HIGH FIVES
NIC ISABELLE F R O M E X P L O R I N G I N D I A A N D C AT C H I N G W O R L D R E C O R D M A H S E E R A S A Y O U N G S T E R , T O G R O W I N G U P A N D S P E N D I N G H I S W O R K I N G D AY S O N L O C AT I O N W I T H F LY C A S TAWAY I N P L A C E S L I K E P R O V I D E N C E , ST BRANDON’S OR STERKFONTEIN, NIC ISABELLE HAS A PRETTY SCHWEET LIFE. BEFORE HE RETURNED TO PROVIDENCE FOR THE F I R S T T I M E S I N C E T H E PA N D E M I C H I T, W E C A U G H T U P W I T H H I M F O R T H I S I S S U E ’ S H I G H 5 S . Photos. Nic Isabelle, FlyCastaway
5 best things about where you guide? 1. Schools of tailing GTs on Providence Atoll, the most incredible saltwater fly fishing spectacle on the planet. 2. Skinny water fly fishing for enormous bonefish on St Brandon’s Atoll. This is quintessential walk-and-stalk sight fishing bliss. 3. Being part of our guide teams of three. I can proudly say that I work with some of the most professional and experienced fly fishing guides in the industry. 4. The MV Maya’s Dugong and its crew – trusty, reliable, and the perfect launch pad for a successful fly-fishing trip to Prov. 5. Dock beers on St Brandon’s Atoll. The re-telling of a fishy tale isn’t the same without an ice-cold yeast in hand. 5 fishing-connected items you don’t leave home without before making a mission? 1. My trusty Canon 80D. Four years of abuse and still shooting like she did on day one. 2. Hand sanitizer. Nothing cleans saltwater and sunblock from your sunglasses as effectively. 3. A pack or two of pocket tissues are your friends. Blow your nose, clean your sunglasses, dry a drowned dry fly and they’re there to help if a sudden urge to shed a pound occurs. 4. Patagonia Tropic Hoodies, making buffs a thing of the past. 5. Bose Sleep buds. We’ve all had to share a small room with a world-class snorer. Get yourself a pair, you’ll thank me for it! 5 bands to listen to while on a road trip? 1. Stick Figure 2. Rainbow Kitten Surprise 3. Dope Lemon 4. Lewis De Mar 5. Radiohead
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5 things you are loving right now 1. Sapiens - A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. 2. Anything written by Malcom Gladwell. 3. Bulgar wheat. This healthy, easy to make grain is a game changer. 4. Early morning exercise. We fishing guides aren’t known for our healthy habits but there is honestly no better way to start the day. 5. Maui Jim optics. If you can, try the rose lenses. Yes, you’ll see into the future with those! 5 indispensable flies for saltwater? 1. If there was one fly to rule them all it would be a Tan over White Clouser. 2. Merkin Crab. You can get creative with this fly and everything on the flats eats it. 3. Gotcha. It’s simple, effective and easy to tie. 4. Tan Brush fly. I’ve always liked drab-coloured flies while fishing the flats, especially if there is the chance of encountering a real giant. 5. Fleeing Crab. Tied small or large, this fly gets the thumbs up. 5 indispensable flies for freshwater? 1. Natural PTN in #14 2. Natural GRHE #14 3. Black Woolly Bugger #8 4. Dark Dun Shuttlecock #12 5. CDC and Elk Hair Caddis #14 5 favourite fly fishing destinations across South Africa? 1. Sterkfontein Dam. It’s a no brainer with gin-clear water, loads of targets, beautiful scenery and relatively easy to get to. 2. The Vaal River and its tributaries. If you’re in the right place at the right time you’ll experience some pretty
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