Sportfishing Adventures - Issue 6 | Q2 2019

ISSUE #6 | Q2 2019

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES THE

WORLD'S

BEST

FISHING

PERU

DESTINATIONS

GREAT BRITAIN TROUT CHALKSTREAMS

PERUVIAN JUNGLE ARAPAIMAS

VENEZUELA

FLATS FISHING IN LOS ROQUES

SOUTH AFRICA SURFCASTING FOR SHARKS

COLOMBIA

THE ORINOCO & TUPARRO RIVERS

+ NEW TACKLE, INDUSTRY NEWS AND MORE SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

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CONTENTS

ISSUE #6 Q2 2019

6

Editorial

46

Venezuela

8

News

68

South Africa

10

Colombia

82

Peru

28

Great Britain

42

What’s new

Understanding and protecting

News from the fishing industry

The Orinoco & Tuparro rivers

British Chalkstreams

An assortment of the latest tackle

Flats fishing in Los Roques

Sharks in the surf

Peruvian jungle arapaimas

102

Fishing art

104

Seen on the web

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q1 2019

Chris Bladen

A selection of entertaining videos

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8

10

28 42 68

46 102

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82 104

WHERE ARE WE TAKI

COLOMBIA

PERU

VENEZUELA

ING YOU THIS TIME ?

SOUTH AFRICA

GREAT BRITAIN

EDITORIAL Dylan Smith Editor in Chief

Understanding and protecting Launched by the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission and the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization and other partners, the International Year of the Salmon takes place this year. Through the data collection of its many partners in the world, its main goals are getting a better understanding of salmon and their environment, analyzing the human and environmental variability’s impact on salmon stocks, and investigating cultural and economic elements that depend upon sustainable salmon populations.

It is very important to create such positive initiatives these days. Many of our favorite sport fish species have declining stocks in some areas and need to be protected and better understood, not only salmon. Let’s hope that protecting pike, peacock bass, carps and other great fish will get as much attention as salmon one day!

Dylan Smith COVER SHOT: Releasing a peacock bass in Colombia, from the article p.10

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES T H E

W O R L D ' S

B E S T

F I S H I N G

D E S T I N A T I O N S

Editor in chief Dylan SMITH

Contributors Justin Stuart Alex Jardine Jason Rodd Nicola Vitali Steve Townson

Special thanks Iskander Mermet Where Wise Men Fish Amazon Angler Wild Sea Expeditions Jason Rodd Fishing Sportfishing Adventures magazine, published quarterly, is independently owned and operated by DMS Editions.

Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

No part of this magazine can be reproduced without prior permission.

For inquiries, contact the editor: editor@sportfishing-adventures.com

NEWS FISHING INDUSTRY

WORLDWIDE

NEWS ICAST 2019 IN ORLANDO ICAST 2019 is being held July 9-12, 2019 in the North/South Building at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

ICAST, the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, is the premier showcase for the latest innovations in fishing gear, accessories and apparel. ICAST is the cornerstone of the sportfishing industry, helping to drive recreational fishing product sales year round.

icastfishing.org

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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

COSTA SUPPORTS OCEARCH The new 2019 COSTA + OCEARCH® Collection features sunglasses, shirts, and hats inspired by Great White Sharks & Tiger Sharks - the balance keepers of the ocean ecosystem we all love. Born on the water. Made to protect it. Each purchase from the OCEARCH® collection helps fund shark research expeditions that generate critical data to protect what’s out there.

FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS

NEW ADDITION TO MUSTAD TEAM Experienced lure maker Hiroshi Takahashi has taken the role of research and development manager at Mustad Fishing. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, and countless lures developped for different types of fishing, Takahashi will help Mustad make a big step into the lure industry.

STRIPED BASS BOOSTS US ECONOMY Fishing for striped bass brings an estimated $8 billion each year to the US economy. That is quite a big part of the $125 billion value of the American tackle industry. The study was based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s data.

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

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TRAVEL COLOMBIA

COLOMBIA

THE ORINOCO & TUPARRO RIVERS Text and photos by Steve Townson

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COLOMBIA TRAVEL

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TRAVEL COLOMBIA

Big payaras were caught in good numbers during the trip.

I

n March this year, I hosted another group of British, American and Swiss anglers to what must be described as one of the most exciting adventure destinations this angler has ever been to!

Our 10 days of fishing was split between two camps, one set up on the banks of the Rio Orinoco and the other on one of its tributaries the Rio Tuparro. Between large shoals of Payara/Vampire Fish and the biggest Sardi-

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nata I have ever seen on the Orinoco, and Giant Peacock Bass on the Tuparro, our anglers were all kept busy for the whole of their trip.

The untouched Rios Orinoco and Tuparro are some of the most beautiful rivers in the Amazon Rainforest.

The Tuparro is a tributary of the Orinoco and flows through the Tuparro National Reserve. The surrounding jungle and savannah lands are spectacular and full of wildlife.

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

The surrounding jungle and savannah lands are spectacular and full of wildlife.

COLOMBIA TRAVEL

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The Rio Orinoco itself is one of the longest rivers in South America at 2,140 kms and its drainage covers 880,000 km2 with over 75% in Venezuela and the remainder in Colombia. It is the third largest river in the world by discharge volume of water.

The environment in the Orinoco’s basin is extremely diverse, having a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Colombia’s hot savannah dry lands and its bordering tropical jungle surroundings are stunning and have an average feel-factor of 25-30ºC during the day so our anglers

should always wear a high factor sun-cream in the tropical sun!

Bogotá is situated at an altitude of 2,640 meters above sea level, high in the Andes mountains range, making it one of the highest capital cities in the world and one of the most comfortable to travel to, with an average daytime temperature of 16-22ºC. The first day, our group arrived in small batches at the El Dorado International Airport in Bogota and took the Courtesy A/C bus to the Courtyard in Marriott 4* Hotel to enjoy a great dinner, a

Getting to the fishing spots is an adventure itself.

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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

COLOMBIA TRAVEL

few beers, and overnight in extremely plush twin rooms.

The following afternoon we were picked up and taken to the local internal airport next to the main International, and flew by commercial flight to the town of Puerto Carreño.

We were then picked up by 4x4 trucks and taken to our hotel. After taking showers, we all went for a great meal and a few ice-cold beers at the local Tasco.

After a few hours’ sleep, we were up at 3.30am and left the hotel at 4.00am. Following four hours of driving in our 4x4’s Toyotas and Nissan, we arrived at camp 1 on the Orinoco. A quick breakfast and having set up our gear, at 09.00am we ventured out SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

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TRAVEL COLOMBIA

The biggest species of peacock bass (cichla temensis) inhabit these rivers. Make sure you bring appropriate lures for them.

A typical Belize resident tarpon.

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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

COLOMBIA TRAVEL

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on our first day fishing for Payara and Sardinata in the tannin-stained blackwaters.

We all had massive predatory Payaras smashing our deep diving plugs, but due to their bony mouths and all those long, sharp Sabre teeth, the hook-up rate is often less than 1 in 5! Plenty of our guys were taken down to the knot, and some of them were completely spooled.

It’s not surprising seeing as the average size Payara is between 12-20lbs and uses its power, speed and the ferocious currents of the Orinoco to its benefit.

The next day fishing on the mighty Orinoco produced more huge Payara, and the biggest fish came to one of our American guests with a 23lb Giant on a deep-diving Rapala Firetiger CD 18. Most of the larger fish were taken on Rapalas, other deep-running lures, soft plastic Shads on heavy 50gm jigheads and even 1oz ‘Stevie Stinger’ bucktail jigs on both spinning and baitcasting gear. Big 6 and 7” streamer flies fished in the strong current on ultra-fast sinking tropical fly lines and 10wt fly rods did the trick for the fluff-chuckers amongst us. Wire leaders are

The biggest fish came to one of our American guests with a 23lb Giant on a deep-diving Rapala.

The surubi catfish not only have amazing patterns, they also put on a great fight!

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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

COLOMBIA TRAVEL

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Aerial view of Caye Caulker.

A big sardinata on the fly represents a real challenge, they’re the Amazon’s tarpon !

a must for Payara and most of our lures and flies came back home with us nearly or completely destroyed.

Another remarkable predatory species that the Orinoco holds in abundance in this area is the Sardinata or Yellow Pellona. This is a savage and beautiful, gold and pewter shoal fish predator that also has a low hookup rate. We caught them to 14lbs, with the current world record is only 9lbs! They 20

are extremely fast and aggressive fish and smashed into baitfish of 6-8” on the surface all around us in current.

The three best lures for catching Sardinata for us were small poppers, Stevie Stinger Bucktail jigs and streamer flies fished near the surface.

Some guys even caught big Sardinata on Rapala CD 18’s while targeting Payara so that tells you how voracious these speedsters are.

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

Each Peacock Bass we caught averaged a fantastic 14lbs or more!

COLOMBIA TRAVEL

After two days of fierce and exhausting fishing on the blackwaters of the Orinoco, we packed our bags, and continued up the Tuparro which has a curious green/ grey colour.

Having fished many clear rivers and lagoons in Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia and Colombia in the past, and having arrived after some heavy rains, I thought that the slightly ‘dirty’ water would have an effect on the fishing.

Well, it wasn’t fish after fish, but wow, each Peacock Bass we caught averaged a fantastic 14lbs or more!!!! We fi-

shed our way up to the middle stretches of this beautiful river to the second camp.

Camp 2 was even more luxurious than Camp 1 on the Orinoco. Massive single man tents, with fans and beds, with all the mod cons one can find in a jungle camp! Great fun, great guys and great staff.

During the following five more days (Days 6-10) on the Tuparro, we caught hundreds of big Peacock Bass, with the largest coming in at just over 20lbs to the same pair of industrious anglers from the States. While the topwater strikes were explo-

Dinner on the riverbank in the making.

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

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TRAVEL COLOMBIA

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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

COLOMBIA TRAVEL

Cichla temensis or three-barred peacock bass, is a prized food and game fish in the Amazon. A fish over 20lb is considered a trophy. The current IGFA all tackle record is a 29lb specimen.

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sive and extremely impressive, it was slow going with surface lures for most of the time. BUT the subsurface action more than made up for it!

Stevie Stinger jigs probably caught more Peacocks than any other lure, but having discovered that most of the fish were deep and on nests, I tried a lure that I had originally kept for small baitfish, Sardinata and small Payara. It’s a 3” big-lipped Silver and chartreuse lure with an orange belly that would dive no more than 2.5m. I cleaned up! I told this to my fellow anglers who immediately changed tactics and game plans, and everyone got stuck into some Giants!

A few smaller Payara lures were resurrected, some deep divers were fished out of boxes, begged, stolen or borrowed and the results were outstanding.

I fished each day with a different guest and while having a ball, each angler caught big fish too. Great fishing all round.

Most of the Amazon’s landbased mammals are nocturnal and hide during the day but we can sometimes spot a Tapir or Jaguar crossing the river. Monkeys are all around and can be seen way up in the canopy.

There are many families of Giant River Otters throughout 24

the two rivers and most of our anglers here have a run-in with some of them. Snakes are abundant in the jungle, especially Constrictors and many harmless species, but all are very rare to find. And there are more insects, reptiles and amphibians in the SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

There are many families of Giant River Otters throughout the two rivers.

COLOMBIA TRAVEL

Amazon Rainforest than anywhere else on Earth.

On the Orinoco in particular, near the huge rapids and falls, I have never seen such a concentration of Ospreys in my career in the Amazon. There would be

50+ Ospreys circling and diving down on the many baitfish that Payara and Sardinata were pushing up to the surface, a real sight to behold. We packed up our bags and headed back down towards the Orinoco, fishing our way along the SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

river structures and lagoons of the Tuparro and catching more great Peacock Bass.

We ended the day by fishing again for Payara and Sardinata in the late afternoon.

More crazy fishing ensued, with many big fish caught and released.

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TRAVEL COLOMBIA

A nice sardinata means a happy angler !

The following day, we headed towards Payara and Sardinata ‘heaven’ for last time. I cannot explain to any future Amazon Angler what this adventure fishing entails other than “hang on to your horses”! Peacock Bass is mayhem at the best of times and the strikes are awesome and explosive and tough on gear and body, and they still remain my #1 sport fish to catch in the Amazon. But Payara and Sardinata fishing has to come a close second.

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Line-stripping runs of the Payara will make any angler shake in their boots, and the feisty smaller Sardinata will frustrate and inspire them to come back again and again.

We loaded up our 4 x 4’s and were driven back to Puerto Carreña and to the same hotel for a comfortable afternoon rest. Following a great evening meal yet again in the same Tasco as on our arrival, we all slept like logs!

The journey back to Bogotá SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

began. An early commercial flight to Villavicencio in the morning and onwards van drive back to Bogotá, we arrived at around 2pm. A short siesta for all was on the books and then a sumptuous dinner at the Hotel Courtyard Marriott to follow.

Our American guests flew back to the States the same evening, while all our other guests and myself flew onwards home on Day 15.

All hotel stays as above,

COLOMBIA TRAVEL

meals and drinks at camp and away from Bogotá, all transfers and transport and commercial flights were included. We currently have many more trips reserved for Colombia for 6, 7 and 10 day fishing and some are slightly different than the one described above.

I would advise if coming from so far away, to arrive earlier and take advantage of your time to discover more of Bogotá and its surrounding areas. Colombia is now a major contributor to tourism, attracting so many foreign visitors looking for all sorts of adventures and fun.

Since FARC made a peace treaty and agreement with the current government,

there was not one instance on this whole trip that any of us felt pressured or even threatened in any way. The Colombians in general are an extremely friendly and kind people and Bogotá has many great sights to see, places to visit, with great restaurants, bars, cafés and night spots to fulfil anyone’s dream expectations.

As I always say to potential future guests, our trips are not only for anglers but also for professional and amateur photographers alike, as well as for wildlife enthusiasts. We can give guests close up and personal access to an incredible array of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects, scenery and adventure

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

TRIP CONTACT steve@amazon-angler. com www.amazon-angler.com USA: toll free (9.00 am - 5.00 pm ET) +1 800 262 0370 USA: (9.00 am - 5.00 pm ET) +1 305 600 5779 Europe: +44 203 239 7671 SKYPE: amazonangler Facebook: Steve Townson Amazon-Angler WhatsApp: +351 917 812 328

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TRAVEL UK

UK

BRITISH

CHALKSTREAMS Text and photos by Alex Jardine

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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

UK TRAVEL

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TRAVEL UK

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s the first scythes begin to shape the spring weed growth on the River Test on the 9th June, we are brought the harsh reality that the famous mayfly fly fishing on the chalkstreams is coming to an end for another season. This may mark the end of a particular moment on our chalk rivers but it does not mark the end of the season, we are about to enter the summer fly fishing time. Summer fly fishing on the chalkstreams brings new challenges, hatches and ultimately some great fishing too.

The fly life changes to reflect the changing weather and we as anglers have to change our approach somewhat.

Through the summer months the peak dry fly fishing activity is generally in the mid-mornings and late-afternoon/evenings when the sun is lower and the air temperatures are not soaring. The mornings are reserved for small upwing insects, these hatch in an array of sizes and colours but typically they are olive in colour and roughly size 16 to 18. Despite being small they can interest even the largest trout to take a look at the surface.

Whilst the middle of the day can be hot, this favours terrestrial insects. Daddy long

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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

UK TRAVEL

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legs, grasshoppers, ants, aphids and beetles all thrive in the summer, and on a day of bright sun and a little bit of wind you often find these insects being blown towards the water. You will generally see fish tucked in near the banks just sipping in these offerings as they trundle down. The fish may be right under the bank you are stood on, so tread carefully and try and keep a low profile when approaching the river.

The evenings are usually the

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time when everything comes alive. Starting with hatches of midges, the fish will often sit on the edges of sunlight and shadow eating these tiny little black and brown offerings.

As the shadows lengthen we see the emergence of caddis flies, these drive the fish wild with their erratic flying close to the surface, often with the smaller fish leaping clean out of the river in pursuit.

The day is then brought to a wonderful end as the small

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

The emergence of caddis flies drives the fish wild with their erratic flying close to the surface.

UK TRAVEL

Grayling season runs from 16th June to 14th March.

upwing flies from the morning dance in the golden light of evening. You will see them in the lee of trees and over the meadows before returning to the water to lay their eggs. As the female insect gets stuck in the surface they become an easy meal for any suspecting trout.

Whilst there is terrific dry fly fishing to be had, some days the hatches and rising fish just simply do not occur. Throughout the summer in chalkstream valleys there

are subtle changes to fishery rules, the key one is the move from dry fly only to also allowing upstream nymph fishing in addition. Nymph fly fishing can be a dirty phrase to some, but for others it is a wonderfully thrilling skill in its own right.

From the original days of nymph fishing with unweighted flies by GEM Skues, to the development of heavier flies by Frank Sawyer and onto our own modern interpretations; there is a great SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

skill in being able to spot the fish, make the cast and then identify the movement of the fish eating your fly subsurface.

For some, the process of spotting a feeding fish, watching it to decipher its preferred meal and then selecting the fly and watching it take subsurface is as equally thrilling as persuading a trout to rise to a dry fly.

When feeding subsurface fish will offer some clues as to what they are eating; the 33

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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

UK TRAVEL

Some days, hatches and fish activity do not occur. Make sure you make the best of the good days because the next one might not be the same at all!

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most common being a simple side to side movement, this will often be caused by nymphs that have been washed free from the weed and are caught in the current. The next, and often the hardest to imitate is when the trout can be seen accelerating forward and upwards, they do this to intercept nymphs that are ascending to the surface to hatch. The Sawyer ‘induced take’ method can offer great success at these times. And lastly, one of my own favourites to watch, is when the fish pushes forward and dips into the weed or gravel,

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leaving a trail of cloudy silty behind. They do this when freshwater shrimp (Gamarus) get washed free.

The summer season also sees the return of the grayling as a targetable species, their season running from 16th June to 14th March. Like nymph fishing, for some it carries very little desire, but for others there lies a new challenge – persuading the lady of the stream to take a well presented dry fly or nymph.

These grey-ghost like fish

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

The summer season also sees the return of the grayling as a targetable species.

ERITREA UK TRAVEL

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ERITREA UK TRAVEL

End of the fight for a decent british brown. On some occasions big hatches will drive the fish crazy, putting a beautiful show on this small river.

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A beautiful british grayling caught on a nymph and about to be released.

are often missed as they lurk on gravel patches between weed patches and gently pedal their fins to hold position. They can be identified by their forked tail and large flowing dorsal fin with fiery orange tip. It is possible to bring them to the surface to study a dry fly, but if the pattern is slight40

ly incorrect, they will study it for an age before descending back down to their station.

They may not always be the largest of fish, with most weighing around 1 lb, for those looking to target bigger specimens it is possible to spot and cast to fish in SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

excess of 2 or even 3 lbs on some chalkstream stretches.

In summary, yes the mayfly is over but do not hang those rods up just yet as the exciting chalkstream summer fly fishing season is here.

Dry flies, nymph fishing and new species await anglers out enjoying the long warm sunny days

UK TRAVEL

TRIP CONTACT Aardvark McLeod offers day tickets, guiding and multi-day trips on the English chalkstreams in Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire and Dorset.

For more information you can contact them: Email: mail@aardvarkmcleod.com Tel: +44 (0) 1980 847389 Web: www.aardvarkmcleod.com

SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

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TACKLE NEW GEAR

?

WHAT’S

NEW

SAVAGE GEAR 4D PULSE TAIL TROUT The legendary Line Thru Trout, a proven monster catcher throughout the world, is now available with Savage Gear’s new pulse tail technology. The lure has an ultra-realistic action, even in slow retrieve and features rattles in the tail and built-in attractant. There’s no doubt this lure will soon be a must have in every pike angler’s tackle box.

Available in two sizes : 16cm/51gr and 20cm/102gr.

savage-gear.com

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DRAGON PROGUIDE CX FD With its hybrid construction combining duraluminium and XT60CX graphite, Dragon’s new Proguide CX FD is tougher and 10% lighter than previous models. It features a rotor protection against humidity, 6 stainless steel ball-bearings, a duraluminium spool with a long-cast profile and a sealed multiple disc drag system. Available in four sizes and guaranteed 5 years.

73.75€-80€ | dragon-fishing.com

NEW GEAR TACKLE

BKK GT-REX BARBLESS TREBLES

RAPALA MAXRAP WALK’N ROLL

Designed to tame the meanest fish swimming in the ocean without harming them uselessly, the BKK GT-Rex trebles are insanely sharp and tough. These hooks are hand-ground and coated with a special anti-rust. Made using BKK’s toughest material, the BKK-81W/V, they will perfectly match big poppers and stickbaits.

Available in 5/0, 6/0, 7/0.

This new addition to Rapala’s topwater lures is very well balanced and versatile. It is designed for extreme casting distance and really sticks to the surface during while retrieving. It works like a charm with a walkthe-dog animation or you can also retrieve it with the rod tip down and the lure will swerve with a nice rolling action. Available in one size : 13cm/29gr.

$39.99 | bkkhooks.com.au

$14.99 | berkley-fishing.com

DEEPER CHIRP+ The latest product from Deeper is the first catstable fish-finder equipped with Wi-Fi and GPS that uses chirp technology. This technology allows a better «scan» of what’s underneath, resulting in a much more detailed feedback. It is designed to be used in depth ranging from 50cm to 100m. Just cast and retrieve the Deeper Chirp around your fishing spot to create a complete map of the surroundings!

319€ | deepersonar.com

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TACKLE NEW GEAR

MUSTAD DAGGERMAN JIG The Daggerman jig is a 60:40 front weighted vertical jig. It was designed for heavy duty jigging for big species like amberjacks and dogtooth tunas. It works best with quick pumps and shorts pauses.

Available in four weights : 150gr, 200gr, 240gr and 280gr and 9 colors.

This limited edition Abel + AC/DC reel features the iconic AC/DC logo in a hand-painted and hand-anodized finish.

A proprietary process also adds background smoke, completing a one-of-akind design. Available in two sizes in the Super Series model : 5/6 and 7/8, and 100% made in USA.

mustad-fishing.com

$1355-$1495 | abelreels.com

VISION HYBRID FLY LINE This innovative system from Vision consists of a running line integrated into the head. It is designed to be used with a variety of Hybrid tips, sold separately. First choose your style : Scandi, Skagit, Switch or Single Handed.

Then select the proper weight of the belly for your selected style from our recommendation chart. Lastly, buy a separately sold tip in the length you desire. All Hybrid tips will work on all Hybrid fly lines.

89â‚Ź | visionflyfishing.com

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ABEL AC/DC REEL

NEW GEAR TACKLE

PENN SPINFISHER VI Penn’s sixth generation of the legendary Spinfisher. This new version features the IPX5 sealing system, allowing the angler to worry less about corrosion and saltwater.

The spool has a rubber center to keep braid from slipping and the reel is also available in a Live Liner model for baitfishing. Available in 4 sizes: 2500, 4500, 6500 and 8500.

$139.95-$249.95 | pennfishing.com

FLYING FISHERMAN RIP CURRENT

BOTTOM SWEEPER JIGS

The Rip Current fishing sunglasses are made of a durable TR90 Grilamid material that is extremely lightweight.

This model also features polarized RhinoLenses that are shatterproof and scratch resistant, protecting your eyes from flying lures and hooks. A classy look with great features!

Designed by Capt Dan Schafer, who has a lifetime of experience targeting blackfish and sheephead, the Bottom Sweeper jigs are made to resist roll over and stay in place in strong tides. It is equipped with a heavy duty 2x strong MustadÂŽ ultra point hook to withstand hard fighting fish.

$52.99 | flyingfisherman.com

$3.79 | bottomsweeperjigs.com

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USA TRAVEL VENEZUELA

VENEZUELA

LOS

FLATS

FISHING IN

ROQUES Text and photos by Justin Stuart

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VENEZUELA USA TRAVEL

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TRAVEL VENEZUELA

Los Roques is great for sightfishing for bonefish in crystal clear waters.

A

s you approach Los Roques there is a palpable feeling of excitement by all those on the plane. A small proportion of that might be attributable to the fact that ‘we had made it’!

Los Roques, an archipelago, a distant 100 miles from Venezuela has all but been forgotten by the angling community due to the perceived security concerns and general deterioration of relations between the current govern48

ment and the USA. To reach Los Roques we had had to ignore a foreign office advisory warning against all but essential travel. That said given current Brexit meltdown, with no relief in sight, I would be tempted to qualify a fishing trip to Los Roques as essential! Then, of course, is the media, awash with pictures of burning aid lorries on the border with Columbia, ex-pat Venezuelans questioned with horror why anyone would want to travel to their country of birth and vague rumours circulating SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

Los Roques, an archipelago, a distant 100 miles from Venezuela has all but been forgotten by the angling community due to the perceived security concerns.

VENEZUELA TRAVEL

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Blue skies, blue water, plentiful fish and yourself. At Los Roques, fishing pressure is very low theses days.

about US military intervention. Oh, and the country had suffered a 48hr power blackout prior to our arrival.

But for myself and those of us on the 45 min flight to Gran Roque (Big Rock), the heart of Los Roques and the centre of the habitation, the excitement was seeing the thick haze which skirted mainland Venezuela evaporate into sunshine, revealing the visually effervescent effect it has on the water colours sur50

rounding Los Roques.

The deep dark blue of the open ocean changes as one flies over the initial perimeter strip of shoreline on the approach to the archipelago, a mesmerizing avalanche of colours that crosses almost the entire range of the blue/ green colour spectrum.

Having been in constant touch with the team from Sightcast, who handle all the ground arrangements for the trip from SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

the meet and greet on arrival into Simon Bolivar International airport, the accommodation on Los Roques and of course are fishing guides, I was well briefed as to what to expect. Never-the-less, against this, was the natural concerns that anyone might have from a country which has rampant inflation, governance that has been internationally rejected, a reputation for crime and the potential for social upheaval. Given the

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background, there is always room for caution and with that some lingering doubts regardless of what one is told.

As the plane dropped onto the runway, and after the engines have dutifully reached their air-breaking crescendo, all concerns evaporate.

The concrete hulk of the Los Roques airport building, after a good decade of construction is still unfinished, thankfully so. The friendly faces of the guides met us along with the staff from Posada Caracol where we were staying, National Park arrival fees are paid at a rudimentary kiosk and then we are straight into the bare feet paradise of the sandy streets that enchants all who come here. For all

the mainland austerity of services and functionality, the Los Roques I remember from old has retained every bit of charm that I remember‌ but unquestionably the buzz of activity is at a minimum.

Chris who manages Sightcast, and all the guides are not just pleased to see us but genuinely grateful that we have braved the negative press and perceived security threats.

The posada’s (guesthouses/ hotels) retain their colourful charm. Bougainvillea and Hibiscus, amongst many other colourful tropical plants are unsurprisingly in flower, the lagoon to the rear of the runway still has the smell of a lagoon (swept

Los Roques locals go about their day in the same unhurried fashion, typical of island life.

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In Los Roques, it is all about choosing the right fly at the right time !

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away by the offshore breeze) and Los Roques locals go about their day in the same unhurried fashion, typical of island life. But more shutters are closed, the beat of music from the posadas subdued and the chatter of activity, that goes with an island predominantly reliant on tourism for its income, absent.

Our party of five, all but one of whom had visited Los Roques on a number of occasions before were now less tourists but more intrepid adventurers!

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If adventurers were what we were, then we were adventure’s treated to refined luxury! Posada Caracol where we were staying did not have one of the hallmarks of neglect. Tastefully decorated and functional rooms, air-conditioning, hot water for showers, personal blue-tooth speakers and above anything else, exceptional food.

Our breakfast menu was extensive. Freshly squeezed juices were complimented by an assortment of options with poached eggs and avocado being the team favourite. Evening meals typically

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Although the fishing pressure is very low, bones are still wary like anywhere else !

consisted of 4 courses: Ceviche or Sashimi, anti-pasta, fish main and a desert. Having been a Los Roques regular over the past 12 years I have at times been treated to some of the above, but never all and with total consistency!

But we came to fish and having washed ourselves of all the pre-trip obfuscation, uncertainty and worries that of course was what we got stuck into at the first opportunity after a quick unpack.

Los Roques is first and foremost a Bonefish destina56

tion. The opportunities are endless. Of all the geological features that fishermen should be aware of it is the ‘Pancake Flats’. Firm bottomed, covered in a mixture of sand, coral and sea grass, on a normal tide they offer tailing bonefish in huge quantities.

Tiny semi-submerged islands in their own rite they are surrounded by water which has an almost glacial milky blue tinge to it.

Anglers, tour agents and tour operators in no particular order are almost always pre-disposed to oversize the SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

average size of Bonefish.

I will not do so other than to say that to my mind the Bones on Los Roques are of an above average size. The recent lack of angling pressure does not mean they will all take like a recently stocked Trout. Their feeding patterns follow the same variables of weather, pressure, moon-state and generally inconclusive angler reasoning that is the subject of many an evening discussion. Some days they will be spooky without reason, whilst on others, they will take with gusto and alacrity. What is guaranteed

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is that exhilarating, unstoppable, size-defying run that Bonefish will always reward an angler with, especially when hooked in shallow water. You may tire of it, but you can never fail to be impressed by it!

Bonefish flats across the width and breadth of Los Roques come in almost every size, shape and manner; from vast stretches, so long that you can find yourself thankful when the guide whistles to the boat Captain to come and pick you

up, to lagoons where Bonefish cruise, carving an eraser like path through the deep shoals of congregated minnows. A significant amount of the fishing on Los Roques is done by wading. Firm flats make this possible in almost all locations other than the lagoons. When fishing as a pair, the guide positions himself centrally so both anglers get to fish at once, a bonus compared to the alternate fishing destinations where the fishing is restricted to the front of a skiff.

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Personally, if I was to name a favourite location to fish for Bonefish, almost anywhere I can think of it, on Los Roques and beyond, it would be Cras Key, an Idyllic, scenic, whitesand beach leading to a rocky point. Sheltered from the wind, with gulls and pelicans conducting ceaseless fishing raids, the water a mesmeric aqua-marine colour it is an electric place to fish. The shoreline is typified by a cloudy green shade of minnows that runs along much of its length where Bonefish, Pompa-

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Low tide works great for juvenile tarpon as they are more accessible patrolling near the mangroves.

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no, Yellow Tail Snapper and Jacks cruise. The Jacks with bursts of frenetic activity, the Bonefish with a measured calm. Whilst anyone can spot the ‘Jack attacks’, to spot the Bones you look not so much for the fish themselves, but for the white ‘eraser’ gaps in the minnows that open up in front of them. I am not certain if the Gummy Minnow was invented specifically for Los Roques, but it is very very effective, closely followed by the simple but robust Los Roques Rabbit.

Los Roques is not all Bone-

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fish by any means. Joining the ranks of frustratingly difficult fish to catch alongside Permit are Trigger and Parrotfish. My first cast of the trip was to a good-sized Triggerfish which may have weighed 15-20lbs. It was one of five which was cruising alongside the ocean flats, their black dorsal fins flip-flopping from side to side. A surprisingly accurate first cast…the wait… wait…wait, from the guide, followed by strip, strip, strip…wait…strip. The fish turned and powered towar-

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Joining the ranks of frustratingly difficult fish to catch alongside Permit are Trigger and Parrotfish.

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ds the fly, a fleeting touch and then it was off. For the rest of the week I ached to hold one, a rare Los Roques trophy, but I never succeeded despite finding numerous opportunities.

On another occasion I cast at a large shoal of Parrotfish, penned in by the ocean-front coral rim. To escape they had to pass me or rather my fly!

First cast and the fly landed right beside them. Parrotfish eat coral and are tricky to catch at the very best of times. Although not as big as their counterparts in the Seychelles, the Humphead Parrotfish, they are still an en-

viable target, of a good size and definitely worthy of attention! One strip and I immediately snagged on a piece of coral! Mental note‌use weed guards on flies whenever fishing for Triggers and Parrotfish. The shoal of 20 odd fish then proceeded to ignore my fly, swam towards me and then for the next couple of minutes circled inquisitively, immediately in front of me, no more than a rods length from where I stood. I switched on my Go Pro to record this rather unique experience only to later discover later that it had already been on, and I had in fact switched it off. DiSPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

saster as it was an incredible sight, but the sort of thing that makes saltwater fly-fishing so spectacular. You get presented with rewarding visual spectacles of this nature on a daily basis, even if they do not always result in success!

It also is one of the trials and tribulations of attempting to be the participant, as well as a cinematographer at the same time.

Tarpon are typically one of the go to species when you want some variety from Bonefish.

When you find them, and can place a fly in front of them, they are thankfully, more often than not, aggressive takers.

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Two reasons to bring a big flashy popper fly : it can upset a big barracuda and it’s fun to fish with !

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Fish spotted ! A quick cast might bring a carribean trophy to the boat.

Large migratory Tarpon were a regular over October & November in Los Roques when huge minnow shoals formed up along the entire length of the waterfront at Los Roques.

Over recent years the arrival of the minnows has been more sporadic with no reason known as to why this regular occurrence is now less frequent. Having a rod rigged 64

for Tarpon at all times is definitely prudent as you may come across both juvenile and larger fish at any stage.

There are plenty of juvenile Tarpon hot spots scattered around Los Roques, typically around the lagoons and mangrove shorelines. If you go searching you should be presented with some opportunities but as always, the larger the fish, the more patience is SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

required. A low-tide works best for juvenile fish. They are more accessible, resting at the edge of the mangroves as opposed to finding safety deep within their roots. Although you can see them, trying to get a fly suitably close can be frustrating, the roots acting like a security fence between you and them! By contrast when you come across Tarpon patrolling along the front

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of the mangroves or in the open ocean the situation is very different. With a reasonable cast you stand a good chance of success.

Venezuela and Los Roques, in the current political climate, will always be tainted with the suspicion that any travel there is a dangerous liability.

Having visited Los Roques on numerous occasions over the past 12 years I was well aware that this exotic, tranquil Bohemian outpost is as far removed from mainland Venezuela as any Caribbean island is. But equally I have

no intention of putting myself at adverse risk for the sake of a fish‌although if it was a 40lb Atlantic Salmon‌.! My concerns did not involve armed gangs or mobile kidnapping units, ready to pounce the moment we stepped off the aeroplane.

The arrival procedures are extremely well rehearsed. We were met and looked after the moment we stepped out of customs. Travelling from Europe anglers will typically spend one night at the local international hotel overlooking the runway, a five minute jour-

It feels as far removed from central Caracas as it does watching Ross Kemp chasing drug cartels on TV from the comfort of your living room.

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ney from the airport, the Euro-Building Express, Clean, comfortable and safe with a good restaurant it feels as far removed from central Caracas as it does watching Ross Kemp chasing drug cartels on TV from the comfort of your living room.

My concerns were simply whether the infrastructure on Los Roques had survived the ravages of an economy in collapse, whether the posada we were staying in would have supplies of fresh food, fruits and vegetables (and as importantly something to drink), the island and its community retained fuel for its generators and petrol was available for

the outboard engines of our boats.

It is worth a quick reflection back to my first trip to Los Roques, when Venezuela was close to its prime!

Back then Los Roques was very elementary! Power shortages were common, fuel for outboards was indeed subject to rationing, air conditioning was a luxury and hot water for showers unheard of! We were not afflicted by any of these 1stworld deprivations.

To understand why, when mainland Venezuelan’s cannot even expect a reliable supply of electricity at present, you have to understand something of Los Roques. As stated before, Los Roques is an island community, reliant

on tourism. But, at the same time it also offers a refuge for the Venezuelan elite, both its military and political masters.

If there was a location in Venezuela, suitably remote but at the same time outstandingly beautiful from where people can escape, it is to Los Roques, and as a result, if there was one corner of Venezuela that was least likely to fall…it would be Los Roques! Time may prove me wrong, but for now, those adventurous souls who go to Los Roques will find the same paradise as before… but for now almost devoid of others. For a fisherman… that is paradise in itself

TRIP CONTACT For more information on a fly fishing trip to the flats of Los Roques, contact Justin Stuart: justin@wherewisemenfish.com Website: wherewisemenfish.com

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ADVENTUROUS MAHSEER FISHING TRIPS IN NORTHERN INDIA’S HIMALAYAN OUTBACK info@himalayanoutback.com himalayanoutback.com

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SHARKS IN THE

SURF Text and photos by Jason Rodd

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B

ack in 1999, my great friend Steve McGuire discovered a unique fishing opportunity in Namibia on the west coast of Africa. The locations were remote, the fishing was hectic. Commonly, four or five clients would catch 15 or more sharks a day and all would catch at least one in excess of 100Kg within a few days. With excellent handling practices and tagging programmes, every70

thing was looking fantastically sustainable for this world class sport fishery. Sadly, and in this case tragically, as they say all good things must come to an end. In 2005 the first of the Chinese commercial fishing (finning to be more precise) steamed over the horizon and began decimating the shark population with an intensity and efficiency that is truly chilling.

Eighteen months later, sport fishing for sharks along this coast was no longer viable SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

Commonly, four or five clients would catch 15 or more sharks a day.

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A beautiful bronzie caught by the author.

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for paying clients and Steve reluctantly brought his operation to a close.

Let us fast-forward almost 15 years. Shark populations in Namibia and Angola have yet to recover but I have found a new destination offering shark fishing of an even higher standard. The new areas are located on the stunning

The best for sharks is the summer months from November to March.

coastline of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Here the south Indian Ocean is cool and hugely nutrient rich, sustaining incredible fish populations and consequently many species of shark. Whilst I will always remember the good times in Namibia this new destination has much more to offer in terms of vast areas of unfished shoreline, breath taking locations and an incredible array of large fish species.

As well as thriving shark populations, the Ocean here is alive with a smorgasbord of large edible fish like Kob (Argyrosomus hololepidotus), Garrick (Lichia amia) and the awesome Black Mussel Cracker (Cymatoceps nastus) as well as real life monsters like the giant black stingrays (Bathytoshia brevicaudata).

The species list of interest to sport fishermen is far too long to detail here but I will take the opportunity to name the main target species of large shark; Grey (Carcharhinus obscurus) 200kg+, Tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier) 300kg+, Ragged tooth (Carcharias Taurus) 200Kg+, Bronzies 150Kg+ and three types of Hammerhead. Not to be included on the target list is the legendary Great White (Carchardon Carcharias) which is strongly protected by law in South Africa.

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Whilst good sport can be had at any time, the best for sharks is the summer months from November to March.

However, it would be remiss of me not to mention the epic “Sardine run” that happens most years around June/July.

At this time, an estimated 5 billion Sardines are swept northward along the eastern coast of South Africa as a result of a current of cold water surging up from the South.

At certain “pinch points” along the coastline the Sardines are concentrated in a bewildering density and attract the largest concentration of predators anywhere on earth. The frenzied feas-

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ting that ensues provides one of nature’s most spectacular events. Now, a super-pod of Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) in excess of 5000, thousands of large sharks and tens of thousands of diving Gannets embark on a sustained attack on the Sardine lasting for several weeks. If you know where to go and conditions are favourable some unique fishing can be had. Fancy a spot of shallow wading in the surf whilst sight fishing for 3m plus sharks?

In summer, temperatures on the beach can be well into the high 30’s and the strength of the sun is dangerous. After 18 years of fishing many hot

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The bronzie or copper shark can weigh over 150 kilos and is very common on these beaches.

locations around the world I now favour covering up completely with modern hitech clothing which is super thin and cool whilst affording almost a 100% sun block. I only tend to use sun cream on my hands, cheeks and nose whilst using a Buff 74

type snood to cover as much of my face as possible.

Central to many locations we target is the Addo Elephant National park, the third largest in South Africa. Here many species of antelope are in abundance and all big 5 SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

species roam free. It also encompasses the Alexandria dune field which is the largest and most pristine coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere.

Fishing here can involve staying in various locations dependent on species targe-

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ted and prevailing sea conditions.

Without doubt my favourite place to stay is the historical albeit quirky, Alexandria fishing club. This was founded in 1953 by local anglers who wanted accommodation near the coast and somewhere to provide a focal point for fishing competitions and social events. It is a place steeped in South African angling history with black and white photos of famous anglers and huge fish from years gone by decorating the walls. Despite its basic nature, I cannot stress enough what a lovely place this is to unwind after a day’s fishing. A place to swap stories, boast of your success or bemoan a shark’s.

Even the heftiest of guys will be wrenched forward as the line tightens.

Driving on beaches in South Africa is in general forbidden, however Andre always seems to know some hidden track that will get you as close as possible to the hot spots. For sure, there are some locations that require a considerable yomp across steep sand dunes but if you aren’t up to this then there are always other options.

It goes without saying that the tackle used to stand even the remotest chance of beaching one of these leviathans is highly specialised.

To start with there are the immensely powerful rods with unfeasibly long handles to allow for the specialised casting technique required to SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

launch baits and sinkers over 1Kg way out into the blue.

Two favourites are the Berkley Medusa at 15’6” and the Okuma Makira at 15’. Then we have the powerhouse fixed spool reels or grinders as they are called locally. Popular ones are the Penn slammer III in 10500 size and the Shimano Saragossa 25000.

Both capable of holding over 800m of 65lb modern braid. Back in Namibia days we always used large multipliers but things have moved on and drag power of the new generation fixed spool reel is incredible. To combat the sharks wickedly rough skin, a braided 4m leader of about 300lbs leads down to the hook length which is 1m of 300-400lb wire trace.

Hooks are obviously huge, size 12/0-16/0 and for shark welfare we now only use circle hooks. These have been slow to catch on with anglers I believe because on first examination they really don’t seem to make sense.

With a drastically in-turned point it is easy to see why so many are reluctant to use them. However, so long as you don’t strike on the take, circle hooks are fantastic.

The important advantage of a circle hook is that they are very fish friendly, even with such substantial pieces of ironmongery and the toughness of a large shark’s mouth, it is very straight forward to remove the hook by hand 75

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without any specialised unhooking equipment. Furthermore, should a shark break the line on a rock or empty the spool, as soon as the pressure is taken off a circle hook it will quickly drop away safely. So, this all sounds like a fantastically relaxing fishing experience and so it is, well at least until the bite occurs. Your rod will be sat sedately in a rod holder deeply embedded in the sand when out of the blue it will arch over and line will start to pull from the reel, sometimes slowly at other times so fast it seems like the spool is going to take off. Now it’s time to step up to one of anglings toughest challenges, fighting a huge and very angry shark from the shore.

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Even the heftiest of guys will be wrenched forward as the line tightens and the circle hook finds its mark. It is likely that even with a modest sized shark the first run will be in excess of 200m, usually more. At this point it is important not to try and fight.

No doubt you will feel elated as you gain metre after metre hauling probably the biggest fish of your life towards the shore, visions of incredible trophy shots flashing through your mind. It’s a nice thought but unfortunately for you this excitement is very premature. After you gain a few metres expect your adversary to be a little irritated by the situation and he will surely head out again into

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The ragged tooth shark is one of the most interesting shark species to be caught from the surf. They fight hard and can weigh over 200 kilos.

78 SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019 A nicely marked brown trout for Markus from Glen Lough.

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Beware of the ragged teeth’s mean jaws !

the blue yonder. A minimum of 40 minutes later expect to have experienced at least 4 or 5 back breaking runs with some intermittent gains on your part. It is now time to up the pressure even more as you watch in wonder as the intimidating dorsal fin parts the water at alarming speed.

You are getting there but its 80

not over yet. A decent sized shark will do its damnest to stay behind the second or third breaker for another 10 or 20 minutes, unfortunately a big shark may just charge right out into the ocean once more and you will have to start all over again, sorry.

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from the shark will yank you towards the water with sobering force. It is at this point you experience the undiluted, raw strength of these incredible animals. Now for the hard bit. Our toothy friend really will not want to come through that final breaker, he knows its not right. It is time to use the strength you ne-

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ver knew you had and up the pressure and take the tackle to its limits, its tough. You are unlikely to succeed on your first or second attempt but come through that breaker it must. With jelly like thighs just as you feel that you can’t take any more suddenly Andre and the guys will run into the surf to the shark which is viciously thrashing the water to a foam.

To be able to touch one of the oceans largest apex predators is a rare thing. Depending on location and species the shark may be tagged for research purposes. Immediately after this the team will carefully turn its toothy head into the first breaker. Now it’s time to watch in awe as the powerful tail sweeps from side to side and the formidable dark dorsal fin sinks slowly beneath the bright white foam.

After dark is a magical time here when you can sit by a driftwood fire with the sea breeze on your face whilst the rhythm of the ocean soothes your soul. To expectantly scan for breaching Southern Wright whales or follow a pod of dolphins playing along the waves are very special experiences. On some evenings you will be treated to the ocean’s bioluminescent display; this otherworldly planktonic spectacle can vary from jaw dropping explosions of electric blue light following the line of the breakers to gentle pulses of light around your feet as you tread the wet sand.

There we have it, after years of searching, giant shore caught sharks are well and truly back on the adventure anglers’ map

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TRIP CONTACT Jason Rodd organizes trips for yellowfish and sharks in South Africa and mahseer in India.

For more information you can contact him here: jasonroddfishing@ gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jasonroddfishing

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PERUVIAN JUNGLE ARAPAIMAS Text and photos by Nicola Vitali & Philip Truong Text and photos by Dylan Smith

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Canoes are a great way to discover remote spots.

T

he story began many years ago when I was a child, long before smartphones and the Internet, when I first saw pictures of one of the most iconic freshwater fish: the araipaima gigas. Of course, in those days, magazine content wasn’t what it is now, but an article on pioneer fishing for arapaima somewhere in the Amazon was enough to cause me to dream about this gigantic, beautiful and mysterious fish.

Years later, while making my living in the fishing in84

dustry and constantly exploring new areas, I became a bit frustrated with the opportunities to catch an arapaima especially since I wanted to accomplish this on the fly. Every option I explored for potential venues turned out to be fished out, illegal or out of my budget.

For some reason, with all the other freshwater fish available on the planet, catching an arapaima became an obsession for me.

When my good friend Jon mentioned a place where it may be possible to fish for arapaima, at first I was SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

For some reason, with all the other freshwater fish available on the planet, catching an arapaima became an obsession for me.

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skeptical. When he returned after 5 weeks of fly fishing exploration and guiding and showed me the pictures of the fish that were caught and told me about fish that were lost, my only question was simply: when can we go? Finally, after nearly 20 years, I began to see the chance to take a shot at this legendary fish.

The arapaima gigas One reason that makes the Arapaima special, is the fact that it’s a living fossil.

It’s been proven that the fish you can catch today are genetically the same as 23 million years ago, while homo-sapiens is more or less the same for the last 10,000 years. The idea of trying to catch such an ancient species in the wild, without lodge and guides, deep inside a pristine rainforest, for me was more than enough.

The arapaima is a very strange fish. Tt has lungs and after a fight you have to keep them out of the water

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to breathe otherwise, they might drown. The body is similar to a snake to allow them to hunt in shallow water in the jungle and when the water rises, to swim through grassland. Basically it’s a very different fish to chase, and it takes a bit to figure it out.

The journey I met the team of crazy anglers we put together in Quito, Ecuador - a group of guys that fished with me several times and in seve-

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As they always have energy until the last moment, arapaimas can be quite difficult to handle as you can see !

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Tying patterns that will be wrecked by big arapaimas the next day !

ral places already. On the first night between beer and rum, we were all so excited we couldn’t stop dreaming about the journey waiting for us. At 3 AM next morning, we started off for a 6 hour drive across mountains to finally arrive in the at a big Amazon river only to navigate for the next one and half days looking around, having a beer, a rum and talking about fishing.

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During the journey we cross the border with Peru and follow different rivers downstream and upstream.

We finally enter in a small black creek, in a totally different environment compared to the previous rivers.

The jungle became denser and we could see and hear more wild animals. During the journey upstream we saw two Arapaima sitting SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

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A selection of good fly patterns for the mighty arapaima. Make sur you tie them on extra strong hooks.

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idle on the surface and that was more than enough to get us excited over the limit. As we arrive to camp we set up our tackle extremely quickly and are ready to fish for a couple of hours the first afternoon. We are finally on the water and enter a stretch of flooded jungle with our small shambling canoe and eventually reach a beautiful lake.

We set the canoe in front of a grassland and while attempting to find our balance we prepare our fly rods. I make the first check cast to adjust the fly line length and warm up, and of course, on the third strip i got almost pulled in the wa92

ter by a submarine‌ The swell is just massive, but I manage to hold the fly line because my drag is still not set. This thing starts immediately to pull our canoe at 20 km/h, all I can do is scream, swear, hold the line and try not to flip, while we are literally pulled by this thing at the speed of sound, when suddenly, something fails. As i get my fly back I realize that my Tiemco SP600 6/0, by far the best hook possible, is bent!

My boat buddy and I are in shock. I have caught a lot of big GTs up to 55 kg, but being pulled this way was just as hilarious as frightening and exciting at SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

My boat buddy and I are in shock. I have caught a lot of big GTs up to 55 kg, but being pulled this way was just as hilarious as frightening and exciting at the same time.

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the same time. At the first paddling after this scene, we flip the canoe and we almost drown, so we quickly manage to move the canoe in the shallow and with the help of the other guys we solve the problem.

We agree that for the first day we had enough emotions and we call it a day!

The challenge begins When things start too successfully when you had a great luck on the first cast, especially if you waited for that fish for 20 years and

you hook a potential world record after 30 seconds of fishing, it means destiny will punish you.

In fact, we realized that water levels raised by 2.5 meters compared to the week before, and arapaima would be probably spreading for miles hunting in the shallows between trees and swamp. We prepare for lots of casting and persistence. The first three days I preferred to waste my time paddling in a small kayak inside the jungle’s small channels, exploring and

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discovering tiny ponds. I could see arapaima breathing everywhere, and heard loud splashes of big fish smashing baits with their tails. Despite my confidence on getting a strike, nothing happened. The first thing I realize: the place seems packed with fish, but these fish are not aggressive or are very spooky, or maybe both.

On day four we visit a new lake, with lots of trees and some shallow water branches, evidently flooded by the high water. The

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Catching a huge arapaima from a canoe itakes a lot of teamwork. When the fish is landed, everybody is evenly happy !

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festival of splashes continues and we can hear tails hitting the water from all sides. My canoe buddy and I keep casting, changing places, paddling, until we finally arrive to a branch where we can see dozens of fish breathing in a very small area.

My confidence gets pumped up and we get move in closer extremely gently and silently. The fish keep breathing at the surface and I manage to cast my fly in the zone, with a high level of adrenaline pumping in

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my veins. First cast yields nothing, second, third, and nothing happens but the fish disappear as they got probably spooked. Another thing I realized, casting my 25 cm buck tail fly, is my blind religion for the next 6 days; no matter how many hours, or how painful it will be, I will have to keep casting until my fly lands in front of the right fish.

At the end of the day I learned one of the other fly fishermen had a fish follow under the boat, so that was better than nothing. Only

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three of us were fly fishing.

The three others were fishing with spinning gear, and they definitely have better result than us. That was pretty encouraging and it kept our moral high and gave us a good excuse to celebrate at night!

The next day I feel is the game changer. We plan to visit the most remote and apparently fish- filled lake of the area that requires a solid 30 minutes of paddling through a swamp after a locals made a path for us with machetes and marked the way where we could get lost.

As we arrive in a corner of the lake, dozens of arapaima come up for air but nothing really happens except a “small” arapaima of about 30 kg caught on spinning tackle. That was until Markiian started screaming like mad and I finally see a decent arapaima gigas jumping while connected to a fly line. It’s a good fish, surely over 2 meters. After an intense fight we admire this trophy, hopefully not for the last time.

The day after we decide to split the teams, and with the fly fishing guys we decide to try once again the

The end of back-wrenching fight under the pouring Amazon rain !

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It’s a good fish, surely over 2 meters. After an intense fight we admire this trophy, hopefully not for the last time.

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Time for a rest between two fights.

small lake. For this appointment I had to wear my lucky shirt that was with me over many adventures and caught many fish.

This time we see much more action than the day before. Lots of Arapaima breathing, but no luck until 4.30 pm. In a corner of the lake in just five minutes, total mayhem broke loose.

With arapaima breathing and breaching like crazy in a very confined area, my canoe is literally surrounded by swells and splashes.

It must happen now!

Indeed, I finally have another strike and I can enjoy my first ‘’human’’ connec-

tion with an arapaima that unfortunately come up to be only around 20-25 kg…not the trophy I was chasing, but still an arapaima gigas on fly, more than enough to be very happy.

The day after, the worst thing that could happen, actually happened - rain came. For some reason when it’s raining Arapaima seem to stop all activity, at least this has been our feeling. During the next days we felt fishing became harder with water raising a few centimeters every day, enough to make fishing even trickier. Despite that we manage to land another SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q2 2019

Arapaima on fly and have few more strikes without a proper hook up. By the end of the trip we had seen many arapaima. The spinning guys caught some fish each and lost some more.

One guy had seven strikes and no fish landed, and so far 3 landed on fly and some lost.

On the last day I admit I felt a bit demotivated and I was considering spending the last afternoon at the camp.

I suddenly realized that I’m lucky to be in such a special place, of which I had been dreaming for so long.

On top of that, as a fishing guide I’ve seen crazy things 99

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happen and the only rule is keep your lure or fly or any bait in the water for as long as you can…

Eventually, at 4.30 pm on the last day I found myself connected with THE Arapaima. With only one hour left to the end of my trip I had the strike UI had been seeking for so long, probably for years.

It all came together in a few seconds. A strong, powerful pull, a huge swell, my fly line goes tight, I’m so fully focused, cold and full of adrenaline. Everything is perfect, I hold the line, and I surrender nothing to the fish. It comes out of the

water jumping and shaking.

Today my boat buddy is a local guy that is paddling full time for me. As we got the fish on i screamed at him to paddle like a crazy to pull the fish from the dirty area.

After 5 minutes we are in the middle of the lake and I scream like a child with a 2 meter arapaima pulling down under me. I find myself actually praying to land it. After 5 more minutes we manage to get the fish to shallow water and I jump in to finish the job with a proper rodeo - stop the fish and bring it on the floating land for some pics and to allow it to breathe. I can say without any doubt that it has been one of the best

fishing moments and feelings of my entire life. The whole thing, the effort to make it happen, the years I waited, and the persistence to make it happen. Holding that fish in my arms alone with a local guy at sunset in a remote jungle lake in Peru, is just impossible to describe!

I won my bet, I caught a big arapaima. The bet was to make a tattoo out of it in case of success and sooner or later i will have to. While I’m deciding, I’m learning to tie some huge bucktails flies for my next visit, the world record of arapaima gigas is certainly swimming in those waters

TRIP CONTACT Wild Sea Expeditions is a small crew of young explorers who have been the first fishing through a number of areas over the Red Sea (Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti), the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean (Yemen, Somalia and Kenya) to discover places outside of the touristic route. www.wildseaexpedition.com

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m +27 82 748 7290 [GMT+02:00] t +248 422 9700 [GMT+04:00] e reservations@alphonsefishingco.com w www.alphonsefishingco.com PHOTOS: TALWEG CREATIVE & ALPHONSE FISHING CO.

FISHING ART CHRIS BLADEN

FISHING

ART W

sively to see them up close.

As an avid catch-and-release fly-fisherman and enthusiastic birder, Chris has honed his incredible eye for detail through his encounters with fish and birds. He makes a science of studying each species he plans to portray, travelling exten-

He currently has works on exhibition at the Charles Greig Gallery in Johannesburg, Jouel, The Quadrant, in Victoria, Seychelles, Africa Nova, Cape Quarter, Cape Town, Ebony/Curated,Franschhoek.

idely acclaimed for his bronze sculptures of wild fish and birds, Cape Town-based artist Chris Bladen strives to capture the essence of each species, the nuances of their movement and subtleties of their outline, bringing them to life in bronze.

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Chris is one the rare breed of sculptors who’s involved in the entire process of creating a bronze sculpture – from sketching, moulding and casting right through to the chemical patination, and is known for his extraordinarily vibrant patination techniques. His work has been acquired by collectors across the globe.

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CHRIS BLADEN FISHING ART

MORE ON CHRIS BLADEN HERE : www.chrisbladen.com

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MEDIA SEEN ON THE WEB

SEEN ON THE

WEB

KANALGRATIS FISHING FOR PIKE FROM SHORE In this video Pontus goes pike (and a little perch) fishing in a big lake in Northern Sweden and shares his best tips for pike fishing from the shore.

TROUT HUNTING NZ GREAT TROUT WATERS YouTuber Trout Hunting NZ goes fishing in the backcountry of New Zealand on his new ATV for some big rainbow trouts on the fly rod.

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FLY TV HALIBUT ON FLY Niklaus Bauer and Niklas Holmér fish for Halibut with fly rods close to the Norwegian island Røst.

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ROLF NYLINDER GRAVEL ROAD TROUT

Usually Rolf uses footage he’s collected over a period of time for his videos. But this time, he challenged himself to make a video with some footage taken during one day only...

GEORGE GOZDZ FISHING WITH ANDY MILL Capt. George Gozdz goes fishing with Olympic skier and fly fishing legend Andy Mill, witnessing an amazing migration of blacktips and spinner sharks

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