South African Fly Fishing
Fly-fishing is a multifaceted sport that will absorb you in its reality, taking you to places of exceptional beauty, to explore and to revel in the solitude. It is so often spoken of as an art form while fly-tying, inextricably linked to fly-fishing, is in its own right a form of artistry.
South African Fishing Flies is a celebration of this artistry – the innovation, the talents of the originators and their vision of imagination, masters of the craft – and of all the fly-tyers of South Africa. It is not an exhaustive reference to all South African flies, but is rather an anthology of those that by virtue of their innovation in design, materials used and tying techniques have helped shape and, in some cases, change the thinking on fly-tying in this country. It is also a visual celebration of these flies, the waters we fish, an introduction to some of the individuals in our fly-fishing community, and creators of South African flies.
Bass Fishing in South Africa
It is axiomatic that the goal of any fisherman is to catch fish! However, this is not always as easy as simply casting a line or throwing a net into the water.
Some fish are wily, and know how to avoid the hooks, lures or bait that has been set for them. As a species, bass regularly elude even the most canny angler. Author Gareth Coombs has experienced the frustration and the pleasure of trying to catch this often-aggressive, predatory sportfish. Bass Fishing in South Africa is his response to many years of patiently studying currents, wind, temperature and the underwater landscape of the lakes, dams and rivers where he fishes for bass. His analysis of the underwater environment and water characteristics, as well as the behaviour traits, sensory capabilities and nesting habits of largemouth black bass, allows him to present a tackle-box’s worth of tricks and tools for the keen bass fisherman.
Knowing how a fish might behave at certain times of the year, or under certain weather conditions, improves the angler’s chance of making a catch. As a scientist who is mindful of the importance of conservation, Gareth also covers how to handle a captured fish and return it safely to the water.
Without thinking too long: what's your favourite colour? Cool... has it always been that or did it maybe change as you grew older and your vocabulary expanded beyond the basic blue, yellow and green? Next question, if you had to choose between pizzas and burgers, which would you go with? As in like, if you choose one, you can never have the other again - ever! Not so easy, eh?
We humans are complex things. Our tastes and preferences change, and there's nothing more frightening than having to make a decision we can't back away from. That's why it's always better to have a choice and some variety, like our main deal: a mixed case of wines from Land's End and Du Toitskloof.