SA BASS Oct-18

October 2018

Issue 210

Light Line, Long Rod RSA: R39.34 (VAT incl.)

Other Countries: R34.21 (Tax excl.)

Texas Rigged

Tubes

www.sabass.com

Tubes for Texas rigging | Going to school | The light-line, long-rod program | Beat the heat Solo bass banking | What the season brings | It is raining where? | How to rig and fish soft plastic stickbaits Prepare your boat | Secrets of South Africa’s pros | Industry news | Tournament reports

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SA BASS Magazine

is published monthly (12 issues per annum)

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

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

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

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Publisher:

Hannes Lindeque - hannes@sabass.com

Editor:

John Badenhorst - john@sabass.com

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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Chris Greenland

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Storm Deezigns - dee@stormdeezigns.co.za

Distributed by RNA:

Jannie Junius (011) 248 3536

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 October 2018

10

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

FLW “(Don’t forget about) Tubes for texas rigging” This classic bait still has a place for shallow-water, power-fishing tactics.

– Matt Williams

13 14

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 “Going to school” Theories on bass schooling behavior.

– TJ Maglio

FLW “The light-line, long-rod program” This might be a better way to fish finesse offerings – Matt Straw

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.

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TOURNAMENT NEWS “Forrest Wood Cup 2018 Winning Strategy” Little less than a year ago Clent Davis was contemplating giving up the sport of professional bass fishing for good. Now, he’s the Forrest Wood Cup champion.

– Sean Ostruszka

TOURNAMENT NEWS “Live your dream. Forrest Wood Cup 2018, Lake Ouachita, Arkansas” It all started in 2016 when South Africa became the fifth country to sanction FLW bass-fishing tournaments.

– Hannes Lindeque

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TOURNAMENT REPORT “FLW South Africa Championship 2018, Bivane Dam, KZN” Fishing for bass for some of us is a passion, a lifestyle. We work hard every day to be able to unwind and relax over weekends to go and pursue those that dwell in the deep.

– Johan Badenhorst & Darryn Brooks

TOURNAMENT REPORT “FLW South Africa Small Craft Championship - 1, 2 September 2018, Boskop Dam, North West” Who are the best bass anglers… those fishing from boats, or those fishing from kick boats? – Hannes Lindeque

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SA BASS

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SA BASS

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BASICS

TACTICS

“How to rig and fish soft plastic stickbaits” Bump into any of my closest bass fishing friends and they’ll attest to the fact that I have a thing for soft plastic stickbaits.

– Roger Donaldson

“Beat the heat – summer bassin’” Many anglers believe that the height of summer is actually not a good time to catch those big bass that they might have missed out on during the prespawn and spawn – John Badenhorst

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“It is raining where?”

By now the budding of trees has passed and the fresh, new growth of spring is developing well – Jay Röhm-Williams

“Secrets of South Africa’s Pro’s – Part 3 - Process of Elimination” I remember my first few years at the helm of my first bass boat staring out over vast sections of water, excited about what structure awaits me and the bass lying within.

– Bass Spy

48 SA BASS “Solo bass banking” I am sure by now, seeing we are in the 18th year of the twenty first century, that all known aspects revolving around bass fishing have been documented, videoed, blogged or conversed about it in most languages all around the world.

– Jay Röhm-Williams

STRATEGIES “What the season brings – Part 2” Depending on what area of the country you’re in, you may already have had the main spawn at your local dam.

– Roger Donaldson

SA BASS “Prepare your boat” It is spring… that means it is time to start prepare your boat for the next fishing season.

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS 04

MY CAST

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READERS-go-BASSING

08

Letters to the Editor

46

Nice to Have

INDUSTRY NEWS 31 47

>> LOWRANCE - Power-Pole >> SWAGS for Africa

ON THE COVER “Ian Brown with a 3.495kg Bivane Dam bass” Image: Darryn Brooks

SA BASS 03 October 2018

has gone digital !!

GET YOUR FAVOURITE SA Bass MAGAZINE

DIGITALLY What an exciting couple of weeks it has been in bass fishing?

It started with the BB Group FLW Bass Festival, followed by the Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Ouachita, the FLW South Africa Championship at Bivane Dam and for the first time ever, the FLW South Africa Small Craft Championship at Boskop Dam. With SA Bass Magazine and FLW South Africa, we again made it possible for eight anglers to head off to the USA to complete on an internationally competitive level.

Other exciting news of course was a series of photos that recently did the rounds on social media with Ruan Wahl catching a fish of a lifetime at Loskop and the very next day, Wayne Naudé got into a fish that would make every angler shake with a 7.192kg bass which is most definitely not the average, everyday fish. The scary part is that anglers from various venues have reported seeing similar fish and after hours of trying to coax a bite, had to admit defeat.

As is apparent, we do have quality fish in our waters and it is up to us to do whatever we possibly can to handle these fish with the greatest of care so that we may release them safely back into the water to ensure those strong genetic lines continue for generations to come.

During the recently held South African Fishing Tackle Agents and Distributors show (SAFTAD), we were privy to some incredible new developments in tackle and in the coming months, we will give you a sneak peak of new toys for anglers will be released soon. As we head towards October, we still have those pesky and irritating wind to deal with and although difficult, this is an ideal opportunity to enhance your skill as a bass angler.

Something bad will always let something good taste so much better.... Simply put, using our skill during adverse weather and wind makes fishing in the easier times much better.

The bite on most days during this time can be either good or incredible but you will never know which of the two without getting out on the water.

We wish our FLW South Africa anglers going to the Costa FLW Series Championship on Lake Guntersville all the best with their preparation for the USA. Last year South Africa won the international division, and the International Friendship Tournament. We know we are sending the best anglers again this year to make us proud.

Team South Africa also heads off to the other side of the planet with the upcoming World Bass Fishing Championship taking place in Mexico and South Africa will be defending their title and gold medals during the upcoming tournament.

The warmer months are heading our way yet again, and if you’re like me, it couldn’t have come a moment too soon.

Longer days and time on the water means that you have a greater chance to possibly catch that fish of a lifetime.

Just remember to be safe and careful while out hunting those that dwell in the deep and if you happen to catch that fish you’re after, don’t forget to send us some pictures.

John Badenhorst / Editor 04 SA BASS October 2018

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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.

POND HOPPING

FAT GRUB

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to fish a private farm dam in the Richmond area.

It was a tough day of fishing with very few fish, before I managed to pull a new personal best bass out of no where.

Weighing in around the 3 to 3,5kg mark. It was caught on a weightless olive lizzard. Thanks for the magazine, keep the great articles coming – Hayden Burmester

My son caught this beautiful bass on a Fat Albert grub this past weekend. The bass was caught in deep water at Witbank Dam on Sunday. We released the fish shortly after taking some pictures. Could you please enter him in the next edition, as his father I feel it is important to show and encourage our kids to appreciate this fantastic sport.

– Johan Pienaar

BRONKIES Op ‘n koue, wintersoggend in Junie was Bronkies maar traag. Ons was darem beloon met ‘n paar visse waarvan hierdie een van 2.23kg die grootste was. Dankie vir ‘n puik tydskrif en my kleinseun, Warren, wat altyd bereid is om saam met oupa te gaan hengel – Wessel Pieters 06 SA BASS October 2018

EDITOR

LETTERS TO THE

Well done!

The TBC Anglers that represented Gauteng in the first-ever FLW SA Small Craft National Championship!

Really proud of these anglers! Four top ten positions, which three was in the top five! (10th was Rayno Robertson, 5th was Johan Joubert, 4th was Vicus Horn and 2nd was Juan du Toit!)

Vicus and Juan will be representing TBC Gauteng and FLW South Africa at the FLW Friendship Tournament in November at Lake Guntersville! We are right behind you boys and will be supporting you all the way! Thank you once again to Hannes and Wilma Lindeque and FLW South Africa for giving the Small Craft Leagues such an opportunity. We would also like to thank KZN Small Craft Bass League and KBC Kick Boat Challenge that you made a real effort to travel all the way to Gauteng/ North West to compete! To all the sponsors that made this possible, we couldn’t have done it without you!

Thank you also to the TBC 2018 Season Sponsors, you guys made it just so much more special: Tao Designer Glass, Pisces Predator Kickboats, The Outcasts Bass Fishing Association, Timols Fishing Tackle, Itty’s Secret Baits, Culprit Southern Africa, Authentic Fishing Gear, Cover-Tec FLW South Africa, BWG (Blue Water Gear), Western Accessories Fishing Tackle, Out There Adventures and TangleWood Nature Estate.

08 SA BASS October 2018

FLW SA Small Craft Championship 2018 Boskop Dam Recap The boys are all home after a challenging trip up to Boskop to compete against the top small craft anglers in the country at the FLW SA Small Craft Championship.

The weekend saw us taking on new water and tough conditions that resulted in the competition being called off early on Sunday morning due to the intense wind.

As tough as it may have been, it was an unforgettable experience with our team getting to meet some great anglers and all round awesome people from the other regions.

Valuable lessons were learnt and a big congratulations must go out to Daniel Farmer for coming out top in KZN and 9th overall.

This also marks the first year that small craft has been recognised at this level and has been able to host a national championship.

A special thank you must go out to Hannes and Wilma Lindeque and FLW South Africa for making this possible and ensuring the growth of this sport to put SA on the world map!

Due to this, we have four South Africa small craft anglers that will be travelling to the USA to represent us on an international level!

A big thank you to Hugo van der Walt from The Bass Challenge for hosting this year and all the work you did to ensure a successful event!

Our season and qualifying would not have been possible without the valuable support from our sponsors : Wayne Easton - Outdoors 365 Equipment, Bryan Leppan - Bass Warehouse & Thornveld Angling Tackle Distributors, Pem Reyneke - Pisces Predator Kickboats , Haydn Evans - Wild Coolers and Shaun John - GEL Events.

We would like to encourage the rest of our anglers to get involved with FLW to keep growing the sport as well as our league!

Lastly I (Nicholas Vincent) would like to thank my fellow admins (Alan Tonkin, Tjaart Fourie and Werner Strydom) and team mates (Daniel Farmer, Warren Farmer and Rynhard du Plessis) for making it an awesome weekend and season so far! Onward and upwards from here gents!

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A VARIETY OF HOOKS

GEAR TUBES

(DON’T FORGET ABOUT) TUBES FOR TEXAS RIGGING

THIS CLASSIC BAIT STILL HAS A PLACE FOR SHALLOW-WATER, POWER-FISHING TACTICS

O

f all the lures we use to catch bass around shallow cover, tubes might have the richest, winningest history … among baits that you just don’t hear much about anymore, that is.

Once considered a power-fishing staple around shallow matted grass, flooded bushes and logjams, and equally adaptable for skipping docks and general use, tubes seem to have lost some of their thunder to new-wave creatures and craws.

Nowadays they see more use in the fabled smallmouth havens of the North, yet FLW pros Austin Felix, Josh Douglas and Drew Boggs believe that tubes are valuable for more than just targeting smallmouths around big-water boulders.

They have their place alongside the newer options for flipping and pitching. And, at times, nothing gets the job done quite like a tube.

Downsides of Tubes One of the most common sentiments shared by the pros we talked to is that, much like a shaky head or Yamamoto Senko, tubes sometimes draw bites when other baits don’t.

For that reason, they’re worth considering.

However, like any soft-plastic bait style, the tube has some drawbacks that need to be addressed. Its hollow body requires 10 SA BASS October 2018

By Matt Williams LURE PHOTOS BY MATT PACE

a little more exactitude when rigging than some other plastics. It doesn’t mate very well with the heavy-duty, straight-shank hooks that so many pros consider to be the modern rage for flipping.

And the bait has a reputation for balling on the hook and losing fish – probably its biggest issue as a Texas-rigged bait.

“Tubes were really popular before my time. Then beaverstyle baits like the [Missile Baits] D Bomb came out and sort of took over,” says Douglas, of Isle, Minn. “I think a lot of guys may have gotten away from tubes because of their reputation for losing fish. But I still use them a lot. It’s one of those baits like the ribbon-tail worm that has remained effective over time. It just gets bit.”

Boggs is a two-time T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League All-American qualifier and a frequent contender in regional tournaments near his Lebanon, Tenn., home. He says nearly 90 percent of the checks he’s cashed the last few seasons have come as a result of flipping tubes around rocks, bluff walls and wood cover on Kentucky Lake, Pickwick and Old Hickory.

He agrees that one of the main reasons many anglers have stopped flipping tubes is hookup problems caused by the bulky plastic in the head of some big tube baits – particularly the larger tubes so often used for flipping. To him, it’s a problem that can be solved with careful bait selection.

PHOTO BY CURTIS NIEDERMIER

Where Tubes Shine on a Texas Rig

“I like a 4- to 5-inch tube for flipping, but most of them I’ve seen are so meaty around the head that they take up too much of the hook gap and cause hookup problems,” Boggs says.

He’s found several tubes that don’t suffer this design defect. His go-to bait for 90 percent of flipping situations is a Lake Fork Tackle Craw Tube or Big Bite Baits Craw Tube.

They’re both hybrid tubes with ringed bodies and extra pincers on the sides. As far as “standard” tubes, Boggs uses a model that’s no longer in production, but that has the right characteristics for a good hookset.

“I’ve won a lot of money with it, but a lot of guys I compete against continue to fish their beavers, [Berkley Havoc] Pit Bosses and D Bombs,” Boggs says. “There are a lot of different options out there, but in my opinion, none of them produces as well as the tube.”

To that effect, it’s worth noting that tubes come in dozens of variations, widths, lengths and thicknesses. There are even solid “tubes” that aren’t hollow at all. The build of the tube can have a major effect on how the bait sinks or glides, in addition to how well it hooks up a fish. Bigger tubes – usually called “flipping tubes” – are most popular for power fishing, but many small tubes are also good “finesse flipping” baits for times when fish won’t hit bigger, bulkier options. If one tube doesn’t cut it, you can always swap it out for a different one.

The specific tubes and tackle used by Felix, Douglas and Boggs are listed in the accompanying sidebar.

PHOTO BY KYLE WOOD

Drew Boggs

Once you find a tube you like and pair it with the proper hook, you’ll find the tube to be a good choice for a handful of situations.

Mixed-bag opportunities – Felix is a third-year FLW Tour pro and former YETI FLW College Fishing champ who, as a Minnesotan, is very familiar with targeting both largemouths and smallmouths on mixed-bag fisheries. When faced with a mixed-bag scenario, his confidence in the tube really spikes because of the bait’s history as a smallmouth catcher.

“I really like flipping a tube if I’m on an Ozark-style lake or the Mississippi River – some place where I’m not sure which species I’ll be targeting and I stand a good chance of catching either one on any given flip,” Felix says. “It’s all about efficiency on those dual-species fisheries, and the tube is a great bait to do that. If I’m flipping a big jig or a big beaver-style bait in that type of situation I feel like the focus will be more toward largemouths.”

Flipping “grabby” cover such as bushes – Douglas is a huge fan of the tube on lakes where he’s fishing bushes during the spring of the year.

“I like a jig more during the prespawn, but once we start getting into the spawn and postspawn is when I’ll switch to the 4- to 4 1/2-inch flipping tube,” he says. “I really like it on a lake like Kentucky Lake because the fish pull up really tight to the bushes over there. The tube doesn’t have any appendages to get caught on limbs and other stuff, so it will slide in and out much better than a creature or a jig. It also has some bulk to it, so I can usually go to a little lighter weight – like 3/16 or 5/16 ounce – and be pretty effective.”

Punching matted grass – A tube also works great in matted grass because of its streamlined profile.

“We flip a lot of milfoil in Minnesota during the summer,” says Douglas, “and the tube is a great choice for that. It doesn’t have a lot of action to it, but you can crash it through the canopy and it really triggers those reaction strikes. It’s very efficient because of the way it goes in and out of the grass, and it gets lots of bites – large and small.”

Skipping docks – Like a flat rock, a tube has a smooth, even surface for skipping under docks. It can be left to fall, fished with a lift-rise action, or twitched under the surface to

Austin Felix SA BASS 11 October 2018

imitate a bluegill. You can even swim it. Regardless of the presentation, it’s the ability to access the waters under a dock that really makes it a solid choice.

“When it comes to dock fishing, nothing skips better than a tube,” Douglas adds.

All-purpose shallow fishing – Boggs is one who will reach for a tube in water as cold as 40 degrees or as warm as 95 during spring, summer and fall. He likes to flip one to bushes, laydowns, docks and other shore cover, but points out that a tube can be just as deadly around bluff walls and rock, where he’ll drag or stroke the bait. And it’s his bait of choice for flipping in water as shallow as one foot or as deep as 10.

“About the only things I might change are the color, the size of the weight and my rod,” Boggs adds. “I like a lighter weight in cold water to get the slower fall and a bigger weight in warmer water to make them react.”

A Few Notes on Tackle As earlier mentioned, tubes don’t pair well with straightshank flipping hooks. An EWG superline hook is a much better fit for a tube because it allows the bait to remain straight and provides plenty of gap to allow for better hooksets. The offset on the shank helps hold the bait in place, and the point should be Tex-posed. Usually, skinhooking the tube results in a near-weedless setup that still allows good penetration on the hookset.

Weight selection can vary greatly based on the density of cover being fished, depth, current and technique. Go lighter for swimming and twitching techniques, or in finesse situations, and heavier for punching through grass or wood to elicit reaction strikes. Weight selection also impacts the action of the bait and how much it glides “off course” on the fall. Experimentation is the best method for choosing the right weight, but the common range is 1/4 to 3/4 ounce.

Boggs’ weight choice is one he and a friend devised several years ago before selling the design to Jenko Fishing. It’s called the Creature Weight, and it features a unique tapered head design that always turns “right-side up” as it sinks. He says the design of the weight is such that it accents the tube perfectly while enhancing the gliding, sliding action.

“I can hop the tube with that weight and make it glide 3 to 4 inches to either side. Sometimes it’ll even go backward,” Boggs says. “It makes it get nasty compared to what you can accomplish with a bullet sinker.”

Jenko Fishing Creature Weights

12 SA BASS October 2018

HOOK AND TUBE CHOICES

AUSTIN FELIX Felix prefers a 4/0 Gamakatsu EWG Superline hook (top) in combination with a 4-inch Poor Boys Baits Tube. If he’s dealing with a lot of smallmouths he might scale down to a 3 1/2-inch tube with a 3/0 EWG. Either way, he thinks it’s important to modify the hook by slightly widening the gap so the hook point lies parallel with the bait and not in line with the line tie. This helps cut down on lost fish.

JOSH DOUGLAS Douglas also likes a 4/0 Gamakatsu EWG Superline hook (top) or a Trokar TK190, which is a wide-gap, straight-shank tube hook, in combination with a 4-inch tube by Get Bit Baits.

DREW BOGGS Boggs prefers a 4/0 Mustad Grip-Pin EWG hook for pairing with 4-inch tubes such as the Lake Fork Craw Tube and Big Bite Baits Craw Tube, and for 4 1/2-inch tubes. He uses a 5/0 for 5-inch tubes. He also flares the hook gap slightly so the point rests parallel to the tube wall instead of turning inward. ■

TAKEOFF

BASS SCIENCE

GOING TO SCHOOL

THEORIES ON BASS SCHOOLING BEHAVIOR

By TJ Maglio

When Do Bass School?

There are many reasons why bass might decide to school up and usually it’s all about food. Maybe they coincidentally gather in a place where blueback herring or shad are prevalent, or wind up in wolf packs to hunt shorelines for bream. Bass clearly benefit from grouping up at times. Being habitat and behavioral generalists, they are pretty flexible in where they live and how they act. That’s why they’ve been so successful in spreading their range and flourishing in darn near every pond, lake or river across this country and many others.

Bass will school whenever the conditions make it more favorable than not. In other words, if foraging is easier and more effective in a school, or if large schools of forage fish are grouped together where predators can get at them together, bass might naturally group up to take advantage of the opportunity. In some places, this might happen infrequently; in others, the bass could spend much of the year schooled up.

Benefits of the School The goal of bass outside the spawn is to maximize energy consumption while minimizing energy expenditure. Studies

PHOTO BY KYLE WOD

A

lthough bass aren’t as socially dependent as many other species of fish (think sardines in a school in the ocean), we have all seen situations where they form schools.

This schooling behavior raises all sorts of questions in both anglers and fisheries researchers across the country: Why do they school? What conditions cause it? Is there really such a phenomenon as “igniting” a school – and if so, why and how does it happen?

The truth is there hasn’t been any definitive study of bass schooling behavior that can specifically answer these questions. We can, however, look at other aspects of fish behavior that scientists have studied to help suggest information about why bass school, and how to use that knowledge to catch more fish.

Aaron Britt waits for a school to break at Lake Murray during the 2017 Forrest Wood Cup. Though we think we know about bass schooling behavior, it’s still somewhat unpredictable, even for the top pros.

of both saltwater and freshwater predatory species have found that schooling in general increases both the efficiency of feeding, and the likelihood of encountering food sources. One study found that bass of single-species or mixedspecies (say, largemouth and smallmouth) schools took less time to find food as school size increased. This is a huge advantage in lakes where the predominant prey species such as gizzard or threadfin shad, which can be found in great numbers, aren’t spread evenly across the lake.

Negative Consequences Solitary bass might have to forage alone, but they also get to be the sole beneficiaries of any food they find.

That’s the downside to schooling: competition for scarce resources from the other members of the school. Imagine a school of bass hanging out off a deep point. If a small pod of shad swims by and one of the bass decides to go after it, there’s a chance that the remaining bass in the school won’t have any opportunity to feed. This is the trade-off that each bass in the school is likely to encounter, and it’s the reason why there is little schooling activity on some lakes, and lots on others as bass contend with fluctuating forage scenarios.

Igniting a School We’ve all seen the video clips from tournaments on the famous ledge lakes of the Tennessee River. An angler is fishing along with not much happening, then suddenly it’s like a switch flips, and it’s “fish on” cast after cast. This is what many anglers call “igniting” a school, and it’s the prize die-hard ledge anglers constantly seek.

Although there’s not been a definitive study as to why schools become active seemingly out of the blue, a review of the literature indicates a couple possibilities that might contribute to the phenomenon.

Competitive instincts – Schooledup bass are used to competing for food, so when one bass eats, it triggers the rest of the school to get with the program. By the time the angler’s lure is back in the water, the remaining bass are more inclined to grab it.

Pheromones – In some species of fish, alarm and feeding responses cause the release of “pheromones,” or scent compounds that trigger behavior in other fish nearby. This has been demonstrated in various species of freshwater and saltwater fish. Perhaps the feeding action of one bass releases a pheromone that causes the others to get aggressive. ■ SA BASS 13 October 2018

GEAR

LIGHT LINE, LONG RODS

CENTER PHOTO BY BRI DOUGLAS

THE LIGHT-LINE, LONG-ROD PROGRAM THIS MIGHT BE A BETTER WAY TO FISH FINESSE OFFERINGS

L

ong rods are all the rage, but mostly for power fishing. That’s not the only place they shine, however. When combined with wispy thin line (say, 4- to 6-pound test), spinning rods in the neighborhood of 8 to 10 feet long provide a very effective, very light approach for making long casts with small baits to pressured fish.

The combo is also deadly for fishing extremely deep.

Anglers might not like the concept at first glance. It all seems too light, suggesting you brought a knife to a gunfight. But that impression shouldn’t last long, because there are real advantages to the long-rod, light-line matchup.

The Line Light, thin, supple line is key for sliding through rod guides, slipping through the 14 SA BASS October 2018

wind and allowing fast descent of the bait once in the water. Monofilament and fluorocarbon in the 4-pound-test range are OK, but modern superlines offer even more advantages.

Superlines keep getting smaller, smoother and more dependable – and tend to have twice the advertised breaking strength that companies proclaim – making them far more capable than light lines of the past at resisting breakage and launching lures into orbit.

Superline construction has advanced in other ways to promote long casts, too.

For instance, many modern braids feature multi-carrier weaves for a smoother finish and coatings that allow knots to cinch down tighter and the line to flow smoothly through guides. Berkley’s classic FireLine is an excellent choice, and its

By Matt Straw

newer NanoFil, which is a “uni-filament” braid created by fusing Dyneema strands together, is even thinner and smoother. Sufix Nanobraid is another modern take, composed of densely braided Dyneema fibers to be slicker, thinner and stronger than conventional braids. In my experience, these “Nano” interpretations cast farther than any conventional braids within the same test parameters.

Whichever braid is used, it can be paired with a fluorocarbon leader, matched specifically to the tactic and water clarity for an effective setup.

The Rods To “protect” the light line from impact, fast, light-power spinning rods of 8 to 10 feet long are ideal. The extra length helps absorb the shock of surging fish, but also

accomodates greater tip speed on the casting motion that results in much more distance.

Why the need in the first place?

Because bass are the most popular gamefish in America, and all that fishing pressure they get leads to spookier fish, especially in clear-water fisheries.

Case in point: The Sturgeon Bay Open (SBO) Bass Tournament is held in May on northern Green Bay, where a guy with fairly good eyesight can count the pebbles on the bottom 20 feet below. Tim Dawidiuk and I won the SBO in 1998 by making long casts with the wind using 7 1/2-foot rods, 10-pound-test braid main lines and matching fluorocarbon leaders, which was considered light tackle back then. Five years later the fish we targeted were patrolling flat-calm waters. We needed 4-pound-test mono on light-power, 8-foot St. Croix Avid Series rods to make casts long enough to reach bass without running the risk of getting too close.

Fishing pressure and clean water make a real difference. We took third, by the way.

Applications In the waters of the Upper Midwest, 1/16-ounce hair jigs and jig-plastic combinations (grubs, soft jerkbaits, finesse worms, etc.) fished on light line and long rods put more bass – even big largemouths – in the boat than many other baits out there.

The technique is simple: Make a long cast past the target zone, and allow the jig to sink to the bottom or the desired depth. Begin an ultra-slow retrieve, keeping the jig moving on a horizontal plane. If it taps or drags bottom, speed up slightly. If it never touches bottom, slow down. Don’t jig it, snap it, pop it or twitch it. Occasionally let it fall to bottom and rest for a few seconds before resuming the retrieve. This simple tactic produces strikes from bass at every activity level, from revved up to extremely wary.

Those are simple, classic methods, but more modern long-rod, light-line tactics imported from Japan and elsewhere are winning all kinds of bass tournaments worldwide and coast-to-coast.

Spybaiting – a hard-bait technique typically employed with 5-pound-test fluorocarbon and 8- to 9-foot rods – has won, or helped win, several highprofile tournaments. Jackall also recently imported the similar I-Motion technique that was already winning tournaments in Japan, using the company’s hard-bait Seira Minnow or the soft iShad, either of which is retrieved with a slow, steady pace and no wiggling, snapping or ripping. Japanese pros use 4-pound-test braids as main lines with 4-pound-test fluorocarbon leaders with this method.

Greg Gutierrez, who won the 2016 Costa FLW Series event at Lake Shasta fishing spybaits on light line for spotted bass, is a fan of the approach.

Long-Rod Options Rod makers are offering an ever-increasing selection of long spinning rods for light-line finesse techniques. Here are four long sticks that launch record-class casts with 4- to 6-pound-test lines and leaders.

1. St Croix Avid Series Spinning AVS80MLM2 8 feet, medium-light power, moderate action

2. St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass Spinning LBS86MLXF 8 feet, 6 inches, medium-light power, extra-fast action

3. Fenwick Eagle EA86M-MFS-2 8 feet, 6 inches, medium power, moderate-fast action

4. Millerods BassFreak 7 feet, 6 inches, fast action

“You can cast a 1/16-ounce hair jig out of sight with 5-pound-test Gamma, and it gets deep quicker,” Gutierrez says. “I take bass at 22 to 35 feet with that setup all day.”

Light-Line Recommendations

SA BASS 15 October 2018

Gutierrez also likes 4-inch plastics on 1/16-ounce Frenzy Baits Wack-ASack Wacky Jigs.

“I can fire them way out there with longer rods,” he says. “At 40 feet I can count it down and walk it through the water column at different levels. Let the articulating jig kiss bottom and the plastic flips, shudders and swings, and light line allows it much more freedom.

With heavy line you can’t throw as far, it doesn’t get deep fast and it doesn’t perform as well.”

The relatively new Z-Man Ned Rig is another example. It’s an ultra-finesse technique that’s maximized with 1000-series spinning reels and light braided lines.

Drop-shot rigs, light hair jigs, finesse plastics, under-spin jigs, wacky rigs – many techniques are more productive with light line.

Australian pro Carl Jocumsen, now in his second season on the FLW Tour, is on board as well, often incorporating

On Hooking and Playing Fish Jocumsen: “Longer rods set hooks better, but be mindful of hook thickness and sharpness; otherwise it won’t penetrate. Thin-wire hooks are critical because a light leader nullifies the low stretch of braid. You need thin-wire hooks to penetrate before the leader breaks.”

Gutierrez: “We all have that textbook hookset, and it’s too violent. A longer rod lets you lay into them without snapping lines. You have to be patient and play the fish out. I throw 4-pound test on a regular basis, even for largemouths on the California Delta, catching 10- to 12-pound fish in weeds and wood or buggy whips. If you’re patient you can land big fish in those environments. I’m not worried when a giant dives into the weeds. Eventually they move. Once it starts to shake, you put pressure on it and keep doing that until it swims right out.”

14-foot-long leaders of 6-pound-test fluorocarbon with 4-pound-test braided main line for finesse tactics fished on spinning gear.

“Long-rod, light-line tactics defined me in Australia,” Jocumsen says. “Now it’s a big part of my success here. I use Millerods, known for longer blanks. My

rods are 4 to 6 inches longer than standard – some just under 9 feet.

“More anglers are using longer rods and lighter lines on the Tour every year,” he adds. “And it will keep trending that way. Lures evolve, and many new ones just won’t perform right on heavier line.” ■

Light-Line Bait Options Yamamoto Hula Grub and jighead

Reaction Innovations Flirt Worm and darter head

tube with jighead

Jackall iShad and Nose Jig Head Z-Man TT Lures NedlockZ HD Jighead and cut-down Yamamoto Senko

hair jig

wacky-rigged Yamamoto Senko DUO Realis Spinbait 80 G-Fix

Yamamoto D Shad and Buckeye Lures Ditch Witch Keitech Swing Impact and ball-head jig

Missile Baits The 48 worm with Damiki Neko Sinker and Mustad TitanX Wacky/Neko Hook

16 SA BASS October 2018

Clent Davis

>> SA BASS TOURNAMENT NEWS

Forrest Wood Cup 2018

Winning Strategy >> Sean Ostruszka

L

ittle less than a year ago Clent Davis was contemplating giving up the sport of professional bass fishing for good. Now, he’s the Forrest Wood Cup champion.

Despite starting the final day at Lake Ouachita in 10th place, Davis crushed the largest bag of the tournament – 17 pounds, 13 ounces – to be the first angler to make up nine places on the final day of the Cup. His 36 pounds, 13 ounces was more than 7 pounds better than second-place pro James Niggemeyer.

“I don’t even know what to do or what I’m feeling,” a stunned Davis said on stage after day-two leader Wes Logan lifted his hand to show he had only one fish in his bag. “This is incredible.”

Complete results

sampled brush p piles all over the lake, with most full of fish, Davis could only get bit in a small section on the southwest end of the lake.

“I don’t know what it was about that section other than I could get bit the there and not anywhere else,” Davis says.

However, with all his eggs in one basket, H Davis Dav just stuck with his pattern, running dozens of brush piles in 22 to 30 feet. On do those tho piles he tossed one of two baits he lear learned about years ago from one of the best on o Ouachita.

“My first event as a co-angler in 2010 I drew Scott Suggs,” Davis says. “I got a go lesson. I have no clue where we fished. good I just ju understood he threw a big worm and a swi swimbait.”

Davis’ big worm was a Mister Twister Mag Ma 12 BUZZ Worm in plum apple on a 1/2-ounce head. He dragged the worm over the 1/2limbs of the brush. Most of his bites came right after he’d he pull it over a limb and let it fall.

His swimbait was a hollow-belly model, which he’d count down to just above the brush – sometimes the brush topped out 15 feet down, sometimes as shallow as 5 feet below the surface. He also mixed in a Yo-Zuri 3DR Series Pencil topwater when fish came up schooling over the brush.

Eventually, his hard-headedness began to pay off as he ground out matching limits of 9 pounds, 8 ounces each of the first two days, which got him into the top 10 by 1 ounce.

With nothing to lose today, Davis says he just had fun.

Of course, he had no idea just how much fun he’d have.

Davis got off to a fast start and quickly took over when he backed up a 2 1/2-pound fish with a 5-pounder (caught on the worm) and another 2 1/2. Another two keepers had him easily in the lead, and a 4-pounder late in the day put it far out of reach.

“I’ve worked for this my whole life,” adds Davis, who earned $300,000 for his win. “I guess it was time for it to happen.”

Davis’ run to becoming Cup champion started last November when FLW Senior Director of Tournament Operations Bill Taylor called Davis about returning to the Tour after being on the Bassmaster Elite Series the previous two seasons. Admittedly, Davis was burnt out on the sport, but the itch came back after that call.

Fast-forward to the Cup, and Davis knew there was only one way he was going to have a chance to win.

“I’m a decent offshore fisherman, but I think I’m a really good brush pile fisherman,” Davis says. “So that was the only thing I was going to do since day one.”

Unfortunately, his strength didn’t seem to translate to results early on, as he struggled throughout practice and even into the first morning of the tournament. While he’d SA BASS 17 October 2018

FForrestt Wo Wood Cup 2018, Lake Ouachita, Arkansas

Clent Davis

>> SA BASS TOURNAMENT NEWS

“As tournament director of the monthly Cast-for-Cash bass angling tournament trail in South Africa, since 2001, I have always believed in the capabilities of our local anglers. We just need an opportunity to proof it.” >> Hannes Lindeque*

I

t all started in 2016 when South Africa d t Woo Forres e world became the fifth th Cup – ionship p m country to sanction FLW cha nal fessio of pro fishing bass-fishing tournaments. bass Qualifying events were held and the top anglers from five different Castfor-Cash regions competed at the FLW South Africa Championship held on the Vaal River in July 2017.

There the top two teams (four anglers) advanced to the Costa FLW Series Championship on Lake Kentucky with FLW providing brand new fully rigged Ranger boats.

At this event Michael Matthee won the international division and became the first international angler to finish under the top ten. With this victory he qualified to compete at the Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Ouachita (pronounced Wa-shi-ta).

18 SA BASS October 2018

FLW Cup The 2018 Forrest Wood Cup in Hot Springs, Arkansas, was hosted by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and Visit Hot Springs. Fifty-six of the best bass anglers in the world showed off their skills in landing largemouth and spotted bass.

The tournament was held over three days with only the top ten going through to day three. Take off every day was at 07:00 from Brady Mountain Resort & Marina and spectacular weigh-ins were held at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs.

The bag limit was five bass per day and the fishing was brutal tough, making the anglers work for every ounce, and regret every bite missed. The summer heat and dropping water levels forced the fish into deeper water where more oxygen could be found. Another factor new to Michael was the behaviour of schooling shad that the bass are feeding on.

Michael found a definite pattern during his pre-fishing, but heavy rain just before the tournament shuffled the cards. On day one the anglers encountered very thick fog on the main lake. Later, the day turned into an unforgiving, hot, summer day with high temperatures and humidity. He managed to catch one fish for the day weighing 1-3 and

Michael Matthee on stage at weigh-in

on day two caught three fish (5-12), giving him a total bag weight of 6-15.

Michael mainly focused on fishing topwater baits close to the shore line in shallow water.

FLW Expo A three-day FLW Expo bass fishing expo was held at the Hot Springs Convention Center with rods, reels, fishing tackle, boats and accessories on display that we have never encountered before. The biggest thrill was to meet the bass legends in person; like Forrest L. Wood and his wife Nina,

Jimmy Houston, Hank Parker, and also the latest big guns in the sport. Total attendance for the three-day event was 66,293 fishing fans.

“The FLW Cup is an incredibly special event where we celebrate our angler’s achievements both on and off the water alongside the biggest names in the outdoor industry”, said Kathy Fennel, FLW president of operations.

Prize giving

Weigh-in and prize giving was something to experience. The Bank OZK Arena was at 100-percent capacity on Sunday, and an overflow of fans watched the free Justin Moore concert and final weigh-ins on a big screen at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

As said, there was not a single open chair at the final prize giving ceremony. We received special entry passes at registration allowing us every day to enter the venue an hour earlier than the massas. The 2018 Forrest Wood Cup was televised on NBC Sports Network, the Emmy-nominate “FLW” television shows on NBCSN and the World Fishing Network to more than 564 million households worldwide.

The event was also followed on social media.

SA BASS 19 October 2018

Top ten results after day three: 1

Clent Davis

Montevallo, Ala.

36-13 US$300,000

2

James Niggemeyer

Van, Texas

29-9

3

Justin Atkins

Florence, Ala.

28-12 US$50,000

4

Nick LeBrun

Bossier City, La.

28-6

5

Jason Lambert

Michie, Tenn

27-15 US$30,000

6

Zack Birge

Blanchard, Okla.

26-13 US$24,000

7

Wes Logan

Springville, Ala.

25-9

US$23,000

8

John Cox

DeBary, Fla.

24-7

US$22,000

9

Brandon Cobb

Greenwood, S.C.

23-1

US$21,000

Summerville, S.C. 20-8

US$20,000

10 Bradford Beavers

US$60,000

US$37,500

Fishing the shallows

An adrenalin pumping, nerve wrecking moment – day one

Forrest Wood Cup 2019 Fishing League Worldwide, in conjunction with Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, announced that the Forrest Wood Cup will return to Hot Springs in August 2019 and be held on Lake Hamilton. Last time it was held on Lake Hamilton was in 2005.

The top 40 pros from the 2019 FLW Tour qualify for the 2019 Forrest Wood Cup, which will consist of 52 professional anglers. In addition to the top 40 pros from the Tour, qualifiers will also include the highest finishing pro from each of five U.S. divisions and the International division at the 2018 Costa FLW Series Championship, the 2019 BFL All-American boater champion, the 2019 TBF boater champion, the 2019 FLW College Fishing champions, the 2018 Forrest Wood Cup champion and the 2018 FLW Tour Angler of the Year.

Entry opened on Wednesday, Sept. 5, for the top 100 pros and the top 15 co-anglers from the 2018 FLW Tour, the top 15 pros and co-anglers from each division of the 2018 FLW Series, the FLW Series International Division representative from the 2018 FLW Cup, the 2018 TBF National Champion from the boater division, the boater 20 SA BASS October 2018

champion from the 2018 BFL All-American and both members of the winning team from the 2018 FLW College Fishing National Championship. These anglers must pay their deposit of US$8,750 by October 15, 2018, in order to secure their priority entry position.

Michael’s future Participating at the Forrest Wood Cup 2018 was not the end of the road for Michael Matthee. In 2019 he will actively be competing in the FLW Tour, fishing shoulder to shoulder against the best professional anglers in the USA... a dream come true for one of our best local anglers. We wish him all the very best for his journey going forward.

About FLW FLW is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money in 2018 across five tournament circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, with offices in Minneapolis, FLW and their partners conduct 286 bass-fishing tournaments annually around the world, including the United States, Canada, China, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and South Africa. *Hannes Lindeque is the founder and publisher of SA BASS magazine since 2001, the tournament director of the SA BASS Cast-for-Cash bass angling tournament trial and FLW South Africa.

For more information visit FLWFishing.com and follow FLW at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat.

Live your dream - Editor’s Note During the recently held FLW South Africa Championship 2018 held at Bivane Dam in KZN, I had the opportunity to have a chat and catch up session with FLW South Africa Champion Mike Matthee.

“Leaving for the USA from the 12th of July to the 14th of August was a daunting task and so much planning had to go into the trip with work commitments that still had to be taken care of. Thankfully my wife Ronel travelled with me and understanding the pressure and having someone close to support me was definitely an added bonus. Upon arrival, we found that there was a restricted access in force on the lake and essentially I only had six days to practice and find some sort of pattern with no one to physically help me on the water. Even the practice days were tough with temperatures reaching upward of 38 to 40ºC on some days.

As viewers here would have seen, Lake Ouachita is absolutely massive and I honestly didn’t know where to even start. I bit the bullet and familiarised myself with the lake and its moods over the six practice days and managed to mark a few spots and trying different baits. Figuring out a pattern that would work on such a massive body of water is not an easy task. Everything is different to any other fishery here in South Africa.

During the cut-off days, we managed to spend some time in Memphis and even went to visit Graceland and it was amazing to be standing in the house of Elvis and was probably one of my favourite things about our visit there.

Oh, and we did visit the smoke houses for some authentic BBQ food.

>> John Badenhorst During the red carpet day and registration, the weather had changed completely and the lake volume had also dropped so on day one, I stuck to my original plan but during the weather change, the fish that I had found, had moved into deeper water and sadly didn’t produce the results I had hoped for with only 1 fish to show for my efforts.

Day 2 was different and I just went and burned the bank as this is what I’m known for and managed to get three fish on the boat that day. Saying that the fishing was tough is a huge understatement!

Next year, I’m fishing the FLW Tour and as this is on invite only, I’m truly honoured to be invited to this prestigious tour and I’m also going to be fishing the FLW division in the Costa FLW series. Currently I’m busy working on sponsors for this and it’s a busy time for us right now.

The Forrest Wood Cup was a life changing experience and a lifelong dream that has come true. Hopefully, next year I will be back on the stage representing our country.

Just a massive thanks to FLW South Africa, their sponsors and everyone that has helped to make this dream come true and all the amazing people I’ve met and looking forward to meeting up with you again soon.”

Mike is a humble guy with a passion for the sport and promotion of bass fishing and we can truly say that he has been a sterling ambassador for our part of the globe. We wish him all of the best and many big fish in his future. - Ed.

SA BASS 21 October 2018

FLW

South Africa Championship 2018, Bivane Dam, KZN

Start of day 3

>> SA BASS TOURNAMENT REPORT

>> Johan Badenhorst & Darryn Brooks

F

ishing for bass for some of us is a passion, a lifestyle.

We work hard every day to be able to unwind and relax over weekends to go and pursue those that dwell in the deep.

It’s not a cheap form of relaxation and the more involved you become, the higher the costs become.

Once you get to tournament level, it’s a different game altogether. Unfortunately; as with any sport, there is always a certain amount of internal politics too, and between

juggling work, pre-fishing for an upcoming tournament and all the planning that goes along with the sport, one has to be careful as it can be a veritable minefield.

Once you reach certain levels of competitive angling, the pressure truly builds and the fight to reach the top and remaining at the top can be a tough one.

There are those that have dedicated hundreds of hours and days in their climb from bank angler to top competitive anglers, beating the odds and sometimes fishing by the seat

Robbie Olivier, Neels Beneke, Shaun John, Peet vd Schyff, Justy Varkevisser, Reed Eastman

FLW – a lifestyle experience 22 SA BASS October 2018

of their pants just to stay in the game. Competitive angling takes a dedicated mindset and a drive to reach certain goals - no matter what cards you’re dealt.

You could pre-fish a venue for days, and yet on tournament day things have changed‌ water levels have dropped, or risen, a cold front moved in or there has been a spike in barometric pressure. There are so many variables that come into the sport of angling and nothing is ever cast in stone.

At the start of the FLW SA Championship held at Bivane Dam in Kwa-Zulu Natal, it was apparent that the forty two teams that had arrived had worked through tough fishing and personal situations to be able to have the opportunity to fish this tournament.

Some anglers have had personal issues, others had financial issues and yet others struggled during the season with failing boat partners or failing boats and technology.

Forty two teams; three days of competitive bass angling and in the end... two teams (four anglers) would head off to the USA to represent FLW South Africa in the Costa FLW Series Championship at international level in November on Lake Guntersville in Alabama.

They will be competing against 218 of the best FLW anglers from across the world. The top forty professionals and co-anglers from each of the five U.S. Costa FLW Series divisions, plus up to two pros and two co-anglers each from FLW China, FLW Italy, FLW Mexico, FLW Portugal, FLW South Africa and FLW Spain and up to four pros and four co-anglers may advance from FLW Canada for 2018.

With a total prize pool valued at R285,000.00 including lucky draw prizes; everyone seemed strangely relaxed on the eve of the tournament.

After spending most of the day travelling to the venue, there was still time for greeting, handshakes and smiles amongst these dedicated folks that would pull out all the

Best Sportsmanship - George Newman

stops and combat each other in skill and determination to be the winners of those prestigious slots to the USA. Partly cloudy conditions greeted anglers on the first day of the event with a prediction of slight rain later during the afternoon. Although the barometric pressure dropped slightly overnight due to an incoming front, anglers were keen to get going. During pre-fish, some competitors had a game plan and it now came down to making that plan work, but with so many variables, the organizers patiently waited for the results to start coming in.

Not long after the start of day one, Ian Brown brought the first fish of the tournament to the scales which tipped at 3.495kg. A solid fish, which went on to also be the biggest of the three day tournament. With such a positive start,

2017 & 2018 FLW SA Champions Neels Beneke, Wayne Louw, Robert Olivier, Michael Matthee

live your dream SA BASS 23 October 2018

Ian Brown - biggest fish 3.495kg

hopes were soon dashed when it became apparent that this venue was not going to give up its bounty very easily.

Only one team had managed to catch a five fish bag limit

and this put them clearly in the lead. At the end of the first day, many anglers had not even had a bite, while others did manage to land some fish. Most of the fish landed were of good size and with the hope of another two days in which to make up some valuable points, most competitors opted for an early night.

Day two started overcast with wet conditions from some solid rain that had fallen during the night. The prediction was for mostly overcast conditions with some expected wind around lunchtime. The leading team from day one, Team Gel Events, hit the water running and very soon brought a fish in for weighing as they didn’t want to run the risk of it turning and then losing valuable points. Around lunchtime, word came in that George Newham and his partner had suffered boat problems and with a strong wind, it was going to be rather difficult to get these anglers back safely. Impeccable sportsmanship came into play when two different teams took time out of their fishing to render assistance and make sure no angler is left out on the water.

At the end of day two, the leader board had shuffled with the top three spots being taken up by Team Bass Warehouse Fishtec (Bryan Leppan and Michael Cannon) in first place with two fish weighing 6.045kg. Second place was Team Never Give Up (André Pretorius and Nigel Potgieter, 3 fish, 5.87kg) and third, Team PG Aluminium Silver Lakes (Herman Ras & Japie Botha, 3 fish, 5.375kg).

Proving that it was yet another tough day out on the water, and once again… some anglers expressing their frustration at not even having had a decent bite. Optimism reigns and once again, on the final day of the tournament, anglers were chomping at the bit to get started and hopefully make up some points or at least catch a fish to avoid blanking.

Bryan Leppan & Michael Cannon taking the lead on day 2 with these two fish weighing in at 6.045kg

never give up 24 SA BASS October 2018

Clear skies, rising barometric pressure and warm conditions greeted anglers at the start of the final day which would prove to be another nail biting day for the event organizers as there was no clear indication of how it was going out on the water with only two fish being brought to the scale for the entire day. With this, the big wait began for the flights to arrive and bring the resulting fish for the day.

As it had been very close over the last two days, none of the results were being shared and had to be kept under wraps till the prize giving function later that evening.

Tired and frustrated anglers took their boats off the water, had time to shower and relax a little before the official prize giving and announcements of the winners of the 2018 FLW South African Championship.

At the end of day three the top ten teams were:

#

Team

Prov

Fish

Day-1

Neels Beneke & Robert Olivier

ȴVK

10.48kg

1

Team Gamakatsu Outdoors 365 (KZN)

2

Team Gel Events (GP)

6KDXQ -RKQ 3HHW YDQ GHU 6FK\΍

ȴVK

10.38kg

3

Team Beli VC (LP)

Justy Varkevisser & Reed Eastman

ȴVK

10.23kg

4

Team Bass Warehouse Fishtec (KZN)

Michael Cannon & Bryan Leppan

ȴVK

9.23kg

5

Team Never Give Up (NW)

André Pretorius & Nigel Potgieter

ȴVK

8.335kg

6

Team Ranger (GP)

Gordon Brown & Ian Brown

ȴVK

6.73kg

7

Team PG Aluminium Silver Lakes (GP)

Japie Botha & Herman Ras

ȴVK

5.415kg

8

Team Fear no Fish (LP)

Stefan Badenhorst & Alexis Kuisis

ȴVK

5.31kg

9

Team Greens² (NW)

Vikesh Parbhoo & Johann Zwarts

ȴVK

4.605kg

10

Team Cobat Transport (GP)

Troy Batty & Bryn Batty

ȴVK

4.23kg

FISH LIKE A PRO MANUFACTURED FROM LIGHT WEIGHT & QUICK DRYING MATERIAL. THE SENSATION BASS SHIRT WILL LET YOU LOOK LIKE A PRO. LONG SLEEVES OFFER ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FROM THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF THE SUN.

SA BASS 25 October 2018

Team Never Give Up - Nigel Potgieter & André Pretorius

Johann Zwarts & Vikesh Parbhoo

Angling in general can be tough and given the circumstances during the tournament, it was only with sheer determination that success had been achieved. The team that came in second with Shaun and Peet had actually pulled up their trolling motor and had made their last casts. As anglers usually do, while his partner was packing rods away for the haul to the weigh station, Shaun made that one cast after the last cast and this resulted in a healthy fish to boost

their total points and in the end, putting them at second and ensuring a trip to the USA. Prize giving was broadcast live on social media and viewed by over 6,000 viewers, sharing the tears of joy when the winners were announced.

They say; cowboys don’t cry, but fishermen do when they are overwhelmed.

Only three fish under 1kg were brought to the scales and the average weight per fish weighed was 1.552kg.

The heaviest bags during the event were: Day one

Team Gel Events

6KDXQ -RKQ 3HHW YDQ GHU 6FK\΍

ȴVK

5.885kg

Day two

Team Bass Warehouse Fishtec

Bryan Leppan & Michael Cannon

ȴVK

6.045kg

Day three

Team Beli VC

Justy Varkevisser & Reed Eastman

ȴVK

3.395kg

Day 3

Without our sponsors, this event would not have been possible and a big thank you has to go out to: Garmin South Africa, Alpha Laboria in Pretoria, McCarthy Volkswagen Wonderboom, Yamaha Distributors SA, Pure Fishing, Thornveld Angling Tackle Distributors, Hillbilly Poisen, ATKV Klein Kariba, LK’s COBB Cooking, Brentoni Eyewear, Club Marine Insurance, and SA BASS Magazine.

A special thanks to the event and regional organizers, Darryn (our official photographer) and the staff at Bivane Dam. Herman RasBrooks & Japie Botha 26 SA BASS October 2018

-XVW WR VKRZ KRZ GLÉ?FXOW WKH FRPSHWLWLRQ ZDV KHUH DUH WKH WRS Č´YH WHDPȇV VFRUHV

Team

Region

Fish

Day-1

Fish

Day-2

Fish

Day-3

Fish

Total

Team Gamakatsu Outdoors 365

KZN

2

3.355kg

4

5.245kg

1

1.880kg

7

10.480kg

Team Gel Events

GP

5

5.885kg

2

2.180kg

2

2.315kg

9

10.380kg

Team Beli VC

LP

3

5.185kg

1

1.650kg

2

3.395kg

6

10.230kg

Team Bass Warehouse Fishtec

KZN

0

0.000kg

2

6.045kg

3

3.145kg

5

9.230kg

Team Never Give Up

NW

2

2.425kg

3

5.870kg

0

0.000kg

5

8.335kg

Bivane is a difficult dam and yet, its location and stunning setting still draws anglers with many vowing to return someday, while others would rather choose to forget the three days of torture they had endured. This tournament had proven the tenacity of bass anglers yet again, to continue fighting and fishing right up to the very last minute. It proved sportsmanship where anglers freely helped one another with camping arrangements and charging of boat batteries. It proved dedication to fish an entire season with various problems and still do what it takes to make it and fish in the final. New friends were

made and old friendship bonds strengthened for the upcoming season. This tournament also proved beyond doubt what this sport is all about and that is to go out and never give up, never stop having fun and to give it your all. It also proved that the size of your boat or the value of your tackle or gadgetry only plays a small role in the hunt for success and using the tools at your disposal would ultimately ensure a win.

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.

Our qualifying rounds for the next season starts end of September. Please visit our website www.flwsouthafrica.com for more details regarding regions, dates, venues and contact persons.

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

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

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

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SA BASS 27 October 2018

>> SA BASS TOURNAMENT REPORT

FLW South Africa

Small Craft Championship 1, 2 September 2018, Boskop Dam, North West

Who are the best bass anglers‌ WKRVH ȴVKLQJ IURP ERDWV RU WKRVH ȴVKLQJ IURP NLFN ERDWV" >> Hannes Lindeque* when taking off and for weigh-in. The bag limit was three fish per angler per day with a minimum length of 30cm.

Day one started at 06:00 in the morning with the “kickers� setting off first. The day proofed to be a great day in spite of the wind factor. In total 78 fish were brought to the scales. At 18:00 all tags had to be on the board and the winner of day one, Vicus Horn, fishing from a small electrically propelled boat, came off the water at around noon complaining that his boat is taking on water. His three fish weighed 4.900kg making it a new bag record for the small craft circuit on this venue.

FLW South Africa Small Craft Champion 2018, Hendrik Brand 28 SA BASS October 2018

Sunset after day one at Boskop

A

t the recent FLW South Africa Small Craft C Championship held at Boskop pD Dam in North West, angl g ers from acros anglers across South Africa came to sh show ow ttheir heir he ir sskills. Anglers ffrom fr om Gauteng, Kwaa Zu Natal and Kwa-Zulu Western W estern Cape took up the challenge ttoo ssee ee who ho is go ggoing ing tto walk away with wi th tthe he titlee ttoo be b tthe h first South Afri Af rica can Sm Smal raf aft Ch C African Smallll Cr Craft Champion. We congra ratu tula late yyou ou alll ffor or making this congratulate historic hist hi s orric eevent vent ve nt a ssuccess. ucce uc cess.

The ssmall m ll ccraft ma raaft cchampionship consisted co onssis i ted off ttwo wo ccategories, wo ateg ateg at ego namely; manually manu ma nual alllyy p propelled roope pelllllled ed aand n electrically propelled pr rop pelle ellle led d sm small mal alll cr craft afft - wi with 30 minutes time delay tim ti me d me elay el l y bbetween etwe et w en tthe we h two flights

Great sportsmanship was shown

by KZN organiser, Tjaart Fourie, when he came to the rescue of a fellow competitor who fell off his boat and couldn’t get back on. The situation was life threatening as Boskop is overgrown with water grass.

At the start of day two the weather forecast for the day didn’t look promising and the anglers were informed at the starting lines that the day’s tournament may be shortened depending on the wind factor. Within the first 30 minutes the first fish was brought to the scales. Gauteng organiser, Hugo van der Walt, manned the marshal boat and kept a watchful eye on the anglers on the main dam.

At 09:00 anglers started taking their craft off the water. The wind was pumping, creating white horses, and the organisers raised the red flag.

Hugo went out on the marshal boat to call the anglers off the water.

In total only 28 fish were weighed and the winner for day two, fishing from a kick boat, was Barend Brand from Western Cape. His bag of three fish weighed 2.905kg.

The top four FLW South Africa Small Craft Anglers will represent South Africa at the International Friendship Tournament during the Costa FLW Series Championship on Lake Guntersville, AL, in November 2018.

In addition to the two pros and two co-anglers competing in the Costa FLW Series Championship, each country can bring four guests to experience the event and participate in the International Friendship Tournament. Two anglers from each country will be paired with a U.S. angler who will provide a boat. All three anglers in each boat will fish as a team. The tournament limit is five-bass per boat. Trophies will be awarded to the winning team.

Barend Brand

Juan du Toit

Vicus Horn

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Johan Joubert

The Gauteng team

Thank you A big word of appreciation for our tournament partners who assist FLW South Africa in giving our best local anglers an opportunity to live their dream: Alpha Laboria in Pretoria, Brentoni Eyewear, Garmin South Africa, McCarthy Volkswagen Wonderboom, Pure Fishing, SA BASS Magazine, AEB Embroidery, Tao Designer Glass, Yamaha Distributors SA, Cover-Tec and Wolf Custom Made Lures.

Also, if it wasn’t for the committed support of the regional organisers and their input during the season, this championship wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you very much to all of you.

Our next small craft tournament season starts in September 2018 and we look forward to another great season ahead. Please visit our website www.flwsouthafrica.com for dates and venues. *Hannes Lindeque is the founder and publisher of SA BASS magazine since 2001, the tournament director of the SA BASS Cast-for-Cash bass angling tournament trial and FLW South Africa.

Scan this QR-code to have a glimpse of the recent FLW SA SC Championship 30 SA BASS October 2018

The Kwa-Zulu Natal team

The Western Cape team

>> SA BASS INDUSTRY NEWS

The word is out – Lowrance SA is now importing shallow water anchors for bass anglers and they’re really excited about it.

P

ower-Pole shallow water anchors deploy efficiently and silently at the touch of a button, stopping boats precisely on-the-spot and holding them stationary while anglers cast more accurately.

Eliminating old-school anchor splashes or turbulence from trolling motor “anchor features” – these anchors are quiet and effective. Operating in water no deeper than 8 to 10ft, they can be mounted on boats measuring up to 28ft and weighing up to two ton.

The Power-Pole system uses a hinged lightweight metal arm that extends down and away from a boat’s transom. An hydraulic pump drives the integrated fiberglass spike into the bottom to hold the boat in place.

This Everflex spike (with a lifetime guarantee) is virtually indestructible, can hold in any kind of bottom and is gentle on the environment.

These shallow water anchors will work with either HDS or Elite Ti units - and all Power-Pole functions can be accessed directly from your Lowrance screen. The Power-Pole shallow water anchor can be deployed as soon as your Lowrance unit shows a fish arch!

Power-Pole shallow water anchors can be also be controlled wirelessly using a remote and there is also the option to purchase an additional wireless footpad switch kit.

The advanced control system - the C Monster System - is a free app which can be downloaded on any Android or IOS device – giving immediate and customisable control of the PowerPole anchor directly from your mobile phone!

All Power-Pole products come standard with hardware for transommount – but there are alternate options available. (Check with your nearest dealer or Lowrance SA for more detail).

Recreational anglers can make do with only one Power-Pole but if you do not want to swing with the current and need precise positioning - then you should get two!

Each anchor adds only 13 to 27 pounds to the transom – with minimal effect on speed and performance.

The Power-Pole deploys downwards allowing fishing 360º around the boat - and features a hydraulic system that disengages automatically when the boat starts start moving.

Lowrance SA offers two different Power-Pole editions/series and two different sizes: The premier BLADE edition - the fastest deploying and strongest holding anchor system. (Available in SA in the black and white colour options. Eightfoot and ten-foot options.)

The Pro Series - Eight-foot PRO option - available in SA in black only.

Other series are available, in various sizes and colours - but only on demand.

Please Note there is an eight-week waiting period for special orders!

For specifications and pricing of the Blade and Pro Series – check the Lowrance SA website: www.lowrance.co.za Contact Lowrance SA (031) 368 6649 for any queries on our new Power-Pole products, or place your order with your local Lowrance dealer.

SA BASS 10 March 2018

>> SA BASS

Secrets of South Africa’s Pro’s – Part 3

Process of Elimination

Move off-shore in winter and enjoy fishing your deepest diving crankbaits around hidden structure

>> Bass Spy

I

remember my first few years at the helm of my first bass boat staring out over vast sections of water, excited about what structure awaits me and the bass lying within. I had no idea that certain structure would be more likely to hold bass than the next and moreover that this will change according to seasons and weather conditions too.

Naturally I was always focused on catching the larger bass and my desire to find these key areas on every fishing occasion was a passionate one. I laugh about it today, but initially I would give myself headaches doing multiple calculations and assumptions in my head in order to hone into the area that may produce the best results. I really did need to get a hold of myself! Not to worry, it isn’t complicated once you enjoy a little thought and reasoning, and then of course putting it into practise makes a world of difference.

In the previous issue we learned about how competitive anglers scout to find structures. Simplification has always helped me hone in on bass more efficiently; by this I mean that I would take the various structures I’d located and then also the available cover i.e. vegetation, and then start my elimination process.

32 SA BASS October 2018

Here are a few very basic calculations and assumptions seasoned anglers would make..

A “process of elimination� would include: t DPOTJEFSJOH XIBU TFBTPO XF BSF JO t XIBU UFNQFSBUVSFT XF BSF FYQFSJFODJOH t BOE XIBU UIF DVSSFOU XFBUIFS QBUUFSOT BSF The effects of seasons and temperature are a vast subject of which we could possibly write an entire book. So please imagine how I will need to summarise in order to bring it across in one sitting.

Seasons and temperature are considered because heat, wind, air pressure, rain, and cooling water have a profound effect on bass. Try to imagine a very hot summer day and how many bass you have seen cruising open shallow water at this time? I would guess next to none. Bass locate to shady areas in this situation as they try to protect themselves against the harsh sunlight. Couple this with the fact that if vegetation is available in the area, it is probably thickest in the summer months and it provides excellent shade – and so you have created a recipe for a possible target area.

Fishing Tip: Windy conditions around summer are very similar to ringing the dinner bell for bass. Shallow water can be the place to investigate. Look for windblown banks combined with vegetation, rocky structures, or submerged brush piles. The rippling water provides cover for the bass to hunt, as well as additional oxygen to boost their energy levels.

Imagine how the above scenario could change though if it were the dead of winter when the shallows are frigid, the vegetation has died and oxygen levels are depleted. Would this still be your area of choice? Unlikely, what a dreary sight! Moving deeper to areas further offshore will be the next recipe for success.

Fascinatingly, bass migrate frequently and are hardly found in the same place throughout the year. I emphasise hardly because the areas do exist and we will get to that all in good time.

Winter is a different type of search entirely and may force you to rely more severely on your sonar and/or GPS equipment to find structures to consider. Most of these structures are mentioned in the previous issue so not necessary to revisit those. However, you will do well to work closely with the detail on your sonar now and pay attention to the fish activity around the structures you locate. Some structures have absolutely no “showings” of fish/activity. As you move around, perhaps deeper off-shore you begin to encounter more activity around the structures

Texas rigging your favourite creature type baits in summer and pitch all the holes around the thickest vegetation

you locate. Now it’s time to make your cast and probe the area for bites.

If you’re successful, make note of the depth and ascertain whether a thermocline exists and at what depth. Duplicate that tactic in the next spot and you will have found another simple recipe for great fishing.

Spring is a beast entirely on its own too and you can pretty much throw all of the above information in the bin at this time of year. I’ve noticed articles in the previous issue which covers this subject quite entertainingly and it would be worth your while taking heed of the advice given so that we don’t need to over play the subject. However, I challenge you to think out of the box at this time of the year and fish areas that you would not have at other times. Keep your eyes wide open for activity through your polarised lenses and don’t be scared to rush through “barren” areas with your favourite search baits scouring the waters for our favourite target species!

SA BASS 33 October 2018

>> SA BASS TACTICS

Beat the heat – summer bassin’

Fish as tight to the edges of weeds, lay-downs and prospective cover

>> John Badenhorst*

O

ver the years, I’ve managed to stalk and catch very good fish throughout all of the seasons and it’s a simple matter of changing your style and approach that delivers the desired results. Summer is a great time to hunt for those that dwell in the deep as the weather; bar for those afternoon thundershowers can in most cases be rather pleasant with the added advantage of getting onto the water for that early morning bite and the dusk topwater explosions.

Just like most anglers during the heat of the day, bass have a tendency to find shelter from the harsh rays of the sun and will actively seek shelter under nearby laydowns, brush piles and weedbeds or jetties. These bass will still actively be feeding and will take station under their desired protection most of the times facing outward. (How many

34 SA BASS October 2018

times in summer or the heat of the day have you made a cast on the edge of a weedbed or the shadow line of a jetty with the lure being smashed as its busy falling through the water column?) The best approach is therefore to fish as tight to the edges of weeds, lay-downs and prospective cover and letting the bait fall slowly through the water while watching the line like a hawk. In many cases, these fish are suspending and as you watch the line drop, it would seem that for some strange reason, the bottom is never going to be reached.

When this happens, its advisable to gently lift the rod tip and feel for that “spongy” feeling which in most cases will be followed by a thump or a straight pull on the line.

Using a slightly bigger weight in the heat of the day can in some cases cause the bass to actively strike at the falling bait through pure reaction. If the bite slows down, scale your

Let the bait fall slowly through the water while watching the line like a hawk

baits down too. This could be the slight difference between a mediocre day or an incredible day out on the water. By actively fishing grass areas and thick weed cover, you are giving yourself the chance to catch some of those fish that other anglers might not even have thought of targeting. I’ve also found over the last three years that many times, we’ve been casting towards a weed bed in around 4ft of water and for some reason myself or my partner has dropped a bait overboard and simply let it slide down to the bottom right next to the boat only to be picked up right under the boat.

With this in mind, maybe trying to be more stealthy and quiet does help as you never know what big bass might just be sitting right under the boat, using it as cover and shade from the sun. Other fish will also be drawn towards the cover of shade during the hottest part of the day and this is where our friend the bass will be waiting for an easy snack.

There is no tested method or formula for catching big bass during summer. Different presentations and lures work differently under different circumstances and it is up to us as angler to experiment with what works best at any given time. Size of the bait does matter as I’ve written in a previous article and if for some reason, you’re throwing a five inch bait and getting the occasional bite, maybe its time to change to something slightly smaller. Smaller baits does not in essence mean that the fish you’re going to catch will be smaller, it just means that at certain times, bass seem to focus on articular sized baits and this greatly increases your chance of catching instead of blanking.

As we head through the spawn season and onto those lazy summer days just around the corner, its also advisable to ensure that you have some sort of insect repellent handy especially in the early evening or at dawn and enough water as dehydration can destroy an otherwise great outing in a hurry. Make sure you have adequate sun protection and keep a watchful eye out for critters lurking in the grass on the edge of our waterways if you’re bank bashing. *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 35 October 2018

>> SA BASS

Solo bass I

own variety of different am sure by now, unfolding’s whether seeing we are in the it concerns elements 18th year of the like season, weather, twenty first century, location or even who that all known aspects you are fishing with. revolving around bass >> Jay Röhm-Williams My own bass angling fishing have been saga has been made up documented, videoed, this far mostly from a blogged or conversed series of unforgettable about it in most solo bank sessions languages all around where it has just been the world. The pure me, the bass and thrill and excitement mother-nature. of journeying out and seeking new waters Living out in the to go bass fishing is a country you really pleasure on its own. don’t get too see many Then there is the people that often, let challenge of trying to alone your mates, so coax one of nature’s the majority of my greatest, predatory, time on the water is freshwater fish into spent prowling private biting something banks on my own, artificial you presented usually amongst some which is not always remote, heavily, dense an easy feat. I mean undergrowth. Come it doesn’t even stop to think of it, even there, you still have the when I am fishing with fight, the landing and a friend seeking out of course everyone’s lunkers from below the favourite, the watery depths I still end moments you capture up drifting off along digitally or with the the shore clambering mind. Those moments through veld where of absolute happiness only duiker and otter as you admire your have gone before. Now catch before making a during these one-man, respectful release. The bass banking pursuits first time I caught a if anything has taught bass from the bank me from experience I An example of a path less travelled with my old man will have found that the old be a memory I will school, Boy Scout motto “Be prepared” should not be over never forget and when I look back, I’ll always be grateful. looked so casually.

Since then, bass fishing blasted into the future with studied I cannot claim if the founder of the scouting movement, theories, new lure designs, numerous watercraft models Lord Baden-Powell, was perhaps a bass angler on the side and world-wide exposure. I personally have done my fair though he was definitely on to something. Indeed, if you amount of home research over the years on numerous too are a solo bass banker then what I have to share could subjects concerning bass fishing and bass biology itself to perhaps be of value making your lone venture longer, easier stay updated while enhancing my chances of hook ups when and perhaps more successful. It begins all at home with out in field ( literally). There are so many scenarios that we logical, practical packing and gearing up. When you are can play out when bass fishing with each one adding their bank angling, you are always on the move, sometimes

banking

36 SA BASS October 2018

walking kilometres further than one would actually think, even if it is just following a weird shaped, circular like pattern leading around the water’s edge. Right, so packing involves a trustworthy, medium sized backpack and everything that is going to go in it. Gearing up consists of clothing and equipment you are going to be wearing plus carrying. Let’s start with what I have considered personally the essentials to be packed into your trusty back-pack. To concentrate for extended hours at a time while physically being on the go, your body is burning up more energy than you think so food in anyone’s mind is a must. Generally, everyone has their own preferences and I find an energy bar or two goes along way besides, these being small yet convenient, especially as the wrapper fits so easily in one of your many pockets once done. A fruit of some sort is a good idea as it will hold not only natural sugars and vitamins but the core, pips or skins can be tossed easily aside in the bush, hassle and guilt free. If you plan on being out for quite some time, it is usually a great feeling once you have taken a short break during your session to bite into something solid. So anything from a quick, well layered sandwich to a container with some of last night’s, leftover supper is a winner if you are fishing hard (unless it is a bean curry which could make you stop, drop and reach for the roll). The last thing on the menu is optional but a general must for myself and that is a power food which is easy to eat while on the move, mixed nuts in this case are ideal. I have learnt that a well fed angler is a happy angler regardless of whether he catches or not. Now that the food is done I will then usually pop a flask of preprepared, quality filter coffee in, or if you prefer an energy drink along with a bottle of the most valuable essential of all, fresh drinking water. Moving along there are a few items of importance that are also packed in which come in handy namely an empty bag for collecting any rubbish I encounter; a small power-bank with cable for charging your phone; my compact digital scale; a weigh-bag; an extra black bag; sunscreen; toilet paper in a sealed plastic bag (trust me); bandages; matches or a lighter and for those who do smoke, a tiny container with lid for your stompies. All these items are very small and light having numerous uses beside the obvious, which make them worth-while assets to the solo basser. Before we zip our bag closed I will also toss in a spare pair of socks and a waterproof jacket if I am not already wearing it. Okay, so that’s the bag done, now to attend to the dress code. Again everyone is unique and will have their own favourites but the rule of thumb I follow is to be comfortable while also protected against the elements. I do find it helps to wear darker colours like greens and browns though as you blend in better to the surroundings. Everyone knows comfy socks in waterproof shoes or boots are a major game changer as for bank anglers our feet are our mode of transportation while fishing and our path, well doesn’t really exist sometimes. I prefer long pants as they can always be rolled up where shorts can’t be rolled down,

Middle of no-where scenario

Overhanging trees like this are impossible to get to from a boat but not from the bank

SA BASS 37 October 2018

plus it keeps the ticks you came here for and catch some bass. from making actual contact with skin If you can when wading through manage to slip into long grass or reeds. solo bass mode from Any shirt will do along the moment your with a jersey or jacket session begins, you depending completely will be able to read on the weather which the signs on the water we all can decide for as if second nature. ourselves. Lastly, on Air bubbles, surface top goes that lucky disturbance, insect The skin healing succulent, Bulbine is indigenous to Southern Africa peak cap or beanie and activity, over hanging those merciful, eye saving sunglasses. The only gear and branches and sheltered bays are all good things to note. equipment I actually physically carry is my fishing rod with Walking the bank holds its own different challenges than reel accompanied by my tackle box which is on its own is a boating in the open so besides looking out for clues leading magical chest full of assorted items from A to Z. to hidden bass hide-outs, one must also be alert as to where Once I am packed and suited up, which honestly is like a one treads. Our main pain causing creatures which should religious practice and only takes plus minus twenty minutes, be regularly checked out for are spiders, ticks and snakes, the last thing before leaving the front door is to make sure mainly the lazy, in some cases deadly puff adder. Another to relay via any form of communication to someone where thing to watch for is which vegetation you decide to trample you are heading and what time you left. After that it’s through as brambles and thorn bearing trees are not often load your horse, bicycle, Harley or bakkie and off we go defeated. On the other hand, plants like Aloe and bulbine travelling however far deemed necessary to whichever watery are natures disinfecting gels for any cuts, stings or burns that sanctuary you have chosen. Once at the venue wherever it could occur. If you did eat that bean curry and have to go may be, with all lights green from who-ever who needs to best is to dig deep and don’t let it show, preferably far from give them, it is game on with each to their own. As I have the water’s edge. While working any area of water I always mentioned, most of the dams or ponds that I am privileged make sure to be standing on anything solid as nothing is enough to fish at are private and quite remote, surrounded worse than falling in the creek, losing a boot in the thick by thick vegetation. It is not to say that each session should mud or landing on your butt after a decayed branch snaps! be treated the same as some venues around South Africa do Remember you have everything on you with sometimes have lush, open, grass banks amongst the well-kept gardens both hands occupied so don’t rush through the brush. An of estates and lodges. The environments I am referring important aspect also to not forget while “bundu-bassing” is more to are those “middle of no-where” locations where always leave the area as you found it or better, so if you do only the brave and lucky roam. My whole approach when see rubbish on the banks do mother nature a favour, she has bass fishing solo is to be as consciously in tune with my a habit of rewarding us. Unfortunately we must also keep surroundings from the moment I arrive at the water till the our eyes open for unsavoury human characters, even if you time I leave. The dams or ponds we all fish are generally are off the beaten track as no one in the city will hear a waters we have frequently visited under various conditions, tree fall in the forest if you understand my meaning. All through all the seasons with every angler having their own in all if you think smart, you will fish smart and combined home zones. Keeping this in mind, I will firstly before any with all the essentials you packed I guarantee longer, more cast feel the temperature of the water, note its colour then rewarding and smoother hours around the water. Watch how survey the surface area for structure and vegetation points. the weather and the surrounding ecosystems interact at each venue from wind One of the beauties direction to what of bank bassing alone insects are visible. is the ability to merge This combined with in quickly with your your own knowledge surroundings as silence of bass behaviour and stealth are easier will give you an to obtain. This time by advantageous, fightourselves doing what ing chance from we love is precious and the shore with you sometimes difficult to possibly out lasting come by, so relish it. and out casting Push all thoughts of many a bass banker whatever, out of your Wild bank angling terrain before you. mind and just do what 38 SA BASS October 2018

TM

Win Big Cash Prizes

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

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Call 082-416-5524, or get all the rules, dates and venues on www.flwsouthafrica.com

>> SA BASS STRATEGIES

What the season brings (Part 2)

In part one of the series we looked into fishing search baits (and purposely omitted spinnerbaits) for early season bass. As the season progresses and as the fish moved in and spawn is their focus and their focus is on one thing only.

With a football jig you’ll capitalise on excellent offshore fishing for bass as they stage before spawning

D

epending on what area of the country you’re in, you may already have had the main spawn at your local dam. That’ll be in the warmer areas. Colder areas may have started around as well, but it doesn’t mean that you missed the opportunity entirely, as bass will likely spawn at different times throughout a fishery and with a major percentage taking place around the full moon.

For those of you who may have caught some action of the 2017 40 SA BASS October 2018

>> Roger Donaldson* Bassmaster Classic Tournament you will have noted how the winning angler, Jordan Lee targeted his fish.

He fished a football jig and Rage Craw trailer, just dragging the bait slowly (really slowly) across the bottom.

It’s something I’ve taken numerous opportunities showing new anglers as it’s really hard to understand and get used to. You need to feel the bite and catch the fish to believe in it I guess.

So jigs are an excellent lure option for this time of year. On Albert Falls

Dam during the annual August classic tournament one of our top anglers, Craig Fraser, also produced the winning fish on a jig. The key at this time is to keep the bait in the strike zone as long as you possibly can. This allows the bass time to gather up the desire to pick it up (which is generally with an aggressive thump!) and then move it away from their nesting area.

I didn’t really define what “shallow” water is during the spawning season.

Unlike many other articles when

we refer to shallow water there is actually a depth in mind i.e. 1 to 5ft for example. In the case of this series “shallow” refers to the depth at which the bass in a particular dam choose to conduct their bedding activities.

Depending on the dam, the water temperature, water clarity, available structure, rainfall, rising or dropping water levels, and human activity this depth can vary greatly, perhaps even from 2 to 25ft. Big bass certainly will be keyed into one spot and they won’t move until their job is done.

You may find during the different phases of the moon there may be weeks of relatively slow fishing. It’s not easy to get bass to bite during this time and you will really need to be able to lock into where the fish are.

The most likely areas being some sort of structure close to the spawning areas.

Bass anglers will refer to these structures as staging areas. Locating these spots will certainly put you in the pound seat as they are a haven for larger bass. Arabie Dam provided a great example of this. The dam boasts some really lovely flat areas for bass to spawn and some of them are located right by the camping and boat launching area. When the fish weren’t up shallow they had to be nearby and the rocky terrain dotted around the dam provides ample cover for these fish to locate to and revitalise. I spent hours in the trees around the rocks with a Texas rigged craw bait and had a whale of a time throughout the day.

You’ll be interested to learn how bass can be located in so many different areas, depths and structures and targeted with such a broad variety of baits in the same fishery on the same day. A perfect example, which you could Google is the 2017 Bassmaster Classic, where Mike Iaconelli plucked a 5kg bass out of deeper water during this early season event. Those bigger bass had chosen to stage on deeper structures close to the spawning areas.

What I’m wanting you to recognize is that you needn’t get yourself in a quandary because the activity in the shallows has completely dwindled

compared to last weekend when you visited the same piece of water – when they were everywhere! You’ll probably need to give your fish finder a little more attention and do some scouting about the area in deeper water. I choose this as my favourite type of fishing, because this is the stuff that most anglers will overlook as it’s not sticking out of the water gawking you in the eye. Furthermore, it’s a little more technical and challenging to fish something you can’t stare at. Now, you will need to imagine it beneath the water as you pick up its width, height and make-up and then attack it accordingly.

Please take particular care around this time to return your fish safely to the water and with as little stress as possible. *Roger Donaldson is an experienced journalist and knowledgeable bass angler who has enjoyed many enlightening hours with many of South Africa’s top, competitive bass fishermen. As a competitive angler himself, he also enjoys sharing his expertise with fellow bass fanatics in the hope that they find the same joy in this unique sport.

>> SA BASS

Coming to an end

IT IS RAINING

WHERE?

By now the budding of trees has passed and the fresh, new growth of spring is developing well. Your sleeves have been rolled up for almost long enough to catch a slight tan and hopefully a bass or two or three, wait four!

>> Jay Röhm-Williams

I

t’s that period of the year where nature heralds in confirmation that spawning season is well underway for our formidable, fellow bass as the days warm up. Optimistic October, a month of bass angling opportunities filled with the beginnings of favourable daily temperatures. Even though the seasons might all be slightly off here and there depending where you are in the country, mother-nature has her ways of keeping everything in check, including making sure bass get the memo. Spring season is underway whether it came early or late meaning, as the word on the water goes, bass anglers have been out and about in full rod casting swing.

Many of us have been back on the waters as early as August, most got on board in September while some of us never packed our rods away once this year, myself included. Unfortunately though the reality is I have also had to watch our dam water levels here in the Eastern Cape, whether municipal or private, shrink ever further lower and lower.

For South Africa as a country the last three years have seen our national

42 SA BASS October 2018

rainfall patterns chop, flop and drop.

Eventually this year a fair part of our provinces dry, water stricken areas finally felt some relief after an increase in much needed winter rains. This however has not so been the case for some parts of the Garden route and the Eastern Cape regardless of our few downpours. One could argue that everything always happens for a reason and I would like to think in most scenarios there’s a positive lesson to be learnt following close behind.

Shifting weather patterns, climate change and anything living’s least favourite drought, could be seen as no exceptions. While as a small-scale farmer and avid bass angler I am yet to see the silver lining in these sad cases of events unfolding with the exception of feeling an increased appreciation for water overall. Our world as a whole is changing, forever evolving.

This involves the most important element to us all, our environment and everything in it, bass included. It has been hard to watch my favourite watering holes diminish slowly over the past few years with so many dams just hanging in there, trying to

support whatever life is clinging on.

Climate change is a major issue and I am not here to ramble on about how it all began while pointing out who is to blame. The fact is we as mankind are all involved, as equally innocent and guilty. So water is life, bass need water and what’s life without bass fishing? (Plus your wife, but in that order) While the Western Cape dams have risen during the winter season to over the fifty percent mark and the rest of South Africa’s dams on a whole are full, for now, it is the folks of our beloved Eastern Cape that still have to catch their tears to water the garden. While August, September and hopefully the rest of October are our predominant rainy months the question remains how long will the water last once summer begins? Increasing population growth combined with prolonged time frames of rainless seasons spell inevitable disaster no matter what language you read it in. One does hope this will not be the case for the entire Eastern Cape as already a large number of fantastic dams are now nothing more than craters in the ground. Pristine waters

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that not only held amazing bass but also played host to so many life forms that inhabited in and around them, gone. Large rivers that flowed and snaked all across the landscape, from the mountains through to the estuaries, are now merely trickling along or dried up altogether like through-out the Langkloof region. Altering weather patterns apply more pressure on farmers who, while trying to evolve at the same speed as mother-nature, have exhausted in some cases almost all their dams to the last drop. So where does all this leave us as bass anglers?

Well for myself, it has taught me yet another lesson in the higher level of appreciation for each and every time I throw out a line. Every bass fishing session to any of my watery hide-outs is treated as if I had just won the lottery one more time when I see water there.

Now it is not too say that there are no dams left with water in them.

Mainly, it is the majority of the smaller bodies of water which have dried up completely leaving only the larger dams still existing, though only a mere half or even less of their original size.

However I always try remain optimistic and hopefully these catchment areas will fill up again in years to come if our climate settles and does not enter the scenario of “last dam standing.”

It is these waters in particular that I focused my attention to during this spawning season for another reason, other than the obvious fact that they are the only venues left to fish at. Even though we have received some really huge downpours over the months, the

level of water that has receded over the past years still by far out-measures the amount coming in. Less water, less space and with the same amount of bass occupying the now more constricted dam, pond or lake the fish really start to feel the pressure, especially during spawning season. A percentage of eggs laid are often destroyed by radical fluctuations in water levels or abrupt changes in water temperature hampering healthy breeding cycles.

Subsequently sudden heavy rains and floods can wipe out an entire years hatch in some situations. In theory, as there is by far less water than on average in these dams, lakes or ponds presently, as the fry hatch and grow their chances of survival decrease even further more. Another contributing factor to this is that they are now easier prey than before, not only to the male bass that guarded them but other hungry predators in general. The saying “like shooting fish in a barrel” could be related to here which in this case is not a good thing at all. On a whole, we shall have to wait and see how successful the spawning season was and if indeed our reservoirs and fishing grounds are on the up rise as summer is not too far off. It is good to be consciously aware about everything going on around us as this not only helps us better understand things overall but allows us to be grateful for what we do have. Treat every session as if it was your last and give thanks for every bass caught dink or lunker alike.

Rods out, lines tight and safe fishing everyone.

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>> SA BASS BASICS

How to rig and fish soft plastic stickbaits >> Roger Donaldson*

B

ump into any of my closest bass fishing friends and they’ll attest to the fact that I have a thing for soft plastic stickbaits.

They’re the plastic lures that look like nothing other than a small cigarillo.

Unassuming little things, but man is it difficult to find another lure which has such a penetrating effect on bass.

Soft plastic stickbaits, or stickworms, or jerkbaits are more commonly known by their brand names, which include the likes of the Gary Yamamoto Senko, Cullem Sinko, Strike King Ocho, and many others.

Just like with any lure; the unfortunate truth is that if you rig it incorrectly the chances are you’ll never get a bite. Luckily though once you’ve got this easy rigging method taped there’s very little else you’ll need to do with it to get those bass to react.

Step 1: Insert the point of your hook dead centre at the top (head) of the plastic and continue until the entire shank of the point (until the ĂšRST BEND IS IMBEDDED IN the centre of the plastic.

Step 2: .OW BRING THE POINT DIRECTLY out the side of the lure.

4HEREmS A SEAM ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE STICKWORM SO USE THIS AS YOUR GUIDE AND EXIT ON THAT SEAM

44 SA BASS October 2018

FISHING TECHNIQUES Dead stick This, is probably the favourite amongst seasoned anglers and it’s what the stickworm is really good at.

You’re allowing the bait to simply do its own thing. Cast out, leave a little slack in your line and then let the lure flutter toward the bottom, or into the structure you are targeting. This may take a minute for the bait to get down, so no need to rush for your retrieve. It freaks most anglers out and they can’t endure the waiting period before retrieving the lure. I assure you though, that it’ll be worth your while applying all your patience at this time.

Twitching or jerking retrieve A renowned soft plastic bait was developed quite some years ago - it was labelled the Slug-Go. It was

basically a stickworm with the top sliced off horizontally so that the lure swanked a flat back and then a convex belly shape. The shape allowed the belly to always act as the keel of the lure when it moved through the water and it was very effective when jerked or twitched in your retrieve. Its fame led to the development of the Senko, which then spawned the release of many other similar lures all effective in their own right.

The technique is simple and all one needs to do is either raise your rod tip (to keep you bait higher up in the water column), or drop your rod tip to below parallel with the water (to allow the bait to swim just slightly deeper).

Then by twitching your rod tip once with every turn of the reel handle the lure naturally darts from left to right with relatively little effort at all.

RIGGING TECHNIQUE Choose a size of wide gap hook (my preference) which suites the size of bait you plan to use. Use a 1/0 or 2/0 for 4� lures; 3/0 and 4/0 for 5� and 6� sizes and 5/0 perhaps as the baits increase in size.

Step 3: Thread the hook all the way THROUGH UNTIL THE PLASTIC covers the eye of the hook and the knot too - you’ll need to swivel the hook 180º so that the point of the hook faces the plastic. The eye of the hook should disappear inside the plastic now. This MAKES SURE THE KNOT IS HIDDEN FROM SIGH GH HT AND CANmT HIDDEN FROM SIGHT AND CANmT SNAG ON ÚNE VEGETATION SNAG ON ÚNE VEGE ETA T TION either.. either

Step 4: Rest the point of the hook AGAINST THE LURE 7ITH YOUR THUMB NAIL TAKE A MEASUREMENT WHERE THE BOTTOM BEND OF THE HOOK lines up with your lure. This is where the point of the HOOK MUST BE INSERTED

Step 5:

Step 6:

5SE THE SEAM LINE MENTIONED IN STEP 0USH THE LURE UP SLIGHTLY AND THEN pierce the hook in at the THUMB NAIL MEASUREMENT point until the point exits on the other side. )MPORTANT Take a look and MAKE SURE YOUR LURE IS LYING STRAIGHT STRAIGHT !NY KINKS THEN TRY H !NY KINKS THEN TRY !NY KINKS THEN TRY STEP AGAIN UNT STEP AGAIN UNTIL THE LURE TILL THE LURE LIES STRAIGHT

4HE ĂšNAL STEP &ROM NEAR the point of the hook you now want to push the plastic UP JUST A FEW MILLIMETRES IN the direction of the eye of THE HOOK MAYBE TO MM AND THEN IMBED THE POINT JUST BENEATH THE SURFACE OF the plastic. This will prevent THE POINT FROM SNAGGING ON P GG G WEED AND STRUCTURE BENEATH the water.

Drop and drag It is on those difficult fishing days when the water seems slick and calm that this technique can be your greatest asset. With a small amount of weight attached just a few centimetres above your lure you’re ready to fish some deeper water. This is another patient process and demands every amount of

This article strictly focussed on the classic ways to rig your soft plastic jerkbaits. They are also undeniably deadly when rigged “wacky� and Texas style so by no means must these techniques be overlooked! *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.

concentration and endurance you can muster.

The technique requires nothing more than for you to allow the lure to sink to the bottom and then very slowly (20cm at a time) drag your lure across the bottom just by lifting your rod tip from parallel to 45Âş and then pausing to feel for the bite.

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SA BASS 45 October 2018

>> SA BASS NICE TO HAVE*

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Designed to fit the prepunched holes on standardsize Z-Man bait bags, the Z-Man Bait BinderZ is the perfect solution for properly storing your Z-Man ElaZtech baits, and keeping them away from your other soft plastics.

It also allows you to easily access your baits without removing the packages from the binder. Featuring a durable, 500-denier nylon construction, the nickel-plated rings also offer excellent corrosion-resistance. Keep all your Z-Man ElaZtech products organized and the rest of your soft plastics safe with the convenient Z-Man Bait BinderZ. Dimensions: 8” x 9” x 3”.

Designed for finesse applications and the popular Ned-rig technique, the Z-Man TRD CrawZ deliver a snack-sized piece of protein that bass won’t be able to shy away from. Crafted with a tucked-under tail and flat belly that creates a gliding action on the fall, the Z-Man TRD CrawZ are equipped with bulbous and buoyant claws that float up when paused, mimicking the natural defensive posture of a crawfish. The Z-Man TRD CrawZ are ideal for drop-shots, shakey heads, split-shots, and they also pair perfectly with Z-Man’s Finesse ShroomZ and NedlockZ jig heads. The Z-Man TRD CrawZ will add a new face to your finesse fishing arsenal.

Pitching and flipping has a new go-to bait. The Missile Baits D-Bomb is a bulky 4” creature bait with a unique, ribbed body designed to displace lots of water, resulting in a straight fall. The tails sail when left connected or flap wildly when separated.

The body is thinner where the hook comes out for easy hook sets, but has a thicker head so the bait stays on the hook.

*Please note that products mentioned may not have been yet launched in South Africa.

46 SA BASS October 2018

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>> SA BASS INDUSTRY NEWS

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SA BASS 47 October 2018

>> SA BASS

PREPARE YOUR BOAT

IT IS SPRING… THAT MEANS IT IS TIME TO START PREPARE YOUR BOAT FOR THE NEXT FISHING SEASON. BELOW IS A “SHORT LIST” OF SOME IMPORTANT PROCEDURES THAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR COMPLETE LIST OF THINGS TO DO TO GET READY FOR SPRING LAUNCH.

Boat preparation and maintenance When it’s time for repairs on your boat, use marine grade parts – they’ll last longer and in some places, like the engine, they’re necessary to prevent a dangerous condition.

Insure that your engine has all oils and lubricants topped off or replaced based on recommended maintenance schedules. Insure that a boat mechanic has performed an engine check and tuned the engine to insure best performance and fuel economy. Inspect all engine belts for wear and replace if worn. If your outboard motor lower gear-case oil was not changed when winterized, change it now. Check the water pump impeller. Check other types of equipment on board including bilge pumps to insure they are operating properly. Flush your live-well’s water system.

Make a list of spare parts you should carry in case you have a breakdown. Your mechanic or marine parts manager can give you recommendations.

Safety equipment Make sure before you go that your boat has all the required safety equipment aboard and that they are all up to date and in good working order. Do you have replacement bulbs for running lights, anchor light, etc.? What is the condition of your PFD’s and do you have the right sizes and number? Don’t forget to inspect the condition of your anchor line and running rigging. Always carry some sort of alternative “de-watering device” on board your boat. An 48 SA BASS October 2018

electric bilge pump is fine, but only if you have electric power.

Many times a damaged boat, taking on water, has lost its electrical power. A good back-up is a portable, lightweight, PVC hand pump. But, a bucket, an ice chest, an emptied tool box, or anything else that can be used to bail can make the difference between sinking and staying afloat.

Trailer maintenance Check the condition of the trailer’s tyres including the spare. Have the wheel bearings been checked, greased and, or replaced if need be. Have someone check your lights to insure all are working properly - brake lights, turn signals, etc. Check rollers and support pads. Check your trailer hitch and all related equipment to see if it is functioning properly.

Inspect the trailer safety chains and also the wire rope and trailer winch.

All the other stuff When heading out for a day on the water, be sure to bring skin protection such as sunscreen and a “buff”. Nothing can ruin a weekend of beautiful weather like getting bad sunburn. Make a list and build on it year to year as you find things you need while boating; including things like: extra towels and clothing, cleaning supplies, sun screen, first aid kit, bubble wrap to protect fragile items.

Planning ahead insures a good start for the fishing season and great fun.

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