Barkley East Angling Society by Louise Steenkamp.

“breeding boxes” that were painstakingly tended by “planters” until the fish hatched. And so began the story of trout in Barkly East. The ethics of the day were very different to those of today and the practice of “catch and release” was unheard of. The first river fish caught was recorded in January 1912. The fish was approximately “a foot long”, and caught in the Sterkspruit. It was surmised that the fish was one hatched from the ova placed in the Diepspruit and must have made its way to the Sterkspruit via the Kraai River.

The Angling Society has evolved into more than just a club for elite “piscatorial” gentlemen trout anglers to a family and conservation orientated society that has great respect for all of the fish species occurring in the region. The Society is always striving to instill the highest ethics in all of its members.

While the anglers pursue their gentle art, families can explore the quaint shops in town, or visit the surprisingly well kept museum, play a round of golf, bird watch or cycle. Som e of the guest farms have wonderful hiking and horse trails. To purely give a historical and factual account of the Barkly East Angling Society would be an injustice to its rich history and spectacular surroundings. According to the local newspaper archives, the Society was officially started in January 1928, but only one meeting was held. On Saturday 20 September 1930 another meeting was held and the Society was established under the name of “Barkly East Trout Angler’s Association”, with strict ethics and rules - a gentleman’s club.

Many years before the establishment of the “Association”, in 1894, brave“ piscatorial enthusiasts”, as they were called in the newspaper, fought for the introduction of trout into the area. The journey for fingerlings by rail and oxwagon from the Newlands Hatchery, some 1200 km, would have resulted in extremely heavy losses. These heyday strategist were undaunted and waited for trout ova to become available. Their first application for ova in 1905 received favourable consideration, but it was only many years later that the valuable ova (£1 per thousand), arrived. By this time the ingenious enthusiasts had constructed

Barkly boasts of not only some of the most scenic drives but also many of the highest mountain passes in South Africa - nine in all, the highest being Ben McDhui at 3001m. Also among these are the TiffindellTenahead Traverse at 2720m and Naude’s Nek at 2590m. The area is a photographer’s paradise with streams,

mountain flora, stone bridges, caves, rock art and the ever-present mountains begging to be captured, so much so that the town has hosted the Cape Photographers’ Congress.

Where other than at Tiffindell can you ski and drink "Upside Downers" while hanging from skis?

Although the summers are warm to hot, with spring and early autumn being generally pleasant, never leave home without a jersey or jacket as the weather can change in an instant. Although there is no fishing in winter it is still worth a visit.

If you are lucky enough to experience a snowfall you will witness the truth of the old cliché a “winter wonderland” as the scenery is transformed. But beware, you will also learn a new meaning to the word cold. Come prepared, thermal underclothes are an investment. Upcoming angling events include the BNationals, Junior Nationals and a possibility of the A-Nationals. The BEAS is hosting their second annual River Festival on the 23rd of March. There are limited spaces available for this competition.

Contact: Andrew Clark: +27(0) 84 516 6471 Cloete du Plessis: +27(0)82 337 7564 E-mail: info@beas.co.za Website: www.beas.co.za