December 2020 Southern African Flyfishing Magazine

Page 58

Field and stream Dullstroom Andrew Allman The Outlook from the cottage above Meike's Meir

We all have that preferred golf club, or special rod, a favourite fly or even our best loved rig that we return to when we need it most. We naturally try to grow our skills and keep up with the latest trends and technology but when we are experiencing a prolonged dry- patch or have not caught for a while, then no advice is better than our own repository of personal experience.

seemed to attach themselves to our hook. We also return to those favoured haunts where we know we are almost guaranteed a decent sized fish, coupled with a good night’s rest, in pleasant and tranquil surroundings. In a nutshell we return to venues which we believe will reduce our stress. Field and Steam is one of those places that seems to thrive on many happy returns. Some people first visited the farm 25 years ago and have been making the annual pilgrimage every year thereafter and see no reason to change now. Even youngsters who visit the waters for the first time, outwardly express their intention to return! I was anxious to find out exactly why and with the relaxation in lockdown rules, I was determined to put Field and Stream to the test.

Friendships are no different. Acquaintances are ten a penny and they will always be near when the goings are good but when your back is to the wall then your true buddies stand tall and it is to them you return for your escape or just for a listening ear. Fishing resorts also hold some significance for us. We remember the place where we caught our first trout, the spot where we hooked and then lost that monster trout or the site of the ‘honey hole’ where fish just Return to contents

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