Fly-reel Storage

Line wrapped around large empty containers

As a fly angler there are few things more infuriating than pulling out my dormant sets of reels at the beginning of a new season only to find irreversible degrees of curl in the fly-lines. It’s like we pay top dollar for the best of the best and then downgrade it to less than entry level line just by letting it sit idle for  a couple of months, coiled up on the reels.

Well, I’ve been testing a slightly awkward, yet seemingly worthwhile, and effective method of storing my lines, during times when I know that there will be big time periods between using certain rigs. For example my yellowfish gear, which I don’t touch during winter.

The method of line storage is simple, and entails using empty protein shake containers (or any other container with large round circumference). I simply cut a tiny hole in the containers, feed the leader end of the line through the hole and then on the inside of the container loop the leader end around a small long piece of wood (such as a piece of chopstick) to keep it secure. I then wrap the entire length of the line around the bottle very neatly, at a reasonable tension (but not too tight).

I must admit that it can become a slightly awkward exercise, and depending on how many reels you want to store in this way, storage space may be problematic. In saying this, however, the condition that the line comes off the container when needed is simply worth way more than the effort. Give it a try and decide for yourself.

Trout Time

Trout at night, what do you know?

Well summer is officially over and the cold weather has moved in, which brings us to that time of year when we angling enthusiasts attempt to soften the blows of winter’s fishlessness by migrating up to the ever majestic trout water of the winter wonderland that is Dullstroom. On the 8^th of June a couple of us headed up to little trout beck in search of our favourite cold water species, the illusive rainbow trout, which I must add has become not only my favourite cold water species but also one of my favourite species full stop.

Craig’s beauty

We arrived at our venue late the Friday afternoon to find a couple of the lads slapping the water to no avail. Only after nightfall did our first fish hit dry land. This was with the arrival of Chris “the gold digger” le Roux, who (having just pulled up in his car) jumped out, took my brand new Explorer Guide series II out my hand, made his first cast and subsequently landed a fish in front of many a dropped jaw. Very impressive Chris, now give me my rod back.

Another decent rainbow

After a very well behaved and gentlemanly friday night we scurried out of bed the following morning to slap the water some more. The weather seemed top notch from the inner side of the lounge behind our coffee cups, but then we stepped outside. In short the wind was howling, and the temperature had dropped staggeringly with the arrival of a vicious cold front. We struggled a little but a few fish were taken by our more experienced fly fishers.

My only fish

Unfortunately I only managed a morning session that day and my trip was cut short but i still managed to land a fair rainbow and picked up on similar patterns that we have in the past. In short, the fish that were taken were almost exclusively taken on strikingly orange flies, my favourite being the Pancora wooly bugger, but many also being buttoned on pure orange buggers as well. This always seems to be the go too colour at this time of year, and I suggest it dominate your fly box during the coldest months.

 

Explorer Journey V-Boat

Journey V-Boat

So I tried out the Explorer Journey V-boat that the misses got me for my birthday (a catch I know), and I must say that I enjoyed it quite a lot. It was the first time that I have fished from such a craft and I will admit that I was sceptical about it. When I think about bass fishing I automatically think of SPACE. We always approach the water with more rods than we can handle, bags and bags of lures (most of which we don’t bother trying), and massive cooler boxes filled to the brim with food and, ummm, cold drinks *cough*. Now I found myself packing 2 choice rods, an acute selection of lures and tackle, and a tiny checkers packet with a tuna sandwich and a bottle of water.

The very first thing I noticed was the convenience of it all! Not only did I not have to think about a thousand things to pack, or manage a large boat, but the burden of lure and technique selection also dissolved away. This was effortless, number one, AND it also forced me to choose and spend time on only one or two techniques! I mean how often do you find yourself changing fishing patterns more than your line is actually in the water? A lot of us just don’t give a particular technique enough chance to work before we change!

The next thing that worried me as far as space was concerned, was the ability to move around. I was used to stepping around a boat, choosing my vantage points with ease. But I found that, first of all, the sitting position of the V-boat was not only comfortable, but I could also position myself in any direction that I chose. This does take some practice though, I must say. Once you get the hang of manoeuvring yourself about, the V-boat begins to afford you a ton of convenience.

One of the downfalls that I found was that if you are into pitching grubs and worms subtly into cover, underhanded, then you will have problems. Obviously the sitting position is too close to the water for you to do this. I would say that the V-boat is more suited to power fishing. Cranks, flukes, spinner baits, and also finesse fishing, if you don’t mind a bit of a splash on the water, which I do not. In saying that I believe that it’s true power will be unleashed when fly fishing for trout on still waters in winter. How many times do we fish a body of water that is near inaccessible from the bank? Too often.  This boat will eliminate this problem entirely and also allow you to fish in windier conditions as you can position yourself with the wind no matter where you are.

In closing I think I will enjoy fishing off the craft in winter for trout, and also during summer for bass, and I would fully recommend it too any angler looking for a craft of this nature. And at a price of under R2000 it is well worth the money you pay. Enjoy.

Moriti Fishing and Wildlife

Just a quick post about a new adventure fishing/safari website, which has recently been launched. It’s called Moriti Fishing & Wildlife and it offers some amazing deals specializing in fishing tours, fishing lodges, self catering game lodges, canoe safaris, wilderness trails, houseboats and exclusive flying safaris for people wanting to see Africa in style!!

Africa!

Each activity and lodge has been hand-picked by the owner for its value for money and service. Packages include everything from guided fly-fishing trips to the Vaal river and tiger fishing in Kariba to steelhead fishing in British Columbia and Peacock bass on the Amazon!

Bass!

Some of my favourite packages available are guided fly fishing trips to Dullstroom targeting bass, Nile perch in Egypt, and lower Zambezi tiger fishing packages at Mvuu lodge.

Surf Fly!

They also market simpler packages such as bass fishing at Mongena game lodge in Limpopo and day trips for bass fishing excursions near the Kruger National park.

Alaska!

Have a look around at Moriti www.Moriti.co.za, summer is on its way and I think that they may just have something to offer you for the holiday season.tight lines…

Huge Tigers!

Dulltstroom Trout

Just a few quick pics to show the quality of trout that can be taken on fly in the Dullstroom/Belfast area of Mpumalanga during the winter months if you are one of our fishing buddy Keith “get that man a Bells” Falconer.

Beautiful Hen

Another Great Fish

And Another...