News from Jan at The Kingfisher in PMB: “While I am kinda sad to see the BIG SNOW that was forecast for this week simply disappear into the ether, I am sure that there are plenty others who are not!
The weather has remained fine and pretty balmy for this time of year, and by some reports, it seems that the fish are playing along … for the most part that is.
“Last weekend saw the 3rd Leg of the TOPS Corporate Challenge taking place up in Nottingham Road — as decent as the weather was for fishing, unfortunately many anglers toiled and only some 165 fish were recorded.
As is usually the case in these events, there are some anglers that are just luckier [some would say skilled … nudge-nudge, wink-wink] than others, and huge congrats must be extended to Team Zimmers, who recorded 44 of those fish!
Included in that tally was another submarine of 62cm / 24,5 inches — congrats to well-known local bass angler Alistair Moores-Pitt. The TCC Finals takes place in the first week in August … time to get to the vice and restock the fly boxes!
I think it is fair to say that while the outside weather was decent, water temperatures had dipped further by a couple of degrees over the last two weeks after the second leg [now sitting at around 7-8°C], and the fishing had taken a dive [pun intended] along with the temps.
“The consequence being that those anglers that fished as they normally do [i.e. large flies, rip and strip] struggled and went left, and those anglers that changed their game on the day [i.e. small flies fished static] came right!
While it may seem to be like watching paint dry, it has been shown to be very effective when fish are getting finicky. #Toptip
“This week, the Natal Fly Fishers Club celebrated its 50th AGM — and, as reported at the AGM, the inaugural meeting took place on February 29, 1972, with Mr John R. Beams elected chairperson, and vice none other than well-known fly-fishing author and artist Dr Tom J. Sutcliffe … quite a formidable team! Of interest is that the very first stillwater stocked with trout is still enjoyed by club members today. It was also noted that the biggest fish recorded over the last year came in at 69 cm / 27 inches and would most probably have pulled the scale to that magical double-figure of 10lbs / 4,5kg. So, due accolades and congratulations to one of the oldest fly-fishing clubs in the country … long may you run … or rather, swim …!
“Due to a clash with the NFFC AGM, this week’s meeting of the Natal Fly Dressers Society (NFDS) was moved to next week Tuesday — anyone interested in fly-tying [new or experienced], pop into the Kingfisher-PMB and chat to Jan for more info.
“While on the topic of the NFFC, the fishing returns and club members continue to roll in with some great fish being reported. Good numbers of fish across the spectrum from 30 cm / 12 inches to 58 cm / 23 inches. Unfortunately, the returns don’t ask the question as to what fly produced the goods, but then again I don’t think that there would be many responses as most anglers like to hold their Aces rather close!
“Again, not much news on the bass angling front — fishing has been very quiet at both Albert Falls and Midmar Dams, with only a few fish here and there. On the social media side, there is much discussion about new lures and tackle [including the new Daiwa Fuego CT100H baitcaster reel] while the wait is on for the winter spawn to get into [high] gear. Of note is that the next Albert Falls Bass Tournament takes place on August 25-27, so plenty of time to polish the tackle and get entries in.
With the recent spell of balmy weather, we have seen some activity from the yellowfish [scaly] and carp anglers. I have seen some great footage of carp slurping off the surface, with reports of five and six-kilogram fish, and a good few break-offs in-between! Fish have been targeted using dry flies, including a variety of foam ant / beetle / hopper patterns. These guys will put a proper bend in your stick!
Thanks Jan.
Tight lines and screaming reels.
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