SA BASS Nov-18

www.sabass.com

November 2018

Issue 211

Smarter

Wacky Rigging

RSA: R39.34 (VAT incl.)

Other Countries: R34.21 (Tax excl.)

How to...

Long line a crankbait Backyard bassin’ | Breaking the language barrier | Dealing with changing water conditions | Prey do tell Fishing the Luhr-Jensen Speed Trap | Lures and how to deal with current | Destination - Olifants River Lodge Sure hook-up | Managing reputation | Secrets of South Africa’s pros | Industry news | Tournament reports

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Publisher:

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Editor:

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Contents

Field Editors:

Bennie Wiese, Bryan Leppan, Colin Willmer, Derrek Stewart, Dewald Viljoen, Divan Coetzee, Gary Peter, Gareth Dryden, Gordon Brown, Joe Dreyer, Kevin Lofstedt, Louis Bezuidenhout, Mzi Tyhokolo, Neels Beneke, Philip Kemp, Roger Donaldson, Rowan Zerf, Rudi Dreyer

International Columnists:

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

Advertising Manager:

Wilma Lindeque - wilma@sabass.com

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Hannes Lindeque - hannes@sabass.com

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Layout and Design:

Storm Deezigns - dee@stormdeezigns.co.za

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

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

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

Within this editorial mix, due consideration is given to developing the sport among all the 02 SA BASS November 2018

08

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

FLW “Managing Reputation” Earning respect is about more than just catching fish – Sean Ostruszka

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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.

REGULARS & FORUMS

FLW “How to Longline a Crankbait” Get deeper and stay there longer with this advanced maneuver – Tyler Brinks

FLW “The Rise of Motorized Kayaks” Advantages and advice for adding mechanical power to your rig – Matt Ball

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.

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.

16

FLW “Perfection Lures” Sure hook-up shaky head – Matt Williams

35 36

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FLW “Fishing the Luhr-Jensen Speed Trap” This classic crankbait has quietly developed a rabid following among a small sect of anglers.

– Tyler Brinks

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44

BACKYARD BASSIN

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SECRETS

“Loskop Dam” Situated around 40km from the Mpumalanga town of Middelburg is the picturesque body of water known as Loskop Dam – John Badenhorst

“Garmin South Africa Extends Partnership with FLW South Africa” FLW and Garmin South Africa announced that Garmin South Africa has signed an extension of its exclusive marine GPS fishfinders, chartplotters and instruments sponsorship of FLW SA.

SA BASS “Breaking the language barrier” As editor of this magazine, I get to meet some truly remarkable people from all walks of life, especially during this past year with international anglers visiting during the World Black Bass Championship with teams from all over the globe – John Badenhorst

“Secrets of South Africa’s pro’s Water levels (Part-4)” Very exciting times ahead for those who had time and opportunity to get a glimpse at what was beneath the water of the Cape dams when they were at their lowest water levels – Bass Spy

FLW “Smarter Wacky Rigging” There’s more to a wacky rig than a simple worm and hook.

– Rob Newell

MASTER CLASS “Dealing with changing water conditions” It’s that time of year when many regions of South Africa will start receiving their summer rainfall. Unlike the Cape which will probably have ended, but what a fortuitous winter and spring rainfall was had! – Roger Donaldson

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PRESS RELEASE

SA BASS “Prey do tell” Here is a crash course to what bass feed on and where to find them.

– Jay Röhm-Williams

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

KLASKAMER “Jou wedstrydplan vir vroeg somer” Die postbroeiseisoen kan beslis ‘n kopkrapseisoen wees omrede baars reeds weer weg beweeg het uit die areas waar hulle die vorige week nog was – Phillip Kemp

04

MY CAST

06

READERS-go-BASSING

26

Cast-for-Cash - Tournament Results

64

DESTINATION – Olifants River Lodge g

MASTER CLASS “Lures and how to deal with current” It was during a fishing competition and I was heading up river on the Vaal scouting for areas beneath large willow trees where I believed the bass will be hiding out.

– Roger Donaldson

ON THE COVER “André Pretorius - Bivane Dam” Image: Darryn Brooks

SA BASS 03 November 2018

As I sit here at one of the most beautiful venues I’ve ever fished and stayed, I look out over another magnificent sunset and seriously contemplate this thing we call “bassing”.

This is a sport that costs us as angler a fast amount of money and time and in the process we get to meet the most interesting folks along our journey. With the recently held Albert Falls Bass Classic and a tour to our beautiful country by fellow bass anglers all the way from China, the common love of bass fishing has become more apparent to me.

In South Africa, there are anglers that fish different tournament trails and events but strangely, most of these anglers will not fish together very often as they are from different parts of the country and also fish their own provincial tournament trails. During the Albert Falls Bass Classic it was apparent that anglers from all walks of life and different levels of experience for once put their views and fishing politics aside to enjoy what nature has provided and simply came together to have fun and catch some bass.

With the visit of our Chinese friends for a ten day tour of two of our best venues, a serious language barrier had to be broken as mandarin is one of the most difficult languages to learn and at the same time, making communication hard was the fact that these two folks hardly spoke a word of English.

In both instances the simple love of catching bass, overcame all obstacles from politics to language barriers.

This has had me thinking... since we all love this sport so much and some would travel halfway around the globe in the pursuit of the next PB and some would put their personal views aside for the sake of the sport as a whole, maybe there is a lesson to be learnt in all of this. If anglers that fish their own tournaments could put all differences aside for a combined tournament, why can’t it be done more often? If we think about it, we all want the sport to grow, we all want more anglers to join in with the pleasure that our sport brings and undoubtedly, many of us have spent hours, if not days teaching someone else what we know. The ones that benefit the most from different organizations being

04 SA BASS November 2018

able to work together in the end are you and me and the next generation of anglers to follow. It’s not about personal accolades or prestige but instead should be around growing the port as a whole.

There are more exciting times ahead in the next few months with Team SA heading to Mexico to defend their gold medal from the last world championships. South Africa set a benchmark with the hosting of the tournament and we wish our boys all the best. Closer to home, our FLW South Africa winners will be jetting off to the USA for their respective tournaments and to make us as South Africans proud and hold the name of SA Bass Magazine high. We wish them many big fish during their visit and enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime.

For some, the recent spawn has been a golden period with many anglers having caught their new PB, like Wayne Naudé and Ruan Wahl at Loskop Dam and Ross Summerell with his new PB from Albert Falls. Some might have missed the opportunity due to work or for other reasons but its not all doom and gloom. Summer is the time for those explosive topwater takes on a lazy afternoon. Its a time to experiment with new gadgets and techniques, to try different venues and to meet new friends around the braai while enjoying a cold one. Summer is magical and as we all know, fish feed better in the warmer months. You might or might not get your new PB but you will surely get quantity for the time spent on the water and this in turn will hone your skills for the inevitable colder months which will again be coming in a few months’ time.

With this issue, we share more tips and ideas from likeminded anglers and pros from around the world and we hope that their insight and advice helps you to catch more fish and to never give up.

Take advantage of the warmer months ahead and get out there and have some fun and remember to send us your pics.

See you out on the water.

John Badenhorst / Editor

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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.

PERSEVERE

DANKIE

I caught this 4.7kg bass at Letsibogo on 26 August 2018. My lure of choice was a Senko on a Carolina rig.

The weather was not in our favour but we still managed to continue fishing in very strong winds. We caught only eight fish in three days. Thanks for a great magazine.

– André van Rooyen

Dit gaan goed; die seisoen het gedraai en die winter is verby. Ek het vandag hierdie twee pragtige visse met ‘n sagte plastiese Baby Bass kunsaas gevang. Ek geniet julle Facebook-blad en al die leesmateriaal in SA Bass. Dankie vir ‘n uitstekende tydskrif.

– Nico Venter

PRAGTIG!

BUCKET MOUTH Just wanted to submit my 4kg monster for submission in the Readers go Bassing section of SA BASS magazine.

It was caught on a Berkley lipless Warpig which I lost soon after in the trees. My brother and I took a trip up to Letsi this past week and came across this missile of a bass. Keep up the good magazine and great content.

– Wayne Kriek 06 SA BASS November 2018

”Ek het ‘n vis, ek het ‘n GROOT VIS!” het my 7-jarige seun, Willie Jordaan geskree! Hy het ook meermale hard en duidelik gese dat hy die kompetisie tussen ons “gewen” het met die vis en wou dadelik weet of ek al so groot vis gevang het! Hy het die baars van presies 1kg gevang op 30 September 2018 omstreeks 16h55 te Boskop Dam, Potchefstroom, met ‘n middel-grootte “Smoke / Silver Baitball Spinner Rig” van LiveTarget. Hy het waarlik die dag gewen en wou weet of ons sommer elke dag van die vakansie op die dam kan deurbring, hy het natuurlik ten volle aanspraak gemaak op die toekomstige gebruik van “sy” spinner. Na die foto is sy baars geweeg en veilig teruggelaat in die dam, soos hy tereg gese het: “Ons sal hom môre weer vang”.

– Willie Jordaan

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TAKEOFF

TOURNAMENT LIFE

MANAGING REPUTATION

EARNING RESPECT IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST CATCHING FISH

A

08 SA BASS November 2018

could be tarnished even though he didn’t intentionally steal the leader’s spot.

Nixon has lost count of how many times such situations have arisen in his career, but because of that, he’s come up with some unwritten rules of his own to deal with them. “The first day of the tournament, anything goes,� says Nixon. “I don’t know who practiced where, but once you get to day two, if you haven’t seen someone in your area, but then you do, that’s when it gets questionable. That’s where communication becomes so important.�

Let’s look at the prior example. If Nixon is Angler 1, the second he sees the leader or even one of the leaders come in, he’s either leaving the area out of respect (if Nixon is far down the leaderboard) or at least trolling over to communicate his situation (if Nixon is in contention). It’s worth noting that in either scenario, Nixon approaches on his trolling motor, not idling. “Have respect for the angler. You idle over and you could be ruining his area, and just taking off on pad when around

others; that’s just disrespectful. Trolling motor out 50 yards before you fire up.�

Say Nixon is the leader in the previous example, and he pulls in and finds Angler 1 already on his spot. If Angler 1 doesn’t communicate with him, Nixon will be sure to go over and communicate with Angler 1 to work out a solution. “A lot of it comes down to communication,� says Nixon. “I’ll never be blunt or cuss. Just have a friendly conversation to try and clear the air, but you have to say something.�

Nixon says that he has seen many young anglers err in such scenarios as their competitive ambitions often get the best of them. “They’ll be in 120th, and the leader will show up on a spot, and they won’t leave or even bother to ask if it’s his main area,� says Nixon. “Money is such a factor. They just don’t understand the proper way to play the game. “That said, I’ve seen many young anglers who, as they matured, were able to repair their reputations as they had better respect and etiquette out on the water as their careers progressed.�

PHOTO BY COLIN MOORE

s Benjamin Franklin once said, “It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.� Yet, a reputation is not always the truth, or at least the whole truth.

So how does one manage his reputation, especially in a tight-knit sport like fishing? “You adhere to the Golden Rule,� says Larry Nixon. “Do unto others as you’d have them do to you. Often, it’s as simple as that. You do that, and you’ll build a good reputation, and you want one in this sport.�

With more than 40 years in the sport, Nixon has seen the power of reputation.

Whether for attaining sponsors or garnering respect from other anglers, an angler’s reputation is often as important as his fishing ability, according to Nixon.

It’s something that can be groomed through media appearances, fan interaction and social media, in ways that can help an angler build his brand and protect his image.

Yet, on the water is where a reputation really develops, and that’s where it gets tricky, because following the Golden Rule has shades of gray depending on an angler’s interpretation of what’s acceptable in any given situation.

There’s an example – quite common in tournament fishing – that can help illustrate the point, and the reasoning behind Nixon’s suggestions for handling it can be applied in similar encounters.

Say Angler 1 pulls in on a spot on day two of a tournament. He didn’t fish it the day before, but did in practice. Then Angler 2, who is leading the tournament, pulls in shortly after. How does Angler 1 proceed? He was there first, after all, but will he be labeled a “hole jumper� (the deadliest sin on Nixon’s list in terms of reputation) for seemingly weaseling in on Angler 2’s area? And what if Angler 1 is also in contention for the lead?

Such interactions contribute to building a reputation, and it’s also where “unwritten rules� come into play. There are no rules that stipulate Angler 1 has to leave, but if he doesn’t his reputation

Few anglers are as adored by fans and fellow competitors as Larry Nixon, who says adhering to the Golden Rule is the best way to develop a good reputation in the industry.

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TAKEOFF

TECHNIQUES

PHOTO BY ANDY HAGEDON

HOW TO LONGLINE A CRANKBAIT

GET DEEPER AND STAY THERE LONGER WITH THIS ADVANCED MANEUVER

F

LW Tour pro Mark Rose is one of the best in the world with a deep-diving crankbait. In situations when he needs to go even deeper than a crankbait can reach on a standard cast, or he needs it to stay in its maximum strike zone longer, he uses the longlining technique, which is done by casting and then moving the boat in the opposite direction with the trolling motor, letting out a long length of line before starting the retrieve.

“It works best during the hottest times of the year when fish are very deep or when there is a lot of fishing pressure moving fish deeper because they are finicky,” Rose says.

He breaks down the details on how to longline like a pro.

me,” he adds. “The other thing I like about that reel is that it has a large line capacity [160 yards of 12-pound test], and with this technique you do not want to have any backing on your reel. You want it filled all the way up because you’ll need plenty of line.”

Line – Line size and, more importantly, line diameter are critical according to Rose.

“I use 12-pound Seaguar Tatsu fluorocarbon for the 6XD and 15-pound for the 8XD and 10XD. This line has a very thin diameter and helps get the bait down as deep as possible without sacrificing any line strength,” he says.

Bait Selection Rose uses one of three crankbaits that can reach depths of more than 20 feet: the Strike King 6XD, 8XD and 10XD. He says he most often reaches for the 6XD. “The bait is much more compact, and you can still get it down to 30 or 35 feet with longlining,” he says of the 6XD. “I will use an 8XD and 10XD if the fish are eating bigger forage like gizzard shad.”

According to Rose, the 10XD can reach 40 feet deep with the right gear, a long length of line and proper boat positioning.

Strike King 10XD

Tackle Rod – Rose developed the Team Lew’s Custom Pro Speed Stick Ledge Series specifically for ledge fishing, and it includes two rods that he uses for this technique. Both are 7 feet, 11 inches long to allow for longer casts. He uses the Big Crankbaits (medium-heavy) model for the 6XD and the Magnum Crankbaits (heavy) model for the 8XD and 10XD. Reel – Rose fishes either rod with a Lew’s BB1 Speed Spool Series, opting for 6.4:1 retrieve ratio for the 6XD and 5.1:1 for the 8XD and 10XD. “The torque of the bigger baits is just too much, and you need that slower retrieve or you will wear yourself out. Trust 10 SA BASS November 2018

By Tyler Brinks

Strike King 8XD

Strike King 6XD

Technique Rose typically uses the longlining technique on river-channel ledges, casting perpendicular to the ledge to hit the target and retrieving the bait from shallow to deep.

He makes a long cast past the spot, then turns and trolls straight in the opposite direction. Rose is careful not to cast into extremely shallow water, which could result in the bait getting hung up and ruining the cast.

On average, Rose moves the boat 40 to 50 yards before beginning his retrieve, but some situations require taking it to extremes. And sometimes, he only needs a “little extra.”

“You are trying to hit a specific target. It could be a 5- or 10-foot stretch of rocky bottom or a 100-yard-long mussel bed with fish scattered throughout,” Rose says. “How far you move with the trolling motor before starting your retrieve varies based on the target you are trying to hit.

“For small targets, I will move the boat as little as 10 or 20 yards because a small target requires the perfect angle to hit it just right. For bigger targets, my drift before starting the retrieve could be 100 yards. The biggest thing with this technique is that with more line out you can get your bait deeper and keep it there longer.”

Precise depth control is a matter of experimentation. If you don’t hit on the first try, reset and troll farther. Then try again.

1. Cast

2. Troll away, letting line out.

Distance depends on desired depth and size of target.

3. Turn boat back to stop movement.

4. Wind bait back in.

Perfect the Presentation Rose is careful to watch his line to ensure that his bait is on track to dive to the target.

“You don’t want a bow in your line because it can affect the angle the bait dives. I will keep the rod tip low to the

ILLUSTRATION BY RON FINGER

MINI-LONGLINING Longlining is an effective way to get a big plug deep and keep it there. Same goes for smaller crankbaits, says Rose. He’ll use the technique to drive down a square-bill or a medium-diving crankbait in situations where he wants to gain another foot or two of depth.

Usually, it only takes 20 yards or so of extra distance to make a difference. water with a tight line. Otherwise you risk missing the mark because it is often a very small window to hit it just right.”

The entire process can take upward of five minutes per presentation. This includes lining up the target, the cast, moving the boat while letting line out and then completing the retrieve. So one fouled cast can be a big waste of time in a tournament.

Also, be sure to study the regulations in the tournament circuit you plan to fish. Typically, trolling is not allowed, but how it’s defined can vary. In a tournament, Rose is careful to stop the boat’s movement when he finishes letting out line – spinning around to face the bait is an easy way to be sure the boat is stopped – otherwise, to pull the bait down under trolling motor power is considered trolling, which is a rule violation. Check with the tournament director if you have questions, then take time to practice because longlining can often mean the difference in hitting your target and catching fish, or missing the spot altogether. ■ SA BASS 11 November 2018

TAKEOFF

KAYAK FISHING

PHOTO BY JEFF LITTLE

THE RISE OF MOTORIZED KAYAKS ADVANTAGES AND ADVICE FOR ADDING MECHANICAL POWER TO YOUR RIG

A

s the popularity of kayak fishing grows, manufacturers continue to roll out better kayaks made specifically for fishing and accessories that provide kayak anglers with many of the high-tech tools that bass boat anglers enjoy.

One of the most popular accessories is the electric kayak motor, which is one of the best tools to maximize your time on the water and put you closer to the same playing field as the high-dollar bass boats, yet at a fraction of the cost.

In kayak tournament fishing, the use of motors is controversial because some anglers believe they unfairly offer competitors an advantage and they contradict the traditional notion that a kayak should be powered by muscles. Still, the advantages are many, and you should consider a motor if you’re serious about hard-core kayak bass fishing.

12 SA BASS November 2018

By Matt Ball

Choosing Motors

7 Advantages of Motors 1. RANGE – With a motor, you’ll save energy and find more fish.

Before using a motor, my average range for a day of fishing was three to four miles. With the motor it’s not uncommon to cover more than 10 miles in a day.

2. POSITION – One of the biggest challenges with any kayak is maintaining position in wind and current. Without a motor, you’re forced to drop anchor or continually paddle to stay in place. This limits the amount of time spent actually fishing a spot. With a motor you can counter the wind and current easily and spend more time focusing on the fish.

3. UPSTREAM ACCESS – With a motor mounted on my kayak, I can launch on a river or stream, motor upstream, and then float and fish with the current back to my vehicle. This is a big plus to me; the days of having to set up a shuttle with another vehicle at a downstream takeout spot are over. Now I can spend a lot more time exploring rivers that seldom see fishing pressure.

4. HANDS-FREE OPERATION – Paddling a kayak in between casts while working down a long stretch of bank and slinging a crankbait, spinnerbait or topwater lure used to be a labor-intensive distraction. A motor enables me many more opportunities to run and gun. All things considered, the ability to work down a bank with both hands free can really expand the range of techniques that are used.

5. ELECTRONICS – A motor’s consistent search speed and increased range enable a kayak angler to take advantage of modern sonar – including side-viewing sonar and in-boat map making.

6. SAFETY – This is an often-overlooked benefit of having a motor on a kayak. Pairing big water and little boats can pose many hazards, but a motor can get you back to shore quickly, with little physical exertion in an emergency situation.

7. ACCESSIBILITY – A motor can get someone who is injured or has a disability back out on the water, fishing and competing from a kayak. In fact, some clubs that otherwise don’t allow motors will allow disabled anglers to use a motor to make tournaments available to more people.

There are many ways to incorporate a motor on your kayak. DIY is one option. Kayakers pride themselves on their DIY skills, so YouTube is full of great examples of clever homemade or modified big-boat trolling motors that have been adapted for a small boat. However, such homemade options often lack reliability, performance and safety features, and they’re heavy to boot.

A model designed and built by a kayak accessory manufacturer is almost always a better choice. Companies such as Torqeedo (torqeedo.com) have put time and research into creating the most efficient, safe and lightweight kayak motors – and battery systems – possible. These modern motors and their lithium batteries offer significant advantages.

Kayak manufacturers are also getting on board by offering motor options. For instance, Jackson Kayak (jacksonkayak.com) is currently working on a motor for its popular Coosa FD. When it’s available, the motor will be able to be swapped in for the boat’s pedal-drive system. Wilderness Systems (wildernesssystems.com) and Hobie (hobie.com) also offer motor systems developed by Torqeedo specifically for their kayaks.

Here are some other factors to consider when choosing a motor.

Weight and Transport Motors and batteries add weight, but if you choose a premium product you’ll see a big difference. One popular 30-pound-thrust transom-steer motor used by kayak anglers weighs around 17 pounds, and a lead-acid battery to power it varies from 20 to 30 pounds, depending on size. A Torqeedo Ultralight 403 hefts about 16 pounds for the total package, including its lithium battery. This makes a major difference in ease of loading and unloading, and the amount of draft in a loaded kayak.

Lithium batteries, such as the one used with the Ultralight, save significant weight, though the tradeoff is a higher price tag.

Installation Motors designed specifically for one kayak model or a series of kayak models are usually simple to SA BASS 13 November 2018

install. Some just drop in place in the middle of the boat or on the transom, or require some permanent hardware install. Others made to fit any kayak might require a bit more work or an accessory kit to install on the transom, but are usually still pretty easy to set up.

Companies such as YakAttack (yakattack.us), Bassyaks (bassyaks.com) and Kevin Dismuke’s Kayak Motor Mounts (see Facebook) manufacture motor mounting kits to fit just about any kayak on the market.

Motor mounts should be designed to be easy to remove for transport, and easy for the user to raise or lower from a seated position, which allows access to very skinny water and prevents damage when beaching the kayak.

Steering Kayak motors usually steer with foot pedals or a hand control. Foot pedals are most convenient for fishing. Some anglers into the DIY scene have even figured out how to rig remote-operated motors on their kayaks.

Registration Kayak registration varies from state to state. In Ohio, where I live, the law requires all kayaks to be registered, but kayaks with motors must display registration numbers on the hull. Be sure to check local regulations if you’re thinking about adding a motor to your rig.

Price You can pay a lot or pay a little, but you generally get what you pay for when it comes to a compact kayak motor. The Torqeedo Ultralight 403, for instance, costs $1,799, but it’s a complete system, is lightweight and is easy to use without any DIY work required to be up and running.

With the limited time that many of us have to actually get out on the water to fish, I believe the motor is the single biggest improvement for maximizing time on the water.

Whether you’re a weekend angler or an avid tournament competitor, the kayak motor is a tool that can increase your fishing success. That’s an advantage that I will take anytime I can. ■ 14 SA BASS November 2018

PHHOTO BY JEFF LITTLE

Take Advantage Of More Time

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Matt Ball is a professional kayak angler from Little Hocking, Ohio. He’s won more than $40,000 in a kayak, and in the last three years has earned 21 top-10 finishes and two wins, including the inaugural Kayak Bass Fishing National Championship on Kentucky Lake in 2016.

TM

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Call 082-416-5524, or get all the rules, dates and venues on www.flwsouthafrica.com SA BASS 15 November 2018

GEAR

PRODUCT REVIEW

PERFECTION LURES SURE HOOK-UP SHAKY HEAD

By Matt Williams

PHOTOS BY MATT PACE

F

LW Tour pro David Dudley had several goals in mind when he set out to design a shaky head he was willing to associate his name with.

Ultimately, it had to maintain a stand-up posture, navigate easily through all sorts of tricky cover, provide solid hook-ups and, more importantly, keep the fish pinned. While few things are perfect in this world, what he came up with for Perfection Lures turned out to be pretty darned close.

First Impression Dudley’s shaky head is clearly constructed to perform a balancing act. The football-shaped head is molded with a flat spot on the bottom to give it some stability as the bait traverses a lake floor, but what makes it unique are two thin titanium wires that protrude at outward angles from the base of 16 SA BASS November 2018

protect the knot and reduce fouling. A spike keeper is made from a rigid ABS plastic.

In Action

ACTUAL SIZE

the head. Their purpose is to provide additional support to keep the jighead standing erect so it is more visible and easier for the fish to inhale. The wires spring back to shape without bending and are outfitted with small rubber tips to help prevent fish from feeling the wires and spitting the bait prematurely.

The jighead is built around a needlepoint 4/0 Mustad hook with a vertical 90-degree line tie that is slightly recessed to help

I played around with the shaky head for the better part of two months and was very impressed by the hook-up/landing percentage as well as the head’s weedless nature. Mostly I rigged it with Zoom Trick Worms or Finesse Worms and Yamamoto Senkos and caught close to 100 bass up to 4 pounds on the same jighead (most fish hooked solidly in the roof of the mouth) before one of the titanium legs snapped off at the head. Even then, the jighead went right back to catching fish.

There isn’t much rock in the east Texas lake where I did most of the field-testing, but there is plenty of brush, stumps, docks and vegetation – mainly hydrilla and lotus pads. I threw the

shaky head into some pretty gnarly stuff at times, hung up rarely and broke off once using 12-poundtest braid with an 8-poundtest fluorocarbon leader.

Final Thoughts I’m hesitant to say the hook-up and landing percentages were significantly better than with any other shaky head I’ve thrown, but they were way better than some.

Equally impressive were the bait’s ability to slide up and over wood and through scattered vegetation with minimal hangsups and the performance of the spike keeper at holding plastics in place.

The jighead is versatile in that it can be hopped, dragged or shaken in place to give your favorite finesse worm, soft jerkbait, craw, lizard or tube a reliable stand-up action that a lot of other shaky heads can’t.

BALANCE:

SMART DESIGN:

Titanium wire feelers provide additional stability to help the bait maintain its upright stance whether it’s traversing the bottom or sitting idle.

The rigid ABS plastic keeper holds plastics snug against the head.

RECESSED LINE TIE:

The line tie is semi-recessed to help protect the knot and reduce snagging or fouling. The angle of the line tie promotes better hooking efficiency.

Performance Advice The line can wrap around the titanium legs on occasion, particularly while fighting a fish, so it’s a good idea to give it a look-see now and then to keep things straight. Like other shaky heads ranging 1/8 to 1/4 ounce, this one seemed to perform best on straight fluorocarbon or small-diameter braid with a lighter fluorocarbon leader. Spinning gear generally rules in lightweight shaky head arenas, as do casual reel-and-lift or sweeping hooksets. Most anglers prefer a 6 1/2- to 7-foot, medium-action rod.

APPLICATIONS

HITS & MISSES + Gives plastics a reliable stand-up posture + Excellent hook + Provides good hookset efficiency + Navigates cover well + Casts well + Competitively priced

• Fishing around rocks, brush, scattered vegetation

+ High-quality keeper

or boat docks in clear water • Getting bites in tough or high-pressure situations • Bed-fishing

– Heavier models would be nice for power-shaking applications.

GO LIGHT WHEN YOU CAN No matter which type of shaky head is incorporated into your game plan, it’s usually best to use the lightest one you can get away with and still maintain contact with the bottom. Lighter jigheads ranging 1/8 to 3/16 ounce provide a slower sink rate and give the bait a more natural action, but they can be next to impossible to fish effectively in a big wind, deep water or strong current.

That’s when heavier baits weighing 1/4 ounce or more can really shine. ■ SA BASS 17 November 2018

GEAR

SPEED TRAPS

FISHING THE LUHR-JENSEN SPEED TRAP THIS CLASSIC CRANKBAIT HAS QUIETLY DEVELOPED A RABID FOLLOWING AMONG A SMALL SECT OF ANGLERS

T

he Luhr-Jensen Speed Trap has been around for years. And while the unassuming crankbait is largely ignored by the masses, it has a cult following scattered across the country.

You can see its effectiveness if you pay close attention to top-level pro tournament results, where, from time to time, the Speed Trap pops up in the recaps of the top finishers.

The reason for its long-term success and loyal fan base owes to the fact that the Speed Trap is much different than most crankbaits on the market.

Speed Trap Basics The Speed Trap is a compact crankbait with a squared-off bill, narrow profile and long arching back. It’s constructed of thin plastic, which results in an extremely lightweight bait.

The lip and body design, combined with the lightness of the bait, produces a lot of vibration with a tight wobble. In effect, the Speed Trap behaves like a wooden crankbait, yet with the durability of a plastic lure. It can also be fished at a high speed without rolling over – hence the name.

The Speed Trap is available in two models: The No. 18 is 2 1/4 inches long and weighs 1/8 ounce, and the No. 14 is 2 3/4 inches and 1/4 ounce in weight. Their manufacturer-listed dive depths are 5 and 8 feet, respectively, but expect them to run a bit shallower than that.

FLW Tour pro Terry Bolton has been fishing the bait since the early 2000s and says it’s at its best when targeting bass that have been seeing numerous crankbaits and lipless crankbaits whiz by lately. One of the keys to the Speed Trap, besides its ability to run true at any speed, is that it offers a different look to pressured fish.

“I have seen plenty of times where I had a good bite going on a lipless [crankbait] and it just stops,” Bolton says. “You can usually pick up the Speed Trap and go back through the area and catch a few more because you fish it like a lipless, but it doesn’t have the sound and action that fish are conditioned to hearing.”

BAIT COLORS The Speed Trap comes in a slew of colors (the larger version has more options), including many craw and shad patterns and some brighter shades such as chartreuse. Bolton’s favorites are: root beer (chartreuse with a dark green back and orange belly) and orange crawfish for spring. For fall fishing, he likes Tennessee shad and “NearClear” pearl shad.

New vs. Old Version Many anglers believe that “original” Speed Traps are better than their modern counterparts – baits made since Rapala acquired Luhr-Jensen in 2005. It’s the same sort of story as the Storm Wiggle Wart and other classics, and the theory goes that when the original manufacturers were purchased and production shifted over to the new owner’s system, some aspect of the manufacturing process changed and resulted in baits that are a little different.

In the Speed Trap’s case, some pros believe there is a major difference in the action of the newer baits, so they’re closely protecting their supply of the originals. The current versions include rattles, but some of the original versions came silent, or with one rattle or multiple rattles.

Whether or not the difference is really that dramatic is up for debate, but any Speed Trap will catch fish in the right situation.

NearClear Pearl Shad

Orange Crawfish

A Well-Kept Secret The Speed Trap has a loyal following in several regions, most notably in the Carolinas and around the California Delta, as well as on grassy lakes up north where anglers fish it above the fringes of vegetation.

It’s a lure that some anglers would rather not talk about because it works so well, and also because not as many people throw it since more modern square-bills became the goto for shallow crankbait fishing.

18 SA BASS November 2018

By Tyler Brinks

Rootbeer

Bait Details No. 18 • 2 1/4 inches • 1/8 ounce • dives to 5 feet • No. 6 hooks

No. 14 • 2 3/4 inches • 1/4 ounce • dives to 8 feet • No. 4 hooks

Bolton adds that early spring, summer and fall are all prime times to throw it.

“It works any time the fish are in water that is 5 feet or less and is even better when you want a bait that you can use to quickly cover shallow water, like when you’re searching for fish on large flats,” says Bolton.

Technique Although the Speed Trap’s diving bill has a squared edge, it deflects off cover differently than other square-bills.

“It deflects like a square-bill, but the deflections are not as wide. I like to bang it off of rocks and wood, but most often I fish it just like a lipless and burn it,” Bolton says. “You can fish it with a slow retrieve, but it’s really at its best with a very fast retrieve.”

Bolton also fishes the Speed Trap above shallow grass.

“If the grass comes up to a few feet below the surface, you can reel it right above the grass and just tick the top of the grass. It comes through grass surprisingly well,” he says.

20 SA BASS November 2018

Gear Needed Due to the compact size and weight of the Speed Trap, lighter gear is typically used for fishing it. Some anglers fish it on spinning tackle, but Bolton prefers a 7-foot, medium Lew’s Custom Speed Stick Series crankbait rod called the “Wart Special” that he says trends even lighter than a medium action.

“It’s more like a medium/medium-light, and that is what you need to be able to get a longer cast with a bait that light,” says Bolton.

He prefers a Team Lew’s Custom Pro Speed Spool SLP Series in the 6.8:1 or 7.5:1 retrieve ratio and spools it with 12pound-test Sufix Elite monofilament.

“I like fishing it on mono because it seems to cast the bait much better. The small Speed Trap is only 1/8 ounce and can be hard to cast on some lines,” Bolton says. “I also leave a foot or so of line from the tip of the rod to the bait [when casting] to get a little more distance on my cast.” ■

JOIN FLW TODAY & LIVE YOUR DREAM To join go to www.flwsouthafrica.com

Burn Grub Grubs is one of my most favourite “go-to” baits. Over the years I’ve caught many bass on this lure, ranging from the average small bass to very big ones.

We were spoiled on a recent fishing trip, fishing a private farm dam under extreme low water conditions. The water clarity was clear and underneath the submerged water-grass was an abundant of fish. The windy conditions were ideal for throwing spinnerbaits, but I opted to stick to my trusty grubs. Rigged with a very light Mojo sinker, a #1/0 size wide gap hook, I used a Damiki Junebug Burn Grub. For this light rig I used a 6’6” medium power, fast action spinning rod fitted with a 2000 series spinning reel and 8lbs line.

We started off fishing a drop off at the inlet where I made my casts into the wind. To my amazement I caught a lunker which was still busy swallowing a small bass. Soon afterwards I caught another trophy size fish that was hunting close by. How many did we land? I lost count.

When things get tough, it’s time to throw a grub SA BASS 21 November 2018

GEAR

WACKY RIGGING

SMARTER WACKY RIGGING

THERE’S MORE TO A WACKY RIG THAN A SIMPLE WORM AND HOOK

F

ifteen years ago, the wacky rig was considered a “window bait,” used mostly in the clear shallows during the spawning period. Once fry-guarders left the bank, that spawning window closed and the wacky rig was put away for the season.

These days, however, the wacky rig has become a staple on the pros’ front decks, quietly earning a spot right next to the ChatterBaits and shaky heads in spring, summer and fall.

The practical range of depths for wacky rig use has expanded as well, from 5 feet or less all the way down to 30 to 40 feet.

Meanwhile, premium water visibility for wacky rigging has shrunk from 3 feet to as little as 10 inches. In short, the modern wacky rig is widely regarded as a viable and versatile finesse option that now covers more real estate – and with more success – than ever before.

Wacky and Variations A wacky rig is a simple, yet complex lure. It’s simple because it’s nothing more than a straight-tail finesse worm or Yamamoto Senko-style soft plastic hooked right in its middle.

Above the water, it looks like a useless piece of plastic drooped over a hook. But once it hits the water, the wacky rig comes to life with an undulating, wavering action that some pros refer to as a “sexy shimmy” or “death quiver.”

Retaining this unique quivering action is important, and this is where things get a little complicated. The action can be altered drastically by using different components, particularly by adding weight. Nail and Neko rigs are assembled with weight in the tail, while Flick Shake or weighted wacky jigheads add the weight to the center of the worm.

22 SA BASS November 2018

By Rob Newell

According to western FLW pro Cody Meyer, nail and Neko rigs are most applicable for targeting fish in deeper water on or near the bottom. The tail weight causes the worm to sink with the tail pointed down, for less resistance than a worm rigged horizontally. True weightless wacky rigs and center-weighted rigs are better suited for fish suspended up in the water column, such as under docks, around bushes or in standing timber.

“A Neko rig glides to the bottom faster,” Meyer says. “Once it’s on the bottom, you can shake it to give it action as it pecks and hunts along. A true wacky rig, on the other hand, needs to free-fall and flutter down through the water column for suspended fish. And a Flick Shake helps speed that fluttering fall up just a bit to either cover water faster or get it deeper.”

WACKY JIGHEADS Buckeye Lures Flick-It

Jackall Weedless Wacky Jighead

The Worm The heart of a wacky rig is a straight-tail worm or Senkostyle stick bait. Whichever worm is used, it must be very soft and very salty. Those two ingredients give the rig its irresistible quiver on the sink. The 6 1/2-inch Zoom Trick Worm and the 5-inch Yamamoto Senko are the two most popular soft plastics for wacky rigging, but plenty of other alternatives exist, such as the Strike King Ocho or Strike King Bull Worm, which Meyer likes for Neko rigging in deep water.

David Dudley has spent hours experimenting with many different brands and models of plastic worms in an effort to find the one that “starts kicking first.” Though he won’t reveal which one he uses, he did share information regarding what anglers should look for when performing tests.

“Some plastics start quivering sooner than others,” he says. “Some start kicking as soon as they start sinking. Others have to sink 6 or 8 inches before they start kicking. I went through several kinds to find the ones that start kicking as soon as they hit the water.”

WORMS 5-inch Yamamoto Senko

Rods and Lines A wacky rig skips easily, which makes it a great tool for fishing under docks, overhanging limbs and bushes. Skipcasting and the ensuing free-falling presentation are made easier by using spinning tackle.

“Just leave the bail open to let it free-fall,” says Tour pro John Cox. “That’s where the money is in a wacky rig – that quivering free-fall.”

Most pros prefer a medium-action rod in the 7-foot range, though longer rods get the call when fishing weighted rigs in deep water.

The most common line choice is 10- to 15-pound-test braid main line tied to an 8- to 10-pound-test fluorocarbon leader. At times, Meyer and fellow pro Matt Arey prefer to use straight fluorocarbon in the 8- to 10-pound-test range to avoid the inherent floating resistance of braid and allow the rig a more natural fall.

O-Ring Opinions The downside of wacky rigging is that the soft, salty plastic needed to produce the magic shimmy tears very easily.

One remedy is to slide an O-ring onto the worm and slip the hook under the O-ring parallel to the worm’s body. The ring acts as a durable hook holder that absorbs most of the casting and slinging abuse.

“An O-ring saves you a ton of plastic because you’re not casting them off all the time,” Arey explains. “Plus, it’s pretty aggravating to skip your O-ring rig to the perfect spot, only to have the worm tear off as it hits the strike zone. It’s a lost opportunity.”

Dudley, who says he’s had a similar problem, still refuses to use an O-ring as a solution.

“I like my hook to go through the middle of the worm at a 90-degree angle,” he says. “I think it gives it the best action and the best hook-up ratio. But that’s just me.”

Meyer opts not to use the O-ring when he’s fishing a pure weightless wacky rig, but will use one when fishing with a nailweighted rig out deeper.

“Once you start putting a nail in a soft plastic and really slinging it hard to cast for distance out in open water, it will tear easily, so an O-ring at that point helps a bunch,” he says.

5-inch Strike King Ocho Zoom Trick Worm

8-inch Strike King Bull Worm

Strike Detecting and Hooksets If you’re new to the wacky-rigging game and not sure of the best way to detect strikes and set the hook with this setup, the pros’ best advice is to become a line watcher.

“Sometimes you will see the ‘tick’ in your line when you get a bite,” Darrel Robertson advises. “Other times the line will just stop sinking and start moving out toward the boat. At that point just pull into the fish and reel.

There is no need for a big line-cracking hookset. It’s an exposed hook, and just pulling into them is all it takes.”

SA BASS 23 November 2018

NEKO WEIGHTS

Hooks

Damiki Neko Sinker VMC NKW Neko Weight

Opinions on hooks vary, but careful selection is important. Bigger hooks offer a bigger bite and more weight for a more controlled shimmy, but are also more visible in clear water. Specialty hooks, including weedless, weighted and heavy-shank models, exist to tackle specific situations.

For a standard wacky rig hook, here’s what four FLW Tour stalwarts recommend:

Weights Nail weights are made of either tungsten or lead, and are manufactured by many tackle companies. They generally come in 1/32-, 1/16- and 3/32-ounce sizes. Some anglers don’t even bother with buying such weights and still rely on true nails or screws for weighting.

Adding a weight is usually reserved for fishing in deep water, but Tour veteran Darrel Robertson adds a small nail weight to his Trick Worm just to give it a little extra weight for a directional sink.

“With the weight in the tail, the worm keeps traveling in the direction you pitch it once it hits the water, and that can be a big advantage when you’re trying to pitch behind docks and pontoons,” he says.

Cody Meyer: No. 1 or 1/0 Owner Mosquito Hook David Dudley: 2/0 Gamakatsu straight-shank hook

Matt Arey: 1/0 or 2/0 Gamakatsu Aaron Martens G-Finesse TGW

John Cox: 2/0 Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap (top) or No. 1 Gamakatsu B10S Stinger ■

Bring Bigger ing You a Sel Better ection at Prices

Fourways Crossing Cnr William Nicol Dr & Sunrise Blvd Tel: (011) 465 2937 / 072 274 2783 Email: sollys4ways@telkomsza.net Open Sundays 9:30am to 12:30pm

24 SA BASS November 2018

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

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

Pretoria

Vereeniging

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

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

09 - 15 December 2018 We at SA BASS are inviting all avid young anglers between the ages of 7-16 years to join us for loads of fun and adventure.

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

Bookings are essential!

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

Please call Wilma on 087 808 5406 or 083 306 2718 to book your spot. For more information visit www.sabass.com or e-mail wilma@sabass.com SA BASS 25 November 2018

TM

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Mpumalanga

L-t-r: Team J & L Fishtec, Team Gangsters Paradise, Team ZMan Fishtec, Team Nitro Circus, Team Mustad Zman,

Back l-t-r: Jos Ferreira, Boet Grabie, Jono Yearsley, Wiehann Raith, Riaan Spangenberg, Henk Venter Front: Charlene & Tewie Wessels, André & Justin Morrison

7.515kg

9.865kg

Venue: Albert Falls Dam

Venue: Loskop Dam

Top ten places:

Top ten places:

1: Team J & L Fishtec - 7.710kg

1: Team Ruff and Tuff - 9.865kg

2: Team Gangsters Paradise - 7.155kg

2: Team Reel Rebels - 8.205kg

3: Team Zman Fishtec - 6.110kg

3: Team Stan rio Pipe and Steel - 6.955kg

4: Team Nitro Circus - 4.740kg

4: Team Woolly bugger Farm - 6.925kg

5: Team Mustad Zman - 4.585kg

5: Team Six 8 Custom Baits - 6.280kg

6: Team Gamakatsu Outdoors 365 - 3.355kg

6: Team Old Cranks - 5.915kg

7: Team Strike King Fishtec - 3.275kg

7: Team Graceland Outdoors - 5.195kg

8: Team R & R - 2.610kg

8: Team X-Factor - 5.080kg

9: Team Redman Engineering - 2.470kg

9: Team Yellow Bass Eagle - 5.060kg

10: Team D & H Engineering - 2.335kg

10: Team Ray e - 2.545kg

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

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Lavender Road Annlin, Pretoria, 0182 26 SA BASS November 2018

September Gauteng

L-t-r: Willem Verster, Shaun John, Richard Dunn, Nuno Oviedo, Henry Petersen, Juan du Toit, Alan Morgan

6.930kg Venue: Rust de Winter Dam

Top ten places: 1: Team Gel Ev ents - 6.930kg 2: Team Timols - 6.695kg 3: Team All Ov er - 6.425kg 4: Team Snot Rocket - 5.740kg 5: Team Fattis & Monis - 5.365kg 6: Team GLT Petroleum - 5.325kg

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7: Team Good Fellas - 5.320kg 8: Team Eco Log Homes - 5.265kg 9: Team Cobat Transport - 5.125kg 10: Team Outdoor Paradise - 5.045kg

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

T: 0861-282-282 E: info@alphalaboria.co.za W: www.alphalaboria.co.za

SA baars BASS MAGAZINE Since 2001

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

VisitVisit www.flwsouthafrica.com www.flwsouthafrica.com for entry for entry forms, forms, dates, dates venues and and venues. results.

For general enquiries phone 082-416-5524 SA BASS 27 November 2018

TM

Limpopo

North West

Back l-t-r: Theo Jansen van Rensburg, Leon Lordan, Billy Eastman Front l-t-r: Stefan de Beer, Deon Davel, Wayne Eastman

L-t-r: Charlton Hewitt, Tyron Mortimer, Kamlesh Parbhoo, Prashant Narotam, Anton Vogt, Pieter Senekal

7.015kg

8.670kg

Venue: Tzaneen Dam

Venue: Roodekopjes Dam

Top ten places:

Top ten places:

1: Team Optimax - 7.015kg

1: Team VC Botcon - 8.67kg

2: Team DD - 6.525kg

2: Team Greens - 7.33kg

3: Team Beli Farming - 6.460kg

3: Team Bassw orld - 6.67kg

4: Team Chrome co - 6.440kg

4: Team Khourie - 6.64kg

5: Team Crazy Bass - 5.200kg

5: Team Bass Boy s - 6.46kg

6: Team Fear no Fish - 4.625kg

6: Team Secret VC - 6.28kg

7: Team Bochum & Voetsek - 4.515kg

7: Teams Greens² - 4.71kg

8: Team SA BASS LP - 4.145kg

8: Team Nev er Giv e Up - 4.62kg

9: Team Kamikaze - 3.780kg

9: Team May hem - 3.88kg

10: Team BB Mazda - 3.756kg

10: Team 5x 4 - 3.78kg

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

Record Catch Did you catch a record size fish within the last 60 days?

You can claim an official FLW accredited record in various categories including overall tackle, men’s category, ladies category, junior category in different line classes and even fly rod records.

Records for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass can be claimed.

Terms and conditions apply.

Visit our website www.flwsouthafrica.com and download the application form PO Box 24938 Gezina, Pretoria, 0031 E: info@sabass.com 28 SA BASS November 2018

September Small Craft

Gauteng - TBC Top 5 anglers at The Bass Challenge Leg 1 that was held at Witbank Dam

5.220kg Venue: Witbank Dam

Leg 1 The Bass Challenge started their new season at Witbank Dam on 15 September 2018 and had a record turnout, with 73 anglers competing!

Although the fishing was tough for some, the top anglers capitalised on the reaction bite and caught some serious three fish limit bags.

Gerhard Booysen caught the heaviest fish of 2.22kg and Ruan Wahl weighed a new winning bag record of 5.22kg!

www.alphalaboria.co.za

Results: 1: Ruan Wahl - 5.22kg 2: Christo de Jager - 3.54kg 3: Gerald Venter - 3.45kg

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>> SA BASS MASTER CLASS

Dealing with changing water conditions >> Roger Donaldson* ld *

I

t’s that time of year when many regions of South Africa will start receiving their summer rainfall. Unlike the Cape which will probably have ended, but what a fortuitous winter and spring rainfall was had! It seems this issue of SA Bass is all about rain and the interesting changes it delivers, so this will be a great opportunity to talk about what the bass are going to be doing.

Rising water levels present all kinds of challenges to bass anglers and if you are not prepared then these often rapid changes to the dam’s water level will leave you betwixt.

Numerous occasions have surprised me when arriving at the dam. One occasion at Driekoppies Dam near Malelane, Mpumalanga the heavy rains left us with nowhere to park our vehicles at the dam’s edge! Nevertheless, the fishing in the Lomati River section was tipped on its head. What once was gently-flowing, clear, warm water was now a torrent of disturbed silt, uprooted vegetation and cold mountain water. Exciting to witness the change, but our pattern for the day completely obliterated, as bass do not take too kindly to big changes in water conditions. This however, was the key to finding the bass on that particular day of fishing.

The task at hand was to locate areas on the dam which had not been subjected to any gross change in temperature, current, water clarity, and water levels. There were still many areas, but during a competition this can be a task, as there are many competitors hugging the better spots. Driekoppies plays host to bountiful patches of deep, long strings of airgrass extending from sometimes 12 to 15ft below the surface. This depth range out along the extended banks of this gravity/earth-fill type dam is the key to holding healthy quantities of nice sized bass.

With the recent rise in water level the most obvious patches of grass in shallower sections of the dam were still evident and easy to locate visually. It was the deeper vegetation that was now submerged and difficult to pinpoint. Without having these areas saved to a GPS, it was unlikely you were going to find them easily. Trying to remember the areas in relation to landmarks around you is also made difficult as the water level will have pushed further up the bank and possibly covered those landmarks.

Another very interesting habit common to bass is their want to move in tighter to structure when conditions are changing. When the water was clear and warm the fish could be found moving around in the open more freely in search of prey. However, when the current augmented and the temperature dropped the bass hugged right up in tight inside the vegetation. How you got your bait in there was another thing, but when you did, you were tight immediately.

Many dams will have similar areas where structures will be flooded and difficult to locate. Inanda Dam in Kwa-Zulu Natal boasts a section of flooded trees, but the tips of which are only visible when the capacity is around sixty percent.

It’s easy to target these trees when you can see them, but what about when they flooded and there’s nothing visible to cast at any longer? Marking these areas on your fishfinder or GPS will really boost your ability to lock onto fish quickly in changing water conditions.

River systems are quite different, the Vaal River being our greatest example, although most dams have rivers which may behave similarly. Although water levels don’t have tremendous effects on flooding structures in this system (as the level is relatively constant), the current has a profound effect.

Recently flooded grass on Inanda Dam is a clear giveaway that the shallows are where the activity is 30 SA BASS November 2018

“Rising water levels present all kinds of challenges to bass anglers and if you are not prepared then these often rapid changes to the dam’s water level will leave you betwixt.”

Being a river system the water is passing through this passage from one point to another and there is always some sort of current. When the rains are heaviest over the summer months the current will become far more pronounced. Water clarity also changes dramatically on the river and this will also have a profound effect on the fishing.

When the flooding starts you will have a great advantage understanding where the more pronounced structures are. This can be defined as an area where the bass will find refuge from the strong current, as they are not keen on battling swimming into the flood all day.

Bass will still want to feed during this time and a place to lie and ambush their prey will be the first area they look for.

These areas may include large tree stumps, concrete and rocky structures, points to inlets, reed banks, and boat docks. Think “tight to cover” and make every effort to get you lure right up close to it. Once you’ve identified these key areas and the basic technique it’ll be a cinch! *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.

Pieter Bezuidenhout pieterbez@mweb.co.za

Trade enquiries only

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SA BASS 31 November 2018

Prey

The f o of my od prey is su rely my a lly

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hm -W illiams

>> SA BASS

>> Jay

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Here is a crash course to what bass feed on and where to find them

A dragonfly resting wings outstretched on a rock. Note the small baitfish under the water close by

B

ass anglers love catching bass. It is a simple romantic affair with an obvious objective. To obtain that objective every time we go out and hit the water requires the demonstration of skilful techniques, knowledge gained through experience, more patience than you could imagine and sometimes a lady named “luck”.

There are an assortment of different artificial lures one can choose from in today’s world when it comes to the art of bass fishing. Getting the basic combination down of what lure, colour and retrieval technique to use is sometimes harder than solving an algebra equation. Therefore, in theory to better understand what lure to select and where to use it effectively, we must first understand the prey of which we are trying to mimic. Anyone will tell you that bass will eat just about anything that moves in its vicinity but not every time. In the following few months there is usually a hive of activity in and around the water which translated to bass in simple terms means “feeding time.”

This is a short breakdown of the most popular of prey that bass feed on in South Africa and where these creatures are most likely to be found.

Insects There are literally hundreds of different types of insects in South Africa. There are two species in particular however that fall victim to bass almost on a daily basis through the year; dragon- and damselflies.

Dragon- and damselflies are commonly found at the majority of our freshwater dams, ponds and lakes.

There are a few characteristics that help us identify the difference between these two, in their own rights, deadly predators. Although not very large in size, both dragon and damselflies are some of the most ferocious hunters within the insect kingdom. A good portion of their lives are spent underwater, while the remainder is 32 SA BASS November 2018

spent above the waterways hunting and breeding. The easiest way to tell the two creatures apart is when they are perched upon vegetation and resting. Dragonflies keep their wings outstretched while damsels fold their wings together. During their nymph stage the young are targeted by smaller bass and when mature they leave to the air becoming a favourite top water snack for larger, adult bass. These acrobatic, fighter pilots hunt mostly mosquitoes and gnats around the shallow banks of the water’s edge as well as amongst the vegetation growing on the water’s surface. There is quite a variety of species in numerous colours and sizes so paying attention to colour detail in your lure selection can give you an automatic advantage, especially if some visible top water explosions can be seen.

The next most common insect you are likely to encounter wherever you go fishing is the humble grasshopper. Again there are numerous species of this creature and a vast array of colours and sizes in which they can be found. They are mostly active during the day preferring warmer weather generally. Grasshoppers can be found all along the banks of dams, lakes and ponds feeding on any vegetation that strikes their fancy. Equipped with strong hind legs and set of wings the grasshopper is able to travel great distances, very often over bodies of water where hungry bass await. On most occasions in the spring and summer very few bass are able to resist the twitching motion of a grasshopper on the water’s surface trying to escape back to shore or some form of safety. Replicating this specific action with your choice of top water lure could very well just guarantee you one hook up after another.

Not only do insects play a role in the diet of bass but they also are very important to other larger prey that perhaps bigger bass prefer. Usually a healthy ecosystem

surrounding the waters will contain a variety of insects which is a great indication that there are probably other would be predators present. This brings us to our next two classifications of animal prey.

Reptiles and amphibians In South Africa we are extremely lucky to have such a wide range of biodiversity and another two species that you are sure to encounter up and down the banks are frogs and toads. These amphibians throughout their complete life cycle are an absolute, favourite food for our green and gold bass friends.

Frogs and toads come in all shapes and form with in most cases the dependence on a watery habitat needed to survive. These slippery, champion swimmers love cover meaning any thick undergrowth or aquatic vegetation that is available will suit their needs. Remaining hidden mostly within grassy shallows or amongst dense lily pads along the shoreline is ideal for their breeding, laying of eggs and for the young tadpoles to survive to adulthood. As well as been prey for many other animals, they themselves feed on insects mostly by hunting on top or below the water and are especially active when raining. Any angler will tell you that if you are fishing with an artificial frog in one form or another the chances of catching are in your favour. Reeds and muddy shallows are also a favourable spot for frogs to hang out at and soak in the sun. Size of prey does not really matter to an ambitious bass so imitating the motion of a swimming frog with any soft plastic or surface lure is bound to get hit!

Lizards and snakes make up our general reptile section of other would be, watery predators or big bass prey. Although not too many species of lizard and snake can be found around dams, ponds or lakes you can guarantee just because you can’t always see them does not mean they are not there.

Every living land creature needs water and food to survive and where better to find both than around a body of water itself. Been cold blooded requires some time been spent in the sun so often these reptiles can be found basking on rocks, branches, hanging vegetation or even in the water. All of these are ideal locations for lunker bass to wait and setup an ambush. Generally snakes and lizards can move extremely quickly if they have to especially across sections or channels of water. A bass can move at a speed of roughly three times his length per a second making it a worthy adversary in any chase after prey. Selecting a lure that is similar in colour and characteristics of lizards or small snakes that you might have spotted in the area can really up the stakes when presenting a lifelike match to that stubborn, beast of a bass. Guiding your lure to fall out of a tree or slip off a rock gives a more realistic appearance of something that actually happens in nature quite often.

A grasshopper kicking to the shoreline. Note the tadpoles under the water

A small gecko soaking in the sun on a fence pole near the water’s edge

Fish Baitfish on the other hand literally “sleep with the enemy.”

This is a class of prey in its own for both largemouth and smallmouth bass and may vary depending on your location and which waters you are fishing. Not all dams, lakes or

Environments like this are home to a variety of creatures bass prey on SA BASS 33 November 2018

ponds are stocked with other species of fish while some have two, three or more varieties present. Wherever you are, the most common species of baitfish you are likely to encounter in South African waters is the Tilapia. The two species often found in our country are namely the Mozambique tilapia and vlei or banded tilapia. These fish can grow to a decent size themselves but while they are young and living together in schools they are an irresistible target to any eager, hungry bass. The most obvious way to distinguish each species of tilapia is by the markings on their flanks. Mozambique tilapia have on average three, slightly faded dots or spots while vlei tilapia have a series of dark bands or stripes. Bass may use these coloured markings as a focus point on which to attack and strike. Tilapia can be found mostly around some form of structure for example under dense aquatic vegetation or submerged trees where they feel safe and hidden. Tilapias are not the only baitfish on the menu though for a large bass who would not think twice about eating one of his very own fry. Yes, bass eat bass in the cycle for underwater survival. It is in their predatory genes and cannot be helped. The average bass fry measures roughly 5cm and feeds on anything from insect larvae to tiny freshwater invertebrates. They can be found mostly during the summer after the spawning season in spring along the warm, shallow banks or hiding together in small schools amongst heavy, shoreline cover. Playing the part smart when fishing with baitfish lure imitations can be the difference between been the hero or catching zero.

Remember, bass change their feeding habits depending on seasonal conditions so it is always important to pay attention to your climate.

To wrap our short list of prey we will end off on something that does happen but is often very rarely seen, when bass attack…

Birds and small rodents Now I’m sure many have witnessed at some stage of your bass angling career either a small rodent swim frantically from one patch of tall reeds to another or a mother waterfowl with her ducklings paddling past you. I will go on to say that a few anglers have actually seen these exact sightings but only it ended with a huge explosion from below the water’s surface and usually somebody is missing afterwards.

Feather or fur, food is food to a bass and there are very little

34 SA BASS November 2018

exceptions to the rule. Larger bass have been known and documented many times attacking these two types of prey around various areas of dams, lakes and ponds whether in and around dense vegetation or across open water. If an opportunity presents itself in the right situation a huge bass will not hesitate to swallow a mouse or bird whole. I myself have only seen this incredible occurrence once where a small weaver was dangling suspended above the water, hanging by a tuft of reeds. The reeds were bending under the bird’s weight and it began to dip slowly, closer towards the water’s surface. In a matter of sheer seconds at a speed no camera I possess could capture the waters erupted in one of the biggest splashes I’ve personally seen and the bird was gone.

Not a feather left behind as if it never existed. Now there are in fact artificial lures that have been crafted and custom designed to fit the profile of these two types of prey with not only life-like results but massive bass catches to testify they work.

There are so many aspects that go along with bass angling and the more you pay attention, the more you learn and the more bass you will catch. Rods out, lines tight and safe fishing everyone.

>> SA BASS Press Release

Garmin South Africa Extends Partnership with FLW South Africa

F

LW and Garmin South Africa announced that Garmin South Africa has signed an extension of its exclusive marine GPS fishfinders, chartplotters and instruments sponsorship of FLW SA and its premier tournament trails, continuing a relationship that emphasize the rewards of fishing while opening doors of opportunity for all anglers. “Garmin SA has been the exclusive marine electronics tournament partner since our first year and have just came onboard for the third consecutive year.

Together we have enjoyed growing and building the sport of bass fishing into the exciting and marketable products

they are today,� says Hannes Lindeque, FLW SA tournament director. “Garmin has been an extremely valued partner of FLW SA in helping our local anglers to live their dream and we look forward to building upon our past successes.�

Garmin is the world’s leading satellite navigation technology company and a global manufacturer of in-car GPS satellite navigation, portable navigation devices, handheld GPS units, and GPS products for the auto, mobile, marine, aviation outdoor and fitness sectors and was recently named Manufacturer of the Year for the fourth consecutive year

by members of the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA). This honour is given to the most recognized company in the marine electronics field for its support of products in the field, voted on by members of the NMEA. Per terms of the agreement, Garmin SA will receive exposure at SA BASS Cast-for-Cash and FLW South Africa bass angling money tournaments, and through multiple media channels, which include Facebook, e-newsletters and SA BASS magazine.

To learn more about Garmin Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd visit: http:// www.garmin.co.za

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VHHPV WR VZLWFK WKH EDVV RQ DQG WKH WDNHV DUH DOZD\V YHU\ SRVLWLYH LWL $LU &UDZV DUH SDFNHG LQ EDWFKHV RI HLJKW ZLWK D KHDY\ GXW\ ]LS ORFN RQ WKH SDFNHW WR KHOS PDLQWDLQ EDLW IUHVKQHVV Visit jour nearest tackle store and ask for Damiki’s Burn Grub loaded with Bass Juice

When things get tough, it’s time to throw a grub

SA BASS 35 November 2018

>> SA BASS

Breaking

Arriving A rriiv at De Hoop at the start of the tour

the language barrier

>> John Badenhorst* Darren Brooks managed his new PB while bank bashing

36 SA BASS November 2018

A

s ed editor of this magazine, I get to m meet some truly remarkable peo people from all walks of life, especially d during this past year with international anglers visiting during internation the World Black Bass Championship with teams from all over the globe. A w couple of m months ago, a close angling ffriend of m mine, Luke Coetzer called me up with some news. He had been m on holiday and while doing some fishing dow fi down at the coast, happened to meet up with a gentleman by the name of Jo John Dyer who had been approached by a Chinese national to find out w fi what the possibility was of doing a tou tour of bass fishing for some Chinese an anglers. Luke put us in touch with each oother and from there, things w

started moving along swiftly. Months of planning and intelligence about possible venues had to all be correlated into the upcoming tour which would run for around six days. Two venues were decided upon, De Hoop Dam and Loskop Dam. Both venues offer different surroundings and challenges for skilled and un-skilled anglers alike.

As I assembled the team for the tour, we had no idea how experienced our visitors were and as the departure date drew nearer, we had to guess in this department. Little did we know that in China, anglers actually go to a master angler for lessons in casting with different baits, retrieving and fishing etiquette. The assembled team would be myself as tour leader, Kyle Lewis

as main skipper, Ryan Vogel as backup skipper with his boat and filming drone footage, Roan Smit with his boat as backup and taking on the role of filming the tour for our guests and his YouTube channel, Darryn Brooks as photographer and chef, Lin from China to act as translator and Sean Dyer driving our guests from O.R. Tambo International to the fishing destinations. Back in civilization we had Valerie Jacobs who would be able to manage some issues behind the scenes if they arose.

On the spur of the moment, I contacted some local tackle distributors and was pleasantly surprised to find them eager to help where they could with DQ Quinton from Rapala VMC jumping on board with some Shimano spinning rods, baitcasting rods and lures and different lines for us to test and use.

Bryan Leppan rushed off a selection of the latest Z-Man plastics with Ned Rigs to us and these arrived an hour before we were due to depart and subsequently was used to catch some incredible fish.

We will do a review in the next issue on the specific tackle used during the tour.

On the morning of Friday the 14th of September, the group assembled and after some last minute shopping, hit the road to De Hoop and the lovely folks at Die Ou Staalwiel where the tour would kick off. Upon arrival at the venue, I immediately noticed the big changes that both Melinda and James Language had made to the camping site and if this was how to “rough� it in Africa, we could gladly do so for extended periods with well-appointed camping sites, clean and neat ablutions, ample power points, swimming pool, bar and fully fitted kitchen which Darryn and myself would use to prepare the meals for the group and Melinda taking care of the daily boat packs for hungry and thirsty anglers. We went about setting up for the arrival of our guests and the debate still rang as to their possible level of

fishing experience around the campfire that night.

Early on Saturday morning, the crew decided to head out onto the dam for a bit of a fishing session and we quickly figured out that the bite was a post-spawn bite with a couple of chunks before breakfast. Another hot day dawned and soon it was time to discard sweaters for something more comfortable. Around 12:30, we got the call from Sean to let us know that our group would be arriving within the hour and we headed back to camp to await their arrival. Up to this point in time, I clearly had the impression that two guys would be our fishing guests and was more than surprised to find a husband and wife emerging from the vehicle. As I had arranged the accommodation to suit a group of guys, Ryan came to the rescue and I bunked with him while Lin would bunk with Kyle in the permanent tents.

The first surprise was out of the way and after the obligatory greetings and introductions, our guests Mr. Wang and his wife Mrs. Ying set about rigging tackle. Our group was blown away, these anglers just spent 18 hours on an international flight to South Africa, then spent another almost four hours driving to the destination, arriving in the hottest part of the day and while many other anglers I know, would opt to relax in the shade, these folks were rearing to get out on the water! On the first outing, Lin would join Kyle and the guests to act as interpreter as both anglers had a very limited range of English. Josiah and his crew ensured a smooth launch and soon the boats were out and hunting for bass.

In China, your PB is not determined by the weight of a fish but rather by the total overall length of the fish and both anglers made it very clear that they were here in Africa to better their PB. Both anglers have only been fishing in their home country for bass for little over

The view from Arendsrus SA BASS 11 March 2018

18 months but their level of skill is absolutely incredible with Mrs. Ying pitching baits into the tiniest of spaces while her husband demonstrated a different level of fishing drop-shot in the trees and skipping a bait over 20ft into the back of a tree, working it through and catching a fish while doing so. We needn’t have worried about their skill level in the least and both anglers listened attentively through Lin at suggestions from Kyle. On the first outing, Mr. Wang got some fish but nothing close to a new PB. Dinner that evening was a traditional braai with all the trimmings kindly supplied

by Melinda and her staff.

Early on Sunday morning, our backup crew arrived from Johannesburg in the form of Valerie, Raf and Rick to do some fishing but also to help during this first official day of fishing and although the early morning bite was good, the wind picked up and soon it was time to head back to camp and prepare a scrumptious breakfast for all to enjoy. Darryn, Val and myself whipped up the meal while Sean lent a hand. With the wind not dropping, it was decided that our two anglers together with Kyle on his boat and either Darryn or Roan from Smitty Angling TV would go out on the boat for the afternoon session. Not many fish were caught but the quality of the fish had improved from the previous day. A nice curry for dinner and a couple of drinks around the bar ended off another day in Africa.

During our stay at Die Ou Staalwiel, Valerie managed Mr. Wang with his new PB caught on the last day of the tour

38 SA BASS November 2018

to translate some encouragement to Mrs. Ying and the next day she managed her new PB, this catch was uploaded onto their social media back home and had thousands of views and comments. While guiding the couple, Kyle also managed to get into some solid De Hoop olive and gold. The preferred bait happened to be a 4inch soft swimbait that our guests had brought along in various watermelon shades fished Texas style with the Z-Man TRD delivering some good fish in-between. The jerkbait bite was also on and spinnerbaits also did a fair amount of damage during our visit to De Hoop.

On the Monday evening, our guests approached us with the option of extending their stay in South Africa for an additional four days and since the weekend ahead happened to be a long weekend, trying to find accommodation for such a big group proved to be a logistical challenge with Valerie back in Johannesburg making countless calls and finally managing to secure a place not far from the Forever Resort at Loskop which would see the second leg of the journey. These anglers were determined and on many mornings, they would be the first to be up and ready for the day ahead.

Tuesday morning, we stopped at the launch to say goodbye to Josiah and his crew and for a couple of photos with us holding up their angling club banner to mark the end of the first leg of their visit. Taking the road through Groblersdal to Loskop would prove to be a challenge on its own as this is probably one of the worst roads I’ve personally travelled along with more potholes than actual tar and the journey was down to 30km/h at times. We made it to Groblersdal and from there, the

road was smooth and we headed to Loskop where we would be staying at one of the most magnificent venues I’ve ever been, Namely Arendsrus, aptly named for its view over the dam from the top of a mountain.

Nic van Rensburg and his wife Sonia welcomed us to their log cabins for the next three days. These cabins sleep four adults with a bathroom, veranda, braai area and fitted kitchen. As it would be impossible to tow a boat up the mountain to the cabins, we made an arrangement with Nic to leave the boats under security at the foot of the mountain at his base shed and have the batteries charged at the same time.

In the morning, it would simply be a case of coming down the mountain, hooking the boats and heading to the launch at Forever Resort. Thanks to Monica van der Linde for making special arrangements regarding our daily launches and the logistics that go hand-in-hand with that. The first evening at Loskop was spent with a lovely braai featuring a local delicacy known as “Skilpaadjies” which our guests loved.

Early the next morning, breakfast was served and as the day dawned, we decided to give the anglers some space to figure things out with just Kyle and the couple being on the boat while Roan and Darren would follow, do some fishing and take some pictures out on the water. I opted for some bank bashing and had an awesome time while the rest of the crew were out doing their thing and hunting for the next PB. Darryn came off the water and we headed to the town of Groblersdal for supplies. I have to say that this is probably one of the friendliest towns I’ve ever been to. From the manager at the local Shoprite who personally checked out our shopping, to the manager and his team at the local Super Spar who came over to greet us in person. If there was a competition to find the friendliest town in SA, Grobbies would get my vote.

Back out on the water, our guests were getting into some good fish in the 1.5 to 2.4kg range and sadly, Kyle had a bust up after almost five minutes of fighting a beast estimated to be well

over 5kg. After a long and tiring day, n and everyone hit the bed early and Sean Lin would depart for Johannesburgg for d be business while our guests would nder well looked after during the remainder of their visit. Sean Dyer also happened ened to catch his new PB while casting from the bank. During this particularr leg ored of the journey, we put the sponsored rods and tackle through their paces and Darryn even managed his new PB casting from the bank. On the Friday morning, while the anglers glers were out on the water, Nic helped d us to relocate to our next set of lodgings gings which would be Mossienes Kwekery kery (Nursery) situated a few kilometres etres below the dam wall and on the bank d his of the Olifants River. Jaques and staff bent over backwards to make space available for our group and soon everything was packed and sorted.

While we waited for our guests to get off the water, Darryn and myself made some casts from the bank and I landed a fish over 3kg casting next to the second slipway.

We caught many good fish of up to 1.7kg while bank bashing during our visit and even with the influx of boats over the long weekend, we still caught. We even bumped into known angler Wiehann Raith while out on the water and he managed to get a very good 1.4kg smallmouth bass for his efforts. Our own drone operator, Ryan Vogel, also managed to get his new PB while not filming and I have to say a special thanks to him for driving out all the way there to come and get some footage we needed.

On the Saturday, it was soon apparent that fishing would be tough for our guests as they are not used to the amount of boats out on the water, from pleasure craft to bass boats, it seemed that everyone for miles around that owned a boat wanted to be on the water. Our guests did however manage some good fish and decided to call it a day around 11am when we broke for brunch and they then went on to do a bit of game viewing and even had a close encounter with a zebra.

At this point, Mrs. Ying had caught her personal best and the tension was building as the last day lay ahead and

the last opportunity for Mr. Wang to get his PB was looming. Valerie and Raf joined us again for the last two days of the tour.

Sunday morning dawned as only a day in Africa could with the promise of great things to come.

Darryn went out with the guests and Kyle while myself, Valerie

and Nic did some bank bashing with Nic managing to catch his first ever Loskop bass even though he’s tried since 1984. Just before 10am I got a call from Kyle asking if I never check my WhatsApp messages. Smiles were all around as the picture he had sent showed Mr. Wang with his new personal best fish on this very last day!

After this, our guests opted to take some time out, relax and get some rest before we headed up the mountain to Nic and Sonia for a last fitting meal of potjiekos with desert and all the trimmings. We watched the sun set over Africa and one of the most beautiful venues as we stood, drinks in hand and cheered the last couple of days.

Monday morning we wrapped things up with a big breakfast and although our guests didn’t understand English much, Google translate came in handy as we somehow managed to converse and through a common love of bass fishing broke a language barrier during this tour.

Wednesday morning, we saw our new friends and extended family off at the airport amongst smiles and tears and a fond farewell and promise to see each other again soon.

This tour has been an eye opener for many of us. From breaking the language barrier, to learning more about someone else’s culture, to working together to figure out the

Mrs. Ying with her new PB from De Hoop Dam

fishing and to expect the unexpec unexpected when it comes to another anglers sk skills.

A special thanks to our crew and guests, liaison John, Sean and Lin, the friendly folks of the venues where we fished and our sponsors for making this one of those trips that would go down in our collective memory as an incredible experience and hopefully soon to be repeated. *John Badenhorst is the editor of SA BASS magazine, the Master of Ceremony for FLW South Africa, radio presenter at Platinum Gold Radio and a keen ultra finesse angler.

SA BASS 39 November 2018

>> SA BAARS KLASKAMER

Jou wedstrydplan

vir vroeg somer >> Phillip Kemp*

D

ie post-broeiseisoen kan beslis ‘n kopkrapseisoen wees omrede baars reeds weer weg beweeg het uit die areas waar hulle die vorige week nog was. Hengelaars soek nog op dieselfde ou plekke na baars en dit kan ontnugterend wees om skielik nie meer die baars te kry waar hulle die week tevore nog was nie.

Het jy ‘n wedstrydplan?

Vroeg-somer Baars 40 SA BASS November 2018

Ons moet verstaan dat baars die tyd van die jaar meer nomadies van aard begin optree. Die wyfies beweeg weer na die oorgangspunte toe en selfs na die dieper water om ten volle te herstel van die veeleisende broeiseisoen wat verby is.

Sodra hulle weer hulle kragte herwin het, sal hulle begin soek na kos en dan kan ons meer nomadiese gedrag van die baars verwag.

Ons kan op die kritieke stadiums nie meer die patrone hengel wat noodwendig ‘n week of meer tevore, nog skitterend gewerk het nie. Hengelaars is so geneig om dan by ou patrone, wat gewerk het, te bly, in stede daarvan om iets anders te probeer. Ons is dan ook geneig om in dieselfde areas te hengel.

Tegnieke wat werk vir hengelaars raak gewoontevormend en kan die hengelaar soms duur te staan kom. As jy as hengelaar kan leer om onder die nuwe omstandighede die verlede agter jou te sit en met ‘n vars aanslag die hengelwaters te nader, kan dit vir jou in ‘n baie produktiewe uitstappie ontaard. Jou wedstrydplan is dus so belangrik.

Nie almal kan al die nuwerwetse visvinders bekostig nie en moet maar staatmaak op jare se ervaring en natuurlik artikels lees soos die een. Sodra baars klaar is met die broeiproses wil hulle so gou as moontlik terugbeweeg na die dieper water. Die hengelaar moet dus die migrasieroetes van die baars bepaal omrede hulle dan al langs die roetes sal beweeg na areas

waar hulle kan herstel en kos kan kry om te help met die herstelproses.

Indien ‘n sekere area die vorige week nog produktief was en skielik nie meer is nie, kan die hengelaar na ander harde strukture in die nabye omgewing begin soek - heel moontlik in dieper water. Dit kan in die vorm van klipstapels of versuipte bome wees.

Die hengelaar moet ook nie steil walle of oewers ignoreer nie. Steil walle of oewers is gewoonlik reg deur die jaar produktief en daar is verskeie redes daarvoor:

Migrasie roetes Steil walle wat uit die diep water loop na vlakker water waar die baars se neste en broeiareas was, sal beslis baars oplewer omrede die groter baars juis die roetes gaan gebruik om van die vlak water na dieper water terug te beweeg.

As jy dus ‘n hoë, vertikale wal kan vind kan dit ‘n goeie beginpunt wees.

Kos Nadat baars gebroei het kan hulle energievlakke baie laag wees. Vir ‘n paar weke het die baars net een ding in gedagte gehad en dit was om te broei. Gevolglik sal die baars nou soveel as moontlik begin eet en enige klein vissie, padda, krap, ensovoorts wat in die baars se pad kom, kan in ‘n maaltyd ontaard. Selfs jong eendjies, slange en likkewane moes dit al ontgeld. Die hengelaar kan dus kyk waar daar moontlik skole jong vissies kan wees en areas waar daar baie krappe teen die walle voorkom.

As jy al moontlik die tyd van die jaar gaan swem het, het jy al moontlik agtergekom hoe die watertemperature in verskillende areas verskil. Op die oppervlak kan die water dalk 23°C wees, terwyl dit dieper 15°C kan wees. Die gevolg hiervan is dat baars dan juis in swak lig situasies vlakker sal beweeg op soek na kos en dit kan dit vir die hengelaar soveel makliker maak om hulle te vang. Dit is dus ‘n goeie tyd om boloper ase te gebruik soos paddas. Vroegoggend en laat saans kan dus ‘n goeie tyd wees om baars in die vlakwater te vang. Soos dit egter warmer word, sal die baars stelselmatig begin terugkeer na die dieper water.

baars sal kry wat nog steeds in skole in die diepwater kanale lê. Vlakwatervis kan jou help vroeg in die oggend, maar die vis wat in die dieper kanale lê is soms beter kwaliteit vis.

Nadat die baars in die dieper water gevang is, herstel die area baie vinniger as die vlak water areas en kan heelwat meer en goeie kwaliteit vis gevang word.

Vinnig- vs Stadighengel As jy die dieper kanale hengel is dit goed om eers die areas met n vinnige aanbieding te hengel en later stadiger te hengel om die luier baars te oorreed om te byt.

Ek sal dus in die kanale met ‘n harde kunsvissie wat dieper duik begin hengel. Die tegniek help ook om vinniger ‘n groter area te dek opsoek na groot vis.

As hierdie tegniek nie werk nie, sal ek ‘n groot wurm op ‘n Mojo- of Carolina-strop stadiger in die dieper water begin hengel.

Indien die baars nie wil saamspeel nie, sal ek neig na ‘n ligter gerei en selfs die die “drop-shot” tegniek oorweeg.

Moet dus nie toelaat dat die baars die tyd van die jaar die oorhand oor jou kry en jy kort duskant “moedverloor-se-vlakte” wil gaan sit nie. Beplan die tyd van die jaar jou strategie deeglik en kom met ‘n goeie wedstrydplan vorendag. Lekker hengel. *Philip Kemp is ‘n gesoute swartbaarhengelaar en ‘n gereelde bydraer.

Ligte gerei Baie hengelaars is te versigtig om ligter gerei te gebruik in verskeie hengel situasies. Omrede groot wyfies juis die tyd van die jaar in die dieper water lê om te herstel, sal kleiner, ligte meer subtiele aanbiedings juis die ding doen. Spinkatrolle werk in hierdie situasies baie goed. Ek verkies dun 15pond vleglyn (Braid) met ‘n 6 tot 8 pond flourocarbon voorslag (leader). As enige ander aanbieding nie wil werk nie, is die finesse tegniek die antwoord. Stadig hengel is egter baie belangrik.

Vlakwater vis In enige dam gaan die hengelaar vis in die vlak water kry. Hierdie baars is gewoonlik makliker om te vang, maar die probleem is dat jy hulle, nadat jy hulle gevang het, nie gou weer in daardie area gaan kry nie. Dit is egter beter om vis in dieper water te teiken omrede jy die tyd van die jaar SA BASS 41 November 2018

>> SA BASS MASTER CLASS

Lures and how to deal with current

Key structure on the Vaal River that would be worth saving to your GPS

Spinnerbaits have the uncanny ability to sneak straight through snagging areas

>> Roger Donaldson*

I

t was during a fishing competition and I was heading up river on the Vaal scouting for areas beneath large willow trees where I believed the bass will be hiding out. The water was stained from the recent heavy rain and the current far different from the normal gentle course.

The first nook between a large willow tree stem and the embankment highlighted itself to me and I moved.

In preparation for the days fishing I had selected from three different baits which have proved successful in times of pushing current. We need to get right into the heart of the structure available to us. All three lures given needed to be carefully thought about and each selected and rigged for the specific conditions expected for the day ahead.

Soft plastics Unlimited! You really don’t need to narrow it down here if you don’t want to, because soft plastic lures are going to work in every situation you’re faced with - especially now. Using two very different target areas, we can however justify different types so you don’t need to rack your brain over the smorgasbord of options.

Heavy cover, including lily pads, air grass, and brush will be far kinder on a slim shaped lure, as it will be easier to reel your lure into all the nooks and crannies without its appendages getting all snagged up. This could be very frustrating – so stick to Flukes, Senkos and the like. In larger structures, such as rock piles, boat docks, tree stumps and similar, it will be

a great advantage to dig around in your creature style baits and choose those similar to crabs, craws and lizards – the more flipping, flapping appendages the better here.

Tinker with the amount of weight that you use. A Texas rigged lure should be your choice now and the objective being to get the bait to swim down deep enough into and or around the targeted structure. Always be conscious of using a weight which is too heavy as this can cause your lure to snag more easily. Just the right amount of weight and you’ll get that lure “swimming” to its best ability. Don’t rush it! Leave the bait in the sweet spot and just shake your rod tip around for as long as you are patient. Remember that the current is flowing and with all the noise in the water the bass may need a little assistance and time finding your bait amongst the clutter.

Spinnerbaits Around trees and grassy vegetation I wouldn’t select from anything else. You may know this well by now, but in case you aren’t aware, spinnerbaits have the uncanny ability to sneak straight through these areas without snagging. What better place to look when the current is strong than around a dead old tree, or recently flooded grassy embankment.

In the case of fishing flooded trees (and there are many cases like this in our dams) your strategy should be only one thing; to cast past the tree, reel the bait back through it and

“Just the right amount of weight and you’ll get that lure “swimming” to its best ability.”

42 SA BASS November 2018

make hundred percent sure that you get the chance to bash the spinnerbait into as many limbs and branches as possible! Crashing your bait into the timber is like ringing the dinner bell for bass.

Spinnerbaits don’t inherently swim deeper than about one meter. To get the most out of your lure and the structure I would suggest playing around with your retrieve speed and the way you lift and drop your rod tip.

Let’s get into this in detail in the next issue.

Crankbaits Unlike spinnerbaits, crankbaits do get snagged, but are very effective in getting bass to react. Their erratic side-toside wobbling action creates noise, while the sides of the lure play with the reflection of light in what is likely to be stained water. Choosing from a shallower swimming variety may be a wise option in the current, as you will have a little more control around where the bait is diving to. The smaller the lip on the lure the shallower it will swim.

This is where crankbaits with square-shaped lips are designed to swim. The lip shape enhances the manner in which the crankbaits deflects off structure on impact.

This provides you with two advantages; 1) The hooks are deflected away from snagging, 2) That erratic movement is another irresistible action which keeps the bass coming back for more.

Tip 1: One cannot forget about line selection when fishing so close to structure. At the first opportunity the bass which we’re targeting will be heading straight for the closest snag. Your line needs to cope with the abrasive nature of the structure you are fishing.

Tip 2: Importantly, the line also needs to allow the lure to swim and impart its most natural action. Without the lure swimming properly, you will very likely not be catching any bass at all.

The most likely reason why you aren’t achieving the most desirable swimming action from your bait is because your line is too thick (breaking strain too heavy). Adjust this and practice with you lures to learn which line suits best before you get out on the water and set yourself up for disappointment. With a clever strategy and a little bit of attention to your line selection you will be very surprised at the difference in strike and bite ratio. *Roger Donaldson is an experienced journalist and knowledgeable bass angler who has enjoyed many enlightening hours with many of South Africa’s top, competitive bass fishermen. As a competitive angler himself, he also enjoys sharing his expertise with fellow bass fanatics in the hope that they find the same joy in this unique sport.

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Okuma Fishing Africa SA BASS 43 November 2018

>> SA BASS BACKYARD BASSIN

Loskop Dam

Situated around 40km from the Mpumalanga town of Middelburg is the picturesque body of water known as Loskop Dam. Loskop has the distinction of hosting some of the biggest angling tournaments in South Africa.

From the annual carp bonanza to bass and artlure championships.

Casting a line while bank bashing at Loskop Dam

>> John Badenhorst*

D

uring a recent tour with some international guest anglers, we happened to pay a six day visit to this stunning venue and as they headed out in search of those that dwell in the deep, I did a bit of bank bashing myself. Heading to Loskop for some bass might seem daunting, especially since the shoreline around the Forever Resort is only about 1km in length. Given the limited shoreline and the constant boating activity around the two slipways, somehow, the bank fishing is incredibly good with many anglers catching solid fish including a PB here and there.

The bottom structure around the shoreline and most of the dam consists of rocky bottom with shale and some old brush and laydowns. During my exploration of the bank fishing potential I managed to get snagged up many times by these old sticks and trees and not only lost some terminal tackle but on two occasions I ended up losing huge fish that simply wrapped me up and broke me off.

Be prepared to lose some hooks and lures in your sessions, even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out on a boat.

Just like any other venue, this one and its fish population have their moods but with up to 14ft deep drop-offs within casting distance, it is

44 SA BASS November 2018

simply a matter of persistence that will result in some fun and maybe that elusive new PB. During our visit, and out of a group of 7 anglers, 5 group members managed to land their new PB of which three of these were while fishing from the bank. On the day of our arrival, a local angler managed to get his PB right next to the slipway while members of our group were launching their boat.

With water levels rather low at the moment, the shore itself is in most places rather rocky and care should be taken to avoid an injury while walking the bank with tackle and rod in hand. Crocodile and hippo call this

A good sized Loskop Bass taken while bank bashing

venue home and it is wise to keep an eye open. No recent reports have been made about these but safety should be your first concern.

Since the time of our visit fell over a long weekend, there were many boats out on the water with pleasure boats and fishing boats in the mix while the shore was spaced with a large number of carp anglers and it was concerning to see some of these carp anglers taking a carefree dip and one angler even swimming his lines out into the deeper water. Even with all of this activity, bank bashing still produced some good fishing.

The resort itself boasts many activities like a swimming pool and kids play area, well-appointed picnic areas, a lovely restaurant and even mini golf for the family. The surrounding area offers the tourist some options for game viewing and if staying at the main resort feels a bit too crowded, there are plenty of incredible places within a few kilometres from the dam. Just make sure you place your booking well in advance as it is a very popular place and over a long weekend, it can be almost impossible to get accommodation.

While bank bashing is an option delivering great results, it is advisable to fish this venue from a boat as this option opens up a whole new world of possibilities. I happened to get a fish well over 3kg simply casting from the bank with a sliding Mojo rigged 9cm Seboko in watermelon seed gold. During our visit, we found that soft plastics rigged either sliding Mojo style or Texas style worked best with colours being watermelon gold and light green pumpkin gold delivering most of the good fish caught from the bank and from the boat. While out on the boat, the new Z-Man TRD in Junebug with their Shroom headz produced some incredible results, however there are many snags as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve mentioned, so be prepared to lose some tackle. In the early morning, we found a very positive suspending jerk minnow bite, casting from the boat towards the shore and working it from the shallows into deeper water.

Although the water was still a bit on the cold side of things, we did manage to get a couple of fish to commit to a topwater bite in the form of the Bill Lewis Stutterstep.

Loskop boasts many different species and most facets of angling can be practiced at the venue. While bass happens to be one of the top species to target, some anglers might find luck smiling upon them and getting stuck into one of the elusive but present smallmouth bass that are found in these waters.

Since Loskop lies between a range of hills and mountains, it is easy to forget that this is Africa and it can be harsh out there so always have enough to drink and keep hydrated even when bank bashing.

Loskop Dam is worth a visit and then a couple of repeat visits with excellent fishing and amenities for the whole family and I will be visiting there again real soon. More about this tour in another article in this issue. *John Badenhorst is the editor of SA BASS magazine, the Master of Ceremony for FLW South Africa, radio presenter at Platinum Gold Radio and a keen ultra finesse angler.

>> SA BASS SECRETS

Secrets of South Africa’s Pro’s – Part 4

s l e v e l r e t Wa Low water levels at Theewaterskloof Dam provide a fantastic example of what could be beneath the water

T

he photograph and caption for this article are quite relevant considering the dramatic changes the dams in the Cape have faced over the past few months. Very exciting times ahead for those who had time and opportunity to get a glimpse (and possibly a plethora of photographs), at what was beneath the water of the Cape dams when they were at their lowest water levels.

This is not unlike any fishery where water level changes are taking place and it all happens on very regular occasion. Be it because of drought, irrigation, or the sudden flood of water topping the immediate water levels. This change alters everything and if you’re not prepared you will see a colossal impact on your ability to locate bass.

46 SA BASS November 2018

Water levels can present some serious challenges. Rising water levels, although being a very exciting environmental change can also bring a host of developments, which will require you adjust your fishing strategy.

Safety Although this won’t affect bank anglers, this is my first concern for the boat fisherman. Rising water levels can obscure shallow, under water obstacles, such as tree branches, rocks, sandbanks, etc. Saltwater fisherman will be used to this and for safety purposes they will always consider high and low tides before launching and returning to shore. This is a great example to take heed of.

It is also the retreating water levels which should be cause for alert, as this will bring deeper obstacles closer to

>> Bass Spy the surface. You certainly don’t want to make contact with any solid mass/ structure when travelling at high or even low speed across the water in your boat. Safety first!

The difference Even those saltwater anglers will target different reefs and structures depending on the water levels.

Seasons aside, but the water levels can be a major factor for anglers to determine how productive an area can be. My immediate reaction to that statement is; there are an incredible amount of variables to this. However, I urge you to simplify everything by arranging your strategy according to the weather conditions and elements on the day. Your biggest advantage is to be pliable and ready to accept the change that is delivered to you.

Small changes in water levels provide you with the prospect of venturing to different areas.

Too many examples come to mind.

A) Arabie Dam: Rising water levels presented newly flooded trees and rock structures. Compared with the flat, barren embankments previously, the bass now had access to incredible opportunities to seek refuge and also to find place to ambush their target species.

B) Driekoppies Dam: Rising water levels flooded a very prominent and very large lay-down log. This structure was sure to attract and hold a good size bass, also considering it was situated close to a major channel edge!

C) Inanda Dam: In its day we would just mention ‘the Ridge’ and anglers in the know would be heading off toward the dam wall knowing that if the area was flooded and deep enough then you’d very likely be in for a record catch.

D) Rhenosterkop Dam: This dam has more scope than anglers can imagine and if you understand the fluctuating water levels and how the areas in this fishery are affected then you will be very well rewarded. The main river channel can be followed from the source and intricate details earmarked, which will provide consistently excellent fishing. Amongst other wonderful areas.

E) Tzaneen Dam: Take note of the point on the right of the picture provided and imagine how this image would benefit you once the water levels had risen a further 10 to 15ft.

F) Albert Falls Dam: Incredible drop-offs are present in this dam and like no other in the country. With underwater airplane landing strips and forgotten old dam walls, this dam hides some pretty intense structure which can occasionally be witnessed at the dam’s lowest capacity.

G) Vaal River: This was the fishery (and still is) where so many competitive events took place. Every so often, the river is drained and those who are interested enough can jump in a canoe and paddle, or motor a few hours down the rivers course. What tremendous structures you’ll encounter here that will help you understand where the bass abscond to when you think there are no fish in that river!

The list of fisheries is extensive and we could continue to describe what we’re missing, what is available, and what we could prepare ourselves for regarding rising water levels. Ultimately, this is a forever changing phenomenon that you need to be aware of which will change your

fishing experience if you dedicate yourself to it more seriously.

I hope to see your experiences expressed through contributions to the readers section and your most recent catches!

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SA BASS 47 November 2018

>> 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.

OLIFANTS RIVER LODGE On the bank of the Olifants River, Olifants River Lodge offers an experience the whole family will cherish. The lodge is ideal for family getaways, team building, conferences, weddings, church groups or just a relaxing time next to the water. The lovely surroundings, sightseeing spots, rich fauna and flora, charming nature, restaurants, accommodation and most of all, the pleasant climatic conditions, all make Olifants River Lodge a most beautiful tourist destination.

Accommodation for 280 guests is available as rondavels, cabanas, luxury villas and 70 camping spots. The facilities and activities to enjoy at the lodge include fully equipped conference centres, swimming pools (cold and heated indoor), table tennis, a pool table, a children’s playground, 48 SA BASS November 2018

pedal boats, volleyball, hiking trails, bird watching, fishing, dining, horse riding and a bushveld bar. The Olifants River itself winds past the lodge and provides an ideal setting for sipping sundowners, whilst watching a magical Mpumalanga sunset. For the fisherman there is bass, barbel, carp and yellowfish to catch.

The Olifants River Lodge is situated 20km outside Middelburg. Follow the 12km gravel road from the Presidentsrus turn-off to the lodge. GPS: S25.76198° E29.31260°

For more information or bookings, please contact Olifants River Lodge on 013 243 9401 / 2 or 082 892 3029 or e-mail them at info@olifantsriverlodge.co.za

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