W H AT S I N M Y B A G
THE VAALIE T H E VA A L RI VE R H AS BE E N FI RIN G OF L AT E . PA RYS -A RE A G U I DE A N T H EA P I ATER S H OWS U S WHAT S H E PAC KS FO R A G RE AT DAY OU T F I S HI NG FO R S M A LLM O UTH YE LLOWFI S H. Photos. Anthea Piater Archive
Rod: I’m currently using the Reel Fly Fishing TechNymph 10’ 3-weight. It’s lightweight which helps prevent fatigue, and the extra sensitive tip is great for protecting thin tippet and for detecting every bump and bite. It’s extremely flexible and a proper workhorse for hauling in big fish and has stood the test against some challenging carp and cat fish which sometimes surprise you with a take while targeting yellows. Reel and line: My go-to reel is a Shilton CR3. I love the large arbour as it helps with quick line retrieval when fighting a speeding fish and it’s durability is perfectly suited to the harsh conditions of the Vaal River. I pair it with the Vision Ultra Light Nymph Line which, besides keeping the whole setup light, has a braided core which is a necessity for fighting yellowfish. Leader and tippet: My preferred leader is JMC Kamoufil as it has zero memory, so it can last you many river sessions without ever needing to be changed. For my Indicator line I use Vision Nymphmaniac bi-colour line in yellow and pink, or the Rio Two-Tone, in black and white. And one can’t forget 2mm tippet rings. These little things are super useful as every time you change your tippet you aren’t having to cut away at and shorten your leader or indicator line. Hanak sells refill packs which are super handy. For my tippet I use Stroft or Dragon Nano Crystal because they both have a fine diameter with a high breaking strain. Wading boots: Don’t underestimate the necessity of a good pair of wading boots on the Vaal. Felt soles are preferable as they have better grip than Vibram, especial when wading through salad. I’m currently using the Korkers Buckskin Mary, that come with interchangeable soles. They have high ankle support and extra padding in the sole, which is a game changer when wading long hours through the river. My boots are paired with a set of Orvis neoprene gravel guards which help to keep the grit out.
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Fly box: I prefer to carry one fly box to keep my pack as light as possible. I use the small Predator swing leaf box with foam inserts. This way I can use three panels for nymphs, and the last panel for “in case” flies such as dry flies, jig buggers and small streamers. Net: For guiding clients, I sometimes use a McLean Weigh Net which has a scale in the handle. Otherwise, I use the Predator large aluminium frame net. A deep, wide net is most suitable for yellowfish, and should be tough and lightweight. I use a magnet system to attach my net to the back of my pack for a quick release, with an additional bungee cord attached from the handle to my pack. This in super important so that you don’t lose the net if you drop it in the river. The Reel Fly Fishing Aero Drift floating net is also great because it floats and you won’t lose it in the current. Pack: I’m using an old USSL Water resistant laptop backpack to carry all my gear on the river. (Yes, I know). One day I will invest in an Orvis sling pack, but it’s been serving me well and I love that it doesn’t weigh a ton and you don’t have a million zips, pockets and gadgets to contend with on the front of your body. It’s small, neat and keeps everything out of my way, with my fly box and tippet holder neatly tucked in the side pouches for quick access.
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