Adventure #2

[Mathew Blakeway]

Adventure #2

I made a resolution for this year to have one fishing adventure every weekend, this is one of those New Year’s resolutions that will be easy to do.

I spotted a beautiful dam, using Google earth, deep in the hills. So this morning I set off, with my rod slung in its tube slung over my back, like a medieval great sword. I was sure I had forgotten nothing behind.

I started the long cycle, mostly uphill, to the dam. It was long, it was bumpy and it was tiring. I stopped once or twice to catch my breath look at the scenery.

I got there in one piece. My goal was to find the source of water for this large dam. This led me up a steep overgrown path through the fynbos, it was very quiet and peaceful. I walked along happily until few quail burst out of a bush at my feet, scaring the crap out of me! As I trekked deeper the guttural barks of baboons became louder, normally baboons avoid people, but you can never be sure. With fangs 2 to 3 inches they can be quite dangerous. I eventually found the stream that feeds the dam, but there was no way to get down to the stream mouth. The vegetation was thick and impenetrable the visibility was low and my imagination went wild with every rustle in the bushes around me convincing me that there were baboons and\or leopards waiting to eat me. I backtracked to a safer spot!

I must admit I am not used to fishing such large dams, not sure where to start. It’s a bit daunting staring at that calm flat dam. I tried a few spots, moving around, catching what were probably world record weeds. I tried another spot and snagged it on some reed behind me, must watch what’s behind me. I saw some BG rising near a small submerged forest. After some careful wading I got to a good spot where I could cast, my first cast was perfect. I let the fly sink a bit and started to pull slowly, it wouldn’t move. I had hooked onto a submerged branch. I had two options abandon the fly or go for a swim, I chose go for a swim. So in I hopped clothes and all, and swam out. It got deep quickly, the fly ended up breaking anyway. I decided that that was a sign to call it a day and head off home, sopping wet. Not having caught a single fish.

Side note: Next time I go fishing, I am going to strap a pillow to the saddle of my bicycle. I am going to be walking gingerly for awhile!

 

[Mathew Blakeway]

Thanks for the feedback! While I caught nothing, I am sure there are some primeval BG in there! I will get them!

[carl hendrix]

hahahha buddy -- you make for some real good reading! love your post!!  the pix are awesome!! keep fishing!!!

[LedHed]

Nice trip - great pics. I would be using a float tube........ They have some with backpacking straps or carry a pump.