FAT. SA BASS 09 May 2019

PHOTO BY ROB MATSUURA

ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS The Swing Impact FAT is a solid swimbait made of very soft, pliable plastic that thins out in the rear where the flat paddle tail connects.

Ribs line the sides, and hook-alignment slots in the back and belly help with rigging.

A Classification The Keitech has a middle-of-theroad action. It’s a different style of action than, say, a hollow-body swimbait.

“If you use a hollow-body swimbait the whole body shimmies side to side, almost like a lipless crankbait,” says FLW pro Casey Smith. “With a Keitech bait, the main body of the bait stays still. It’s just the tail that’s wagging. There are different tail wags between the FAT Swing and the regular Swing and even the Easy Shiner.”

10 SA BASS May 2019

Forgiveness And Versatility The Keitech is known for being very forgiving, meaning your hook can be a tad off and it’ll still swim without rolling. It can also be rigged many ways, freeing you up to carry fewer swimbaits to accommodate more terminal tackle and presentations.

A Slow (or Fast) Starter According to Smith, the Swing Impact FAT starts swimming instantly while sinking or as soon as you start the retrieve. It kicks at slow speeds and doesn’t blow out when burning.

Smith’s Suggested Uses Because of the bulbous body of the Swing Impact FAT, its action is concentrated back toward the tail. It’s a versatile bait that Smith uses a variety of ways.

1

1. On a jighead Throw it on anything from a 1/16ounce ball-head jig with a light-wire hook to a beefy 1-ounce or heavier head with a gaff in it.

2

2. On a weighted belly hook Smith won at the Potomac River in 2016 by throwing a 4.8-inch Keitech Swing Impact FAT rigged on a 6/0 wide-gap screw-lock swimbait hook with a 1/4-ounce belly weight. His winning technique was winding it as slowly as possible until it hung in the grass, then knocking it out using a half-turn of the reel handle and a short rod-tip pop. The rig works around docks, wood, grass, brush or any other shallow cover.

3

3. On a belly hook with blade In Florida lakes with tannic water or just about anywhere with shallow stained water, Smith uses a swimbait hook with a belly blade to increase flash. This is the same hook Buddy Gross used with a Scottsboro Tackle Co. Swimbait to win at Lake Toho in February.

“In the past guys used a hollow body because it has that little bit of vibration,” Smith says. “I’m using the FAT Swing Impact but with a blade on it to have that extra attracting quality.”

4. On a buzzbait Ditch the skirt and swap in a swimbait for a cool topwater presentation.

4

5

5. On a football head Smith is big on this cold-water finesse technique. He rigs a 2.8 on a 1/4ounce tungsten Keitech Super Football Head (he cuts off the weedguard) and crawls it along bottom or swims it just off the bottom. It works especially well when smallmouths are bunched up in deep water late in the year.

6

6. On a drop-shot Nose-hooking a 2.8 on a drop-shot is getting “sneaky popular” in Smith’s region. Drop it, swim it, drag it in current or use it to bed-fish smallmouths.

They’ll eat it on the first drop.

SA BASS 11 May 2019

PHOTO BY KYLE WOOD

Dialing In The greatest range of applications within the Keitech family lies in fishing the Swing Impact FAT on an open jighead. It’s a seemingly simple technique with a lot of nuance in its mastery.

The Single Swimmer Presentation The first thing Smith does when he picks up a Swing Impact FAT on a jighead is sink it in the lake and count how long it takes to hit bottom. The sink rate becomes his reference point for every subsequent cast, whether fishing on bottom or suspended off it.

“If I’m in 10 feet and it takes eight seconds to get down there, and I’m going to fish in 20 feet during the day, I’ll adjust my count accordingly,” he says. “Every cast is counted down every time.”

The next step is controlling the bait’s rise during the retrieve. Smith says the bait could come up as much as a few feet, depending on several factors, so when he’s winding Smith pauses his retrieve about one-third of the way back and again two-thirds of the way back to let the bait 12 SA BASS May 2019

sink (the sudden change also triggers bites) back into the target zone.

How long he has to let it pause is heavily influenced by tackle.

“You have to be careful of your line and weight, almost like a crankbait,” Smith says. “If you’re trying to reach 20 feet and throwing a 6XD, it makes a big difference if you have 12-pound line or 17-pound line.

“It’s the same thing with a swimbait. Experience and testing will let you know how far off the bottom that bait is getting, how much rise it has with bigger line size and stuff like that.”

The jig’s line-tie angle is important too, which is why Smith is adamant that his jigheads be made with a 90degree eye and not a 60-degree eye. A 90-degree eye keeps the bait level as it swims, which cuts down on the rise.

“I swear you can use the same weight in a 90-degree and 60-degree, and you’ll notice an extra second that it has to fall or maybe a foot more that it has to sink [during the pauses in the retrieve] when using a 60-degree,” Smith explains.

FAT Combos Smith relies on a couple standard Swing Impact FAT-jighead combos that would make good starting points for anyone new to the swimbait.

He throws a 2.8 FAT on a 3/16- or 1/4-ounce ball-head jig that he pours around a 3/0 Gamakatsu 604 hook. That combo is fished with a 7-foot or 7-2, medium-heavy spinning rod with enough backbone to launch a long cast. He pairs 15-pound-test Seaguar braid with 6- or 8-pound-test Seaguar fluorocarbon leader.

“I’ll use that same setup to fish a 1/2-ounce football head when I’m dragging it on Erie,” Smith adds.

The next step up is his favorite “all-around, all-year” setup: a 3.8 FAT with a 1/4- to 1/2-ounce ball-head jig poured on a 4/0 Gamakatsu 604 hook. He usually throws it on a 6.3:1 baitcaster with a 7-3 or 7-6, medium-heavy rod and 12-pound-test fluorocarbon.

“I’ll use 15 if needed, but I usually try to get down to 12 if structure and hangups will let me get away with it,” Smith adds. “I have that 3.8 on all the time, but it’s generally for a smallmouth lake. As soon as I get to a largemouth lake, I’ll consider going to the 4.8 or 5.8. That’s bait dependent. I’m not going to throw the 5.8 in a lake with a bunch of little tiny minnows.”

SWING IMPACT 4”

EASY SHINER 4”

Finesse With Footballs Rigging a small Keitech on a football head has big potential. Smith’s primary tactic is to slowly wind it along bottom on deep structure in winter when smallmouths are grouped together.

For that scenario, he likes the Keitech Super Football Head, which is a compact tungsten jig with a short hook that matches up well with a 2.8-inch Swing Impact FAT. “I’ll even drop it straight down like on a Damiki rig. It’s the same thing,” he says. “That’s one of the best parts of that 2.8 on a jighead is you can throw it out and wind it, and if you see one straight down you can reel it in and drop it straight down and fish it either on the bottom or off bottom. It’s two baits in one.

“You can even use it where you’d use a hair jig or Ned rig, where there are shallow, spooky fish,” Smith adds.

“You can cast it or even slow-hop it, almost drifting or floating it along like you would a marabou jig.”

If you want to use a bigger hook on a heavier jighead, you’ll need to step up the swimbait size, otherwise the longer hook would hinder the bait’s action. In that case, you’re migrating away from finesse and would need to adjust tackle, too.

Sling It There are many great swimbaits to choose from, and some outshine the Keitech in specific situations. You should definitely have a variety in the boat. Still, if you want a versatile swimbait that will catch bass just about anywhere, test out Smith’s advice and fill a couple Planos with his favorite swimbaits.

THE OTHER KEITECHS The Keitech family of swimbaits also includes the regular Swing Impact and the Easy Shiner.

The Swing Impact is similar to the Swing Impact FAT, with a ribbed body, but it has a narrower, more worm-like profile. It has what Smith calls a “full-body action,” meaning the tail wag extends farther up the body than what’s exhibited by the FAT model.

He likes the Swing Impact on the outside wires of an umbrella rig because the thin body doesn’t cause as much drag. It’s also a great trailer.

“I’ve noticed a lot of guys using the Swing Impact FAT on ChatterBaits and swim jigs, and to me that bigger body impedes the action of the bait,” he says. “Whereas with the Swing Impact, the ChatterBait gives the trailer action, and that’s what you want.”

The Easy Shiner’s action is mostly in the tail, so it’s very subtle. Smith uses the 3- and 4-inch versions as finesse baits very early and late in the year when the water temperature is 45 degrees or less. It’s also a subtle trailer that Smith occasionally uses in cold water. ■

SA BASS 13 May 2019

FISHING

KAYAK FISHING

ADDING ELECTRONICS TO KAYAKS

TIPS AND ADVICE FOR BRINGING FISH-FINDING CAPABILITY TO A SMALL CRAFT

By Matt Ball PHOTO BY CHRIS FUNK

YakAttack, RAM Mounts and RAILBLAZA all offer mounting brackets for most popular fish-finder units on the market.

YakAttack also makes an all-in-one unit called the CellBlok that might be just the ticket for some kayak anglers. It mounts on a gear track and provides a location to install a sonar unit and transducer arm, plus it holds a battery and all the cables in one removable package.

Transducer Mounting

T

echnology such as GPS mapping and sonar are being utilized on more kayaks to bolster offshore capabilities.

As a result, it’s not uncommon to see bass boats and kayaks finding and fishing the same open-water ledges, weedbeds, and other cover and structure.

If you’re interested in adding a fish finder to your kayak, here are a few things to consider.

Types of Electronics The types of electronics units an angler can run on a kayak are really limitless, but space, method of propulsion and mounting options must be considered when deciding what is best for you.

StructureScan is becoming more and more popular with kayak anglers due to the increased use of pedal drives and electric motors. It can still be used while paddling, but it’s not nearly as convenient because side-scanning sonar requires a minimum speed and consistent propulsion to get an effective reading.

Screen size and available real estate in your kayak are other considerations. There needs to be enough room to paddle or pedal without the screen interfering, but the screen needs to be large enough to return good images.

Mounting Options Accessory-mounting tracks (known as gear tracks) built into kayaks are more popular than ever and make it easy to mount a fish finder. If your kayak doesn’t come with tracks, you should probably consider installing them. They’re very handy, though there are other electronics-mounting options available, too.

There are many mounts on the market that are compatible with the most common track systems, allowing expensive electronics to be repositioned or easily removed for transport, security or just getting them out of the way when not needed.

14 SA BASS May 2019

There are inherent challenges to effectively mounting a transducer on a kayak. For a removable option, the YakAttack SwitchBlade is a good choice. It has an articulated arm that deploys over the side of the kayak, making it possible to mount any size transducer to any kayak with a gear track. This is a great option for anglers wanting to run StructureScan as well as for anglers who might not want to permanently mount a transducer and run wires on their kayak.

Many kayak manufacturers, including Jackson Kayak, now mold a recess for a transducer into the hull of the kayak.

Others, such as Bonafide, Wilderness Systems and Feelfree, offer removable pods for mounting the entire unit. You could also mount the transducer inside the kayak and shoot through the hull, but this setup doesn’t allow for StructureScan, and it skews temperature readings significantly.

Battery There are a lot of battery options for kayak anglers.

Lithium batteries save weight and offer higher performance than lead acid batteries, but they cost much more. I still believe the tradeoff is worth it.

You need to size your battery for your specific electronics unit. How long you plan to be on the water before recharging will dictate the amp hour (AH) requirements for the battery.

By checking your fish finder’s draw you can do a simple calculation to determine how big your battery needs to be. The larger units will require more capable batteries for all-day use. If you have questions, you’ll want to consult with the electronics and/or battery manufacturer.

As an example, I run a Lowrance Elite-9 Ti on my kayak. It’s listed to draw about 0.9 amps per hour. I paired it with a NOCQUA 10AH lithium battery and can safely get eight hours of operation with the screen brightness up and a lot of StructureScan use.

Dakota Lithium Battery is another good source for power.

It makes a nice waterproof battery box for the kayak that incorporates features such as USB charging ports for your cellphone and cameras.

All in all, adding a fish finder to your kayak is a good investment that can dramatically increase your success on open water. ■ Matt Ball is the 2016 Kayak Bass Fishing National Champion and one of the top-ranked kayak anglers in the country. He spends the year traveling the tournament trail and serving as an ambassador to the sport.

Martin Bester

Bring the family and enjoy South Africa’s most exciting championship all the while seeing what Southern Sun’s The Ridge Hotel has to offer: 4 star accommodation, restaurants, conference facilities, cinema theaters, ten pin bowling, video arcade, casino and rewards programme.

“Simply The Best” Plan on it!

Day 3’s final weigh-in will be a knock out with live entertainment by famous radio presenter, Martin Bester and Eunice Kemp followed by prize giving.

Championship August 29 - 31, 2019 The Ridge Casino, Witbank, MP www.flwsouthafrica.net

SA BASS 15 May 2019

>> SA BASS BASICS

“the “3 amigos” of photography; ISO settings, shutter speed and aperture”

PHOTOGRAPHY >> Ivan Sonnekus*

101

At first when I got the call about making this article a reality, I was overwhelmed with joy for a brief amount of time until it struck me – what do I need to write about and how do I get all that important information over to readers. I feel being or becoming a photographer is kind of like the sport of bass fishing, there are some pretty solid guidelines to work from, but ultimately you need to grow yourself into your own style of photography, you need to find your own special trick and figure out what aspect or genre of photography you like most and focus on that. With all that said, here’s some information about photography and some oof my tips and tricks.

16 SA BASS May 2019

F

irstly, you need to understand the main principle of photography, no matter if you are using the worlds most expensive camera or the camera on the back of your smartphone. Light is your best friend and the absence thereof will affect the quality of your image – unless you want to break your bank and buy a flagship model camera and lens setting one back north of a R100,000.

Once you understand that light ultimately creates what you see within your camera, the next step is to understand the “3 amigos” of photography about how your camera captures an image. Now I am only going to explain this in the most basic format and if you need more information about it please feel free to contact me and/or go have a read on my website (Photography tip #2) Your camera uses three main functions to capture your images namely – shutter speed, ISO settings and aperture, or also known as F-stop. These three functions work hand in hand and especially when you leave the comfort zone of auto photography you always need to think about these settings as the one will have an influence on the next. I will urge everyone to venture down the path of manual photography as it will increase your photo quality dramatically.

ISO Settings

Aperture

Some F-stop guides:

This is the sensitivity your camera sensor has to light; higher number means more sensitive but also will reduce the quality of your image (you will start to see grain on your photo).

Aperture is related to the elements within your lens, it sets the amount of light passing through your lens and into your camera upon the sensor. Also, one needs to remember that adjusting this setting will change your depth of field as well. Key points to remember for aperture is that a lower number allows for more light to pass through your lens, but will also give you a shallow depth of field thus you will most likely have a blurred foreground and background around your subject. Higher number of F-stop means your lens elements are closed quite a bit thus allowing less light to pass through but along with that you will have a very allround focussed image with little to no background blur.

F1.8 to F2.8 → these are for when you photograph people or for product photography as well as macro shots. (usually only special lenses)

ISO 100 to 400 I would recommend for day time shooting up to early afternoon.

ISO 400 to 800 for those late afternoons into the early evening ISO 800 to 1600 for the late-night adventures or chasing the stars.

Generally one does not to keep on adjusting ISO settings, pick a number that will be sufficient for your area of photography and then you will be able to get away with only adjusting the shutter speed or aperture – always try to keep the ISO setting at the lowest number possible.

F3.5 to F9 → these are generally all-round winners and suits most situations. (most “kit” lenses have minimum end of 3.5 to 5.6) F11 upwards → these are for extreme me vivid light ons and situations dscape for landscape photography graphy as just about the whole hole image will be in focus.

Shutter speed This is how fast the shutter curtain moves across the sensor to expose it to light thus creating the image. This is the third and final of the main settings to know about. This will also be the setting you need to change the most on the fly. A general rule of thumb is to use double the number of your focal length so if your lens is set at 50mm focal length then a shutter speed of 1/100 (100th of a second) is recommended – remember to adjust the aperture and ISO accordingly.

Some shutter speed tips: Use a fast shutter speed for sports photography as it will freeze the motion very effectively and a slow shutter speed in low light conditions but remember that the slower you go the more steady you need to hold the camera to get a crisp shot. It’s very important to play around and get a feel as to how slow you can go with shutter speed while shooting hand-held before your images start to blur, any slower than that number you will need to mount your camera on a tripod.

1/500 to 1/4000 → action shots or shooting in very vivid light, 1/60 to 1/400 → most situations depending on light availability, 30” to 1/40 → tripod mounted shots in low light or doing star photos.

SA BASS 17 May 2019

Some key elements of photography to try out or remember: - Always try to get a unique angle that displays and/or brings out your subject in the photo.

- Do not be afraid to shoot into the sun.

- Use the “rule of thirds” (break your photo into three sections horizontally as well as vertically and try to keep your point of interest on any of the cross lines) - Do not be afraid to venture away from auto photography, put your camera on manual mode and have fun learning new things.

- Always put back your camera lens caps when changing lenses or putting the camera away.

- Don’t hesitate to get down on the floor if it needs be, always look for that new/different angle that would make something stand out.

- When using a tripod use your cameras auto timer function for slow photos to prevent any human touch to your camera when the shutter clicks to prevent blur.

- Always carry spare batteries and memory cards.

Here are some of my photos and how I got them:

Picture #1 Picture #1 was taken in the Royal Natal National Park where I submerged myself in the stream to be still and keep the camera slightly above the water level to get the shot I was after, note the photo has roughly one third of sky and two thirds land mass and the rock in the foreground falls on one of the intersection points thus the rule of thirds has been applied.

Either have one third sky and two thirds land or one third land and two thirds sky.

1

Camera: Nikon D7000 Lens: Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 wide angle ISO: 200 F-Stop: f/10 Shutter speed: 1/160 sec

2

Camera: Nikon D7000 Lens: Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 wide angle ISO: 100 F-Stop: f/5.6 Shutter speed: 1/320 sec 18 SA BASS May 2019

Picture #2 Shooting into the sun can be challenging at first but its not all that difficult actually, in picture #2 I dropped the F-stop to allow for more light to enter the camera but “throttling” the sensitivity by using ISO 100 and then ended off balancing the brightness by adjusting to slightly faster shutter speed to get this sunrise shot on top of the Drakensberg mountains.

Picture #3 Picture #3 is a longer exposure photo where the slow shutter speed contributes to see the movement of the water falling as well as the movement in the pool as well, I have kept to ISO-100 to get a crisp clean photo and F-stop to get a very equally focussed shot right throughout the field of view. Also have the zone where the water falls into the pool on a cross section of the rule of thirds rule. Here I have also made use of the rocks in the area to stabilize my camera as I did not carry a tripod along.

Picture #4 In picture #4 I used a slow shutter speed to capture all the light possible in a very dark situation, I had my ISO on 800 as I did not want excessive noise (grain) on my photo and also had the aperture quite open to allow for more light to enter, the camera was mounted on my tripod for extra stability to aid in the long exposure shot.

3

Camera: Nikon D7000 Lens: Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 wide angle ISO: 100 F-Stop: f/11 Shutter speed: 2,5 sec

4

Camera: Nikon D7000 Lens: Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 wide angle ISO: 800 F-Stop: f/5 Shutter speed: 30 sec

Photography is a fun and interactive hobby, one where you will never stop learning new things, it’s an art where you’re only limited by your imagination. Never be afraid to explore unchartered territories and by doing so you will ultimately learn your camera to such an extent where you can use it with your eyes closed.

Get out there, take photos and have fun! For in the end that’s all that matters. *Ivan Sonnekus is an adventurer and professional freelance photographer that strives to live life to the fullest. His work has won awards and has been published in several magazines locally as well as internationally.

SA BASS 19 May 2019

>> SA BASS

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR DAY

Wait for dull weather and choose your moments carefully with these bright colours to dramatically improve your catch

>> Roger Donaldson*

A

t some stage we all went to the tackle store and bought the brightest colour lures we could find.

I wouldn’t blame you. They’re glowing pink and chartreuse, whites mixed with reds and orange, flashing skirts, who could ask for more! And some of us to this day still think we were sold down the river. Not true, you’ve done yourselves a great justice, but now you need to use those lures at the right time and place and you will be screaming back to the tackle store for more.

To bring this story to light I need to regale you with a day I experienced on Driekoppies Dam near Nelspruit together with my old friend Erwin Schroeder.

Clouds were tumbling across the landscape to the east of the dam wall and eventually smothering the dam like a cosy feather duvet on a pre-frontal afternoon. Everything became immediately grey and monotone out on the water. Stark contrasts from the shadows of flooded tree stems stood out against the embankment. The trees were deep, possibly 38ft of water. Run-off from recent rain had stained the water. We were in a dark place to say the least and I raised my eyebrows wondering what Erwin was going to pull out of his magical hat. It was a 7” Gary Yamamoto Senko in green pumpkin with a glowing chartreuse tail. What a site against the dark skies. Rigged up he dipped the lure in the water. Whew. It all made sense now. Without that bright tail the lure would be practically invisible. This lure was alive!

Texas rigged and cast out toward the closest, thickest stem 20 SA BASS May 2019

I watched as the line slid across the water surface while the bait plummeted. “Flick!” Without hesitation Erwin retrieved the slack line and bend his rod back in a sweeping strike. First cast, first fish on the boat and in excess of 2kg.

What a fairy-tale start to the day.

Visiting Nottingham Dam just inside the borders of Zimbabwe was another true test of bright colours and where you can deploy them confidently. We stood at the bow of the bass boat staring into the very stained shallow, rocky waters of this irrigation dam. There are some large bass available here. We’d heard only stories so far. At the end of our rods dangled a Chug Bug each boasting the brightest orange bellies and flashing treble hook tails.

Cast, retrieve. It was that easy. As the lure hit the water it was already practically indiscernible from above, apart from the glowing orange hue which surrounded its belly region. The lure could very well resemble a cunningly lit Toyota Corolla under-carriage posing its way purposefully down a main road in Chatsworth. A tumultuous bow wave developed behind the lure and out of fear we immediately stopped the retrieve, as if being charged by a leviathan of the underwater world. The wise monster only let us have this one chance.

However, the rest of the day delivered us numerous catches as we rounded the rocky islands dotted about the dam and fished our way into nightfall.

Bright lures certainly find themselves very comfortable in gloomy weather conditions and in stained, or low visibility

water conditions. Another favourite incident I enjoyed was had at Rust der Winter Dam. It’s not often that you come away with catching fish in the 2kg weight category here, but it was a blustery day and chartreuse/white spinnerbait that changed that very quickly for me.

Rust der Winter Dam boasts many areas with submerged islands one of which is perfectly propped right on the edge of the main river channel, never mind that it’s also complimented by a covering of snotterbel vegetation. I get jittery just thinking about it.

Frontal weather blew over the dam wall and down the length of the dam and after launching I dashed immediately alongside the island and hesitated a cast directly over the top of it. First cast and I’m on! Second cast another, third cast another! I felt I’d too much of an advantage. I was indestructible, but decided to humble myself and leave some for the next angler.

I dashed off directly across what is referred to as the “salad bowl” and paused the boat facing windward and just before the snotterbel grass line in 15ft of water. Low, dark clouds were pressing past us in the wind. I wanted the bright skirt and blinking blades of my spinnerbait to flash across the rippled surface of the shadowy water beneath. My rod bent over immediately. I knew it was large. It was stuck fast in the line of dense vegetation there. I kept the line taught and retrieved line as I approached the fish and then plunged my fist below the water into the grassy cover beneath. I could feel the abrasive jaws of the fish and I clutched firmly, careful to avoid the hook. A broad, dark green back and glistening olive and silver sides all in all weighing 2,4kg. Very happy with that. *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

ADJUSTING TO

SEASONAL CHANGE >> Divan Coetzee

With summer gone, and the first cold snap upon us, we can expect a shift in behaviour from the fish.

The only thing these two Jerkbaits have in common is their generic name.

The top bait has rounded sides which effectively make it a “slash bait”, it has a wider arc of movement when compared to the bottom bait. The bottom bait has flat sides and a tight wobble which makes it ideal for cooler water

W

ith water temperatures falling and daylight hours getting shorter, fish will start to group up in anticipation of optimal feeding conditions.

Cooler water translates into better oxygen content. The dog days of summer make bass lethargic and unwilling.

As the water starts to cool, baitfish have to retreat to more stable, deeper water. Their super shallow hiding places become too cold in the evenings, and have to be abandoned.

This is typically exploited by most predatory species.

In the absence of offshore cover, baitfish tend to school in open water. This provides the safety in numbers scenario for the bait. Bass will hang around a shoal and follow it for days, awaiting an opportunity to get their fill whilst the going is good. Smaller impoundments with a gradual shallow slope will see a mass exodus of the shallows, the majority of the population will move to deep water. Larger, deeper impoundments with steeper banks will be less affected, the distance fish are likely to move will be less. Bass prefer to move vertically as it conserves energy. So in essence, steeper banks will produce a more consistent pattern. There will be exceptions of course, and “deep” is a relative term and venue specific.

During the cooler months, bass will generally congregate around steeper main lake / secondary points and bluffs.

22 SA BASS May 2019

Access to deep water is part of the criteria of any good fish holding point. At this time, bass are eager to feed and willing to proactively chase after baitfish. Reaction baits would be a good starting point in terms of bait selection, deep diving jerkbaits that can go down about 7 to 9ft being my number one choice followed by spinnerbaits, top water and soft plastic jerkbaits in white or chartreuse. The idea is to cover water until you catch one; you’re likely to get a few once you’ve found them. Tweaking your presentation might get you an extra few stragglers.

Shoreline vegetation, especially grass - retains some residual heat and can be a baitfish magnet during the cooling process and, often hold a bass or two. If you haven’t experienced the temperature difference, wade in and feel for yourself, it plays a major role on certain venues. An appropriately weighted craw or any compact flipping bait should get the desired results. Get it through the vegetation and vary the depth at which you keep the bait. With regards to sinker size, only go as heavy as is needed to get through the cover.

The above mentioned baits will effectively cover the surface spectrum. When fish are relating to the bottom in areas that are too deep to make a proper presentation with hard baits, I’d recommend the old quitters rig or Carolina rig as it is affectionately known. Long casts on a lengthy rod would enable you to cover sufficient ground and find active fish. Use your confidence baits for best results, no point in throwing something you don’t believe in. If you like to overcomplicate things, a spybait on ultra light line makes for a good laugh. Drop shotting has also gained some

A selection of my preferred drop-shot baits. Play around with length and profile until you find what they respond to

Although subtle, there is a difference

Always have a spinnerbait tied on this time of year

popularity of late, it’s no longer a rig reserved for the heart of winter or post cold front. It catches fish at all depths right through the season.

Electronics will help your cause, identifying key areas quickly eliminates dead water and adds time to your fishing. Realistically, it’s very difficult to effectively fish deeper zones without decent electronics.

In summary, the key is to locate active fish – irrespective of the seasonal stage. Move around until you find them, then refine your approach i.e.: bigger or smaller, heavier or lighter, longer or shorter… you get the picture.

I hope this article has given you a better insight into understanding fish movement. If you can’t find, you can’t catch them. See you on the water!

For enquiries contact Divan Coetzee 081 775 7765 SA BASS 23 May 2019

>> SA BASS BASICS

KATROLLE >> H Hannes Lindeque* Li d *

Die mees bekendste katrol is sekerlik die koffiemeule

I

n die vorige uitgawe uittgawe het he ons na verskillende vissto okk as visstokke gereedskapstukke gek gekyk kyk en gebru uik kan waarvoor die stokkee gebruik word om swartbaars mee meee te vang. vaang Met swartbaarhengel is die hengelaar heeldag hen rh besig om aas uit te gooi en terug te br bbring r en moet die katrol baie “werk”.

Daar is drie groepe katrolle waarvan die lae profiel “bait caster” die mees gewildste en beste opsie is. Die voordeel van die katrol is dat dit is baie lig is, beskikbaar is in verskeie ratverhoudings en indien die katrol reg gestel is, gee dit min moeilikheid. Maar, wanneer hierdie masjien ‘n kraaines maak, dan is dit ordentlik en wil baie beginnerhengelaars die “gemors” stukkend gooi. Die geheim lê daarin: Ryg die lyn deur al die stok se ogies, knoop jou gunsteling aas aan die punt van die lyn en katrol die aas op tot amper teen die punt. Stel nou die draaiknoppie vas wat die spoel beheer en druk die duimhefboom in. Tel die stok se punt sowat 45º op en laat skiet die draaiknoppie stadig totdat die aas begin val. Draai die knoppie weer ‘n knertsie vas sodat die aas in die lug bly hang. (Die spoel is nogsteeds vry om lyn te voer, maar hardloop darem nie weg nie.) Gooi die aas uit; hou jou oog op die aas en druk die spoel dood sodra die aas momentum verloor. Herhaal hierdie verstelling met elke aas wat aangesit word totdat jy vertroud is met die katrol.

Die mees bekendste katrol is sekerlik die koffiemeule.

Dit is die katrol waarmee die meeste hengelaars begin hengel omrede dit redelik eenvoudig is om te bemeester. Die grootste voordeel van die koffiemeulkatrol is dat die hengelaar met ligte lyn en klein, ligte kunsaas kan hengel. Die grootste ‘n Lae profiel “bait caster” 24 SA BASS May 2019

Die toegesig katrol is ideaal vir kinders

nadeel egter is dat die vislyn van al die herhaaldelike gooi en inbring begin “opwen”, met die gevolg dat ‘n windknoop skielik kan vorm wanneer jy weer ingooi en jou hengel sodoende vieslik belemmer.

Gewoonlik is die terugslag wanneer jy die perfekte gooi maak na die ideale teikenarea. Die kraaines is so erg dat die lyn afgesny en die strop oorgemaak moet word. (Moet asb nie die lyn langs die dam weggooi nie. Druk dit in jou sak sodat die watervoëls se pote nie verstrengel kan raak nie).

Die laaste tipe word plaaslik nie baie gebruik nie en was vroeër jare bekend as ‘n “Zebco”. Dit lyk soos ‘n koffiemeulkatrol met ‘n koppie oor die spoel – ook genoem ‘n “closed face reel”. Dit is ‘n baie eenvoudige katrol wat maklik gebruik word, veral deur kinders, maar my grootste beswaar teen die katrol is die “pennetjie” wat die lyn kneus, veral met die inbring van ‘n groot vis. Verder moet daar deurentyd spanning op die lyn wees wanneer ingekatrol word, anders vang die “pennetjie” nie die lyn nie en gebeur daar niks.

In hierdie uitgawe is daar ongelukkig nie genoeg spasie om katrolle in meer detail te kan bespreek nie. Aspekte soos remstelsels, ratverhoudings en aantal koëllaars is ook belangrik met die keuse van die regte katrol vir die regte “werk”. Volgende maand kyk ons na die tipes vislyn en waarvoor elk die beste gebruik kan word.

Hengelwenk: Dit is uiters belangrik om die katrol se remstelsel voor die tyd reg te stel, want as die vis eers die aas gegryp het en die remstelsel is nie gestel nie, is die kans goed dat hy gaan wegkom. *Hannes Lindeque is die stigter en uitgewer van SA BASS sedert 2001, die hooforganiseerder van FLW Suid-Afrika en SA BASS Cast-for-Cash swartbaarhengeltoernooie.

SA BASS 25 May 2019

>> SA BASS STRATEGIES

Part 3

FARM DAM STRATEGIES Typical sunrise morning on a farm dam in the north of Johannesburg

>> Roger Donaldson*

I

n the previous issues we discussed fishing strategies and focused a lot on baits and areas that were targeted considered the water and structure available at a specific location. It may be a spoil for some, but having a selection of at least three bass rods which are setup to fish different lures will become quite advantageous to you. Let’s entertain a few scenarios that will help you decide how to select these three rods to really take full advantage of your fishing opportunity at the next farm dam.

Fishing heavy cover Possibly my favourite type of fishing. Bass are sticklers for hiding and ambushing their prey under thick vegetation, including lily pads. Sometimes these areas are not easy to reach if you’re casting from the bank and you’ll need to rig up with a heavier lure to get good distance from your cast. There really aren’t too many options in this case because a weighted lure cast out over a distance and then into heavy cover will very likely get snagged and then cause you great frustration. This is not to say that 26 SA BASS May 2019

you shouldn’t weight the lure, but rather that you will need to pay strict attention to when the lure lands and how quickly you start to retrieve. That’ll prevent your bait from snagging immediately.

If you’re diligent here then you can pretty much rig up with any plastic bait.

Otherwise, you can enjoy lures the likes of frogs such as the SPRO Bronzeye frog variety which cast very nicely over distance. There is also no concern about this bait snagging as the upward facing hooks stay well clear of the cover.

Hint: the SPRO Bronzeye frog does tend to take on water, so purge the lure once to get the water out.

And lastly, with a long-distance cast, and also the fact that you’re fishing in heavy cover you will need a rod that is stiffer in the midsection. On the shaft of the rod you would note that it is labelled ‘heavy action’, or perhaps ‘medium heavy’ if you want something to suit various other ‘worm’ fishing that you would conduct. This rod choice could make the difference whether you are actually able to react in time to hook your fish and provide you the ability to apply maximum pressure to get the bass away from the dense cover. It really is substantially more difficult to retrieve your fish through this vegetation than it would be in open water for example.

A lot of emphasis really is required when it comes to your line and lure choice. With fishing line you have three options.

1) A braided line of between 20 to 30lb breaking strain – quite expensive, but super tough and will cast a very long way, especially on a spinning reel.

2) Fluorocarbon line of around 16lb breaking strain – can also be a little expensive depending on brand, but also pretty abrasion resistant and super sensitive to bites over a long distance.

3) Monofilament line from 15 to 17lb breaking strain – certainly the least expensive option and if you are guided by your tackle store owner you may end up with a good abrasion resistant option.

Open water – large baits and medium or small baits There is a fine equilibrium which you will need to find when matching your larger lures, such as deep diving crankbaits to the fishing line and rod.

Light weight rods, many of which could be in the spinning rod variety will not be as effective as a ‘medium heavy’ weight spinning, or bait casting rod when rigging big baits.

The larger baits dispel far more water and require a noticeable amount more cranking/retrieving power than their smaller, shallow diving counterparts. Conversely, trying to fish a light to medium weight lure on a ‘medium heavy’ weight rod will also have its challenges, which are markedly easily overcome simply by downscaling to a ‘medium’ weight rod.

However, when you’re changing the weight of your lure and rod you will inevitably need to downscale your fishing line. A reasonable selection for you ‘medium heavy’

rod would be a line selection of 12 to 16lb breaking strain and for your ‘medium’ rod possibly a line of 8 to 12lb respectively. In open water you’re limited to monofilament and fluorocarbon lines, so no need to look at braid options here.

Hint: Spinnerbaits are greatly affected by your line choice. The blades tend to spin far more effectively on medium weight lines. Try to keep your breaking strain lower and you’ll

get better swimming action and feel from your spinnerbait. *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.

Carefully pair up your rod, line and lure to get the most out of your fishing

SHOOTING RANGE

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

SA BASS 27 May 2019

Hierdie swartbaar kon ‘n kletsaas nie weerstaan nie

>> SA BAARS KLASKAMER

Behalwe vir hulle frokkies, verskil swaai- en kletsase heelwat

>> Philip Kemp*

E

erste dinge eerste. Ek dink die eerste vraag wat jy my gaan vra, is seker: “Wat is ‘n swaailem en ‘n kletsaas dan nou eintlik?” Die swaailem staan in meeste hengelkringe bekend as die “spinnerbait” en die kletsaas as die “chatterbait”. Beide hierdie ase is uitstekende herfs- tot laat-herfsase, maar tog sal dit nie altyd in presies dieselfde omstandighede noodwendig by mekaar kan kersvashou nie.

Profiel

DIE

SWAAILEM

DIE

KLETSAAS 28 SA BASS May 2019

Die grootte van die aas en wat die aas verteenwoordig kan hier ‘n groot rol speel en daarom moet ons onthou dat die swaailem maklik die rol van ‘n klein skool vissies kan aanneem. Die kletsaas daarteenoor neem weer ‘n meer bonkige profiel aan wat meer soos een vis in die water lyk.

Die treileraas wat op die hoek bygevoeg word speel hier ‘n rol. Meeste tophengelaars verkies ‘n plastiese swemvissie as ‘n treiler op ‘n swaailem en indien ‘n padda of kreef (craw) gebruik sou word, sal dit die swaailem se aksie negatief kan beïnvloed. Die swaailem sal as gevolg van die groot plat oppervlak van die padda geneig wees om te hoog in die waterkolom te swem, wat dan sal veroorsaak dat die lemme van die swaailem die wateroppervlak kan breek. Die teendeel is egter waar met ‘n kletsaas. Soms wil die hengelaar juis hê hy moet hoër in die water swem. Sy lem sit egter op sy neus en sodoende is die kanse skraal dat hy die wateroppervlak sal breek. As gevolg van die kletsaas se bonkige profiel sal hy ook makliker in vuiler water deur die baars raakgesien word.

Gedurende die herfs is baars ook hard opsoek na kos en sal ‘n groter happie moontlik eerste op die baars se spyskaart wees. Daarom kan die kletsaas in hierdie geval voorkeur geniet.

Vibrasie Beide die ase vergelyk vir my redelik gelykop in hierdie verband, veral as die hengelaar groter lemme soos byvoorbeeld Colorado-lemme op sy swaailem gebruik. Ek sal beslis Colorado-lemme in vuiler water gebruik, juis omdat baars in

sulke omstandighede op vibrasie staatmaak.

Met die pas afgelope FLW toernooi op Grand Lake in Amerika, het die Suid-Afrikaanse hengelheld, Michael Matthee, wat terloops tweede geëindig het, en ander top hengelaars soos Brian Latimer, groot sukses gehad met Colorado swaailemme. Alhoewel dit nou vroeg lente in Amerika is, het die kletsaas in die koffiekleurige water van Grand Lake ook baie vis opgelewer.

Spoed waarmee jy hengel Hoe aggressief die baars op daardie spesifieke tyd en plek is, sal ‘n groot rol speel. Beide ase kan op ‘n dag wat die baars meer aggressief is, vinniger gehengel word. As die baars moeilik byt, sal ek makliker oorskakel na ‘n swaailem omrede ek voel dat ek die swaailem teen ‘n slakkepas kan hengel. Die kletsaas, daarenteen; is ‘n meer agressiewe aas en moet vinniger gehengel word. Sy spoed kan ook gevariëer word deur dit te laat val, te pluk en dan weer vinnig te laat swem.

Die spoed van ‘n kletsaas kan egter ook net soos met ‘n swaailem stadiger gemaak word.

Waar hengel ek die aas?

Dit is juis in die afdeling waar die twee ase die meeste van mekaar gaan verskil. Die meeste hengelaars sal vir jou sê dat hulle swaailemme in skoner water sal hengel en in harde dekking soos bome en klippe. Swaailemme het egter by die afgelope FLW toernooi op Grand Lake in koffiekleurige water baie goed gewerk. Hulle het egter soos reeds genoem, Colorado- en Indiana-lemme gebruik. Die lemme het as gevolg van hulle ronde ovaal vorm meer weerstand in die water en het dus ‘n meer prominente vibrasie. Die kletsaas sal weer tot sy reg kom in sagter dekking soos kleiner graskolle waar die aas los gepluk kan word as dit in die gras sou vashaak. Dit is juis wanneer die aas so los gepluk word wat die baars tot aksie sal oorgaan en die aas gryp.

6’10 stok werk skitterend vir beide tegnieke en kan dus vir kletsase ook gebruik word. Ek verkies ook ‘n katrol met ‘n vinniger spoed wat stadig gehengel word as dit moet, maar wat ook teen ‘n hoër spoed gehengel kan word. Die stok moet egter genoeg ruggraat hê om die aas uit die gras te pluk, sou dit vashaak, want dit is juis dan wanneer die baars tot die aanval sal oorgaan. Wat lyn betref verkies ek 15 tot 20 pond flourocarbon lyn.

Samevatting As ons kan saamvat, bly die groot vraag egter watter een van die twee dan nou juis die mees produktiefste sal wees?

Ek dink dit is juis belangrik vir die hengelaar om beide stokke altyd byderhand te hou en met beide te hengel en sodoende uit te werk watter een op die dag vir jou sal werk.

Ek het egter gevind dat damme wat onder hoë hengeldruk is, die baars makliker ‘n kletsaas sal gryp as ‘n swaailem.

Tog verkies ek die swaailem in winderige toestande bo die kletsaas.

Watter een van die twee ase is dan die beter aas om te gebruik? Ek het gevind dat elkeen van die ase op die regte tyd en plek produktief kan wees en dat daar nie uitsondering gemaak kan word nie. As jy egter nog nooit ‘n swaailem, of veral die kletsaas gehengel het nie, wil ek elke hengelaar aanraai om dit te probeer. Jy sal aangenaam verras wees met die resultate. *Philip Kemp is ‘n gesoute swartbaarhengelaar en ‘n gereelde bydraer.

Watertemperatuur Ek verkies om gedurende die laatherfs tot na-winter juis oor te skakel na kletsase en ek vind dat dit die tyd van die jaar meer produktief is. Dit is ook ‘n aas wat selde in SuidAfrika genoeg aandag geniet, terwyl kletsase in Amerika baie meer gereeld gehengel word. Ek sal dus ‘n kletsaas in kouer water meer produktief gebruik, terwyl swaailemme die hele jaar produktief kan wees. Ons is ook geneig om die meeste van die tyd “willow leaf ” swaailemme te gebruik en min hengelaars besef hoe effektief Colorado- en Indianaswaailemme kan wees, veral in vuiler water.

Hengeltoerusting Wanneer ek swaailemme hengel hou ek daarvan om ‘n redelike sterk stok met genoeg ruggraat te gebruik. As gevolg van die spoed waarmee die baars die swaailem sal gryp, gebruik ek ‘n stok met ‘n punt wat sagter is en wat die skok kan absorbeer. Ek hengel al vir baie jare met ‘n Fenwick stok wat 60% grafiet is en 40% veselglas. Hierdie SA BASS 29 May 2019

>> SA BASS STRATEGIES There must be bass in that water but how do we catch them?

CLOSE BASS COMBAT Part 2

PREPARING FOR BATTLE >> Jay Röhm-Williams

As the notable decrease in daily temperatures becomes more apparent we can start to prepare our farewells to autumn and begin gearing up for some annual, bass winter battles ahead. Don’t fret as there is however still plenty of time for a solid amount of pre-winter bass to be caught as we continue our three part wading for bass journey.

F

ocusing on our wader outfits, additional gear as well as some extra equipment is going to be our first priority here before we hit the waters. Diving straight in off the first cast we must remember that to obtain the best out of any bass wading venture one must be prepared for close bass combat!

During the first part of the strategy of wading series we briefly touched on a few starter points, highlighted some major safety concerns, browsed over a basic selection of handy items to keep close and mentioned a couple of awesome advantages gained when wading. Hopefully, after some insight provided in the previous issue we can now take a better look at some of the wading kit and gear one might consider including their bass wading arsenal.

Preparation will lessen those chances of struggling so once we are suited up we can discuss the best ways of entering the water in more depth and then tackle lure setups.

When it comes to selecting the right wading suit for you it boils down to comfortability, the venues environment and durability. The two, most popular forms of waders on the market today are either breathable or neoprene designed, both manufactured by various angling brands in general sizes. Neoprene wading outfits are created from the same material used to make wet suits and cover the entire body up till the neck. Breathable suit designs are made from different types of waterproof material which are generally much thinner and worn with the use of attached suspenders or harnesses which hold the outfit up securely.

30 SA BASS May 2019

Neoprene versus breathable suits Neoprene suits t ɨF NBUFSJBM DPNFT JO EJêFSFOU HSBEFT PG UIJDLOFTT UP best suit your season and venue. t *U QSPWJEFT CFUUFS JOTVMBUJPO BOE EVSBCJMJUZ GPS MPOHFS hours while out in the water. t *U JT FBTZ UP DMFBO BOE NBJOUBJO t "GUFS MPOH QFSJPET PG UJNF DBO CFDPNF TPNFUJNFT heavy. t *O TPNF DBTFT OPUBCMF SFTUSJDUJPOT PO NPCJMJUZ DBO CF experienced.

Breathable suits t ɨF XBUFSQSPPG NBUFSJBM JT UIJO BOE MJHIUXFJHIU PêFSJOH little restrictions to mobility. t ɨF PQFO UPQ EFTJHO BMMPXT FBTJFS QFSTQJSBUJPO PG vapour reducing sweating inside. t *U JT JEFBM GPS XBSNFS DMJNBUFT XIJMF TUJMM CFFO BCMF UP cope in colder regions if extra layering is added. t (FOFSBMMZ NPSF BêPSEBCMF t ɨF UIJO NBUFSJBM JT IPXFWFS TVTDFQUJCMF UP EBNBHF CZ been punctured or torn easily. t 8BUFS DBO CF UBLFO JOUP ZPVS XBEJOH TVJU JG EBNBHFE PS a fall occurs resulting in a possible dangerous scenario. t ɨF JOUFHSBUFE CPPUT BUUBDIFE UP UIF TVJU DBO CF EJïDVMU to clean.

6MUJNBUFMZ UIF EFDJTJPO JT ZPVST BOE EPJOH FYUSB IPNFXPSL PO JOEJWJEVBM CSBOE JUFN JT BMXBZT BEWJTFE CFGPSF NBLJOH BOZ QVSDIBTF "MPOH XJUI UIJT POF NVTU BMTP DPOTJEFS UIF XBEJOH GPPUXFBS GBDUPS ɨF UXP GSFRVFOU PQUJPOT BSF FJUIFS JOUFHSBUFE 17$ CPPUT DPOOFDUFE UP ZPVS CSFBUIBCMF XBEJOH TVJUT PS TUPDLJOH GPPU CPPUT NVDI MJLF OFPQSFOF TPDLT XJUI HSJQ BUUBDIFE UP OFPQSFOF XBEFST 0G DPVSTF UIFSF PUIFS CPPUT BOE TIPFT BWBJMBCMF BT XFMM CVU UIFTF BSF UIF NPTU DPNNPO TFMFDUJPOT *O USVUI JU XJMM CF UIF FOWJSPONFOUT PG ZPVS XBUFSZ IVOUJOH HSPVOET UIBU XJMM IFMQ NBLF ZPVS EFDJTJPO BMM UIF FBTJFS BOE XIBU FYUSB WBMVF ZPVS QBSUJDVMBS TVJU DBO PêFS ZPV "T QSFWJPVTMZ EJTDVTTFE IBUT PS QFBLT RVBMJUZ TVO HMBTTFT CVêT BOE TVOTDSFFO BTTJTU JO QSPWJEJOH QSPUFDUJWF IFBE DPWFS GSPN UIF TVO BCPWF /FYU UP DPOTJEFS JT XIBU HFBS XJMM CF VTFGVM UP LFFQ ZPVS UFNQP HPJOH XIFO UIF CJUF JT PO "QBSU GSPN PVS TVJUT QSFGFSBCMZ IBWJOH B OVNCFS PG QPDLFUT PS QPVDIFT PO CPBSE UIFTF FYUSB JUFNT XJMM DFSUBJOMZ GVSUIFS BJE ZPV CFZPOE CFMJFG

Hand Poured in South Arica

Trade enquiries only

3 3/4” The Thing

4.5” Flapping Hog

4.5” Winged Hog

7.5” Lizard

5” Wiggle Grub

4.5” Gorilla Tube

Wading gear t Wading belts BSF BCTPMVUFMZ BNB[JOH BOE DPNF JO WBSJPVT EFTJHOT BCMF UP DBSSZ BMNPTU BOZUIJOH :PV DBO TFDVSF UPPMT MJLF MPOH OPTF QMJFST LFFQ XBUFS CPUUMFT TNBMM UBDLMF CPYFT BOE FWFO GBTUFO ZPVS SPE JG OFFEFE t Wading sticks DBO CF PG HSFBU BTTJTUBODF XIFO JO UIPTF USJDLZ SJWFS CFET PS TUVDL JO UIJDL NBUUFE WFHFUBUJPO IFMQJOH ZPV NPWF NPSF DPOëEFOUMZ ɨFZ DBO CF DPNQBDUFE BOE TUPSFE SFBEZ GPS VTF XJUI MJUUMF GVTT

RP Bluegill

3.25” Crazy Craw

4” Flutter Craw

3” Fluttercraw Chunk

3.5” Mad Craw

4” Mud Bugs

1” & 2” Grubs

6.5” The Beast

t Practical landing nets DBO IFMQ BOZ XBEJOH BOHMFS LFFQ UIF BEWBOUBHF XIFO ëHIUJOH CJH CBTT DMPTF VQ *U JT FBTJMZ BUUBDIBCMF UP ZPVS CBDLQBDL PS CFMU BOZXIFSF ZPV DIPPTF t Go-Pros and cameras BSF ëUUFE DPNGPSUBCMZ UP ZPVS DIFTU PS TVJU PVU PG UIF XBZ UP SFDPSE BMM UIF FYQMPTJWF BDUJPO GPS MBUFS PCTFSWBUJPO t Waterproof or durable back-packs FOBCMF BOHMFST UP LFFQ PUIFS JNQPSUBOU UIJOHT MJLF GPPE ëSTU BJE LJUT QMVT BOZ QFSTPOBM PS NPOFUBSZ JUFNT PG WBMVF TBGF BOE ESZ t Wading baskets BSF B HSFBU BTTFU UP BMM ìZ ëTIFSNBO XIFO XBEJOH ɨFZ TJU OFBUMZ GBTUFOFE JO GSPOU PG ZPV PS PO UIF TJEF PG UIF IJQ BOE BSF VTVBMMZ TNBMM JO TJ[F XJUI FWFO ìPBUBCMF PQUJPOT BWBJMBCMF 6TVBMMZ ZPV DBO BUUBDI B GFX FYUSB UIJOHT UP UIF CBTLFU JUTFMG NBLJOH UIFN WFSZ IBOEZ

3.57” 3 57” Punch Craw

Pieter Bezuidenhout | pieterbez@mweb.co.za

By now you are more than ready to get out there wading in search of that next PB bass so let us move on to FOUFSJOH UIF XBUFS JUTFMG *G ZPV XBOU UP XBEF GPS CBTT JU JT advisable to move slowly with caution, disturbing as little as possible. You want to pay close attention to where you

place your feet when walking through the waters. Hazards are part of bass angling no matter how you go about it and poor judgement can alter between hurting your wallet or yourself. Here are just a few areas to look out for at any venue:

Approachable

Avoid

t 4IBMMPX ĂŹBUT BOE SVOOJOH QPJOUT t (SBWFM CFET XJUI HFOUMF HSBEJFOUT t 7JTJCMF HBQT CFUXFFO BRVBUJD WFHFUBUJPO t 4MPX NPWJOH XBUFS JO DIBOOFMT PS TUSFBNT t 0QFO MPX MZJOH HSBTT CBOLT

t %FFQ EBSLFS XBUFS t 3BQJE NPWJOH DVSSFOUT JO TUSFBNT BOE DIBOOFMT t ɨJDL NVEEZ CBOLT BOE TMPQFT t 4UFFQ JODMJOFT BOE ESPQ PêT t 1JMFT PG TVCNFSHFE UJNCFS BOE EFCSJT

The idea when wading is to close that gap between the shallows and the deep water giving bank anglers more PQUJPOT "WPJE XBEJOH PVU UPP GBS UIPVHI BT JU XJMM KVTU QSPWF NPSF EJĂŻDVMU BOE EBOHFSPVT 8IJMF JO UIF XBUFS sometimes well passed your waist line, keep movements below the surface to a minimal. Feel your way along first with your feet then ease on. Move in a circular direction

Setups The drop-shot rig When wading along banks of open water, a light rod setup using finesse tactics with a drop-shot style rig is going to provide some ultra-action when targeting deeper water. Locating those drop offs and ledges usually guarantees a few, big strikes. Having access now to deeper water will allow you to fish those soft plastics nice and slow, putting the lure just off the bottom where the bigger bass tend to be as autumn draws to a close. Patience and subtle lure movements are key here but easier said than done.

Top-water attacks From reeds and lilies to grass and trees, guiding your choice of top water lure along the surface usually produces ferocious hits. Wading will now allow you to bring those frogs, poppers or weed-less style creature baits from all directions increasing your hook-up rate. Here you might

around the edges of the dam (lake) or pond instead of constantly going forward into deeper water.

Lastly we look at examples of tackle selections and rig setups that might ignite the bite, getting that rod of yours bending. Everything in this department will mostly depend on your own personal experience and the venue but here are two definite strategies that have proved deadly. want a rod setup that is going to be similar in strength when used for punching dense, clumpy vegetation. *O TPNF DBTFT FTQFDJBMMZ XIFSF UIFSF JT B MPU PG BRVBUJD plants present, once your top-water strike happens you will be fighting not only the bass itself but everything else floating in the water around the fight zone. The little extra back bone in the rod will help with the added weight and pressure ensuring you do land that giant! *O UIF MBTU BOE ĂŤOBM QBSU PG UIF strategy of wading series we get down to where all the action really happens.

The fundamentals have been covered with preparations done, gear rigged and rods ready. Next issue it is all about new angles encountered, target areas to ambush, distinguishing water temperatures and tips to remember when the fight is on so make sure you don’t miss out. Till then let’s get out there and enjoy the last of the autumn season with all the magic moments bass angling always brings.

3PET PVU BOE TBGF ĂŤTIJOH FWFSZPOF

Personal wading gear consisting of neoprene suit, wading boots, wading belt, reliable back-pack , sunnies, broad hat and buff 32 SA BASS May 2019

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The monthly Cast-for-Cash bass angling money tournament trial is a social event for all those weekend anglers who are mad about bassin’ and mad about FUN.

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Call 082-416-5524, or get all the rules, dates and venues on www.flwsouthafrica.com SA BASS 33 May 2019

>> SA BASS

Secrets of South Africa’s Pro’s – Part 10

Alternate lure to see what’s working

Soft plastic baits and jigs were also popular choices for Nandoni dam

>> Bass Spy*

I

n the previous issue I painted an example of a tournament on Nandoni dam and we learned that bait size makes a difference. This goes hand-in-hand with alternating lure type too.

Continued from the April issue…

After the long ride to the opposite end of Nandoni dam (now getting close to the wall and just after the boat launching area) we noticed a large marquee being erected on the bank.

Here too it was quiet. We were sitting in deeper water quite far off the bank.

Some fellow anglers were dotted around the area approximately 300m away. Everyone keeping to themselves and trying their best to summon up all the strategy they could in order to make the practice day count.

34 SA BASS May 2019

My boat partner and I had done substantial homework on the underwater structures of this area on the dam; mapping, Google history searches, marking the co-ordinates of structures which appeared to be trees, stumps or the remnants thereof, noting flooded rivulets, quarries, roadways, rock piles… absolutely anything that could give us an edge on the competition. There was a lot under the water here and it was hard to believe considering above the water we were in the middle of nowhere.

The water surface was completely still. No wind. I have a preference for smaller plastic lures when I’m faced with these calm conditions. Sitting out in around 18ft of water I would also need some weight to get the

lure down to the bottom. On a light Mojo I rigged a Yamamoto Stretch 40, which apart from its subtle curly tail is nothing but a stick worm really.

It’s got enough action in the tail to create gentle vibrations beneath the water at that depth and fishes easily in and around all structures available there. The bites were obvious and immediate with every fish pulling fast and furiously at the bait, so much so that it was difficult not to hook the fish even without striking. It is so tempting to strike just to see what the quality of the fish were that was biting, but the chances are that the same fish will be hesitant to bite again tomorrow.

I noticed another angler trolling quite quickly through a similar area

to us and they were clearly casting a crankbait, as the large lure hurtled through the air, landed with a large splash and the angler reeled in quite ferociously. Interesting. We were now in 30ft of water.

We soon faced the last few hours of the day heading into sunset and took this opportunity to glance at an interesting ridge on the opposite side.

The ridge is a lovely structure dotted with brush and runs underwater from the bank in an “l” shape about 200m in length and averaging between 6 to 12ft deep. It was absolutely treacherous fishing a crankbait here and only a very small Mojo weight or weightless rig was our only choice. The spot left us very hopeful for the competition days ahead and after marking various highlights we made our way to the campsite for the opening ceremony festivities.

That night my partner and I agreed on the plan for the next day. Our boat was not the fastest and our launch position toward the middle of the queue. Our choices were: t 8F OFFEFE UP TUBSU TPNFXIFSF DMPTF by, as the faster boats would reach the farthest areas before us. t #BTT XJMM TUJMM CF DPOHSFHBUJOH JO shallower areas first thing in the morning. t ɨF XFBUIFS XBT HPJOH UP CF ëOF and clear to start. If a cold front was expected then the shallow areas may be harshly affected. t " GSFTI CSFF[F XBT FYQFDUFE ëSTU thing and the wind direction would be blowing north to south - we considered if our area would be protected or not. t ɨF XBUFS DMBSJUZ JO UIF TQPU XF OPX had earmarked. t ɨF MBTU TQPU XF IBE TDPVUFE XPVME be the first spot of the day!

We watched in great anticipation as the start was signalled and the boats raced off, hoping desperately that none would head for the area we had in mind. We were in luck and in just sixty seconds we were idling inconspicuously and nervously toward the elbow of the shallow ridge. From here we believed we had the rights

to pretty much the whole area as the predominant areas were all in casting distance. To our despair a boat tucked in right behind us almost immediately, a crankbait whizzed out toward us and sure as anything the rod buckled as the angler did battle with their first bass of the day. They netted it, jumped for joy and duly made off to the weigh station – an obvious signal that the fish was not worth losing.

Yesterday we had noticed the angler excitedly fishing their crankbait in deeper water and now it was duplicated by our competitors in the first minutes of the competition.

Nevertheless, we made it through the day quite successfully landing fish in all the areas we had hunted.

Alternating between bait types, colours and sizes sometimes three, or four times in every spot. We were very happy with fourth place out of all the teams nationally! *The Bass Spy has fished alongside and been exposed to the secrets and tactics of many competitive bass anglers on waters throughout the continent. This column is dedicated to all fanatical bass enthusiasts looking for the inside track and an edge on their favourite past time.

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SA BASS 35 May 2019

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Laboria - GP

Kwa-Zulu Natal

L-t-r: Tobie Uys, Jahnrich Venter, Dirk Smith, Calman Grobler, Gareth Dryden, Tony Lagesan

L-t-r: Team Gamakatsu Outdoor 365, Team Kazmarine, Team Z-Man Fishtec, Team J&L Fishtec

8.065kg

7.960kg

Venue: Bronkhorstspruit Dam

Venue: Inanda Dam

Top ten places:

Top ten places:

1: Team Bass Busters - 8.065kg

1: Team Gamakatsu Outdoors 365 - 7.96kg

2: Team New Anchor - 5.125kg

2: Team Kazmarine - 5.920kg

3: Team HillBilly Poisen - 4.630kg

3: Team Zman Fishtec - 5.855kg

4: Team RS* - 4.520kg

4: Team J & L Fishtec - 5.490kg

5: Team Gel Ev ents* - 4.365kg

5: Team Halfw ay - 5.400kg

6: Team Ama-Venom - 4.215kg

6: Team NP Auto Electrical - 5.350kg

7: Team Mav erick - 3.840kg

7: Team D & H Engineering - 4.870kg

8: Team Oud & Stout - 3.805kg

8: Team Trellidor / PK Builders - 4.750kg

9: Team Nitro - 3.485kg

9: Team Strike King Fishtec - 4.160kg

10: Team Timols* - 3.400kg

10: Team Mustad Zman - 3.630kg

For the complete results and next venue: see our website www.flwsouthafrica.com T: 0861-282-282 E: info@alphalaboria.co.za W: www.alphalaboria.co.za Alpha Laboria, inter alia renders the following labour law services: disciplinary codes, grievance procedures, charge sheets, etc. Revision of current documentation and/or drafting of all the required documents form part of our presentation. We also do training, conduct disciplinary hearings, arbitration, union negotiations, handle strikes and more. We are available for advice 24 hours a day and act within 72 hours.

Alpha Laboria 258 West Street Pretoria North, South Africa 36 SA BASS May 2019

Championship 2019 Witbank Dam, 29 - 31 Aug

March Results Mpumalanga

Divan Coetzee and Francue Smit

8.730kg Venue: Rust de Winter Dam

Top ten places: 1: Team Graceland Outdoors 2 - 8.730kg

www.alphalaboria.co.za

2: Team Old Cranks - 6.840kg 3: Team Sukkelaars - 5.225kg 4: Team Reel Rebels - 4.940kg 5: Team Greens - 4.840kg 6: Team Go Green Fish - 4.815kg 7: Team Graceland Outdoors - 4.756kg 8: Team Stan Rio Pipe and Steel - 4.390kg 9: Team Rage - 4.075kg 10: Team Yellow Bass Eagle - 4.040kg

For the complete results and next venue: see our website www.flwsouthafrica.com Catch more, bigger bass, read...

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Garmin is the world leader in GPS Satellite Navigation and a global manufacturer of in-car GPS systems, portable navigation devices, handheld GPS units, and GPS products for the marine, aviation, outdoor and fitness sectors . In your car, on your boat, in the air, in the great outdoors or training in the gym - there's not a single area of your life where Garmin isn't welcome.

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For general enquiries phone 082-416-5524 SA BASS 37 May 2019

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Limpopo

Limpopo

Back: Justy Varkevisser, Sakkie Mong, Billy Eastman Front: Reed Eastman, JG Booysen, Wane Eastman

JG Booysen with biggest fish 2.155kg

7.700kg

6.075kg

Venue: Albasini Dam

Venue: Albasini Dam

Top ten places - day 1:

Top ten places - day 2:

1: Team Beli VC* - 7.700kg

1: Team Beli VC* - 6.075kg

2: Team Pure Chaos - 5.530kg

2: Team Fear no Fish - 4.795kg

3: Team Beli Farming - 5.510kg

3: Team Beli Farming - 4.460kg

4: Team Fear no Fish - 5.380kg

4: Team Erasmusse - 4.300kg

5: Team Vhav enda bricks - 4.885kg

5: Team BB Mazda - 4.155kg

6: Team SA BASS LP - 4.675kg

6: Team Tw ins - 4.080kg

7: Team BB Mazda - 4.635kg

7: Team Pure Chaos - 3.680kg

8: Team Erasmusse - 4.145kg

8: Team Vhav enda bricks - 3.090kg

9: Team Bail & Tail - 3.985kg

9: Team Kamikaze - 3.005kg

10: Team Ex terminator - 3.955kg

10: Team Ex terminator - 2.200kg

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

For the complete results and next venue: see our website www.flwsouthafrica.com T: 065 849 3264 E: hannes@sabass.com W: www.flwsouthfrica.net

Polokwane / Pietersburg

Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) is the world's largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money across various tournament circuits. FLW and their partners conduct 286 bass-fishing tournaments annually around the world, including the United States, Canada, China, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, South Korea and South Africa. The FLW television show is broadcast to more than 564 million households worldwide, while FLW Bass Fishing magazine delivers cutting-edge tips from top pros.

PO Box 24938 Gezina, Pretoria, 0031

38 SA BASS May 2019

March Results O.F.S.

March 2019 - Vaal River

8.235kg Venue: Vaal River

Top two places: 1: Team Bassin Buddies - 5.055kg

www.alphalaboria.co.za

2: Team Luw ia Projects - 4.300kg 3: Team Tjoppie - 2.9450kg 4: Team Nitro - 0.415kg

Championship 2019 Witbank Dam, 29 - 31 Aug

Catch more, bigger bass, read...

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T: 012-567-9345 F: 086-573-4246 www.mastercars.co.za

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Confidence, peace of mind and customer satisfaction. That's what you can expect when you purchase a MasterCar - thanks to our professional Network, a long trusted South African brand and our ten point customer brand promise.

A MasterCar is a demo or used Volkswagen that is less than 5 years old, or has less than 120 000km on the clock.

Lavender Road Annlin, Pretoria, 0182

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For general enquiries phone 082-416-5524 SA BASS 39 May 2019

>> SA BASS BASICS

BASICS FOR BEGINNERS >> Hannes Lindeque

Customize your buzzbait Drill holes in a buzzbait’s blades. The holes leave a bubble trail in the water, which helps draw bass. Also, a bait with drilled blades does not veer to the side as much a standard model.

Buzzbaits Buzzbaits are a good choice for locating autumn fish, because you can cast the lure further and retrieve them faster than most other topwater baits. They work well around dense cover because of the single, upturned hook. They are available in two basic styles: safety-pin and in-line models.

Bass vocabulary: Backlash - Tangle of line on a baitcasting reel due to spool overrun.

Backwater - Shallow area off a river.

Bag limit - Restriction on the number of fish that an angler may harvest in a day.

Bail - Metal, semicircular arm on an open-face spinning reel that engages the line after a cast.

Baitcasting - Fishing with a revolving-spool reel and baitcasting rod; reel mounted on topside of rod.

Baitfish - Small fish often eaten by predators.

Bar - Long ridge in a body of water.

Basic needs - Refers to the three survival requirements of bass: reproduction, security, and food.

Bay - Major indentation in the shoreline of a lake or reservoir.

Black bass - Common term used to describe several types of bass, including the largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.

John Bulpitt’s reel drag tip When you have finished fishing for the day or weekend, take time to clean your baitcaster/spinning reel and release the drag tension adjustment.

Keeping your drag washers under tension for weeks on end is detrimental to the drag system. Remember to set 40 SA BASS May 2019

your drag tension when you go out the next time and it is critical for you to test pull some line off the reel under drag tension to set the drag washers in operation, failure to do this will result in a short slip off the drag as it beds in on your first strike of the day, and usually a lost bass!

Small Craft T.B.C. - GP #8

Championship August 29 - 31, 2019 Witbank Dam The Ridge Casino, Witbank, MP

Back: Tristan Wood, Lodewikus Fourie, Richard Witham, Tom Berrington Front: CJ Matthee, Robert Denny

3.670kg Venue: Witbank Dam

Top five overall places: 1: CJ Matthee - 3.67kg 2: Robert Denny - 3.38kg 3: Tom Berrington - 3.13kg 4: Richard Whitham - 2.61kg 5: Tristan Wood - 2.57kg Lodew ikus Fourie - Biggest Fish 2.19kg

End Season Top 5

“Simply The Best” Plan on it!

Bring the family and enjoy South Africa’s most exciting championship all the while seeing what Southern Sun’s The Ridge Hotel has to offer: 4 star accommodation, restaurants, conference facilities, cinema theaters, ten pin bowling, video arcade, casino and rewards programme.

Martin Bester

Back: Gerhard Boysen, Alastair Vorster Front: CJ Matthee, Vaughn Kendall, Glen Lees

Day 3’s final weigh-in will be a knock out with live entertainment by famous radio presenter, Martin Bester and Eunice Kemp followed by prize giving. www.flwsouthafrica.net SA BASS 41 May 2019

>> SA BASS ANGLING INTERNATIONAL >> Jason Sealock

Tribute to Irwin Jacobs Irwin Jacobs, Chairman and CEO of the the Jacobs family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”

US-based Fishing League Worldwide (FLW), and his wife, Alexandra, were Kathy Fennel, FLW President of found dead this week at their home in Operations, said: “This week has been Minnesota. a difficult time for the FLW family and the entire sport of professional At one time Jacobs was head of bass fishing. Mr Jacobs did so much Genmar Holdings, which for much for our organisation and truly had a of the last 30 years was considered revolutionary impact on the industry the largest boat builder in the US. He throughout his time as owner of FLW. oversaw brands like Hatteras, Ranger Boats, Stratos and Glastron before selling “He cared deeply about the anglers Irwin Jacobs to Platinum Equity in 2010 – the year in and staff and he gave us the unwavering which he was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. support needed to be successful. I remain humbled and In an official statement, FLW said: “It is with deep honoured for the leadership opportunity he provided me. sadness that we mourn the passing of FLW Chairman and It was a privilege to know and work for Mr Jacobs and CEO, Irwin Jacobs, and his loving wife, Alexandra. We, as his impact on our organisation as well as our sport will an organisation, are devastated by the loss and remember continue.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Trish and the entire the leadership and passion in which Mr Jacobs led our organisation. We ask the bass fishing community to keep Jacobs family during this time.”

Tributes to Lowrance

>> Anthony Hawkswell*

Tributes have been paid to predecessor – from 1983 to 1984.

Darrell J. Lowrance, founder of He was also a Board member on Lowrance Electronics, who died at numerous occasions through the the age of 80. years and an ex-officio member in 2008 and 2009. He was inducted Responsible for many breakinto the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame throughs in marine electronics, in 2013. including the first ever portable sonar fishfinder for the average In 2007, the ASA awarded him angler – the Fish-Lo-K-Tor – its Lifetime Achievement Award, he was President and CEO of the highest honour that the industry Tributes have been paid to Darrel Lowrance, founder Lowrance Electronics from 1964 can bestow on an individual who of Lowrance, who has died at the age of 80 to 2006. has shown extraordinary leadership Former American Sportfishing Association (ASA) throughout his or her career in promoting the values of President and CEO, Mike Nussman, worked with sport fishing.

Lowrance for many years. He said: “Darrell was a Leif Ottosson, CEO of Navico, the parent company brilliant entrepreneur who created many products of Lowrance, said: “With his passing the world has lost a that helped revolutionise recreational fishing. It was a great man and true visionary. Darrell’s passion for fishing, privilege to have known Darrell and work with him for innovative design and dedication to driving the marine the betterment of our industry and the ASA.” electronics industry forward, led to innovative ideas and “The sport fishing industry owes Darrell a debt of products that have shaped the fishing experiences for gratitude for the decades of time and effort he invested millions of anglers globally for over 60 years. in ensuring the association endured,” said Peter Foley, “The fishing world and our Navico family mourn this President of Boone Bait Company and ASA’s Treasurer loss, and we offer our sincere condolences to Darrell’s Emeritus. “I knew Darrell since the mid-1970s, having wife, Kathleen, and his family.” served on the ASA’s Board of Directors with him during ASA President Glenn Hughes added: “Darrell was some difficult times for the association when he provided the father of marine electronics. He was committed to wise counsel and sound advice.” the industry and to the sport he loved. His dedication Lowrance was Chairman of the American Fishing to his brand, his employees and this industry will never Tackle Manufacturer’s Association (AFTMA) – ASA’s be forgotten.”

Cont on p46 42 SA BASS May 2019

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>> SA BASS CONSERVATION

HOMO HORRENDOUS APPEAL TO FISHERMEN TO ACT MORE RESPONSIBLY >> Hugh Chittenden

A

ll fishermen are urged to act more responsibly, both along coastal shore lines and at inland fishing sites.

The following set of photos graphically illustrates some of the worst traits in humans, and I for one hang my head in shame at our irresponsibility, and the knock-on effects to wildlife that we profess to care for. How have we become insensitive to our surroundings? In this

case, the blame for discarded fishing line lies squarely at the feet of fishermen.

Not all fishermen behave irresponsibly of course, I have friends who are keen fishermen and I know they act very responsibly and would never discard a single matchstick at the water’s edge, let alone bunches of discarded fishing line. Sadly however, and judging by the amount of fishing

Stork with left foot entangled in fishing line

Stork attempting to find aquatic prey along the shallow margins of Albert Falls Dam

Stork with the right foot showing stump-end and loss of toes from a previous (healed) fishing line injury. Left foot now undergoing similar constriction and potential further loss of toes

A woolly-necked Stork on the edge of Albert Falls Dam, completely oblivious to the danger of fishing line just one meter behind where it is standing!

44 SA BASS May 2019

line that one sees lying around on the margins of dams and along beaches, the majority of fishermen seem to have no concern for the way they litter!

The photos below show fishing line injuries to three separate Woolly-necked Storks. Storks photographed at Albert Falls Dam near Pietermaritzburg (March, 2019), and at Mtunzini, June, 2014.

When storks become entangled in fishing line, the line often becomes tight, stopping the flow of blood, resulting in swelling and eventually foot or toe loss. This also means that the entangled birds can no longer roost on tree branches at night as they no longer have the capability to clasp onto the branch when the wind blows.

Msinsi Holdings manage the Albert Falls resort, and do a good job of running these facilities. However, there should be more accountability with not only keeping water margins clean of debris, but also signage to alert and educate fishermen re the dangers of items such as discarded fishing line.

Again, please urge your angling friends to act more responsibly.

This bird, in obvious pain, was found limping badly at the edge of the Umlalazi Lagoon, Mtunzini. Umlalazi Nature Reserve is managed by Ezemvelo

In November of 2015, a Palm-nut Vulture, was photographed at Mtunzini with fishing line attached to its one foot. The insert shows one toe badly swollen and would have in all probability lost that extremity shortly after this photograph was taken!

Within minutes of photographing the first Woolly-necked Stork entangled with fishing line, a second bird was seen limping badly with a swollen toe dangling and about to fall off!

Stork in flight SA BASS 45 May 2019

>> SA BASS ANGLING INTERNATIONAL >> Anthony Hawkswell*

Contd from p42

37 Pounds on Day 2 Knowing he needed a big weight to stay in the race after lagging behind on day one, Brent Butler wowed the fishing community with a massive 37-pound, 5-ounce limit of 5 bass on day two of the Costa FLW Series on Chickamauga.

Butler’s huge catch was anchored by an 11-pound, 10-ounce bass. And that was not even Butler’s biggest bass on Chickamauga.

Butler was not divulging many details but said all his weight came off of three spots with a jerkbait and an Alabama rig. His catch ranks as the 5th heaviest in Costa FLW Series history.

Advert banning lead

The European Fishing Tackle Trade Association has failed to discredit a report calling for restrictions on the use of lead

Industry concerns that a ban on lead in fishing in Europe is getting closer have deepened after the trade’s efforts to undermine a recent report supporting a ban were repelled.

General Tire reaffirms commitment to FLW tournaments General Tire confirmed an extension to its sponsorship of the FLW (Fishing League Worldwide), reputedly the world’s largest tournament fishing organisation.

The agreement means that General Tire, which first became a sponsor of the FLW in 2016, will have a presence at more than 200 tournaments across multiple FLW circuits.

“Fishing continues to be a great fit for the General Tire brand, as we embody an outdoor lifestyle that usually requires trucks and u the right kind of tires to get you 46 SA BASS May 2019

The influential report, produced late last year by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for the European Commission, calls for the restricted use of lead in both fishing and shooting.

Its contents have been strongly contested by the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA), which commissioned its own response to the report from leading European fisheries management consultant and industry advisor, Dr Bruno Broughton.

However, in its response to Broughton’s 12-page advisory document, ECHA says that ‘for now, we do not see the need to update our report as we assess that the overall conclusions regarding fishing sinkers do not change.’

It is a bitter blow to EFTTA and an industry that relies heavily on lead as a component. It must now wait for the European Commission’s response to the ECHA report. where you need to go,” said Travis Roffler, Director of Market, Continental Tire. “We look forward to engaging with FLW fans and anglers in 2019 and beyond.”

The sponsorship, the terms of which have not been disclosed, includes the FLW Tour, the Costa FLW Series, the T-H Marine Bass Fishing League (BFL), the Yeti FLW College Fishing and the Bass Prop Shops High School Fishing Opens.

The company will also be the presenting sponsor of the 2019 9 T-H Marine BFL All-American from May 30 Potomac River in Maryland. to June 1 on the P “Entering their fourth season as an FLW sponsor, General Tire has been extremely creative and effective in developing campaigns that fully engage FLW fans, members and anglers, both on and off the water,” said FLW President of Marketing, Trish Blake.

ASA joins fight

The ASA Board of Directors has written to Washington state governor, Jay Inslee, calling for the rejection of plans to reinstate gillnetting in the Columbia River

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) has stepped into the fight to halt plans to reinstate non-tribal commercial gillnetting in a major US waterway that holds significant fish stocks, including 13 endangered species.

The Board of Directors of the representative body for the recreational fishing industry has written a letter to Washington Governor, Jay Inslee, calling on him to reject the plan for the Columbia

River, describing the move against the best available fisheries science and commonsense conservation efforts.

It adds: “Wasteful fishing practices, such as gillnetting, pose a threat to the longterm solvency of both commercial and recreational fishing industries alike.�

The letter is signed by members of the Board which includes the heads of some of the world’s top fishing tackle manufacturers. Among those are David Pfeiffer (Shimano), Zack Swanson (Rapala VMC), Jesse Simpkins, (St. Croix) and Dan McDonald (Yakima Bait).

The letter highlights the importance of the recreational fishing industry to the state of Washington, pointing out that one million anglers spend $1.5 billion on their sport each year, supporting 15,208 jobs.

It adds: “Given the importance of the state to businesses across the country, the sport fishing industry is watching closely the recent deliberations about allowing commercial gillnetting in the Columbia River. This highly controversial move would negatively impact fisheries conservation efforts and recreational fisheries from the river’s mouth to the upper Columbia in Eastern Washington. “We urge you to support ongoing fisheries conservation in the Columbia River, including the protection provided under the Endangered Species Act, by rejecting the Washington Department Fish and Wildlife’s decision on gillnetting in the Columbia River.�

COMING UP IN FLW COMPETITIONS

FLW RSA TBC Championship May 4 & 5, 2019 Sandrivier Welkom, OFS

FLW FORREST WOOD CUP August 9 - 11, 2019 Lake Hamilton Hot Springs, AR

FLW Championship August 23 - 25, 2019 Lake Oanob Rehoboth, Namibia

FLW Championship August 23 - 25, 2019 Venue to be announced Zimbabwe

*Anthony Hawkswell is the editor of Angling International since 2013

Follow Michael Matthee Career earnings: $55 200 7RWDO HYHQWV Č´VKHG FLW Cup appearances: 1 Years as FLW Tour Pro: 1 &DUHHU WRS WHQ Č´QLVKHV 0DUFK )/: 7RXU *UDQG /DNH QG 1RYHPEHU &RVWD )/: 6HULHV &KDPSLRQVKLS .HQWXFN\ /DNH WK

Scan this QR-code and follow Michael

FLW RSA Championship August 29 - 31, 2019 Witbank Dam The Ridge Casino, Witbank, MP

Costa FLW Series Championship Oct. 31 - Nov. 2, 2019 Lake Cumberland Burnside, KY

>> SA BASS DESTINATIONS

SA BASS PRESENTS FISHING

DESTINATIONS As a service to readers Fishing Resorts and Lodges are invited to place their information in this section. Readers who discover other destinations are invited to place the information on this page. Each entry consists of one photo plus no more than 200 words.

Om ons lesers ingelig te hou word Hengel-oorde en Lodges uitgenooi om hul inligting in hierdie afdeling te publiseer. Lesers wat nog bestemmings ontdek word uitgenooi om die inligting op hierdie afdeling te plaas. Elke inskrywing beslaan een foto plus nie meer as 200 woorde.

Stuur aan: editor@sabass.com.

Tolderia Resort Time to sit back and relax Tolderia offers a host of luxury accommodation chalets.

The venue can be used for conferences, weddings, and entertainment.

Situated 50km east of Ermelo, Mpumalanga, on the Lothair road, Tolderia offers unique views, and activities in a single location. The natural hills and surrounding beauty of the two huge farm dams offers you fishing, boating, bird watching, walking, swimming, game viewing, quad bike riding, tubing and water skiing. Alternatively bring along your own boat, quad bike, and bicycles for a relaxing cruise around the 1900 hectare resort and wetlands.

When staying at Tolderia, you will find four luxury self catering chalets with 3 bedrooms each and each bedroom

has its own en-suite bathroom. The modern kitchens are fully equipped and have dishwashers. The living rooms have fireplaces for those cold nights and televisions. Each chalet has its own braai and heated swimming pool.

There is also a two bedroom chalet located on the other end of the dam. This chalet also features a heated swimming pool, private slipway and entertainment area.

Tolderia Rocks has a large overhanging natural rock, and breathtaking waterfall. It is suitable for entertainment, functions, conferences and weddings. The entertainment area has a heated swimming pool, a fully equipped kitchen, braai area, bar, tables and enough space to seat 80 people.

The venue is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, reunions, weddings and more.

For more information please contact their office on 082-925-7251 and for bookings send an email to tolderia@gmail.com 48 SA BASS May 2019

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