Southern African Flyfishing August/September 2020 by saflyfishingmag

ISSN 1011-3681

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FOSAF

July/Aug 2020 Vol. 34 No.179

Contents - July/Aug 2020 Editorial - Andrew Savides .............................................................................................................................................4 The usual editorial guff and a little more First Bite -Impediments - Andrew Savs ........................................................................................................................5 A regular witty column on all things flyfishing and beyond Salmon flies on the Henry's Fork - Craig Richardson...................................................................................................7 Women in Waders - Roxanne Stegen..........................................................................................................................20 Anthea Pieters Lazying at Lifton - Andrew Mather ..............................................................................................................................25 AKA Sani Valley Lodge Heritage Flies : Part 8 - Peter Brigg...............................................................................................................................29 The Dog's Breakfast and the G&B Low Floater Dirt Road Wild Trout Festival 2021 - Dave Walker.......................................................................................................34 30 year celebration of wild trout Semperfli Nano Silk - A review - Terry Babich.................................................................... .......................................38 FOSAF News - Ilan Lax .................................................................................................................................................41 The Guide to Guides edition ......................................................................................................................................45

NAVIGATING THE MAGAZINE You will note that we make liberal use of hyperlinks both to pages within the magazine and to websites outside it. Links to external websites will enable you to further explore these topics. The idea is that you can navigate around the magazine from the contents page. Each item on the contents page is hyperlinked to the article in the magazine. This means you do not have to scroll through the entire magazine if you don’t want to, you can access specific articles merely by clicking on the link. We also want you to share the magazine with your friends on social media, just go to the share button when you’re looking at the magazine on issuu.com and you’ll be able to send a link via email, Facebook or Twitter. There is also a hyperlink on the bottom of each page linking you to our website where you can download back issues. Happy exploring!

Sani Valley Lodge Photo: Andrew Mather

SOUTHERN AFRICAN FLYFISHING: • Available free of charge online at www.issuu.com; • Published bi-monthly; • The official magazine of the Federation of Southern African Flyfishers (FOSAF); • Africa’s original flyfishing magazine LAYOUT AND PUBLISHER: Southern African Flyfishing Magazine (Pty) Ltd Registration No. 2018/356867/07 www.saflyfishingmag.co.za editor@saflyfishing.co.za EDITORS: Ian Cox (082 574 3722) Andrew Mather (083 309 0233) Andrew Savides (081 046 9107) CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE: Terry Babich, Peter Brigg, Terkel Broe Christensen, Ian Cox, Kirk Deeter, Gerhard Delport, Daniel Factor, Andrew Fowler, Ed Herbst, Marlize Heyns, Andrew Savides, Roxanne Stegen, Dave Walker. COPYRIGHT Copyright in the magazine reposes in the Publisher. Articles and photographs are published with the permission of the authors, who retain copyright. The magazine and content may be hyperlinked and downloaded for private use but may not be otherwise hyperlinked or reproduced in part or whole without the written permission of the publishers. DISCLAIMER While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this magazine, the publishers do not accept responsibility for omissions or errors or their consequences. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers, the editors or the editorial staff. Cover photo: Chris van der Post of Gkgui Gkhui.

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EDITORIAL Where does the time go? This is the twelfth edition of SA Flyfishing that Ian, Andrew and I have produced. This means that it’s our second anniversary. It’s a small milestone in the long history of this magazine and we’re proud to continue to play our part in it. We thank you for your ongoing support and friendship. Flyfishing as a sport and an industry has been as heavily impacted as any other by the realities of this year. While I’ve adopted “roll with it” as my personal motto I have nothing but empathy for those whose lives and livelihoods have been negatively affected. Following problems with distribution our friends at TCFF were forced to delay the publication of their latest issue by a month. So as not to have all three of SA’s bimonthly magazines published in the same month we decided to delay ours. This has been a stressful time for PJ, Tudor and their teams and we trust that they’ll overcome the obstacles and keep powering ahead. South Africa has an enviable tradition of flyfishing writing and publishing that is worthy of all of our support. The frustration of the various stages of lockdown and our inability to get out and cast a line pales into insignificance against the problems of those within the industry who have largely been unable to earn a living. I’m speaking here about our guides, retailers, the hospitality industry and more. In times of need it is important that we all do our part, no matter how small it may be. SA Flyfishing Magazine has set much of this edition aside for guides to promote themselves and they’ve done a great job of it. We couldn’t be happier or more proud of the talent that we have right here at home. If you’ve never been guided you’ve really missed out on a truly worthwhile experience. I have not had a guide who has not gone on to becoming a friend for life. Besides that we have articles from near and far. We welcome back some regular contributors and bring you fresh voices. Savs 4

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Shakespeare & Modern Nymphing Savs I find myself on the horns of an unfamiliar dilemma. Furrows are etched deeply into my brow. Dark rings below my eyes are evidence of sleepless nights. This is no ordinary situation in which I find myself. But let me start at the beginning. market for a new fly rod.

together. I took an immediate shine to it and after some friendly persuasion he parted with it for what turned out to be a very fair price. He’s chastising himself over his bad judgement, but I like to think that I taught a young man something of the ways of the world. Disappointment and regret are ubiquitous to the lived experience and he got a large dose of both. How he manages his resentment toward me will be a reflection of his maturity. Not that I’m going to judge him, it’s a great rod and I’ll just avoid eye contact until he resolves his angst and settles down.

I’m in the

It is my style to know what I want. It’s usually not too much, as it happens, and I simply scour the used tackle sites until I find something close enough. I’m pretty easy to please and what pleases me are rods made not more than three but not less than two decades ago. Sure, they’re a little heavier and a little less responsive than modern rods but there was a sweet spot back then that rod designers hit dead centre. With a few notable exceptions they haven’t got close to it since.

The four weight has proven to be a harder proposition. I found one that feels great, but it’s really a mislabelled three weight and is too close to what I already have. Another three weight that has been recommended to me as a four weight has that instantly unmistakable feel of an industrial tyre iron. There’s a remarkable five weight (that’s actually a four weight) available now, but it’s way out of my fiscal reach. How they decide on the weights of rods these days is entirely beyond comprehension. Do they stand in the factory, have a scantily clad assistant cover the blank with a cloth, turn to the mark and say “give me a number, any number, between one and seven”?

Obviously we’re talking here about graphite sticks. Bamboo is a subject that can fill a book and is best left to the lovers of the arcane and the eccentric. Fibreglass is, to not put too fine a point on it, crap. With bamboo you want something either very old or very new and with fibreglass it has to be just good enough to keep your tomato plants upright.

A penpal (an archaic term, we use our thumbs now) told me a story recently of his first rod and reel. He started out in the stream that runs past his alma mater, Stellenbosch University, with a Diawa rod, a knock-off Hardy reel, a fast sinking line and a half dozen wet flies. The rod was fibreglass wrapped around a mandrel of steel. While it’s hard to imagine that a fibreglass rod would be improved by having a ferrous endoskeleton I honestly don’t think that there’s a lot you can do to make them any worse. It may even increase your tomato yield.

What is most frustrating about this particular purchase is that for once in my life it comes as a component of a meticulously strategised system. Whereas I advise other people to buy a three weight and to split the difference between small stream and larger river requirements I decided on my foray into nymph angling to purchase a two weight and a four weight so as to be optimally prepared for each occasion. I mean, if you’re going to try to run along the cutting edge of modern flyfishing you want to at least look the part.

He went on to tell me - in a charming story that includes a former lover, his current wife, two different foresters and graphic descriptions of seasickness - of the world that it opened up to him.

The acquisition of the two weight I accomplished with remarkable ease. Bramble Boy recently had one made to his specifications and he trotted it out on a stream that we fished

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It was in the beginning “piscatorially, a dismal and utter failure” and his exact recollection was that “the rod was as whippy as a tank aerial, the line cracked and went to the bottom immediately and the reel with a single screw fell apart.” While this leaves little to the imagination I can relate. We probably all can.

words like mystical or magical seem a little trite. You know, despite being wholly accurate. In our correspondence I broke a personal rule and recalled to my friend a bit of poetry*. It neatly, although a little obliquely, sums up how we feel about the mess of ill-assorted gear that almost all of us got started with. Its only saving grace is that it opened a door for us and helped us to fall in love with an element of this earth and of ourselves that would otherwise have remained hidden. It may be that we just weren’t good enough to know how bad it was, but I suspect that despite that we would have forgiven it its faults.

He still owns the reel, and I envy him for that. I wish I could find my first rod and reel. They were something that my parents, in this instance my mother, bought for me for as a birthday present. We didn’t grow up with money to throw at capricious whims like flyfishing tackle but my mother did her best. She clearly did it without the advice of anyone who knew anything about balanced fly rigs. This comes as no surprise as she bought it in what was a bait and tackle corner in the back of a Transkei supermarket. The rod was a six weight Mitchell, with a matching two weight floating line and a reel of the finest Japanese plastic. On my better days and with a heavily weighted fly I could get about a third of the fly line out, the rest lying in tight coils at my feet. I caught my first and probably several hundred more trout on it.

Still, right now I’m on the internet looking at various rod options and am obsessing over the placement of the stripping eye, single versus double footed guides and the exact shape and diameter of the handle (they call them grips these days). I’ve managed to extract any of the wonder of the process and I’m down to the sort of details that probably hardly matter, except to impress your friends and bore your spouse. I’ve more than doubled my age since that first rod, and maybe I am getting a little sentimental, but I miss the days when the answer to the question “do you have a rod” was “yes” and you’d just go fishing.

That rod meant the world to me, and it still does. The only two objects on this planet that I can think of that hold the infinite potential energy of a fly rod are an electric guitar and a blank sketch book. Yes sir, I understand the concept of potential energy and my misuse of it. It’s just that

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----*Sonnet 116, “Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments”, William Shakespeare

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Salmon Flies on the Henry's Fork Craig Richardson

“Dude, it's go time. They’re starting to fly. It's going to be wild.”

It's a hatch that people from around the world dream of seeing. The Henry’s Fork salmon fly hatch is one of the pinnacles of trout fishing around the world. These oversized bugs make some of the biggest trout in Western rivers show themselves.

and the big bugs are getting closer to the bank.” The night before we were meant to get on the water TJ called me again, “Dude, it's go time. They’re starting to fly. It's going to be wild. Make sure your camera batteries are charged.”

This year has been pretty peculiar with chaos and unrest everywhere. I was one of the few lucky people that would be able to hit the Henry’s Fork through the salmon fly hatch and possibly get to see it in all its glory.

We planned on meeting at 08:00 to drive up to the river. We live about forty-five minutes from the boat ramp and arrived at Ora Bridge to an absolute shit show of cars. It turned out that the information had been shared throughout the West. Utah and Montana license plates flooded the parking lot.

I was getting settled back into my Idaho lifestyle when out-of-state fishing licenses we not being sold. This completely flipped my world again, knowing I could potentially not be able to fish until sometime in June. I was told “you’ll probably have to wait until the 15th of June to get a license”. Bear in mind this was around the 5th of May so I was pretty upset that I would have to more than a month to fish again. Luckily the governor of Idaho opened fishing to people from out of State on the 16th of May and the bugs had not started their migration to the banks to hatch. It ended up all falling perfectly in place.

We knew it was going to be a somewhat busy but we didn’t expect to see around fifty cars in the parking lot. I was a little pessimistic because I’ve seen how these fish can completely shut off with too much pressure. TJ cracked a breakfast beer and told me not to worry, “these fish gotta eat man, they know they don’t have much time”. We lifted the anchor and moved down river to try open up some space. I was up first while TJ was on the oars. He keep saying “as tight as you can get it to the bank is where you need to be at all times. Anything more than thirty centimetres from the bank is too far, you’ll only get the babies.”

I got a call one evening from my buddy TJ Powell saying we need to be on the river in three days time. “The water is almost ready www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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On the third drift tight on a rock wall a big brown nose stuck up and sucked down my size six dry. I lifted into it and could feel it was a solid fish. I tried my best to control the fish and keep in clear of the log jam thirty yards downstream but I was not the one in control throughout that fight.

onto the bank, almost landing in the potato fields. He ripped it back, pulling out some grass from the bank and knocking around ten salmon flies into the water. We watched them drift down for a while and nothing came up for them. A lone straggler about five metres above them drifted down the same lie. A giant white mouth opened up and engulfed the bug. I dropped the anchor and we planned how we were going to approach this fish.

That fish completely wrecked me. It tore off down stream, jumped a coupled of times and buried me deep into the log jam. TJ laughed it off, grabbed his rod and told me to get behind the oars. As he stood up a giant female salmon fly flew straight into his face. The fishing was about to go off. He cut back his leader and tied on some 2X - dry fly fishing with size six flies and 2X tippet? Sounds pretty ridiculous to me.

After a pretty brief discussion TJ got out the boat and waded about twelve metres upstream of this beast and waited to see if it would rise again. Again a huge white mouth came clear out of the water and engulfed another natural. It was TJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to shine.

We hit a long grass bank that was crawling with bugs; caddis, salmon flies and a giant mix of mayflies all fluttering about. The fish didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care about any other bugs, they just wanted the massive bugs. TJ threw a long reach cast and landed the fly about five feet

He sent a clean cast landing the fly three metres ahead of the fish. It felt like the fly took forever to reach the fish but when it did the fish stuck its entire head out the water as ate the fly.

An egg-laying female - a meal hard to miss www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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TJ lifted the rod and set the hook and the amount of water that fish displaced was insane. It started bucking and rolling before tearing off down stream.

The rest of the day we drifted and threw massive dries at the bank, under trees and along rock walls. We had around twenty-five decent size fish smash the dry.

TJ chased it down, falling a few times. At one stage he was completely submerged with just his rod out of the water. I grabbed the boat and rushed down to him but sadly that fish had kicked his ass - no two ways about it!

Everything in the area was trying to get a piece of the hatch and the birds were going nuts! Red tail hawks were grabbing and eating them in mid air!

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Salmon fly nymphs

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Teamwork pays dividends

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Lower down we found one more big fish under some willow trees, feeding heavily on salmon flies. It was an almost impossible drift to get and even if you hooked the fish the chances of getting it to the net were extremely slim. I was up and decided to try get a better angle by wading. I hopped out the boat and walked slightly upstream of it hoping that I could get a drift deep under the willow without drag. My first attempt was nothing short of shocking. I managed to break off my first fly about three metres up onto the bank. I couldn’t have done worse if I tried! I tied on a fresh fly and tippet and walked back into position, stripping some line off and laid a cast I that was very happy with. The fly drifted perfectly over the fish and I had no response.

I laid my second cast and got another great drift with no response. I changed my fly to something a little smaller and more natural and made another few casts, but this fish just wouldn’t eat it. I changed back to my first fly and layid out a pretty average cast. The fish rushed it and hammered the fly. Somehow this fish just ran straight towards me into the open. If he had turned downstream it would’ve been game over. I was pretty surprised at how easily we got that fish to the net. It turns out it was blind in its left eye, all of my drifts but my final cast were all on its left side. It started to make a little more sense! Sadly we didn’t get our chance to land one of the monsters the Henry’s Fork is known for but we did have our opportunity to hook two of them. This is a fishery every trout fisherman needs to experience. The sheer volume of bug life is incredible and being able to fish dry flies that big will never get old.

Craig & TJ inspect a natural www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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the Henry's Fork The Henrys Fork, also called the North Fork, is a an approximately 200km tributary of the Snake River, in southeastern Idaho in the United States. It shouldn’t be confused with the Henry’s Fork of the Green River in Utah and Wyoming. The river is named after Andrew Henry who built Fort Henry on the upper Snake River, but who abandoned this first American fur post west of the continental divide the following spring. The river flows south through a high plateau in northern Fremont County, through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and passes through Island Park Reservoir. It emerges from the reservoir and flows through a canyon that opens up into a broad, flat meadow in the Island Park Caldera in central Fremont County.

your visit. If you would like to try casting big grasshoppers then August is the time to be here. Generally, the salmon fly hatch on the Henry’s Fork starts during the last week in May. The hatch moves up river and is usually over by the end of the first week in June. You will also find pale morning duns and caddis on the slow sections. PMD’s, blue winged olives and caddis will be prevalent on the Firehole River. The Golden Stoneflies begin to emerge shortly after the salmon fly hatch, and usually provide several weeks of good fishing opportunity in the Box Canyon and other fast water Henry’s Fork sections at this time.

The river then flows slowly past the town of Island Park, through the Harriman State Park, otherwise known as the "Railroad Ranch", and descends swiftly as it approaches the wall of the caldera, flowing over both Upper Mesa and Lower Mesa Falls, and emerges from the mountains onto the Snake River Plain near Ashton. Island Park Reservoir is used for irrigation in the Snake River Plain. Its drainage provides one of the most important rainbow trout fisheries in Idaho in terms of habitat, fish populations, and use by anglers. The section of the river between Henry's Lake and Big Springs is a major spawning area for trout and is closed to fishing. Henrys Fork has long been noted for its superb fishing, especially its dry fly fishing, although conditions vary and you will need to time a trip according to your preferred method of fishing. If you enjoy using tiny dry flies then late September is a great time for www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Salmon Flies The salmon fly (Pteronarcys Californica) nymph can grow up to fifty millimetres and is often the only organism in the river smaller than the fish themselves. This makes them a firm favourite of the Western flyfisher and, of course, trout. When they hatch every spring they draw anglers from all over the world. Salmon flies require rivers that are neither too hot nor too cold in currents that are between moderate and fast. They can live underwater for up to three years so consistent conditions are critical. When they lose their grip on the river bottom or crawl to the shore in their migration to complete their lifecycle trout will feed heavily on them. Salmon fly will move under low light as cover and will try to find reeds, rocks and tree trunks to crawl up on and out of the river. They will emerge as up to seventy millimetre adults with two pairs of wings and an orange (salmon) and black body and take flight. The adults will find a mate and the female will return to the river to lay their eggs. At this point they are vulnerable to predation and are important to trout anglers. This is one time of the year when big, wise adult fish will move to take the helpless natural from the surface. If fishing for huge rising trout with size six dry flies is your thing then this is the hatch for you. In a cruel irony of the natural world trout will often consume so many of these monstrous insects that they take three to four days to digest them and during this time, despite the hatch continuing, they become difficult to catch. The hatch is notoriously difficult to time and many guides suggest waiting a few days for the hatch to end and then fishing with salmon fly imitations while the memory of the natural is fresh in the troutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind.

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WOMEN IN WADERS Anthea Piater Roxanne Stegen

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Showcasing a SA Girl Guide

learning along the way. I can only hope that the knowledge and experience I’ve gained from personally fly fishing the Vaal for close to ten years can be imparted onto other anglers.

Amidst our torrid thoughts of never casting a line to an actual live fish and every discussion dominated by COVID-19, we were so energized to see a positive spinoff on this month’s edition of the SAFlyFishing Mag. I immediately recalled a recent convo with the delightful Denise Van Wyk which led us to stalking our newly found SA Girl Guide Anthea Piater. Anthea is no stranger to fly fishing and have been completely captured by her passion for fishing , not to mention her love of wine!

The advice and mentorship I’ve received from other guides, my husband, fly fishing friends and my incredible teammates at GNFFA has been invaluable towards taking the step and making it a possibility. An invaluable lesson off the Natal coast my dad taught me when I was just six years old, while showing me how to scale and clean a fish, was to inspect the stomach contents to determine what had been on the menu for that day. Little did I know then how invaluable that lesson would be later in my life, while on the eternal pursuit of catching fish on fly.

Fly Guiding Parys Area for Smallmouth Yellowfish – Anthea Piater Fly guiding for Smallmouth Yellowfish on the Vaal River is a whole new venture for me, and it’s been a truly exciting one to say the least! I run my guiding operation in the Mid Vaal area, having moved to Parys with my husband Lloyd just over 5 years ago. It was only last year when I made the leap to pursue guiding full-time, and never realised just how much value it would add to my own journey of self-growth and development as a fly fisher, all the while still finding my feet and

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The packages I offer can be completely customised to meet client specific needs, depending on what they personally want to get out of the experience. Some anglers focus on technical aspects and learning something new whilst others just fish for recreation while enjoying a day out on the river immersed in nature. Both beginners and

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encourage people who are keen to learn about fly fishing and/or how to target Vaal Smallies to book a day with a guide! For me there really is nothing more rewarding than assisting someone who has never caught a Yellowish, let alone ever picked up a fly rod, to get stuck into their first Smallie and experience first handed the power of a super-charged yellow fresh water rocket for the very first time! It is an utterly unforgettable experience!

things you can expect to be covered when on a guided day out with me - if you understand how and specifically on what a fish feeds, you will understand how to target that fish more successfully. I also tie my own flies and have various fly packages available for purchase, for both Smallmouth and Largemouth Yellowfish, and can custom tie for any order. Other things to expect on a guided day out include reading water and finding fish lies, best methods of fly presentation, photography for your keepsake, and a fullon lunch supplied with refreshments. But most importantly, and what I strongly believe is an essential lesson for any angler, is teaching clients correct and safe fish handling - from fighting fish, netting fish, and how to release them safely. Let them go and let them grow!

I’m available most days of the week for half/full day sessions, or a two-day option with stay-over is available on request and tailored accordingly. A Czech/Euro or Indicator rig are the predominant methods used when targeting Smallies on the Vaal, while wet wading through the river, navigating the shallow rapids and deeper tail offs. I supply leader and tippet material for my clients and assist with rig construction and knot demonstrations. Whatever method a client prefers to use I am happy to assist with and encourage them opportunities to try different methods.

If you’re interested in making a booking you can contact Anthea on 0824032741, or drop a mail at anthea@thenaturalagent.com, be sure though to follow her on Instagram @anthea.piater!

Fly selection and their correct position in the water column also plays a pivotal role for a successful day of fishing, and is one of the

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Stay Safe, and tight lines Roxanne Stegen

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Lazing at Lake Lifton AKA Sani Valley Lodge Andrew Mather I awoke to watch the inky blackness of the night start to retreat. Winter sunrises are amazing especially if your room has panoramic views and you can snuggle under an electric blanket.

the girlfriend along, but that’s a story for another time! We stay in Rainbow cottage with sweeping views of the lake and mountains. The unit is very well appointed with three double bedrooms and each with their own bathroom. A patio, the full length of the cottage, a comfortable lounge dining room with a obligatory wood fired heater. This alone would satisfy the choosiest of partners. During the day there are walks around the property and a spa! So what can a flyfisher do while your partner is enjoying the spa… well fish of course!

We had come away for a weekend at Sani Valley Lodge just outside Underberg. Some will remember this dam being called “Lake Lifton” a long time ago. I don’t know if you are like me but I’m always playing my cards right, albeit often close to my chest, to go fishing. Often the problem is that the accommodation is limited and by the time the fishers have plotted a trip there is often little thought to our better halves.

The lake is large, some 102 hectares. The food is plentiful, and the trout grow big. The lake has had a good number of 10 pound plus fish emerge over the years. Motorised boats, float tubes and the like are allowed on the dam and often the best means of getting up to the inlet streams.

So why would you want to come here. Well it gets you big brownie points. The Units at Sani Valley are all 4 star. One can book a cozy little two sleeper cottage if you want to be on your own. I had a motorcycling buddy who did this often when he went off riding, except he left the wife behind and brought

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We rose and watched the sunrise drinking steaming hot coffee followed by a fried breakfast before we ventured out. We opted for waders so that we could enter the water to fight the fish. The spot we had chosen had an irregular spattering of reeds about 5m out. We figured that being able to wade out close to them that we could lift the line above and prevent a tangle and inevitable breakoff.

windless lake the cottages and surrounding hills reflected across the water creating a magnificent distraction. The mirrored water was broken by a dimple which I saw out the corner of my eye. My thingabobber had sunk leaving a perfect ring of ripples. It was then I felt the weight of the fish. In a split second the fish turned and headed out into the dam. I let it run. It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to change its direction or speed as the backing clicked through the eyes and outward. Time to try turn her. She turned and I reeled in line. Closer and closer inshore she came. All was going according to plan when she made a run for the clumps of weed. Having seen how cleverly they wrap you up I released all pressure. My heart was in my mouth as the barbless hook could come out at any time. I slid down the bank into the water and waded out a few metres. The fish must have sensed me and turned away from the weeds. I put pressure on again and this time managed to navigate her between the weeds and safely to the net. The fish are strong and nicely conditioned.

The three of us decided to try different flies to see what was going to work. A streamer on intermediate line certainly got a lot of interest but while there were lots of chases, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recall one making it to the net. There were some fish moving around the top and looked like they were taking something. Well what the hell lets chuck out a little nymph. I used a #16 pink tag nymph. Actually, the yellowfish lads will recognize this fly. A really successful fly on the Vaal and Orange. I hung it below a thingabobber and cast it out. Then sat back to wait. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s times like this that one appreciates the beauty of your surroundings. Across the

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Warren and Savs with a superb Photo: Peter brigg Sani Valley Lodge rainbow.

After the excitement the three of us got our lines out and stood watching the water. The fish were taking so gently and after several missed takes the lads were even more determined. Warren’s thingabobber dips and he responded with a tigerfish set. The spray from the line ripping up off the water actually created a per fect miniature rainbow. The tranquility and beauty of the rainbow only lasted a fraction of a second as the bobber headed straight towards him landing in a tangle in the shallows.

The cold water and the hook in the tail had played their part. Savs on the other hand was also having a great time. Well mostly. There was a big fish he hooked but as luck would have it the fish managed to get the line tangled around the weed. We thought the best way to get it to the net was to take the net to it. I jumped in the water and waded out. Carefully I drop the net into the water with the intention of scooping the fish out. Alas it was not to be. The fish was gone. I still don’t know if the net touched the line and popped the tippet or the fish managed to get some slack in the line and it threw the hook. Savs was gracious in the disappointment of the moment.

It wasn’t long after that that Warren went tight. This one meant business. It steamed straight out into the dam. He saw the flyline go, then the backing kept rolling off his reel. He started shouting that he was going to be spooled. “It’s over ten pounds…bring the net”, he bellowed. Now those who have fished with him will know that call. Warren had his Abel packed with plenty of backing but in no time, the line was rapidly running out. At this point he jumped into the dam and waded out as far as his waders would allow. The fish was about 120m out by now. Slowly he got it to slow down and recovered line before it once again took off. Eight minutes later he had the fish in the net. Sadly, it wasn’t ten pounds but a really good fish.

There were plenty of fish about. Warren and Savs spotted an otter coming into the shallows. As it cruised into view the realization hit them that it wasn’t an otter at all. It was a fish. All hell broke lose as lines were recast in an effort to hook this monster. Well he didn’t get that big for nothing. He turned, cocked his finger and disappeared into the depths as silently as he came. Warren later remarked that it was probably the biggest fish he had see in this dam ever, and he has been fishing this dam for decades!

Sani Valley Lodge and Hotel Sani Pass Road Himeville +27 (0) 33 702 0203 +27 (0) 82 561 3275 Email: info@sanivalley.co.za

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Heritage Flies - Part 8 The Dogs Breakfast and the G&B Low Floater. Peter Brigg The Dogs Breakfast - created by Maxi Holder in 1987

was named.

Maxi Holder’s Dog’s Breakfast is arguably the first indigenous streamer pattern for marine fish that achieved recognition amongst the local salt water fly fishing community. It was a fly that Maxi created on one of her fishing trips with friends to Kozi Bay in Zululand in 1987.

“Fly tying has always been an integral social function on fly fishing trips. I recall wonderful times with friends claiming a spot around the battered camping table for their vise and supply of fly tying materials. Ideas would be exchanged freely along with good-natured insults. I have always maintained that the most successful flies are those tied within sight and sound of the sea.

Maxi also created, two other salt water flies, namely the Inhaca Parrot and the Toothless Budgie, both of which have earned enduring reputations as outstanding salt water flies.

I have managed to keep my saltwater fly tying materials as simple as possible. My saltwater fly designs, such as the Inhaca

Maxi related a little of her story surrounding the creation of the Dogs Breakfast and how it www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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incorporate the same materials which means that the fly tying cabinet isn’t crammed with scattered thoughts.

Yelland, Garth Batchelor and Paul White, to name a few, with wives and girlfriends joining in at times.

However, every once in a while I have to improvise when certain stocks run low. There are two things that cause our Rottweilers to evaporate from sight. The first is mention of the word ‘bath’, and the second is when I pay too much attention to the wonderful fur in the tail of the male – especially with fly tying scissors in hand!

While fishing at Kosi Mouth back in 1987, I was not happy with the ‘streamer’ flies I had, and decided to raid Jake’s fly tying box to design a fly that would sink and not ‘surf’. I decided to weight the fly with bead chain. For the record, Jake had ‘nicked’ a short section of bead chain from Barclays Bank in Underberg. He probably ‘nicked’ the pen as well. As a result of a very rude comment made at my first attempt, the fly became known as the Dog’s Breakfast.

During the early 1980s – when saltwater fly fishing was still in its infancy in this country – the month of November became synonymous with Kosi Bay on the Kwa Zulu Natal coast for a group of us. Each year Jake Alletson, the late Keith Miller and I would be joined by Ken Leisegang, Mike Birkett and Andy Coetzee. Many other enthusiasts joined us in those early days – Jack Blackman, Dudley Dowling, Richard Schumann, Mark

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The Dog’s Breakfast pattern can be adapted to suit several applications, from freshwater to offshore fly fishing. The hook size will obviously vary for each application but a good quality, chemically sharpened hook with a standard shank gives the best result.

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For estuary and shore fishing, I prefer to use the Mustad standard shank in size 1 or 2, and up to size 3/0 for offshore. Should you not have chemically sharpened hooks, check the hook for sharpness; it should ‘stick’ in the thumbnail. The current hook of choice seems to be the Gamakatsu SL12S or the Grip 21711NSL.

tied in just behind the eyes and under the chenille wraps. I find that bead chain ‘wraps’ comfortably over the hook shank, unlike the more expensive imported dumbbell eyes I’ve used in the past, which tend to be rather narrow and appear to ‘perch’ on top of the hook shank looking ‘narrow-minded’, somewhat reminiscent of a mudskipper.

Clear, ultra-fine monofilament is my tying thread of choice although Semperfli Nanosilk is winning an increasing share of the market.

A good quality bucktail may cost a little more, but is well worth it in the long run. I do prefer using it to the modern synthetic fibres because of the action in the water. A single strand of pink Gliss ‘n Glow sandwiched between two layers of white bucktail contributes a ‘fleshy’ dimension to the bucktail when wet.

The position of the eyes over the hook tip is very important as it is believed that predatory fish initially lash out at the eyes of their prey. I have always preferred black to silver for the eyes, and before black bead chain became available commercially, I had to dip lengths of silver bead chain into black enamel paint. Black Koki pen has been useful in emergencies, but does not last very long in the salt. I do use lead dumbbell eyes on my larger Dog’s Breakfasts for offshore use, but prefer using bead chain eyes in conjunction with lead wire for extra weight. The wire is www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

Don’t be in too much of a hurry to discard the bucktail after using up the white part, as the brown shades on the upper side are useful for tying darker flies. Krystal Flash or Flashabou lends a bit of ‘shine’ to the top of the tail and complements the shade of chenille used. Long-fibre chenille tied in behind the eyes gives the fly a ‘body’. 31

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Dog’s Breakfasts tied with pearl or teastained chenille may emulate baitfish or small squid; pale green, small mantis shrimps; brown shades, with barred hackle added to the tail, work extremely well when swimming crabs are about; and orange has proven highly successful when nothing else would work during an overcast, drizzly day. In a nutshell, this fly is not tied to exactly replicate any particular creature; it is a ‘representation’ of a number of targeted food species. The pale green shade, which I prefer to the bright chartreuse, is achieved by dyeing pearl chenille with Lady Dye ‘Lime’. The tea-stained shade is easily achieved by dunking pearl chenille into strong black tea and checking every now and then for the desired shade. Gently squeeze out excess moisture between layers of kitchen paper towel and then hang the lengths to dry thoroughly. It goes without saying that whenever I do find the long-fibre chenille in a pearl shade, the grocery cupboard remains bare for a while.

in place. Make a point of chatting to other anglers when you arrive at your destination. I’ve found that most men don’t mind being free with information in my case, but as soon as they see me with a fly rod, the playing field suddenly changes! As with fly casting, it’s all in the timing – quite often fishing secrets flow freely, especially after that third ‘Klippies and Coke’! After Keith drowned in a float-tubing accident, we made one more November visit to Kosi Bay. It just wasn't the same. The dislodged Forest Weaver nest he carefully placed back into the tree was – happily – very much in use. I can still hear Keith and Jake thrashing out ideas for a fly-fishing society which they eventually agreed on naming the ‘Linecasters Society’. It was customary after returning from the lakes to undertake a few chores and catch up on sleep deficit after lunch. Then Keith would sidle over to tie flies at our campsite to stock up for the evening’s fishing; or was that to stock up on energy with a ’doorstop’ peanut butter and syrup sandwich! The name ‘Linecasters’ says it all – all fly fishers cast a fly line of some sort, but back then there was much debate as to whether a foam popper, for example, could be considered a fly in the true sense of the word.

A single layer of the monofilament thread layered to the hook eye is added for no particular reason other than the fact that I don’t like the look of a bare hook, and the few wraps of the red thread merely add a finishing touch to an otherwise drab section. I have found that Sally Hansen’s Hard as Nails nail polish provides a better, more longlasting protection than conventional varnish, which tends to discolour after a while. A protective layer is used to coat the shank and ‘nose’ section, with a few drops dabbed between the eyes to ensure that they remain

I still have the first saltwater fly Keith tied for me. It lives in the fly tying cabinet. It has no hook - that broke off after I’d landed and released a gorgeous Kingie at the Kosi Mouth.”

Dressing for the Dogs Breakfast Hook - Mustad Signature Salt Water S71SNP-ZS, Tiemco 800S, Gamakatsu SL12S, Grip 21711NSL in Big Game size 1 – 3/0 Thread - Nylon mono (Spook) thread sold in haberdashery shops, or Nanosil Weight - Lead wire Tail - White bucktail Body - Dyed long-fibre Crystal Chenille Eyes - Bead chain painted black, tied on top of the hook shank and above the hook point Head - Approximate 3mm of red thread behind the hook eye and ahead of the Original RAB tied by Tony bead chain eyes. Covered with nail polish. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

Biggs

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The G & B Low Floater using stacked deer hair was created by Dean Riphagen in 1987.

bunch of deer hair at the head and then adding further bunches of flared deer hair, a very effective dry fly was created.

When Gary Borger visited South Africa in 1989 as part of a contingent of top international fly fishers invited by FOSAF, Ed Herbst guided him on the Holsloot stream near Rawsonville. Ed showed Gary a local deer hair pattern, the G & B Low-Floater. “Ah, that’s my Devil Bug”, he said. “No it isn’t, we stacked the head!” Ed said in reply.

Unlike traditionally hackled dry flies the G & B uses no hackle and does not ride above the water’s surface. Instead the pattern floats low in the surface film, presenting the trout with an unbroken, life-like body silhouette. The umbrella-shaped head provides a wide surface area and traps lots of air in the pockets between the hair to float the fly through the roughest water. Like most successful patterns it consists of very few materials. It is usually tied on size 14 and 16 light wire hooks and consists of thread, deer hair and a dubbed synthetic fur body, usually orange or chartreuse, which seems particularly appealing to local brown trout. It proved to be the most effective dry fly for the brown trout on the Witte in the 1980's and 1990's but was gradually superseded by foam rubber patterns.

Dean Riphagen recounts the history of this fly in his book, The South African Fly-Fishing Handbook (Struik, 1998). Two of Dean’s friends, Gavin Grapes and Jimmy Baroutsos had tied their version of a US pattern, the Cooper Bug which Gary Borger later modified. To make the fly more buoyant and more visible Dean used the stacking process, developed by tyers of deer hair bass bugs, to create a vertical wing shaped like an inverted parachute. By flaring the single www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Photo: Peter brigg

The Dirt Road Wild Trout Association Title Fly Fishing Festival 2021 written by First Second Name Daveother Walker Photos: name

The Wild Trout Association was formally established at a meeting at the thenDrakensberg Hotel on the 14th April 1991 at

these gentlemen have many pages of the support of the Wild Trout Association that space does not permit mentioning, save to say that all there efforts are much appreciated as part of their legacy lives on in the Eastern Cape Highlands.

the behest of the “variously labelled” Martin Davies who still hasn’t lost his passion for trout. The 2021 festival will accordingly be an opportunity to acknowledge the 30th anniversary of the association that will not only be a signal event in participants’ annual fly fishing calendar but one of historical significance as well.

The monumental contributions made by many others, especially Ed Herbst and Tom Sutcliffe must also be mentioned and we hope to see them back in these parts before too long. The event consists of four days of fly fishing and five evenings of participants talking about their passion as well as much other chin-wag stuff. The fishing this coming summer has all the makings of being “a good one”, especially in view of the Covid-induced absence of fishermen having left them free to feed, spawn and grow without disturbance!

Sadly, many of the luminaries that put their shoulder to the wheel from way back are no longer with us but it would be appropriate to mention some of their names nonetheless. The late Fred Croney was unstinting in providing coverage in the Daily Dispatch. The late Brian van Holdt held the Eastern Cape flag high at many FOSAF meetings. The late Ronne Pitt per force even engaged in pugilistic defence of the association. All of

Photo: Peter brigg www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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The first WTA event held in Barkly East in 1992 with from l to r, Charl Tauber – Knighton, Debbie Robertsen – Middle Drumbo, Dave Walker, Margie Frost – Balloch and Ed Herbst taken at the Drakensberg Hotel. Full package includes: 5 evening meals, 4 days of fishing, 4 lunch-packs, a goodie bag plus participation in the auction as well as bar banter at no charge The assistance of a guide can be arranged each evening during the event. Ensure that you make contact with the beat organisers to make the appropriate arrangements on a daily basis. Fishing beats & guides will be allocated each evening in consultation with participants. Accommodation; Self-catering accommodation should be arranged with Margie Murray at the Rhodes Tourist & Infor mation Centre: Tel. 045 971 9003 or e-mail: info@wildtrout.co.za Although the festival includes 4 days of fishing, participants are welcome to arrive earlier and fish in the Eastern Cape Highlands - after all, a week’s fishing beats a week in the office any time!

For more info please contact www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

info@wildtrout.co.za 36

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Semperfli Nano silk A Review Terry Babich You are a fly tier who’s really spent time on a fly. It’s looking so good that you’re ready to eat it yourself and you just want to race down to the water to cast it at a fish.

There is absolutely nothing worse than thread breaking or a huge clump of cotton appearing miraculously on the end of your hook when finishing your fly.

There’s nothing more frustrating than when all that’s left to do is to whip finish it and a huge bundle of cotton downs itself onto the hook or all of your delicately placed materials begin to teeter on the shank and SMASH - your thread breaks as you try to trap down your materials or finish the fly.

Generally I use the thinnest thread I can on a fly to get a good finish but still maintain its structural integrity. For example, I would normally use 8/0 thread on a nymph. It often breaks but the fly looks good. Now I am using a Nano Silk 18/0 and it’s virtually unbreakable.

I bet you held your breath when I said that.

The author's 500 spool holder has been made redundant by Nano Silk www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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I started off with the thicker Nano Silk and just went thinner and thinner and thinner. I have just received notification that they now have a 24/0. Holy cow! If this has half the strength of the 18/0 can you guess what I will be using next? Imagine tying that horrible mind-blowing minute size 20 dry? 24/0 thread? It’s a no-brainer. When it comes to colour range I will admit that the Nano Silk colours are a little dull compared to other threads. I overcome this by buying white and using a permanent marker to add whatever colours I need. As a result of this my eight-hundred capacity spool holder is looking a little redundant right now. Unless I need to build a head or cover up something like lead I find myself pulling out my bobbin permanently loaded with Nano Silk all day long. It is fairly slippery though and you might find it slips a little when you start it on the hook shank. If you just wrap it over itself, like you should when starting a tie, you will soon find that this isn’t actually a problem at all. In fact, you can wrap to your heart's content without building up an unnecessarily bulky or unsightly underbody. Because this thread does not build up bulk it’s great for those guys who tie nymphs and want to minimise the surface area of the fly as much as possible. This product allows for a small head and the thinnest body finish on your fly that you could possibly dream of. Your flies are going to be strong, thin, fishcatching machines. Why would you not try it? The little extra you might pay is returned double-fold in benefits. If you haven’t tried it already I suggest you get down to your local tackle shop or jump on the net and order some .. quickly!

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Semperfl Nano Silk is available in the following variants: 3/0 (approximately a 180 denier) Breaking Strain 7,600g strongest in test Recommended hook: #10-#2/0 and above 6/0 (100 denier) Breaking Strains 3,800gm strongest in test Recommended hook: #10-#2/0 and above 12/0 (50 denier) Breaking Strains 1,900gm strongest in test Recommended hook: #8-#18 18/0 (30 denier) Breaking Strains 1,140gm strongest in test Recommended hook: #16-#32 24/0 (20 denier) Breaking Strains 0,750g mstrongest in test Recommended hook: #18 and smaller

Want to have your product reviewed? I have been asking suppliers to the flyfishing market for tackle or fishing related items for review. No-one seems to have anything they want me to check out! Oh and no I am not angling for free goods, just an opportunity to test or get the real lowdown on products and present it to the public from an anglers point of view. I might be critical but I sure won’t say it is good if I don’t believe it myself. If you have something that you think needs to be shown and are brave enough for an honest review about it then contact me at ofishallybabich@gmail.com and let’s do it! Let's see what you have to offer and how it stands up to the BABICH destruction test . The SA market is a tough one and needs good quality products tested under local conditions. This is a good platform to use to present your goods to the market or make them aware of an already existing product. Return to contents

FOSAF NEWS FOSAF National Chairman’s 2019/20 Annual Report INTRODUCTION

arose out of an audience with the then newly appointed Minister, at which we were able to present the sector’s concerns and reservations. At this stage it’s hard to know exactly where things stand. However, the sector has been clear that the ADB in its current form will not result in the development and growth of the sector. The discussions have centred on how the sector can make a contribution to much needed of development, jobs and growth of the economy. Hopefully a more pragmatic approach will emerge that allows for a winwin.

This report is written at a time when the world faces difficulties on so many fronts. COVID 19 has kept most of us in a lockdown of one category or another, severely disrupting the economy, health and social fabric of our country. As a result, our AGM and face to face Exco had to be postponed. Hopefully we will still be able to get together in the Cape once this current turmoil has passed. It's my privilege to present this overview to FOSAF’s members, leadership, partners and stakeholders. The report will as usual, follow our strategic framework.

FOSAF continues to be a member of Trout SA and through it Aquaculture SA. Through these organisations we as a relatively small group of active flyfishers have been able to stay in touch with key developments affecting flyfishing interests. We have registered as I&APs with various Departments and parliament which ensures the receipt of vital information when this goes out as part of public consultation processes. One serious challenge is that we often receive late notice which affects our ability to respond effectively.

EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT: The State: Our court application against DEA is nearing the final stretch of the legal process. the parties heads of argument have been filed and once certain additional requirements have been attended to the matter can be set down for a hearing. In the current situation it is uncertain when this case will be heard but we will keep all our stakeholders informed of developments. It is important to repeat that our legal team are acting pro amico and for this we are extremely grateful.

Our participation in TSA and Aqua SA continues to facilitate assistance from and access to national commodity based and business formations like AGRI SA, AGBIZ and BUSA. TSA plays an important role in Agri SA’s Commodity Chamber which allows for much influence and lobbying. Our policybased approach has meant that our rational thinking is appreciated and endorsed by many partners and other stakeholders we interact with.

The Aquaculture Development Bill which had been tabled in Parliament in 2018 did not make it through the legislative process and eventually lapsed. As far as we are aware DEFF have not re-tabled the bill and instead it is now the subject of discussions between the sector and the Minister. This www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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It is important to recognise the huge contributions of all those people and organisations who have kindly donated and invested money and time in support of the trout value chain. We could not do what we have achieved without their support for which we are extremely grateful. We will continue to keep you informed about our progress in these matters.

as well as the Fly of the month feature continue to be well received. Last year I spoke about the many flyfishers and other people out there who have addressed a range of community-based water and environmental issues and programmes like: the pollution and sewerage issues in the Vaal and Crocodile catchments/ systems and elsewhere; the litter and other solid waste clean-up and river health, education and fishing programs for young people; various research initiatives; community based flyfishing ventures; and riparian zone rehabilitation and protection initiatives. All these programmes require dedicated individuals to be there regularly to do the slog work as well as forward sighted leadership.

One other important development centres on the draft freshwater fisheries policy presently being finalised by DEFF. FOSAF made a submission urging a more pragmatic and sustainable approach to some of the ideas (particularly around gill nets) evident in the circulated draft. We are led to understand that this policy will find its way to NEDLAC for debate and consideration by the end of June. We have requested and received an undertaking that we be kept informed of progress in this regard.

People like Chris Williams and Peter Arderne who work on behalf of FOSAF and the YWG, together with a range of allies, keep us updated on an almost weekly basis. Peter’s work in the Steemkampsberg and the Greater Lakenvlei Protected Environment, aimed at the protection of a critical catchment and the “trout triangle”, which ironically underpins an important biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection initiative. This complementary set of symbiotic land uses represents a real win-win for the broader area and our country, something the purists find hard to stomach. However, without the support of other NGOs and FOSAF these important initiatives would founder.

Despite some antagonism and lack of mutual trust, FOSAF remains committed to dealing constructively, honestly, transparently and frankly with government in the interests of flyfishing stakeholders. While we do not always see eye to eye with them, I am certain that our contributions are nevertheless valued and welcomed by those in the official agencies we engage with. Public: FOSAF continues to manifest a regular presence on the internet and social media platforms. Peter Arderne’s indefatigable spirit and energy keep things ticking over effectively. How he manages to ensure that his countrywide team of reporters stay in touch and provide a regular flow of stories and reports, is a testament to his fortitude and persuasive abilities. Our thanks must go to him and Andrew Vester (our webmaster) as they ensure that FOSAF continues to maintain a visible presence. Despite Exco’s best efforts we have been unable to find a team of young people to take over the enormous amount of work Peter gets through. The Yellowfish Working Group (YWG) Newsletter and regular news updates www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

As I said last year all South Africans are custodians of and right holders to a sustainable future that must hold government, the para-statals and big business to account for the way in which our natural heritage is used, ostensibly, for the broader good. Sadly, some of the positive developments we saw over the few years appear to be backsliding. Peter’s work, that of Andrew Fowler and the NFFC and many other clubs, continue to shine a light and set a positive example of what can be done in the face of so much negativity.

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All of our people, across the country, who are engaged in this kind of activity deserve our support and congratulation. These actions belie the elitist labels some officials have used to besmirch fly-anglers. This is the sort of work that promotes flyfishing and reflects the spirit FOSAF seeks to foster.

navigating these very tricky waters. INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT: Secretariat As previously reported, Bronwyn Konigkramer has taken over the task of running the FOSAF Secretariat. She has been able to lean on Liz Tough from time to time and for this Liz deserves our appreciation for allowing her “retirement” to be interrupted. Bronwyn has revamped our membership records and is responsible for keeping our books and ensuring you receive the Tippet and membership cards. On behalf of all of our membership I extend our thanks for her efforts.

Anglers: The Southern African Fly Fishing Magazine now edited by Ian Cox, Andrew Mather and Andrew Savides has emerged as a wonderful e-publication that continues to provide FOSAF with space and a voice. Tudor Caradoc-Davies’ The Mission is another excellent publication that has also offered us support. I urge you to support these excellent flyfishing publications and the many flyfishing talk/chat groups and forums. Communication is vital in sharing ideas, information and debating approaches.

EXCO It is with sadness that we note the passing Bill Mincher who led FOSAF and served our organisation in many different ways, the most notable being his dedication and leadership on publications. We have had a number of Telkom conference calls again this year and are about to try a different electronic meeting platform for this next Exco as well as others going forward. These electronic channels provide effective and inexpensive ways of meeting on a virtual basis and for communicating regularly. Emails and telephonic communications have also been a useful way of staying in touch with chapter Chairperson’s and other EXCO members.

The Tippet has continued despite some difficulties to remain afloat. I am indebted to Bronwyn Konigkramer who has helped with ensuring we get this publication out. Our contributors and prize suppliers deserve our thanks for their support. Organisations: FOSAF maintains cordial relations with other flyfishing and angling bodies. The competitive fly anglers of SAFFA remain our allies and we share ideas and mutual interests. They have contributed much innovation and fresh ideas which are important for the development of our craft. SACRAA and SAFTAD as well as SASACC remain bodies we need to engage with from time to time, especially around freshwater angling challenges and interactions with Government at national, provincial and municipal spheres.

Once again I also wish to thank our President Tom Sutcliffe and Vice-president Ed Herbst for their ready and wise counsel and inputs from time to time.

CHAPTERS Chapter Chairperson’s have provided written reports. Accordingly, I will not repeat them here given time and space constraints. Check out our website at: https:// www.fosaf.org.za/.

These engagements as crucial if we are to work together to find solutions to some of the difficult and multifaceted choices facing our country and its people, particularly with regard to access to, sharing and the use of freshwater fisheries. This appears to be a very emotive subject and FOSAF has relied on our principled approach to guide us in www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

It remains for me to thank the Chapter Committees under the able leadership of Reg Morgan (and Brian Clark), Jim Read (and yours truly), Leonard Flemming (and now Tudor Caradoc-Davies) and Chris 43

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Williams (and Peter Arderne) respectively. It important to note that our Chapters have continued to remain stable and healthy with some growth evident and hopefully this will continue in the year ahead.

meeting there is already part-paid for so the postponement is just that, rather than a cancellation. We look forward to the chance to test our skills on the Cape streams and to meet many of our members and fellow flyfishers when this crisis has run its course.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE Dr Andrew Mather has taken over from Dr Bill Bainbridge who led this committee for many years. Andrew and I visited Bill as part of the hand over. Bill continues to provide some input and ideas. We need to ensure that there is representation from all regions on the Environmental Committee so that each region can properly comment on their particular slant or requirements and help share the huge task these issues entail.

Once again my thanks are also due to our Auditor Prof Swanepoel of A.P. Swanepoel and Co for efficiently and cost effectively producing clear and readable AFS. I started this report referring to the fact that our planet faces a range of crises. One of the more critical of these is climate change which is impacting the very ecosystems we fish in. As flyfishers we must be aware of the tipping point we face and it is our duty to help make significant change and solutions a reality. We thus have a duty to make a real difference in ensuring our flyfishing waters remain sustainable and viable.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING Our plans for getting a communications and marketing group of younger committed people somehow never got out of the starting gate during the past year. Exco will need to decide how and whether we can take this matter forward.

Last but not least, I wish to thanks all the members of the Exco for their on-going support, views and contributions and for their commitment to flyfishing in South Africa, which despite the challenges, still remains one of the best places on the planet to cast a fly.

CONCLUSION But for the COVID 19 situation, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AGM and EXCO would again have realised my long held wish for FOSAF as a national body that functions nationally and that works in a way that makes it possible for our leadership to meet our members where they are based from time to time.

Thanks for all your support! Ilan Lax FOSAF Chairperson June 2020

We had hoped to meet in the Western Cape being kindly hosted by the CPS. Our

The Hermanus lagoon shortly after breaching. Photo: Capt. Louis Day

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You need to have a lot of special qualities to be a guide. A good guide is a friend, an instructor, someone to high-five and a shoulder to cry on. They have the patience of saints. In a few short hours they are expected to teach you from scratch - or at least help you to undo years of bad habits. They have to find you fish and put you onto them with the right approach, pattern, technique and mindset. The best guides are those that have a fly box that never seems to empty, despite your best efforts. They make a killer sandwich, see to it that the beers are cold no matter how hot the day, tie knots that never pull, untangle your most atrociously bunched tippets and can pull flies from the highest trees. They're happier when you succeed than you are. They can spot a fish from a hundred metres in choppy water, overhaul an outboard motor with only a pocket knife, know all the best spots in high water and can see effortlessly both in the dark and through your tall stories. They will hardly ever curse you out loud but will rather ooh and ah over your shoulder as they curse bad luck for the sitter that you just duffed. A good guide is a philosopher and a life coach. Most hold their own at bar at the end of the day. They probably work harder and for less money than anyone you know. Their reward for all of this? To carry the burden of responsibility for your bad days while you take the glory for the good ones. SA Flyfishing Magazine is proud to feature some of the finest guides at work in Southern Africa today in this, our first, Guides Edition. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a hard time for many people across our country and has been especially hard on the guiding community. We trust that anglers from across the country, and indeed the world, will support our guides as we are able to venture back out onto the water. Guides perform a valuable service and will enrich your experience of the sport. Some information has been included about the species that each guide targets, from where they operate, a brief list of additional services that they offer and something about themselves. We assure you that your guide will go out of their way to make your experience as remarkable as they can, so if there's something that we haven't listed just call them up and discuss it. We thank all of the guides for their participation in this project. We also thank Tim Rolston for his excellent introduction to the edition.

The Editors Cover Image: They don't come harder than a permit - Trevor Sithole / Izumpukane Fishing Guide

Should I use a guide and what should I expect from one? Words & Images by

Tim Rolston I have been guiding fly anglers on and off for well over twenty years, and to be honest there are probably as many different reasons for making use of a guide as there are anglers who choose to do so.

their country invariably make use of guides when preparing for a competition. So as an introduction I thought I might consider a few of the reasons that making use of a guide can be a great investment and then perhaps a few words about what to expect from your guide as well as what he expects from you.

One mistake I would caution against however is to assume that you never have need of one, even National Fly Fishing Teams made up of the best anglers from

The author and a successful client www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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A fine Sterkfontein smallmouth yellowfish - Tugela Fishing Company

Simple logistics:

gear can be an expensive error, a lot more expensive than using a guide to test things out.

Perhaps the most basic of all good reasons to employ the services of a guide would be simply to cut out the hassle factor. Instead of booking permits, finding venues, hiring cars or boats and all of that most guiding services are going to offer you one stop shopping. Meaning that all you need do is get up in the morning and have everything arranged for you. If you are on a limited visit to an area, where you don’t have the time to deal with all of those factors a guide represents an excellent way to get in some fishing. Knowledge and experience: Even if you are aiming to do a type of fishing you are familiar with, a new venue often brings with it different quirks , flies and techniques and your guide should have an intimate knowledge of all of those things related directly to the venue and the target species. If you are targeting a new species or a different fishing style a guide is really a must. Decent guides will also know the local conditions and be able to choose venues or fishing spots based on current weather, rainfall, tides, seasons and other data that should provide you with the best chance of a good day or days of fishing. Bear in mind that only person more keen than you for you to have a good day is your guide and if they are worth their salt they will move heaven and earth to insure that you have the best experience possible.

Start them young Flies: Oh yes, it could be well worth using a guide simply to insure that you had suitable patterns to chuck at whatever species you are targeting. Although fishing is fishing is fishing in one sense, as with tackle requirements fly requirements are often subject to local quirks so rather than trying to reinvent the wheel making use of a guide certainly makes sense on this front alone if you are visiting a new venue.

Appropriate tackle: Tackle requirements vary considerably depending on the type of fishing, the species, size of fish and much more. Perhaps you don’t have suitable gear or maybe you would like to try out a new venue or species before committing to getting your own gear. After a day out you will have a far better idea of what gear works and what doesn’t before you commit to getting your own. Buying the wrong www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

Knowledge and technique: I have heard anglers comment that they never take a guide because they already know how to fish, and much of the time they do, but guides aren’t just for novice anglers. Not only should your guide have a great deal of knowledge and probably years of experience on the waters you 50

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intend to fish but they are normally adept at transferring that knowledge to you the client. Plus there are a lot of different techniques based on different locations and species. The requirements of down stream dry fly are measurably different to stripping a crab pattern in front of a Trigger Fish. On a broader level it isn’t simply about having a good day out, a good guide will almost certainly pass on some tidbit of information which is likely to make your fishing more effective and more pleasant for years to come.

your guide but equally asking as many questions as you can prior to booking can give you great insight into what to expect.. (In reality poor guides tend not to be in business for very long). It also helps your guide to best prepare for your day if he has had some conversation about your requirements. If you are a novice, be sure to tell them that, if you have never targeted this particular species previously or have never fished dry fly before let them know in advance. The more your guide understands what you are aiming to achieve the better they will be able to provide you with a quality service.

Personally I believe a good guided day needs to be fun, you need to catch some fish and you really want to learn something; those are the golden pillars of a good guided day for me. A good day with a good guide can take years off your learning curve and accelerate your abilities far faster than simply banging away on your own.

During the day a good guide is going to do everything in their power to insure you have a great time but a lot of that is going to depend on what you tell them. Some crucial do’s and don’ts:

Safety:

Do not overstate your abilities or experience, for one thing your guide, having had years of watching people fish, will know immediately you pick up a rod whether you just lied through your teeth.

Fishing a new venue on your own is a potentially risky business, on top of the standard hazards of getting lost or losing your footing in the river there could be any number of other pitfalls, some even locally specific. This is Africa, which means that you may need to consider crocodiles, hippos, snakes or sharks. There are trout streams in Africa frequented by elephants, so having a guide to watch your back and keep you safe highly recommended. (in some places actually mandatory)

Do be brutally honest about your skill level, which may even mean that your guide chooses a different venue better suited to your abilities, perhaps takes you to the other side of the island out of the wind, or maybe provides different tackle. Your guide is there to help you but they can only deal with what they know.

So if those are some good reasons for considering booking a guide what else should you expect?

Do tell your guide if you have any health issues, anything from “I can’t wade too deep as I have a dicky knee” to “ I am allergic to peanuts” could prove to be lifesaving information. Do treat your guide with respect, I assure you that he/ she is busting a gut to insure that you have a good time and catch some fish. On those days when the fishing is tough it is rarely the guide’s fault, so don’t start blaming them for your poor presentation or bad casting. Most guides do this because they love fishing and love to pass on their knowledge

What to expect from your guide: As said, there are different reasons for employing the services of a guide and with those come different expectations. Just as with any service provider there are some good guides and hopefully only a few who are not. Getting recommendations from other anglers is a great way to check on www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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to other anglers, they are mostly working near minimum wage.

Do expect that your guide may offer some tips in terms of techniques or even casting but they are NOT there to be CASTING INSTRUCTORS… If you need casting instruction try to arrange that with the guide or certified instructor BEFORE you book your trip.. The biggest complaint from almost all guides is that their job is made much harder because their clients couldn’t cast well enough to suit the conditions. Good guides can find fish, put you on fish, give you the correct gear to catch those fish and the right flies to tempt them, but you have to make the cast..

Do listen, if your guide suggests something, it is because they think that it will help your success rate, don’t assume that because you “do it differently at home” that there is no need to follow the instructions. Guides want you to be successful, simple as that. Don’t be afraid to ask questions on the water, your guide is as much an instructor as he is a host, you can learn a great deal and get a lot more from your day if you make use of the opportunity to pick your guide’s brains.

Finally: If you enjoyed a super trip with your guide, caught some fish, learned some useful stuff and had a great time, tell your mates. Fishing guides get a very large percentage of their work through personal recommendation.. So get on social media with your pictures of fish and let the world know what a great decision you made in selecting a guide to take you out.

Don’t be embarrassed if you tangle the line or miss a fish, guides have seen it all before, they are not judging you (particularly if you didn’t fib about your abilities in the first place).

www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Angler Fish Fly Fishing Services Where, What & When Brown & rainbow trout - KZN Midlands and Southern Drakensberg rivers and dams. First successfully stocked in 1895, SA’s premier brown trout streams are The Bushmans and The Mooi Rivers. Their headwaters originate in conservation areas, resulting in crystal clear runoff. Walk/Wade guided fly fishing for wild spawn brown trout; ‘Catch & Release’ only. Trophy stillwaters in the Midlands. Stocked primarily with rainbow trout, a number of waters hold the promise of a double-figure fish. Bank angling or floattube (belly boat). Natal Yellowfish (Scaly) - KZN Midlands & Umkomaas Valley. Known locally as ‘freshwater bonefish’, these hard-fighting indigenous fish are a must for the visiting angler.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Facebook: Instagram:

Jan Korrûbel +27 (0)83 993 3870 anglerfish.ffs@gmail.com www.facebook.com/AnglerfishFFS @jankorrubel_anglerfish

Additional Services Tackle supplied. Accommodation can be arranged. Fly casting instruction. Midlands Meander on hand for outings for wives and girlfriends. Airport shuttles. Personalised custom fly tying service – any fly that you would like tied, fresh or saltwater – no job or request is too small.

Other Information Anglerfish Fly Fishing Services, established in 2009, is owner operated by Jan Korrûbel, resident angler and flytier. We provide guided fly fishing excursions in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, the heart of South Africa’s fly fishing industry. Focusing primarily on the local rivers, our access to private stretches affords the luxury of no competition with other anglers. We teach fly fishing and fly tying throughout the year, as well as offering a custom fly tying service for those elusive, specialist patterns. AnglerfishFFS is within easy reach from the international centers of Durban (2 hours) and Johannesburg (4 hours). www.saflyfishingmag.co.za www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Anthea Piater putting the brakes on a Vaal yellowfish

Anthea Piater Where, What & When Smallmouth yellowfish in Gauteng, Free State, and North West on the Mid Vaal - above and below Parys.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Facebook: Instagram:

Ant Piater +27 (0)82 403 2741 anthea@thenaturalagent.com Anthea Piater @anthea.piater

Additional Services I supply leader material and flies for the day, assist with leader setup and knot demonstrations. Beginners are welcome and I can supply tackle and give technical demonstrations. Photography is included in my packages, as is lunch and refreshments. Accommodation can be arranged and tailored to suite clients needs. I tie and sell flies for both Smallmouth and Largemouth Yellowfish, and can tie custom orders for any species.

Other Information I have been pursuing yellowish on fly on the Vaal River for almost a decade. I hope to inspire and teach other anglers by sharing my knowledge and experience and impart with what I’ve learned from other guides and flyfishing friends. The first time I caught a yellowfish on fly it blew my mind, and I became fully addicted to catching these fast and powerful freshwater fish. It’s an experience that should be on top of every avid fly fisher-persons bucket list! What better way is there to do it other than standing knee deep in a scraggly river, surrounded by rolling hills, watching the birds and wildlife and being fully immersed in nature? The whole experience that goes with targeting yellowfish is part of the reason for moving to Parys, affording me the opportunity to have a more outdoor lifestyle and fish more often. I’m also an environmental watchdog for SAVE the Vaal Environment and assist them in their pursuit to protect the Vaal River from pollutants. We need to stand up for nature and take action to protect our natural resources. Besides fly fishing, I also tie flies and love engineering new patterns and experimenting with different materials, be it tiny little nymphs or meaty streamers. Learning to tie my own flies has been an invaluable lesson and I enjoy sharing ideas and learning from other tiers. I’m also available to give demonstrations and assist other tiers wherever I can. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Ash River Flyfishing Where, What & When I guide the Ash river between Bethlehem and Clarens. As far as I know I am the only guide currently on the Ash. It’s a challenging river with a fast flow. Water temperatures average around thirteen degrees all year round. The Ash river offers various aspects of flyfishing and I will assist in every situation. It holds both rainbow and brown trout and all are wild bred - there are no stocked trout here!

Contact Contact Person: Jurgens Dietrichsen Contact Number: +27 (0)72 623 0838 E-Mail: jurgensd@vodamail.co.za

Additional Services I teach beginners and can supply rods and flies but flyfishers of all levels are welcome. I've been flyfishing for the last forty years and have had various international clients with me on the river. Accommodation can be arranged if needed in the small village of Clarens which is only fifteen minutes away from the Ash. Camping next to the river is also available.

Other Information Clarens is the ideal little village for the wife or girlfriend to keep themselves busy with an array of small shops, arts and crafts and restaurants. It is situated at the foothill of its attractive feature, the Maloti Mountain and has beautiful natural surroundings and offers a chance to be out in the fresh air. You can participate in the towns favourite sports of horseback riding and golf. Also on offer are archery, hot air balloon rides, 4×4 trails, hiking, abseiling, mountain biking, quad riding, and many more. It has great grade 3 and 4 water rapids for white water river rafting in the Ash River. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Cape Stream Adventures Where, What & When Authentic guided excursion for rainbow trout, based on 20 years’ experience. Just 20 minutes from Paarl or Worcester in the Du Toit’s Kloof valley region. The season runs from 01 September to 31 May.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Facebook:

Campbell Lyons +27 (0)82 416 1833 Capestreamadventures@gmail.com Cape Stream Adventures

Additional Services Hotel / guest house pick up and drop off for the day’s guided excursion. Includes light refreshments. All equipment provided including rods, reels, flies, and wading boots. All permits pre-arranged with the Cape Piscatorial Society. Maximum two people per excursion. Strictly catch and release.

Other Information Enjoy a casual and authentic fly-fishing experience in one of the world’s most spectacular settings. Whether new to flyfishing or an experienced hand, allow time to slow down for just a few hours. Learn about flies suited to these streams, casting, reading the waters, catching techniques, and local wild trout as part of this timeless art form. All this in scenery of high mountain peaks, clear flowing streams and the unique sounds and smells of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

What clients have said: "Thank you for sharing yourself and country with me. Truly a life experience that I will remember forever!" "I had such a good time and am thankful for all the extra you do." "Thank you again for your time, guidance and patience during our two fishing trips with you. It was a most enjoyable experience and one that we will never forget." www.saflyfishingmag.co.za www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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A beast of a wild KZN brown trout - Trevor Sithole / Izumpukane Fishing Guide

Darkwater flies

Where, What & When Rainbow trout in the rivers between Paarl and Worcester, Western Cape. Rivers open from the 1 September to 31 May. Within an hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive from Cape Town, there are some of the most amazing crystal clear rivers which South Africa has to offer just waiting for a dry fly to be presented to rising wild rainbow trout. The Molenaars , Smalblaar, Elandspad and Holsloot rivers are situated in the Limietberg Nature Reserve. They are maintained by Cape Nature and management of the water is done by the Cape Piscatorial Society. The clarity of the water allows for some of the best dry fly fishing I have experienced in SA.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Email - Bulk Flies: Facebook:

Ryan Wojt +27 (0)83 241 0041 darkwaterflies@gmail.com Crazy4flys@gmail.com Ryan Wojt

Additional Services Bookings can be made for a dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guiding from beginner to advanced or for those who need to improve on some river techniques. Casting lessons are also available on request as well as custom fly orders and fly tying lessons. Looking for custom made flies for your next fly fishing trip, or just looking to stock up your fly box with flies made with top quality materials and hooks? With flies that can be designed to your specifications, look no further then Dark Water Flies. We have over 20 years experience in making custom flies, for international to local to competitive fly fishing clients. Wholesale orders available.

www.saflyfishingmag.co.za www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Where, What & When Natal Midlands - hosted and guided fly fishing on still waters and rivers. Our still waters are some of the most sought after and are only used by our clients. Our fisheries are as wild as they get and we stock the best fry available from Peak Trout Hatcheries. Still waters are pristine and offer some of the best bank and wading or float tubing waters. Corporate groups and our annual Lads and Dads days have become popular as fishers learn the art of fly fishing and ethics. The Mooi and Bushmans rivers in the higher altitudes offer some of SA’s best brown trout river fishing. Tugela River - hosted trips to Zingela Lodge targeting the Natal yellowfish (scalie) on some of the best accessible sections of river. This river has it all from long pools to fast flowing rapids and is home to some of Natal's biggest scalies in a section of river below Spienkop Dam. Zingela offers great rustic accommodation on the rivers edge for corporate team building, hosted trips or just a few days personal guiding. Umkomaas River - hosted or guided options on the Umkomaas River at Nyala Pans and Nkonka Lodge, targeting scalies. This is some of the best sight fishing with large caddis hatches at the right time of year. Lower Zambezi - in conjunction with Bains River Lodge on the lower Zambezi in the GMA area a short boat ride from the Zambezi National Park we offer hosted trips to one of Africa’s best kept secrets. This is some of the best fly fishing for tigers and game viewing while casting a fly. Accommodation is luxury and it’s a great colonial experience. This section of the mighty Zambezi gives you the opportunity to land some trophy tiger fish. Slovenia - in conjunction with Hunter Fly Fishing we host trips to fish some of the best rivers in and around Slovenia in search of Dunabian taimen and a wide range of salmonoid species. Slovenia has world class Alpine fishing in the Soca Valley with loads of options a short drive away.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Instagram:

Jeremy Rochester +27 (0)83 607 6109 / +27 (0)79 690 0126 jeremy@escapeflyfishing.com @jeremyescape

Other Information Escape Fly fishing was established in 2012 to offer local and international guided and hosted trips to some of the best fly fishing destinations I have traveled and experienced first hand. We manage our own still waters locally to offer you the chance to catch wild trophy trout. All our destinations have been chosen to offer you the best fly fishing experience. I have personally been involved in the fly fishing industry for the past 26 years, from retail to wholesale. I have been hosting and anchoring the Wildfly television series for the past 10 years and have had the privilege to travel around the globe fly fishing and have been guided myself by some of the best guides in the industry. Escape Fly Fishing trips are all hosted personally by Jeremy Rochester to offer you a first class experience on and off the water. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Where, What & When Guiding in the Dullstroom district for rainbow and brown trout, black bass and carp.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Website: Facebook: Instagram: Youtube:

Gerhard Delport +27 (0)83 622 4961 Gerhard@fffsafaris.co.za www.fffsafaris.co.za FFF Safaris / Gerhard Delport fff_safaris FFF Safaris

Additional Services Specialise in presenting McNab challenges around the Dullstroom area. Fly casting tutoring. Assisting with the arrangement of accommodation. Birding trips (Summer). Tours of the Battlefields of the Mpumalanga Escarpment (ABO History of the area). Hunting (Plains game and wing shooting).

Other Information I grew up in Dullstroom fishing for trout with my dad, learned how to cast a fly line in 1984 and have been hooked ever since. I have worked abroad quite a bit and have been able to fish concentrating mostly on artificial lures like popping, jigging, shore spinning and salt water flyfishing in the following locations. Angola - Lunda Gabon - Settecama Saudi Arabia - Arabian Gulf Vanuatu - South Pacific

Tanzania - Mafia Island UAE - Dubai and East coast in the Arabia Sea Malaysia - Rompin - South China Sea

I have been privileged to have caught some unique fish with the one standing out the most is the sunfish on vertical jig in Vanuatu and the amberjack on Mafia Island with the first slow pitch jigging in around the island and 'the doggie that wanted to steal the AJ' made sure it was a good fight on PE2 gear. I really enjoy teaching new comers to the sport and have them catch their first trout or give tips and pointers to anglers fishing with me (Guiding) and have them pick up fish shortly after. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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FlydotFish Where, What & When Karoolskraal Fly Fishing Camp offers a perfect combination of diverse and challenging fishing conditions, very good fish stocks and privacy. Our fly fishing safari camp allows exclusive access to walk the banks and rock shelves in front of the camp, where we often have grunter tailing and garrick chasing mullet. Deep water for kob is accessible off rocky points. All in all, the 3 different species offer 3 unique fly fishing challenges and therefore, collectively, make this venue a fascinating fishing experience. Allowing fly fishermen to attempt the Grand Slam â&#x20AC;&#x201C; catching and releasing Grunter, Garrick and Kob on fly in 24 hours!

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Website: Email: Facebook:

Henkie Altena +27 (0)82 782 4452 www.flydotfish.com henkie@flydotfish.com flydotfish

Additional Services We offer day trips were Henkie will cover basic techniques, such as line control and casting in the wind, spotting fish and reading a saltwater system, and the preferred means of presenting and retrieving the fly for the different target species. Flies: If there is an interest. Henkie will present a fly tying demonstration and explain why he find those flies so effective. Guests are welcome to bring their own fly tying kits.

Other Information Karoolskraal Fly Fishing Camp is a 3h30 drive from Cape Town, a 2h30 drive from George and 6km from Witsand. Flydotfish is the vision and dream of master fly angler and fly tyer, Henkie Altena.

www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Spotted grunter - FLYDOTFISH

The best of the KZN Midlands - Anglerfish FFS

Hunter Fisher Safaris

Where, What & When Largemouth and smallmouth yellowfish in the Richtersveld and Namaqualand regions of Northern Cape and Namibia. Rainbow trout in the Rhodes and Queenstown areas of the Eastern Cape and in Lesotho. Tiger fish in Zambia.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Website: Instagram:

Jacques Marais +27 (0)82 256 0966 jacques.hunterfisfer@gmail www.hunterfisher.co.za @hunterfishersa

Additional Services Our six night Richtersveld Safari is our flagship product. We run a fully catered operation that includes tents, camp beds, three great meals a day and camp staff to pitch camp as we move downstream on a five day drift. Clients are guided one-on-two with each couple sharing a boat with a guide. We also offer “Glamping” trips for those who want to do couples trips. Guiding and hosted trips in my home town Douglas.

Other Information Jacques was in the first South African team that participated in the World Fly Fishing Championships, in Sweden. He also made the team in 2017 to Slovakia and joined the one or two South Africans to win a session on this podium and has won two gold medals on the South African circuit. Jacques is arguably one of the leading guides and influencers when it comes to yellowfish in South Africa’s two biggest rivers, the Vaal and the Orange. As head guide of Hunter Fisher, and guiding in Douglas, Jacques brings all this knowledge to his clients through a teacher’s spirit that is so much part of his character. He is a master fly tier, so pack your vice and some material!

www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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"Watch what I'm doing" - Tidal Loops

Inkwazi Fly Fishing Safaris

Where, What & When Wild rainbow trout in the clear streams of the Western Cape (approx. 1 hour from Cape Town). The stream season on our waters runs from 01 September to 31 May.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Website: Blog:

Tim Rolston +27 (0)83 6260467 www.inkwaziflyfishing.co.za http://paracaddis.wordpress.com

Additional Services I supply all tackle, flies, consumables, transportation, permits and tackle required for a day on the water. Guiding can be arranged on both a purely guided or on a tutorial guided basis with different emphasis for the day. As an IFF certified Master Casting Instructor I also offer fly casting tuition from beginner to expert levels including: • Beginners fly casting (basics of fly casting techniques) • Advanced fly casting (distance, accuracy and efficiency) • Fishing trip preparedness (particularly aimed at preparing your casting for a trip, perhaps into the salt or other location, where improved technique will best assist you in making the most of your trip)

Other Information I have been fly fishing for close to 50 years, and have fished and guided on the waters of the Western Cape for over 25 of those. I have published books on fly casting, fly fishing and fly tying and competed in three Fly Fishing World Championships, Two Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships and coached both the SA Men’s and Women’s teams. My personal preference is dry fly fishing for trout and yellowfish. Fortunately the streams of the Western Cape offer some of the best clear stream dry fly fishing in South Africa and I can offer some exceptional opportunities to visiting anglers. One can usually expect sight fishing to wild fish on purely Catch-and-Release waters. “Our Goal is to Exceed Your Expectations” www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Bro, do you even lift? A Orange river barbel

Izumpukane Fishing Guide Where, What & When Brown & Rainbow trout, KZN Midlands - rivers and dams. Natal Scalie, KZN Midlands & Estcourt area.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Facebook: Instagram:

Mvelo Trevor Sithole +27 (0)79 857 2742 / +27 (0)72 749 7012 t.nkazzymondy@gmail.com Izimpukane fishing guide @flysaint1

Additional Services Accommodation can be arranged. Fly casting instruction. Fly tying sessions (hooks and materials provided). Arrange outings for wives, girlfriends and kids (they should be joining us on the water!). Supply of tackle. Airport shuttles can be arranged.

Other Information I grew up in the area of Thendela (Kamberg). My fishing addiction started when I first sighted flyfishermen waving these long sticks a couple of times, pointing them down in the water and a few minutes later jumping like kids up and down the riverbanks with their long stick bent. From a distance I was curious what they were doing until I was introduced into the sport and right away fell in love. I studied electrical at UNI-KZN but I was lying to myself - Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m no an engineer but more of a fisherman. After studying I started working at a nearby fishing shop as a salesman and a local waters guide. A few months of doing that was enough to open the gates to a big, wild world out there. I was granted a great opportunity to go guide in South America (Bolivia) for mainly golden dorado and other species like tabarana, yaturana, surubi catfish and muture catfish. The Amazon of Bolivia was so good to me, providing many great memories and amazing fish. This was all fresh water and river fishing. The salt called for duty and I got an amazing opportunity to guide in the saltwater environment in the Seychelles for species that include GTs, permit, triggerfish, milkfish, bonefish and many other deep sea species. This was a whole new game for me but I love every moment of it. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m currently bouncing back and forth between Bolivia and the Seychelles and in between I guide my local waters in KwaZuluNatal for trout (brown trout and rainbow trout) and Natal scalies where I was born and bred.

www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Linecasters Where, What & When Fred Steynberg has been a professional fly fishing guide for more than 20 years and is considered one of the most experienced guides in SA. Most of his time has been spent on the clear mountain rivers of Rhodes which boasts over 300 kmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most pristine wild trout waters. The popular smallmouth yellowfish share these untainted waters with the trout. Specializing in river fly fishing, Fred has developed an astounding knowledge of the trout and yellowfish and their habitat in this area. Rhodes - Trout & yellowfish in 9 different, pristine streams and rivers to fish and explore with access possible to more than 200km of river frontage and a number of still waters that are either stocked or have wild, breeding trout. September to May. We also provide guiding in Lesotho for trout and yellows and van der Kloof dam (Oct - Apr) for small and magnificent largemouth yellows. In addition to this we guide in Tazania for the monster 'blue' tigerfish, on the Zambezi for tigerfish and on the Lower Orange River for yellowfish. Our saltwater trips take clients as far away as Angola and Mexico for gamefish.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Website:

Fred or Jill Steynberg +27 (0)82 640 2930 (Fred) or +27 (0)72 499 4569 fred@linecasters.co.za www.linecasters.co.za

Other Information Fred also has trout fishing experience in Sweden, Argentina, Patagonia and New Zealand where he has spent many months stalking large brown trout. Having developed a passion for fishing to any salt water quarry that would take an imitated fly pattern, Fred has also facilitated, guided and hosted trips to various world class salt water destinations such as Mozambique, Cuba, Angola, Mexico, Tanzania and the Seychelles over the last 15 years and has a vast knowledge of species that teem the waters of these tropical paradises. Fred is a flyfishing guide and instructor (R.E.F.F.I.S.S.A. accredited) and the Linecasters Academy teaches practical and theoretical aspects of the sport to beginners and advanced anglers alike.

www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Mark Yelland's Flyfishing & Guiding Academy Where, What & When Mark has a passion for our indigenous yellowfish and specialises in guiding for the various species. He has guided on the Vaal River and Sterkfontein Dam for more than thirty years and knows both venues like the back of his hand. He has fished and guided throughout Africa and the world and his skills span from trout to saltwater species. Mark’s guidance and instruction will add huge value and enhance your enjoyment of the wonderful world of flyfishing. Contact Mark or one-on-one, group or corporate events.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Facebook:

Mark Yelland +27 (0)83 616 0505 mark.g.yelland@gmail.com Mark Yelland

Other Information Mark has been flyfishing for close on forty years and has fished in more than 28 countries on 5 continents, pursuing both fresh and saltwater species with the long rod. His name is synonymous with the flyfishing community and industry having spent 28 years in flyfishing retail. Mark has represented South Africa at the highest level and is the only senior Protea flyfisher to win a medal at a World Championship in South Africa’s 20 years of participation in the 41 year old event. In 2001 during South Africa’s inaugural participation Mark won silver, finishing ahead of 3 times individual and multiple team gold medal winner Pascal Cognard. Mark is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s leading fly casting instructors and is well known for his ability to identify and rectify casting faults. He has taught many his easy to follow techniques for both fresh and saltwater applications, specialising in single and double haul techniques. Both past and current Protea flyfishers are among his students. Mark’s guidance and instruction will add huge value and enhance your enjoyment of the wonderful world of flyfishing. Contact Mark or one-on-one, group or corporate events. "I met Mark as a young man back in the mid-80s when I was so impressed with his keenness and his friendliness that I gave him a job as a member of the Fly Fisherman staff in Maritzburg, KZN. It was a wise move and for many years he did remarkably well at client relations and in building his knowledge in fly fishing products and his expertise fly fishing itself. From this long working relationship I also learned that Mark is a man of singular integrity and honour. I have obviously had many opportunities to fish with Mark. He is a competent angler to say the least and an amazing caster, probably the best I have watched. In this arena he is this country's leading casting instructor by virtue not only of his skills, but his ability to transfer his knowledge to anglers in ways that remove the fear and challenges of learning and yet still remain highly effective. In so far as river and stream fishing is concerned Mark is a world class fly fisher having achieved notable success at the World Championships in the 90s, where on his first entry into the international stage of competitive angling he achieved a silver medal, a feat now almost unheard of. His skills in river and stillwater fishing obviously borrow heavily on his superb casting abilities, but his ability to read water and see fish is what makes him such a competent professional guide. He is a master and I don't use this term lightly. In summary, Mark Yelland is a thoroughly good person, an incomparable all-round angler of deep experience in salt and fresh water, and one of the most companionable people I have ever had the pleasure to fish with." Tom Sutcliffe ,Cape Town, 07 August 2020

www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Nature's classroom

Matthew Dickens

Where, What & When Natal yellowfish in the Northern Drakensberg, Tugela river, Umgeni river, Umkomaas river of KZN. Smallmouth bass around Mooi river in KZN. Light tackle rock and surf fly fishing (learning to find fish in the surf zone) for kingfish, wave garrick, shad and multiple different reef species on the KZN coastline.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Instagram:

Matthew Dickens +27 (0)65 0315009 mattdickens50@gmail.com @Matti_dickens

Additional Services Accommodation can be arranged at all natal yellowfish venues. These also offer other activities such as hiking, mountain biking, trail running, bird watching and seasonal hunting (arrangements will need to be made directly with the owners of the properties). Fly casting instruction. Weekend or multi-day, fishing and trail running packages can be arranged and are open to runners of all levels. Level 2 first aid and sports strapping for unexpected injuries and emergencies.

Other Information I am currently studying my Masters degree in Chiropractic, qualifying at the end of 2020. I will take a year or two off after that and will do as much guiding as possible. My passions are chiropractic, flyfishing and running. Guiding fulfils my desire to be on the water while paying the bills, but this does not help the urge to contribute to society. This is where my passion for running and Chiropractic emerged, culminating in my master dissertation on running biomechanics. From helping runners with repetitive injuries I have compiled a running program that people can adopt to minimise their risk of developing injuries. While guiding trips I am able to treat cases of tendonitis and joint sprains, enabling the clients to continue fishing. I carry sports strapping with me on trips as you never know when someone will injure themselves while navigating the rocky terrain of our local rivers. I’ve spent endless hours fly fishing the surf zone in areas within an hour from Durban and have managed to catch around 20 different species on my 6wt, including 5 species of kingfish up to 50cm. I can help you learn how to read the water in the surfzone and how to catch an assortment of species on the KZN coast. At the moment I also guide for African Waters on the Orange river for largemouth yellowfish. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Where, What & When I guide for many different species but mainly concentrate on, carp, grass carp, catfish, largemouth yellowfish, smallmouth yellowfish and trout. Although most species can be targeted throughout the year colder months are best for trout and largemouth yellows. In the warmer months I target smallmouth yellows, grass carp, catfish and carp.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Facebook:

Terry Babich +27 (0)83 867 6423 ofishallybabich@gmail.com Ofishally Babich

Additional Services Tackle assessments and recommendations for specific applications. Sourcing, supply and customising for specific requirements. Tying and supply of tried-and-tested and customised flies to your needs. Fly tying tuition. I guide for species on water that is producing well at the required time. Guiding can be done 1:1 or for small groups and customised on request. Corporate presentations and guiding can be arranged. Trips can be day or for extended periods. I hosted trips to great destinations each year for fishing without having pay guided rates. Customised trip to focus on - technical info, tutorials or hands-on casting. Any fly fishing requirement can be met, even just pre trip or species advice.

Other Information I have represented South Africa at all levels including World Fly Fishing Championships. I have coached ladies and junior teams in competitive angling and had several team members selected to represent their country. I’ve marshal led at many nationals and am also a junior selector. Registered several IGFA world records and currently still the holder of three world records. Have coached and fished in several other fishing disciples at provincial level, been involved with clinics and teaching of youngsters and the disabled for several years. Have been published in books, on the internet and magazines alike. Have hosted several tv shows on fly fishing that air in several countries around the world. I'm crazy about conservation and fishing and really enjoy enabling others and seeing them enjoy the sport that has offered me so much. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Walk softly and carry a big net

Rapid Hunter Guided Flyfishing Safaris Where, What & When Premium quality guiding on the Vaal River hunting the rapids for smallmouth and the elusive largemouth yellowfish. An hour from Johannesburg or two hours from Pretoria, this is the perfect way to improve your catch rate on the Vaal River and experience professional guiding and service on the Vaal River. The lower Orange River is a once in a life time experience for any flyfisher who enjoys exclusivity in the Kalahari Desert. This stretch of Orange River runs on the Namibian border and has kilometres of rapids available to fish for big Orange River smallmouth yellowfish. We also have long deep stretches and pools to drift with our inflatables and target largemouth yellowfish.

Contact Contact Person: Rohan Koegelenberg Contact Number: +27 (0)79 874 7380 Email: rohanfish@gmail.com

Additional Services ROHANFISH flies, by Rohan himself, are some of the best quality and most effective flies found in SA. The highest care is put into each fly tied. Not only have we developed specific unique flies for yellows in the Vaal and Orange but also deadly flies for trout. A quality day consists of sharing techniques applicable on most types of water at the time of the season, fly choice, hooking and landing the fish and tackle selection for future outings. For largemouths we share knowledge of where to find fish, preferred focal structure, approach, tackle choice, fly choice, casting and retrieving, hooking and landing the fish. We will assist with casting to get the fly into tight holds and under the tree brush. We offer 5 nights, 4 full guided days on our trip. Accommodation is comfortable in a beautiful setting, 3 scrumptious meals a day and a feeling of home in our special venue. We fish different drifts every day and return in the evening to rest well for the next day.

Other Information I started fly fishing when I was 14. Fly tying was an immediate passion. Catching carp, bass, barble, yellowfish and trout throughout my younger days, I started working as a full time guide in 2002 at Rustfontein Fly Fishing Estate. This was the start of a lifelong pursuit - a passion for guiding clients into good fish and having a great time while learning. I have been part of the renowned Oxbow fly fishing estate since 2005, am the head guide on the dams and the host of a beginnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seminar. I am the Brand Ambassador for Greys Fishing Tackle, write monthly articles in the Stywe Lyne / Tight Lines Magazine and spend most days on the river hunting the rapids and sharing my passion with my clients. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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The incredible Eastern Cape

SHAUN WAMPACH Where, What & When Brown and rainbow trout (stillwaters of the Eastern Cape). Yellowfish in the Eastern Cape rivers. Skipjack, leerie (garrick), kob, spotties, kingfish in the Eastern Cape and Transkei estuaries. The typical flats species in the Seychelles, as well as blue-water fly fishing. My home province is the Eastern Cape where I guide in the Winterberg, Stormberg, Hogsback, Transkei, East London and surrounding areas.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Facebook: Instagram:

Shaun Wampach +27 (0)67 708 3956 wampachs@gmail.com Shaun Wampach @shaunwampach

Additional Services Accommodation can be arranged. Fly casting instruction. Supply of boats. Supply of tackle. Fly tying for trips. Gear and tackle recommendations for your upcoming trip - this is extremely important as you do not want to get to a destination with the incorrect gear.

Other Information I started fishing at the tender age of five, with my father and various family members. Fishing has since grown into a love affair and it is my passion. I ventured into the art of flyfishing when I was twelve years old when I received my first set-up as a Christmas gift from my parents. Fly fishing and fishing in general has been my number one passion ever since. Being brought up in the Eastern Cape, South Africa has allowed me to test my hand at a variety of fishing styles, namely flyfishing, rock and surf, estuary, dam, deep sea, inshore as well as kayak fishing. I am a big ocean lover and conservation enthusiast. The still waters in the Eastern cape are renowned for big rainbow trout and it was a mission of mine to get a trophy - which I have done so a few times. I have fished for the elusive skipjack, and other gamefish in the Eastern Cape estuaries, since I was fourteen so I have knowledge of the species and the best time and place in which to target these fish. I did my guide training with Arno Matthee, the legend, in Gabon and I then went on to work for Alphonse Fly Fishing Company where I guided on Alphonse, St Francios, Poivre and St Josephs. I enjoy all flats species, from walking the coral fingers for triggers to walking/poling the surf for the gangsters of the flats, the GT. I have a category B skippers license, a STCW certificate and before I started guiding I studied Civil Engineering, where I worked in consulting and construction. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Is there anything prettier than a Mooi River brown? - Trevor Sithole, Izumpukane Fishing Guide

Tailing Loops Flyfishing Co Where, What & When Small and Largemouth yellowfish (Summer) at Sterkfontein Dam, KZN and Van Der Kloof, Northern Cape. Kosi Bay Lakes and mouth in KZN (Summer) for GTs, greenspots, big eyes, bluefin, yellowtips, pickhandles, springer and many other species. Tigerfish at a secret venue (summer/late winter) - call for details. Trout (winter). Eastern Cape rivers - 12km of wild trout. 5km of Mpumalanga rivers.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Instagram:

Dylan Isaacs & Corrie Rauch +27 (0)72 248 5078 Dylan, +27 (0)76 315 0785 Corrie tailingloopsff@gmail.com @tailingloopsfly

Additional Services We do a full board option that includes all meals, two guides, boats, fuel and accommodation. Casting instruction on request. Flies at an extra cost. We cater for all flyfishermen, women and youngsters from beginners to the experienced. We have a 16ft SkiVee 500 Sport Boat with two Suzuki 30hp engines for all the necessary dam work as well as a small inflatable that can carry two clients and a guide.

Other Information The Covid 19 Outbreak given us the time to plan and realise our dreams as a new guiding company. Flyfishing is in our blood and having clients experience great fishing is something that we want to share with everyone. We want to offer some of the best flyfishing in Africa without breaking the bank. Dylan Isaacs has over 30 years in flyfishing and has run fly shops and guided from Seychelles to the Zambezi and all of our local waters including Sterkfontein Dam, van der Kloof Dam, the Orange River, the Vaal and Kosi bay. He received his Protea colours in 2009. He has extensive knowledge on multiple species of fish and is always willing to share the finer details and the knowledge he has learnt over the years. Nothing makes him happier than seeing a client landing a great fish and smiling from ear to ear. Corrie Rauch has been flyfishing for over 20 years for anything that will eat a fly, - from GTs at Kosi bay to hard-eating tigerfish. He has spent many hours chasing smallmouth yellowfish at Sterkfontein dam as well as targeting giant carp and catfish. From wild trout in the highest streams to crashing waves on the North Coast Corrie will go to all lengths to make your experience an unforgettable one. Flyfishing runs deep in his veins and he is an all-round good-guy willing to help anyone land their trophy fish. All in all we are just two guys who have realised their calling and know that not everybody can afford expensive trips but still want to experience great fishing. Give us a shout, we are eager to meet you as clients and to leave as friends. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Tidal Loops Fly-Fishing Where, What & When We offer guided day trips to the pristine estuaries along the Garden Route, targeting the elusive spotted grunter, hard-fighting garrick, the occasional kabeljou (dusky kob), elf (shad) and even estuary mullet. We do occasional trips to van der Kloof Dam on the Orange to target yellowfish , mudfish and sharp-tooth catfish. We can explore other options to fish the Eastern Cape for trout and yellowfish on request but advance notice required. Subject to demand we also make 3-4 trips to NZ each year to sightfish the South Island for trophy brown and rainbow trout in backcountry rivers. We have added kahawai (Australian salmon) and quinnat salmon, and sight-fishing to kingfish on the flats near the top of the South Island where I used to live. Having lived in NZ for over 6 years and fished the South Island for close to 20 years you are assured of an experience to remember.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Website: On-line:

Deon and Jessica Stevens +27 (0)79 943 0291 (Deon) or +27 (0)79 450 4887 (Jessica) tidalloops@outlook.com https://web.facebook.com/tidalloops/ http://www.saleisureguide.co.za/index.php/tidal-loops-fly-fishing http://www.plett-tourism.co.za/activity/tidal-loops-guided-fly-fishing/

Additional Services I tie trout and yellow fish flies on request, and have a good idea of what needs to be in a trout box for NZ or SA and Tasmania, as well as a yellowfish trip. I also tie what is necessary to cater for clients when on the Garden Route. Beginners and experienced flyfishers are welcome to personalise their experience. I’ve been fishing since my early teens, and with my father as mentor, I eventually graduated to a fly rod. I now have over 40 years of experience and take pride in the dedicated attention I offer clients. I have fished most countries in Southern Africa, NZ and Tasmania, as well as Western Australia around Ningaloo Reef. Garden Route outings are typically day trips that include collection and drop-off, light snacks and refreshments, provision of all tackle suited to the day's fishing unless you choose to use your own. A large proportion of my clients are now word of mouth or returning clients, and over the last 3 or 4 years since giving up on corporate finance working overseas and locally for a flyrod and freedom, I now have fishing buddies from all walks of life (including accountants!). www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Tony Kietzman "Any time spent on the stream is added to the end of one’s life"

Where, What & When The Eastern Cape Highlands ring the southern border of Lesotho. Numerous catchments drain the escarpment flowing in a North Westerly direction. These fabled streams are fed by winter snows and summer rainfall. The village of Rhodes is located near to the southern tip of Lesotho and has a resident population of less than forty individuals. I’m is privileged to be one of them and to guides in the area. We target rainbow and brown trout in running water. During the warmer months, the indigenous yellowfish (Labeo barbus spp.) become available as they migrate upstream to spawn. All fishing is catch and release. I have extensive knowledge of the area and its flora and fauna.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Website:

Tony Kietzman +27 (0)82 894 3946 tonykietzman@webmail.co.za or tonyjwkietzman@gmail.com The Wild Trout Association - www.wildtrout.co.za

Other Information The Highlands are home to The Wild Trout Association (WTA), a group of riparian land owners who make their waters available to the public, offering the greatest concentration of flowing waters accessible to the public in South Africa. We base ourselves in Rhodes and travel out to beats in one of the many catchments. One may fish at altitudes between 1600 and 2500msl. The remoteness of the area ensures solitude and one will not share your beat with anyone outside your party. The going can be rough at times and conditions can change rapidly in the mountains so raincoats and protective gear are always carried. The WTA permits winter fishing for those who own the apparel and brave the conditions. Favoured waters are the gradient influenced freestone headwaters, clear and fast flowing. These offer an intimate close up experience with sight fishing opportunities. The quarry may often be small but - is a foot long fish not a trophy when taken from a stream that one can step across? This is where sub zero outfits belong and dry flies are the order of the day. Some beats start upstream of where the road ends; we park and hike in. We do not experience predictable hatches on the same scale as in the northern hemisphere and fish a fairly limited flyboxes. I believe that placement and presentation are of the utmost importance. A fish of greater length than the depth of the water it is taken from is considered a bragging fish. Larger specimens are generally targeted in the more pastoral and slower flowing middle and lower reaches of the streams. The environment, its flora, fauna and one’s sight fished quarry all come together in a very Zen way. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Torn Fin Fly Fishing service Where, What & When Everything that is freshwater flyfishing is what Torn Fin Flyfishing offers. Guided fishing on the Orange River near Hopetown based at Gkhui Gkhui Lodge and Van der Kloof Dam, with other venues available upon request. Target species are largemouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis), smallmouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus aeneus), mudfish (Labeo capensis), sharp tooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Depending on demand and rainfall over the month of December hosted trips to the KZN Drakensberg to target rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) on some of the best trout rivers in the country.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Blog: Instagram: Facebook:

Rob Pretorius +27 (0)84 234 6212 t www.tornfin.wordpress.com @tailingloopsfly @tornfin @troutapprentice Torn Fin Fly Fishing Services

Additional Services Bespoke flies for freshwater fish both custom orders and flies tried-and-tested on the most discerning fish.

Other Information Guided flyfishing trips geared to all experience levels and can be tailor made to fit your requirements. Whether you are looking for a hardcore fishing experience or just a trip to a beautiful place with a bit of fly fishing on the side, I can make it happen. After farming trout in KZN for the last five years and guiding on a part-time basis I took the plunge to fly fish guide full time. Understanding fish behaviour, biology and the food forms they feed on helps tremendously in targeting them. For this reason having a competent guide who understands the environment and the fish you are targeting is a massive advantage. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Fun times & largies! - Andre Hoffman, Wag 'n Bietjie Ekoplaas

Tugela Fishing Company Where, What & When Natal scalie in the Central and Northern Drakensberg. Smallmouth yellowfish in Sterkfontein Dam, Free State. Offshore pelagic gamefish, KZN North and South Coasts.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Facebook: Instagram:

Carl Freese +27 (0)83 2260810 tugelafishingco@gmail.com Tugela Fishing CompanyÂ @tugelafishingcompanyÂ

Additional Services Accommodation can be arranged on request. We can arrange hunting in season. Transport is limited to no more than three clients.

Other Information I was previously an agriculturalist. I enjoy any outdoor sport, but water and the bush vexes me. I'm a polite person and have time for everyone except #%$ts. I've been fortunate to meet and be mentored by respectable fishermen in the flyfishing community for which I am forever grateful.

www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Upstream Flyfishing Where, What & When Rainbow trout in the Du Toits Kloof and Limietberg Nature Reserve of the Western Cape. Cape yellowtail in False Bay in the Western Cape. Grunter, leervis (garrick) & kob in the Breede River of the Western Cape.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Website: Facebook: Instagram:

Andrew Apsey, Justin Kemp & Stuart Purnell +27 (0)21 762 8007 fish@upstreamflyfishing.co.za www.upstreamflyfishing.co.za Upstream Flyfishing @upstream_flyfishing

Additional Services Destination advice / outfitting for both local and international locations, accommodation recommendations for each guided location, supply of tackle / boats, fly casting instruction, fly tying instruction, custom tied flies and a never ending supply of flyfishing banter in our shop.

Other Information Upstream Flyfishing is one of the oldest and well known full service flyfishing shops in the Western Cape. We offer a diverse range of guided flyfishing for both local freshwater and saltwater species. We offer a great selection of flyfishing gear, tackle and clothing from both local and international brands. Our experience, passion and guidance is founded upon many years of chasing anything and everything that will eat a fly! But what we love the most is that we are still learning everyday, from the people we met to the waters we fish.

www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Andre Hoffmann Wag-'n-Bietjie Ekoplaas Where, What & When Small and largemouth yellowfish in the Freestate province on the middle Vaal below Orkney. We offer guided day trips as well as three and four day river safaris.

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Website: Facebook: Instagram:

Andre Hoffmann +27 (0)82 826 7076 ahoff@vodamail.co.za www.wagnbietjie.net facebook.com/wagnbietjieflyfishing @wagnbiki

Additional Services Accommodation available. Airport shuttles. Flies for sale.

Supply of boats.

Supply of tackle.

Seasonal Bow hunting.

I can tailor-make your trip to your liking and also do guided trips to rest of South Africa for the other yellowfish species. We do catering and for corporate events we add a black tie dinner on the last night

Other Information I am a yellow fish fanatic! Or as my wife puts it, a yellowfish Ninja... I have more than 20 years experience of fly fishing for yellowfish. I have been the local guide and host on my stretch of water for the last 15 years, for both large and smallmouth yellows. I have been the owner/manager and have been fly fishing for yellows at Wag-'n-Bietjie Ekoplaas since 2001. I have been part of two yellowfish studies that were done on my stretch of water. We have access to 24km of water that I know very well, manage and have exclusive access to.

I am keen on sharing my knowledge and try to answer most of those fishy questions. Teaching a client new skills is very rewarding and seeing that glitter in their eyes while holding their first fish, or that trophy yellow, is very satisfying! I love building a long lasting friendship, and having a client come back year after year brings a lot of satisfaction. I don’t just want to be a guide, but a fishing friend who loves to share a story around the bonfire.

www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Monster Natal yellowfish - Matt Dickens

Wild Fly Fishing in the Karoo Where, What & When We have developed the Karoo, the place of thirst, where Dinosaurs used to roam, into a flyfishing destination, where you would least expect quality flyfishing. The area boasts 4 biomes within 25km, offering diversity in landscapes with as much variety in flyfishing opportunities for 7 freshwater species. Technical still waters, small streams, indigenous forests, large impoundments, big pools within a dry riverbed; have we pricked your curiosity yet? We offer fly fishing all year round to test every aspect of your prowess. SPECIES: Trophy Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Yellow fish, Monster Barbel, Florida Largemouth Bass, Carp, Moggel, Mudfish on 11 stillwaters and 4 tributaries at the source of both the Great Fish River and Little Fish River

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: E-Mail: Website: Facebook: Instagram:

Alan Hobson or Annabelle Hobson +27 (0)82 442 2884 or +27(0)82 375 4720 alan@wildflyfishinginthekaroo.co.za or info@anglerandantelope.co.za www.wildflyfishinginthekaroo.co.za or www.anglerandantelope.co.za www.aaadventures.co.za https://www.facebook.com/Alan.M.Hobson. https://www.facebook.com/WildFlyFishingintheKaroo/ @karootrout and @flyfishinsouthafrica

Additional Services Our four-star Angler and Antelope guesthouse sleeps up to 20 people. There are numerous tourist attractions in the area, and our general interest in the history, art and culture add value to your experience. We do transfers to and from Port Elizabeth, tours from Cape Town, through the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape. Somerset East is centrally placed between 3 National Parks, the Addo Elephant, Mountain Zebra and Camdeboo. Day trips to the parks or neighbouring historical towns of Graaff-Reinet and Cradock can easily be arranged. The Walter Battiss art museum, which was the home of South Africa’s most famous abstract artist, Walter Battiss, is a must visit whilst staying over. As quirky as flyfishing in the Karoo sounds, our fully stocked fly shop is more unbelievable. The fly patterns developed by Alan are tied and sold here and are catching fish all over the world.

Other Information Flyfishing and sharing this lifelong passion with others is Alan’s focus. Alan has been flyfishing for over 40 years and been guiding for the past 13. He pioneered fly fishing in the Karoo and has developed fly patterns that not only work locally but are exported all over the world. Alan has been recognized in the historic book “South African Fishing Flies - an anthology of milestone patterns” as one of the professionals in SA who have been influential in the development of fly patterns and fly fishing in SA. R.E.F.F.I.S and Theta accredited guide Alan Hobson looks forward to sharing the Karoo and the unexpected treasures of fly fishing with you. www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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X-Factor Angling Where, What & When We follow the fish through all nine South African provinces and beyond! We guide for:

• • • • •

small & large mouth yellowfish and small & large scale yellowfish - Vaal & Orange Rivers rainbow and brown trout - KZN, Mpumalanga, the Eastern & Western Cape tiger fish - Lowveld & Zambezi golden dorado & peacock bass - South America Don't forget all the by-catch that goes with these. If it swims we'll help you catch it!

Contact Contact Person: Contact Number: Email: Website: Facebook: Instagram:

Daniel Factor +27 (0)73 4556575 daniel@xfactorangling.co.za www.xfactorangling.co.za X-Factor Angling @XFACTORANGLING

Additional Services X-FA is a community of fly fishing enthusiasts. We put together trips, clinics and guided adventures on our favourite section of water in South Africa and abroad. We also sell the most diverse range of fly fishing equipment through our online shop.

Other Information We at XFA live, sleep and breathe flyfishing. I have been swooshing a rod and playing with feathers for most of my life. I have been fortunate to represent South Africa in more than ten International Flyfishing events. I currently fish for Western Province and I am captain Team South Africa. I have made it my mission to make a career for myself and my guides out of the sport that runs through my veins. It’s the only way I can support my family and spend 200 days plus on the water every year - it’s all about the balancing act! On a serious note, we go out of our way to grow our client’s knowledge and further enhance their love for the sport we hold to close to our heart.

www.saflyfishingmag.co.za

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Spotted grunter release - FLYDOTFISH

Southern African Flyfishing August/September 2020

Articles inside

GUIDES X-Factor Angling Daniel Factor

GUIDES Wildfly Fishing in the Karoo Alan and Annabelle Hobson

GUIDES Wag-'n-Bietjie Ekoplaas Andre Hoffmann

GUIDES Upstream Flyfishing Andrew Apsey, Justin Kemp & Stuart Purnell

GUIDES Tugele Fly Fishing Company Carl Freese

GUIDES Torn Fin Flyfishing Service Rob Pretorius

GUIDES Tony Kietzman

GUIDES Tidal Loops Flyfishing Deon and Jessica Stevens

GUIDES Tailing Loops Flyfishing Co Dylan Isaacs & Corrie Rauch

GUIDES Shaun Wampach

GUIDES Rapid Hunter Guided Flyfishing Safaris Rohan Koegelenberg

GUIDES Ofishally Babich Terry Babich

GUIDES Mathew Dickens

GUIDES Mark Yelland's Flyfishing & Guiding Academy

GUIDES Linecasters Fred Steynberg

GUIDES Izumpukane Fishing Guide Trevor Sithole

GUIDES Inkwazi Fly Fishing Safaris Tim Rolston

GUIDES Hunter Fisher Safaris Jacques Marais

GUIDES Flydotfish Henkie Altena

GUIDES FFF Safaris Gerhard Delport

Escape Flyfishing Jeremy Rotchester

GUIDES Dark Water Flies Ryan Wojt

GUIDES Cape Stream Adventures Campbell Lyons

GUIDES Ash River Fly Fishing Jurgen Dietrechsen

GUIDES Anthea Piater

GUIDES Angler Fish Fly Fishing Services Jan Korrubel

Should I use a guide and what should I expect from one?

GUIDES EDITION Introduction by Savs

FOSAF NEWS

SEMPERFI NANOSILK A Review by Terry Babich

The Dirt Road Wild Trout Association Title Fly Fishing Festival 2021 written by First Second Name Photos: other name Dave Walker

Heritage Flies - Part 8 The Dogs Breakfast and the G&B Low Floater.

LAZING AT LAKE LIFTON By Andrew Mather

WOMEN IN WADERS FISHING GUIDE ANTHEA PIATA

TINTSWALO LAPALALA

Salmon Flies on the Henry's Fork

Shakespeare & Modern Nymphing

EDITORIAL