The Mission Fly Fishing Mag #Issue 50 by The Mission Fly Fishing Magazine

FAILURE is not an option

ABSOLUTE TIPPET

40% stronger UP TO WET-KNOT STRENGTH THAN PREMIUM COMPETITION

Self-Guided

Innovation Built on Exploration.

Always students, never masters.

To bring our gear to life, we’re motivated by relentless curiosity and a passion for the wild. We evaluate hundreds of materials, build dozens of prototypes and spend seasons punishing them in the world’s most extreme conditions. The work is the guide, and we never tire of exploring, learning and improving.

Obstacles do not block the path— they are the path.

68 PROTOTYPES

Dozens of fabrics, 12 material combinations, 68 prototypes and more than three years of design, materials, ﬁt and on-the-water testing and reﬁnement.

52 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 31 FIELD TESTERS

More than half a century of outdoor innovation. Four decades of ﬂy-ﬁshing experience. Twentyseven years of wader development. Gear built for a lifetime, not a season.

The most demanding anglers. The most challenging waters. From Alaska to Argentina, we pushed durability, reliability and comfort to the limit. The goal: The planet’s ﬁnest waders.

“The tundra walk there reminded us fall was coming. Golds, crimson and copper hues ﬁlled the valley. Bears had left steps for eons, so the prints were deep and wide apart. Not a path but a marked way.”

22. FIVES ALIVE: 50 UP

In every one of the last 49 issues, we have featured fly fishing guides from all over the show in the High Fives section. Mostly South African, from smallstream guys to flats fundis and bluewater bosses, all of them had something to offer in the way of technical advice, inspirational words, the occasional deep thought and a few wonderfully funny chirps. Here’s a selection of the best.

32. SHARP SHOOTERS

Want to improve on your blurry fish flop shots, which don’t do justice to the fish, the adventure or yourself? Course you do. To help, we spoke to some of our best photographic contributors about how they do what they do. No excuses now…

46. HIT PARADE

From the DIYs to the FYIs, pearls of wisdom and piss-takes, it’s been the people, the places, the fish and the stories that have made this magazine what it is. Here’s a look at some of our highlights from the past 50 issues.

64. COD’S WINDOW

Taking a gap between storms and toddlers, Tudor Caradoc-Davies goes deep into the backwoods of New South Wales in search of Murray cod with Aussie Fly Fisher.

90. TROUBLED WATERS - CRAY CRAY

Chasing reports of invasive Australian crayfish found in Zambian rivers and American crayfish in the Cederberg’s waterways, Matt Kennedy chats to the experts about how this might play out.

Cover: the brief for editor-at-large Conrad Botes was as follows. Two hours in detention, three pens (red, black and blue Biros), and the last 49 issues of The Mission for inspiration. Go!

The image that the editor is most bleak never made it onto the cover is this one of Ryan Wienand releasing a Cosmoledo GT. Photo. Cameron Musgrave

An easy-loading progressive action designed for ultimate versatility, whether lifting and aerializing heavy sinking lines, large weighted flies, or performing accurate floating line presentations. Introducing the new Exocett 88, relentless innovation, uncompromising performance.

IT’S BEEN A RIDE

This magazine started out as an idea over a beer. After getting to know co-founder Conrad Botes (via hosting 30-40 people in my apartment for random fly tying get-togethers), we got chatting about fly fishing magazines. Mostly, we concurred, they were deeply boring and formulaic, so we started mulling over the idea of doing our own. With Conrad’s outlook as an artist, plus my mainstream magazine background with GQ and Men’s Health, it just might work. I mentioned our idea in passing to Andre van Wyk who suggested we speak to art director Brendan Body of Session skateboarding magazine and hipster title The Lake. I met Bod for coffee (that turned into bottles of wine as we hit it off) and we riffed about all the cool shit we could do. Then, the three of us got together and decided to... just damn well do it.

We had zero business sense between us (some might argue that is still the case) and our business model to give the magazine away for free in print and online was (and possibly still is) highly questionable. We created a first issue, then went on a road trip to Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg to chat to potential advertisers about coming on board. We were surprised on that tour, because some outfits we had targeted as ‘sympatico’ weren’t keen, while other groups we had seen as long shots signed on immediately. There was a fair whack of naysayers - one guy who contributed to another magazine actually told us there are not enough fly fishing stories out there for us to create something fresh (LOL) - but mostly there was excitement. The unspoken challenge was there to, “show us what you can do”.

We launched issue 1 (Jan/Feb 2017) in December 2016, just so that those who managed to get copies would percolate over them over the festive season.

The response was huge and the validation enough to make us believe we were onto something. We then did all the stuff we probably should have done at the start - set up a website, open a bank account, sort out business admin in general.

From that ass-backwards start, it’s been a ridiculous whirlwind of fun, cool shit, epic adventures and of course a sprinkling of stress and rapid ageing brought on by deadlines and print bills. We’ve covered some of the most amazing places in Africa (and elsewhere in the world) and been to a few of them ourselves when the invites came, and piggy banks permitted. We have interviewed so many wonderful people, from the fly fishing legends we grew up hearing about to hard-charging youngsters, curious innovators and low-key DIY aesthetes. We’ve attracted thousands of readers from all over the world and many of the best brands in fly fishing and outdoors have chosen to come along for the ride. We have survived a plague, the rand-dollar exchange rate and the general economic hardship involved with printing a magazine and giving it away to the world as a gift.

While we will probably always feel like a cheeky start-up, with this issue before you we celebrate the milestone of our 50th edition of The Mission. We hope to be around for another 50, 100, 200...who knows. One thing we do know is that the promise we made in that first issue - that whatever we do, it won’t be boring - still stands.

If you’ve ever read the mag, whistled gently through your nose at anything we have created, shared it with friends, bought some merch, signed up for our mailers or simply been inspired to grab your rod and go fishing, know that we appreciate you. Thanks for reading.

“THE PROMISE WE MADE IN THAT FIRST ISSUE - THAT WHATEVER WE DO, IT WON’T BE BORINGSTILL STANDS.”

This magazine is home-grown, hand-rolled and smoked into being by a bunch of real humans, completely AI-free. If you enjoy what we do and feel you would like to support us in some way, get some The Mission merch from our website, buy us a beer/coffee on Patreon (patreon.com/themissionflymag), or just send us an email telling us how amazing our jaw lines are at info@themissionflymag.com.

EDITOR

Tudor Caradoc-Davies

ART DIRECTOR

Brendan Body

EDITOR AT LARGE Conrad Botes

CONTENT COORDINATOR

CONTACT THE MISSION

The Mission Fly Fishing Magazine for Soutie Press (Pty) Ltd 25 Firth Road, Rondebosch, 7700, Cape Town, South Africa info@themissionflymag.com www.themissionflymag.com

Matt Kennedy

COPY EDITOR

Gillian Caradoc-Davies

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Ingrid Sinclair

ADVERTISING SALES tudor@themissionflymag.com

CONTRIBUTORS #50

Peter Coetzee, Leonard Flemming, Yaqoob Tarmohammed, Jess McGlothlin, Álvaro G. Santillan, Brian Chukanyuka, Jimmy Eagleton, Rowan Robinson, Danie and John Carinus, Dave McCoy, Brian Beckstead

PHOTOGRAPHERS #50

Peter Coetzee, Leonard Flemming, Joe Cutler, Josie South, Ryan Janssens, Yaqoob Tarmohammed, Jess McGlothlin, Álvaro G. Santillan, Brian Chukanyuka, Jimmy Eagleton, Danie and John Carinus, Jye Smith, Dave McCoy, Josh Hutchins

“If you’re happy and you catch da sammins, clap your hands, if you’re happy and you catch da sammins, clap your hands.” Photo. Álvaro G. Santillan

Shallow. And Deep.

Personality, performance and the good looks to back it up.

CHUM

COMP TIPS AND TACTICS, A BAITFISH SBS, LEGENDS ON TAPE, PODCASTS, SOUNDSCAPES AND FILM FESTS

CHECK OUT...

...THE APPROACHABLES, a new short film from The Mission, by Matt Kennedy, where two house-trained comp anglers, Matt Gorlei and Nick van Rensburg of Flybru, run us through how they approach small stream trout water. From covering pocket water to dry dropper on long runs, euro-nymphing deep pools, a ‘how to take a boskak’ interlude and sightfishing big fish, it’s a half hour crash course into the competition angling approach. Check it out at youtube.com/@ TheMissionFlyFishingMagazine

WATCH THE...

...TOM SUTCLIFFE AND JOHN BEAMS INTERVIEW.

Andrew Fowler, the smallstream KwaZulu-Natal fanatic, has digitally edited and polished a video shot in 1984 given to him by the late Tom Sutcliffe in which Tom interviews another older legend of South African fly fishing, John Beams. For South Africans with even a vague interest in the history of fly fishing in this country, this is a gem of note. truttablog.com

“THIS IS A GEM OF NOTE”

ON THE SUBJECT OF...

...COMP FISHING. Put time aside for the World Fly Fishing Championships doccie put together by hook and fly specialists Fulling Mill. They followed comp angler Howard Croston and team England (booooooo) over the course of a year as Howard prepped for the main event on the global comp fishing calendar. youtube.com

“PUT TIME ASIDE FOR THE WORLD FLY FISHING CHAMPIONSHIPS DOCCIE.”

WATCH THE...

...FRESH SBS DROP as Fred Davis ties the Mini Bulkhead Streamer, a pattern he uses to great effect in Qatar for queenfish, but that will do the damage with leervis or any other baitfish-hunting saltwater species. youtube.com/@

TheMissionFlyFishingMagazine

NEW CLUB ALERT...

...DUNKELD EAST PISCATORIAL SOCIETY (DEPS). Set in the grounds of the Dunkeld East Hotel in Dullstroom, DEPS boasts eight still waters and a stretch of the Crocodile River. The still waters include the main dam Ingifell, Poplar and Midway dams (all catch and release waters), while the Little Pig, Oxbow, Willow, Dabchick, Loch Hagen, and Loch Earn dams are run under catch and keep rules. To check out the variety of different membership options plus day visitor rates, visit dunkeldeast.co.za

CHECK OUT...

...SLOW RADIO FROM THE BBC. Described as “A lo-fi celebration of pure sound,” and “An antidote to today’s frenzied world,” the BBC’s Slow Radio line-up is a collection of superb soundscapes collected from all over the world. Within this collection is a “Sounds of the Earth” sub-section where you can listen to the sounds of the Seychelles, or the Amazon forest, banjo frogs, water falling, curlicues calling, sand drifting off a dune in the desert and so much more. Great for focus work and fly tying. bbc.co.uk

LISTEN TO...

...INTO THE BACKING, a new podcast spin-off from April Vokey’s successful Anchored podcast. Formulated as a roundtable discussion on mildly contentious issues in fly fishing and hunting, you can expect episodes that cover “Fly Fishing Influencers in the Wild”; “Is Euro Nymphing Really Fly Fishing?” with George Daniel, Kelly Galloup and Nick Taransky and “Are Rod and Line Ratings Misleading?” with industry gurus Tim Rajeff, Jeff Wagner and Simon Gawesworth. anchoredoutdoors.com

F3T FILM FEST TOUR DATES

• 23 March - Johannesburg, 4pm show

• 23 March - Johannesburg, 7pm show

• 24 March - Pietermaritzburg, 7pm show

• 27 March - Cape Town, 8:30pm show

flyfilmtour.com/home/sa

BOOZE, BEATS

A MUSIC INDUSTRY INSIDER’S MIXTAPE, FLY-CAUGHT MULLET ON THE BRAAI AND A BOTTLE OF THE BEST.

THE BEATS - ROWAN ROBINSON

The Mission’s editor recently experienced the stoke of fly fishing for Murray cod in the hills of New South Wales, Australia (see page 64) with Aussie Fly Fisher (aussieflyfisher.com), and one of his excellent guides was Rowan Robinson. When he is not guiding for cod or trout, Rowan also manages a range of great bands and artists, so it felt appropriate that he take charge of this issue’s playlist.

Rowan says, “Throughout my career as a music manager I have been lucky enough to fish my way around the world while on tour with artists that I work with. From the mountain streams of Estes Park, Colorado, to the wild rivers of British Columbia, if there was a day off while on the road, I spent it searching for places to fish. Once I even chased trout in the forests on the outskirts of Berlin, the banks of the stream complete with the wrecks of WWII fighter planes. Music and fly fishing are my passions and these days I balance my time between the music business

and working as a guide out of Sydney, Australia. This playlist contains some of my favourite songs that have been the soundtrack to many fishing trips over the years. Keen ears will find a loose fly fishing theme throughout, with tracks from Chuck Ragan (a renowned Californian fly fishing guide), a member of my favourite band Hot Water Music, and Portugal, The Man (a band of keen fly fishers), plus several songs about rivers and oceans. I hope you enjoy the tunes and maybe discover some new favourites.

LISTEN

NOW

“THIS PLAYLIST CONTAINS SOME OF MY FAVOURITE SONGS THAT HAVE BEEN THE SOUNDTRACK TO MANY FISHING TRIPS OVER THE YEARS.”

Photo. Jye Smith

Chuck Ragan

Hot Water Music

AND MUNCHIES

THE MUNCHIES - HARDERS A LA CARINUS

Winemaker Danie Carinus and his son John wrote to us with this great harder (mullet) recipe. Danie says, “We caught poor man’s bonefish on fly on our last mission to the ‘Boere Bahamas’ (Danger Point, the southern-most point in Walker Bay, Gansbaai ). Here’s the recipe which is plagiarised from a Portuguese sardine recipe I use, with a few of my own touches.”

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil plus extra to serve

• 3 cloves garlic, sliced

• 1 Tbsp paprika or a Tbsp Tom Yum paste* melted in 2 Tbsps butter plus extra to serve

• ½ lemon zested and wedged to serve

• 4 sprigs rosemary, leaves stripped and bruised

• 1 red chilli deseeded and finely chopped

• 8-10 harders or mullet, preferably caught on sandflea imitations yourself (like John Carinus pictured here). Use sardines if you cannot get your hands on the former. Gut and scale them. You want to make sure the flavour gets in from the skin side too.

METHOD

Step 1: Put all the ingredients, except the harders, into a bowl and mix together with some salt and pepper. Pour into a baking dish, add the harders and toss really well. Cover and chill for a few hours.

Step 2: Prepare a proper bed of coals. Coat your braai grid with Olive Oil Spray and Cook to make sure the mullets don’t stick to it. Braai the harders for 4-5 minutes on each side or until really caramelised and charred. Put onto a serving plate, drizzle with oil, sprinkle with a little more paprika and squeeze the lemon wedges over the dish.

THE FLY - SANDFLEA

Hard-on for harders?

Check out Leonard Flemming’s instructions on how to tie the sandflea at themissionflymag.com

“WE CAUGHT POOR MAN’S BONEFISH ON FLY ON OUR LAST MISSION TO THE ‘BOERE BAHAMAS’”.

THE WINE - CARINUS COLOMBARD 2024

While comparing notes with Danie, we got our sweaty mitts on a few bottles of the Carinus Colombard 2024 and can confirm that this wine is A) phenomenal and B) especially epic when paired with fish dishes. Think Harders a la Carinus, yellowtail on the braai (which is what we tried it with), tuna steak ... you name it. Expect aromas of pear, grapefruit and yellow apple and a well-weighted palate balanced by a fresh, zippy acidity. A saline quality adds length to the finish. carinusvineyards.co.za

UNDERCURRENTS

THE STORIES OF OUR LIVES

Words and photo. Dave McCoy

The summing up of a trip with chalk lines on a board. It is something we as anglers have fallen into a habit of doing.

After returning from this trip to Gabon, I recalled how I’d felt tiny there, surrounded by other creatures as grand as the land itself, creatures far more emblematic in that corner of the world than I will ever be.

Adventure. Curiosity. Uncertainty. Respect. Humility. Creativity. Resilience. Vulnerability.

These are the human traits that have allowed us to become who and what we are. We simply can’t afford to lose these qualities to complacency, fear or social construct.

For me, a skinny graphite stick is simply the vehicle of choice for deciding what adventure is next, yet hiding behind a lens is what really provides the immersion I seek.

Chalk lines on a board for photographic posterity, a small chapter in an infinite book of adventure. Great trips are far more than a few words and images.

Try hard to keep your eyes wide open, take it all in. New food, friends and experiences… welcome them all and allow them to rest with you.

These are the stories of our lives.

Fresh from a trip to Sette Cama, Gabon, Dave McCoy (@davemccoyewa) of Emerald Water Anglers shares how the trip left him. Originally posted on Instagram on 24 January 2025.

“CHALK LINES ON A BOARD FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC POSTERITY, A SMALL CHAPTER IN AN INFINITE BOOK OF ADVENTURE. GREAT TRIPS ARE FAR MORE THAN A FEW WORDS AND IMAGES.”

Coffee tastes different on a fishing morning.

It’s even better if you’re sipping it scalding hot out of a cup at some remote cottage, just as the sun starts to paint the horizon. It’s the flavour of adventure. Of uncharted waters. Of frontiers. It’s a potent charm, we know. We’ve been there.

That’s why we embrace the spirit of the frontier. Push the boundaries of your fishing experience with the finest brands and expert advice, available online and in-store.

WISH

LIST FISH

JUTJAW

FEW PEOPLE KNOW MUCH ABOUT THIS SOUTHERN AFRICAN ENDEMIC REEF SPECIES EXCEPT FOR THAT SALTWATER RECUSANT, JIMMY EAGLETON , WHO KNOWS HOW AND WHERE TO CATCH THEM ON FLY

Photos. Jimmy Eagleton, Ryan Janssens

WHAT

Jutjaw (Parascorpis typus) resembles a largemouth bass that’s been smacked flat with a muddy shovel and sprinkled with purple and blue fairy glitter. This gives them an aura that no camera can really capture. Scientists placed this fish in its own genus and family with no close relatives. Virtually nothing is known about this fish which is endemic to South Africa and Mozambique. The assumption is that they feed on zooplankton. That might be true for small ones but, in my experience, they are very aggressive and definitely feed more heavily on small baitfish and prawns. The maximum recorded length is 60cm but fly anglers who hook fish over 30cm will have their eyes light up. Honestly, every one of them is a trophy because of their unicorn status.

WHERE

Given that they can be found in anything from 20 to 200 metres of water, fly anglers can get a shot at them from shore starting in November until April, with January and February being the peak windows. They randomly show up in a group and hold in very specific structure. Overhanging ledges and cave-like formations are where you would find jutjaw, or in deep calm bays and harbours.

HOW

Bait and lure anglers hardly ever hook jutjaw, except for larger specimens that they land every now and again on jigging gear offshore. But they are more common than everyone thinks. Fly fishing for them when they are close to shore is an ideal method because of the stealthy presentation and approach required for these wary ambush predators. Best set up is a 6-weight rod with 7 to 9 inches-per-second sinking line and an 8 foot/8lb leader. Bonefish Charlies and small Clousers tied with translucent synthetic material in all-white, all-pink and all-olive will do the trick. Get in good casts towards or along structure, then move on and rotate between these areas throughout the day. Fish throughout the water column and keep your eyes open. Look long and hard for narrow static objects in dappled shade and dark corners. You will hook up quickly if they’re around and, if you do, you will definitely get more than a few. Enjoy those moments because very soon they’ll be out of reach and probably gone by tomorrow.

WHO

Any fisher who likes German cuisine can go to Kapstadt Brauhaus at Mykonos Marina in Langebaan for a meal. Thereafter go flick a fly in between the jetty walkways and yachts. A float tube will give you unimpeded access around the marina.

HIGH FIVES

IN EVERY ONE OF THE LAST 49 ISSUES, WE HAVE FEATURED FLY FISHING GUIDES FROM ALL OVER THE SHOW IN THE HIGH FIVES SECTION. MOSTLY SOUTH AFRICAN, FROM SMALLSTREAM GUYS TO FLATS FUNDIS AND BLUEWATER BOSSES, ALL OF THEM HAD SOMETHING TO OFFER IN THE WAY OF TECHNICAL ADVICE, INSPIRATIONAL WORDS, THE OCCASIONAL DEEP THOUGHT AND A FEW WONDERFULLY FUNNY CHIRPS. HERE’S A SELECTION OF THE BEST.

BEST THINGS ABOUT WHERE THEY GUIDE

“Sterkfontein. The great teacher. It sucks when you start fishing it, but seldom does a fishery increase your angling ability as drastically as it can.” Brendan Becker, issue 24.

“The accessibility of the Garden Route. Ten minutes out the front door and I am on turtle grass flats dodging pyltjies (stingrays) and throwing flies to whatever moves.” Luke van den Heever, issue 27.

“The fact that at any time during a full spring tide you can walk around Raphael Island (where we live on St. Brandon’s) and have at least ten shots at tailing permit while wearing only boardies with a smoke in your mouth.” Milan Germishuizen, issue 15.

“The night fishing in Cameroon is special. The inversion of sun to stars comes with a whole switch in the dynamic of animal behaviour and your own sensory shift towards sound and self-awareness.” Greg Ghaui, issue 33.

“Pongola is by far the most underrated tiger fishery. It’s technical and not short of handing out a ‘PK’.” Mike Dames, issue 36.

“THE BITS OF NATURE YOU GET TO SEE IF YOU FREQUENT THE FAR-FLUNG ATOLLS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN. WHETHER IT BE WATCHING A TURTLE LAYING A CLUTCH OF EGGS IN FRONT OF YOUR CHALET OR A TIGER SHARK HUNTING TURTLES ON THE FLATS. IT’S WHAT YOU WATCHED ON NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AS A KID EXCEPT NOW IT’S IN REAL LIFE.” NIC ISABELLE, ISSUE 30.

“TANZANIA. YOU REALISE JUST HOW WILD THE SELOUS (NOW NYERERE NATIONAL PARK) IS. IT REALLY FEELS LIKE YOU’RE FISHING IN JURASSIC

PARK.” ROELOF BOTHA, ISSUE 44.

“THE BEST THING ABOUT GUIDING ON THE ORANGE RIVER IS BEING ABLE TO SLEEP UNDER THE STARS AND NOT GET EATEN.”

TABA WEST PHIRI, ISSUE 6.

“Providence Atoll. This is a place so fishy you can’t help but respect that you’ve entered the food chain the second you step foot on its flats.”

Nic Isabelle, issue 30.

“It’s easier to get to the moon than Tokelau.”JP Samuelson, issue 10.

“There are literally a handful of people that fly fish on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal and the waters are basically untouched.” Liam van der Merwe, issue 42.

“ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT ALPHONSE IS

“When a guest fishes in remote areas of Morocco, you cannot imagine how much of a positive impact that has on conservation.”

Karim Boutellaka, issue 41.

“You cannot just rock up in New Zealand, cast a fly and catch a ten pound trout. There are tough weather conditions, tough fish, big water at times, and large, tough river crossings that scare most people.” Alex Waller, issue 29.

“In KwaZulu-Natal you can literally catch a GT in the morning and a brown trout in the afternoon.”

Shaun Dickson, issue 45.

MOST FREQUENTLY MENTIONED UNDERRATED FISH

“I think that grunter in the Gouritz River, are tougher than a tailing permit.” Milan Germishuizen, issue 15.

“The Natal scaly. Pound for pound it’s the strongest freshwater fish you can catch.” Matt Gorlei, issue 3.

“JACK CREVALLE. IF YOU THINK GTS ARE STRONG, THEN YOU HAVE NEVER BUMPED HEADS WITH THESE TREVALLY ALONG THE COASTLINE OF GABON. THEY MIGHT NOT BE AS DIRTY WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING REEF LIKE THEIR INDIAN OCEAN COUSINS, BUT DAMN, THEY WILL GIVE YOU A PROPER RUN FOR YOUR MONEY.” MARK MURRAY, ISSUE 1.

COMMON MISTAKES CLIENTS MAKE

“Buying flies for a trip that none of the guides like. It’s a good idea to contact some experienced guys that have fished the area before.”

Liam van der Merwe, issue 42.

“Using flies tied on bad hooks is a major mistake. Most commercially tied saltwater flies are tied on bad hooks.”

Craig Richardson, issue 7.

“Don’t go to Astove with pike flies and Snowbee reels. It won’t work.”

James Topham, issue 5.

“Loads of clients carry way too much gear with them. We are not going on a self-supported, threeweek hike into some battlefield. More often than not a small box of flies, two to three spools of tippet/ leader and a spare rod is more than enough.” Mark Murray, issue 1.

“It really is important to get on the lawn and practise throwing that 12-weight into the wind. Often your week is a journey leading towards one critical shot. But quite often it will come in the first two minutes, and you want to be ready for it!”

Stu Harley, issue 12.

“When targeting predatory fish with surface patterns, not getting the fly to start moving the instant it hits the water is a big mistake.” Brenton Freeman, issue 38.

“PLAYING FISH TOO SOFTLY, ESPECIALLY ATLANTIC SALMON AND PERMIT. THE SOONER YOU LAND THE FISH, THE BETTER FOR YOU, YOUR GUIDE AND THE FISH.” RUSSEL DE LA HARPE, ISSUE 9.

“Continuing with the same approach and expecting a fish to catch itself. You have got to mix it up - re-evaluate the conditions, change flies and fish out different drifts or retrieves.” Andrew Apsey, issue 20.

“Too many people wait far too long between finding fishing to going fishing again, with their best years in between.” Greg Ghaui, issue 33.

“Blaming the guide if the fishing is not at its best because of a cold front. I am a guide, not a God.” Collen Tshabangu, issue 4. R.I.P

“Not knowing where your fly lands in relation to your line. The fly line might be in line with the fish, but the fly could be nine feet to the right or left.” Craig Richardson, issue 7.

“Wanting it too bad. I get it, but please just chill and make your shots count. I believe it’s a mind game like chatting to a pretty girl. Desperation stinks.” Stu Webb, issue 37.

“Don’t ask us what our parents think of us wasting our lives away like this, don’t ask us what we are going to do one day as a real job. And don’t eat our lunch.” Christiaan Pretorius, issue 2.

WORST BUGBEAR

“GUESTS WHO ARE TOO FIXATED ON THE ‘PICTURE’ WITH A BIG FISH AND DO NOT APPRECIATE WHERE THEY ARE, THE RIVER THEY ARE FISHING OR THE BEAUTY OF THE FISH. THE FACT THAT A TROPHY FISH TAKES YOUR FLY IS SO FAR OUT OF YOUR CONTROL, LET ALONE THE GUIDE’S CONTROL, SO JUST RELAX AND APPRECIATE EACH FISH, THAT BIG ONE WILL COME.” MATT GORLEI, ISSUE 3.

DIFFICULT EXPERIENCES

“RISKING MY JOB BY ALMOST PUNCHING A BELGIAN BARON OVER KILLING FISH. LUCKILY MY BOSS HAD MY BACK!” SCOT DE BRUYN, ISSUE 26.

“CRAIG RICHARDSON’S SNORING.” RUSSEL DE LA HARPE, ISSUE 9.

“PACING YOURSELF IS KEY AS EVERY WEEK THERE IS A GROUP OF CLIENTS THAT HAVE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS TRIP FOR THE LAST YEAR OR FOR A LIFETIME. EVEN IF YOU ARE THREE MONTHS DEEP YOU HAVE TO MATCH THAT ENERGY EACH WEEK.” BLAEDE RUSSELL, ISSUE 39.

“WAKING UP IN RUSSIA TO FIND THE GUIDES AND CAMP CHEF UNCONSCIOUS ON THE FLOOR OF THE KITCHEN WITH A CASE OF VODKA POISONING. THEN HAVING TO COOK BREAKFAST AND TO GET PEOPLE ON THE RIVER WITHOUT THE WHEELS COMING OFF COMPLETELY. I LOVED RUSSIA BUT IT WAS HARD.” ED GHAUI, ISSUE 22.

“GUIDING PENSIONERS WITH PROSTATE PROBLEMS.”

JEREMY ROCHESTER, ISSUE 17

“TEN BEERS AND A BOTTLE OF RUM IS NOT A WISE DIETARY CHOICE THE NIGHT BEFORE A GUIDING DAY ON ASTOVE.” STU WEBB, ISSUE 37.

“RACIST/BIGOT CLIENTS. I FIND IT DIFFICULT KEEPING MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS TO MYSELF, ESPECIALLY WHILE WORKING IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY.” LUKE PANNELL, ISSUE 31.

THINGS THEY WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND

“Why do anglers always want to cast as far as possible into the middle of the river and then fish back to the bank when they are in the middle of the river?”

Johann du Preez, issue 19.

“How so many fail to embrace the idea of conservation while enjoying the resource.” Nathan Pahl, issue 47.

“Why stillwater fishing for stockies is more popular than fishing for yellows or tigers.” Greg Maxwell, issue 49.

“WHY ARE SOME FISHERMEN SO SECRETIVE ABOUT FLY SELECTION? FISHING SPOTS, SURE, BUT WHY FLIES?”

ANTHEA

LINSELL, ISSUE 21.

“WHY SOUTH AFRICANS REEL WITH THEIR RIGHT HANDS.”

CULLAN ASHBY, ISSUE 43.

“WHERE DO TIGERFISH GO WHEN THE WIND BLOWS?”

FRANCOIS BOTHA, ISSUE 8.

“WHY DO NO FLY SHOPS IN SOUTH AFRICA SELL BEER?”

CRAIG RICHARDSON, ISSUE 7.

WORDS OF WISDOM

“DON’T BE A NAAI. DO SOMETHING LEKKER FOR SOMEONE AT LEAST ONCE A DAY WITHOUT EXPECTING ANYTHING BACK.” NIC SCHWERDTFEGER, ISSUE 11.

“NEVER UNDERESTIMATE A SHORT CAST OR A SLOW STRIP (THAT APPLIES TO THE FAIRER SEX TOO).” JOHANN DU PREEZ, ISSUE 19.

“THEY ARE NOT YOUR FISH. SOMETIMES FISH ARE MEANT FOR YOU, SOMETIMES THEY’RE MEANT FOR SOMEBODY ELSE.” BRENDAN BECKER, ISSUE 24.

“I CARRY A SMALL PACK OF TEST FLIES THAT I BRING OUT WHEN THE FISHING IS SLOW. IT’S AWESOME TO CATCH FISH ON A NEW TIE THEN TELL YOUR MATE IT WAS SOMETHING ELSE.” SIMON HUNTER BUNN, ISSUE 14.

“LOOKING AFTER PEOPLE IS A SKILL, IT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING A GOOD GUIDE AND BEING A GOOD FISHERMAN. SOME OF THE BEST DAYS I HAVE EVER HAD ON THE WATER WE CAUGHT LITTLE TO NOTHING. SOME OF THE WORST DAYS I’VE HAD WE LANDED A FISH OF A LIFETIME.” CULLAN ASHBY, ISSUE 43.

“DEVELOP A SERIES OF EXCEL SPREADSHEETS THAT MAKE PACKING FOR ANY TRIP FAST AND EASY.” NIC ISABELLE, ISSUE 30.

“DON’T TAKE LIFE TOO SERIOUSLY. WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN AND THE FISHING IS TOUGH, JUST TAKE IT IN YOUR STRIDE AND GET ON WITH IT. PRESSURE IS FOR CAR TYRES NOT FOR FISHING.” GARETH REID, ISSUE 13. R.I.P

“ONE ON THE SURFACE IS WORTH TEN ON A SINKER.” ED GHAUI, ISSUE 22.

“DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY NEW THINGS, WE HAD A 95CM GT EAT A NUBIAN SPAGHETTI FLY (BASICALLY THE SALTWATER VERSION OF A SAN JUAN WORM) LIKE IT WAS ITS LAST MEAL.” TIM LEPPAN, ISSUE 28.

“SOME FORM OF ADVERSITY OR A FUCK UP IS WHERE AN AMAZING TRIP BECOMES ONE YOU NEVER FORGET.” LUKE PANNELL, ISSUE 31.

“SO MANY TIGER STRIKES ARE RIGHT IN AT YOUR TOES. TAKE A FEW STEPS BACK FROM THE WATER AND ALLOW THAT FLY TO FISH RIGHT INTO THE BANK.” ALASDAIR GRASSIE, ISSUE 46.

“GUIDING HAS GIVEN ME FRIENDSHIPS FORGED IN THE FIRE OF LOCATIONS. SOME OF THE CAMP STAFF, BOAT DRIVERS AND GUIDES WHO HAVE ENDURED THE RIDE WITH ME ARE SOME OF THE PEOPLE I KNOW BEST, AND THE BEST PEOPLE I KNOW.” GREG GHAUI, ISSUE 33.

SKILLS

“I can open a bottle with pretty much anything, teeth included (sorry Mum).” Cullan Ashby, issue 43. “I have the ability to match the sound of the drag made from reels to the brand without looking.” Blaede Russell, issue 39.

“ANSWERING WITH ‘THREE O’ CLOCK, TWENTY YARDS’ WHEN MY WIFE ASKS IF I KNOW WHERE OUR DOG IS.” ROELOF BOTHA, ISSUE 44.

BEST CHEAP PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION

“Pro Hunter scissors. They cut wire, plastic, braid, fly line, you name it.” Mark Murray, issue 1.

BEST ESSENTIALS FOR A GOOD TRIP

“Good people that like alcohol or locally sourced cup-winning marijuana.” Scot de Bruyn, issue 26.

“Described as ‘the golden edge of an autumn afternoon,’ a bottle of 18-year-old Glenmorangie is of paramount importance. It is a good way of measuring boys from men, it starts the trip full and ends the trip empty, and it’s always there to warm you up from a day of hanging flies in trees.” Blaede Russell, issue 39.

MOST WIDELY RECOMMENDED TOOL

A Leatherman. From fixing engines to removing hooks from body parts, more guides recommend these multi-tools than any other product. Aside from beer.

BEST FLY RECOMMENDATION

“Royal Wulff, just so when you drive past a trout stream and some ou’s sukkeling to see his #22 CDC Emerger, you can chuck your #6 Royal Wulff in and catch a tank, proving that trout don’t sit in leather chairs reading Dave Whitlock’s bible on entomology.” James Topham, issue 5.

TOP SHOWER THOUGHT

“I’d like to guide Donald Trump, because it’s harder to cheat in fly fishing than golf.”

Scot de Bruyn, issue 26.

SHOOTERS SHARP

WANT TO ELEVATE YOUR BLURRY FISH FLOP SHOTS, WHICH DON’T DO JUSTICE TO THE FISH, THE ADVENTURE OR YOURSELF? COURSE YOU DO. TO HELP, WE SPOKE TO SOME OF OUR BEST PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTRIBUTORS ABOUT HOW THEY DO WHAT THEY DO. NO EXCUSES NOW…

Leonard Flemming, Peter Coetzee, Yaqoob Tarmohammed, Jess McGlothlin, Álvaro. G. Santillan. Brian Chukanyuka

Photos.

While we have a ton of respect for the Zen guys who can catch great fish and never take a photo, we (and probably you, too) occupy a lower echelon of ego and neediness. Plus, we reason, if you’re going to go to all the trouble of pouring into it your life and soul, spending countless hours at the vice and kilometres on foot missioning your way to eventual victory, why not capture the moment and capture it well? With this in mind we spoke to a bunch of the best, from professional fly fishing photographers to self-reliant DIY dirt-baggers, about what makes a good photo. Their insights on composition, composure, tech tricks and prep work will ensure that the next time you catch a memorable fish you can take shots that will live on for decades (as you bore the living daylights out of anyone who dares comment on them).

DIY GUY 1

LEONARD FLEMMING

Usually found deep in the mountains of the Western Cape catching colossal Clanwilliam yellowfish. Insta: @leonardflemmingphotography

The system

I’m currently shooting with a Canon EOS 5D Mark III with a zoom lens (24-105mm) and a 100mm macro lens. I use a DiCaPac for underwater images and for when I am worried about getting my gear/backpack wet (deep wading, swimming, rain etc). I recommend getting a net with foam around the rim so that you can float the fish in the water in the net while setting up your camera. For a mug shot (or recording shot of your fish) I prefer having the sun behind the camera (to have great light on the subject). I often carry a small tripod or look for a rock or nice level stump to set the camera up on with a self-timer of 10 seconds. Focus on the net rim and move into the picture to pick up the fish for the shot. The net rim is then your focus point and point of reference as to where to hold the fish to get it sharp. You could also use a stick in the water or another object as the point of focus. Listen to the camera beeper and only lift the fish for the shot when the beep speeds up, about three seconds before the photo is taken.

The approach

I usually select a scenic background close to where the fish was caught and, again, move the fish through the water in a floating net. Shooting with the sun behind the camera to get good light on the fish is the norm, but you can obviously change that if you want a backlit fish image. Remember to lift the fish only when you’re ready to take the photo. I like to show as much of the fish as possible, with the focus on the fish, so I prefer resting it on both hands. The hands are behind the fish, the head tilted slightly down and towards the camera. Focus on the eye, then you can’t go wrong. A freshly picked up fish will also spill water which adds to the photo.

The biggest mistake people make is to hold the fish in line with their own bodies, which takes away a lot of the

“I USUALLY SELECT A SCENIC BACKGROUND CLOSE TO WHERE THE FISH WAS CAUGHT AND, AGAIN, MOVE THE FISH THROUGH THE WATER IN A FLOATING NET.”

fish’s lustre, unless, of course, it is a very big fish. In most mug shots the focus is on the fish, and you are presenting the fish for a photo, celebrating the fish. If your aim is to capture the sunset with an angler holding a fish in the landscape, then that’s a different composition. For detailed shots of small fish like redfin minnows, zoom in as much as possible or use a macro lens.

The tip

Make sure that the camera focuses on the fish and not the face of the angler (as AI is set up to do – stupid AI!). It helps to hold the fish slightly forward towards the camera to make sure that the autofocus recognises the fish as the object of priority. I prefer manual focus due to this AI software issue in most cameras.

PETER COETZEE

Usually found alone on remote African beaches catching GTs or tarpon on foot. Insta: @thelastrailroad

The system

When fishing solo for large saltwater fish, I have a monopod attached to the outside of my pack and on one of the other clips I have about 6m of paracord. In my pack I have my camera setup, generally with the menu in a spot where I can easily access interval timer shooting. I’ll preset my camera to take a photo every one second and an unlimited number of photos. Focus is set to zone area with subject tracking and set to continuous, not single, focus. These are Fuji settings as I’m on a Fuji X-T5 now, but Nikon and Canon have the equivalent.

The approach

Fast forward to a landed fish… I will generally take an “insurance photo” of the fish in hand or next to the rod for scale, on wet sand. I like to leave the fly in the mouth, but it depends on the species. Big fish can make this precarious and sometimes, for safety and handling reasons, you want it out. A lot also depends on the species’ behaviour. Fish like GTs are like lap dogs in hand and then, at the opposite extreme, you have bumphead parrotfish or tuna. With the fish lying in the shallows, I will put the paracord around its tail knuckle (not easy on all species) and put the fish a little deeper into the water so both gills are covered and it’s happy. A rock pool is a significant help. I will tie the other end of the cord to my ankle and then push the monopod into the sand and set the camera up, roughly at fish-eye level. I’ll quickly navigate to the interval timer and begin.

DIY GUY 2

“WE DON’T EXPERIENCE LIFE IN THE THIRD PERSON. IT’S THE PHOTOS OF FISH TAILING, HUNTING, OR DETAILS OF SPECIFIC FISH THAT BRING ME BACK.”

The camera will now take a shot every second, continually tracking the subjects (me and the fish). I like a shallow depth of field, and the Fuji’s animal tracking abilities will generally put the focus on the fish and not me, which I like. I will usually test focus point and zoom, run back to camera to quickly check that I’m happy with framing and then restart the interval timer. This sounds like a long process, but in reality I can achieve it in a minute or so. The other basics for me are to keep the sun in your face, not behind you; be wary of shadows on your cap and pay close attention to white balance if it’s very bright outside. This might sound a bit Walter Mitty, but it was recently pointed out to me that I never print or look at photos of me and fish again. It’s the photos of fish tailing, hunting, or details of specific fish that bring me back. We don’t experience life in the third person, so I guess it makes sense to find that perspective awkward.

The tip

We all go through a stage early on where we want every fish to look massive. At some point you learn that big fish will show themselves no matter what and that experienced anglers aren’t fooled by hero shots. I generally just play with focus and framing. I don’t like the framing to be tight, and I like plenty of environment around the angler. It’s important to me that the person looking at the photo can feel what it felt like. A tournament carp angler level “trophy” shot doesn’t achieve this.

THE FLY TYING GUY

YAQOOB TARMOHAMMED (AKA JOZI FLY) Usually found at his tying bench hammering out orders when he’s not fishing the Vaal River or running his WhatsApp group fly tying community.

Insta: @jozifly

The system

In my early days of fly tying, all my photos and videos were captured on my iPhone. It wasn’t until later that I upgraded to a Sony A7IV and a Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. The leap in quality was undeniable, but I’ll always advocate starting with what you have which, for many of us, is your phone. Today’s smartphones, especially those with macro capabilities, shine in fly photography and are surprisingly capable of capturing the intricate details of fly tying. The key lies not in the equipment but in how you use it.

The approach

Tell a story. Whether you’re photographing flies on the vice or fish fresh from the water, remember that photography is storytelling. A great photo captures the moment, the craft, and the passion behind it. Start with your phone, experiment with lighting, exposure, and composition, and focus on telling a story. The rest will follow.

Getting the right settings dialled in beforehand helps. For posting to Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, shooting and exporting in 30fps and in 1080p/HD will give you the

best results as these apps may compress your videos. For photos, keep in mind that you want to use a 4:5 crop ratio as this is the maximum screen size for Instagram’s vertical format, and export your images in the highest quality settings possible.

Lighting can elevate a shot from mediocre to mesmerizing. For capturing the finer details of a fly, natural light is your best friend. Set up near a window or use a soft light source to avoid harsh shadows. A ring light or LED panel can work wonders for tying setups, especially in low-light conditions.

Exposure is all about balance. Underexposed images lose detail, while overexposed ones look washed out. When it comes to shooting, ensure that the intricate materials are well-lit but not blown out.

Good composition transforms a photo into art. Focus on symmetry and clarity.

Details matter. Small mistakes can ruin an otherwise great shot. Watch out for shadows, especially your own, which can distract from the subject. A busy background detracts from the story you’re telling. Tidying up your workspace can make a big difference.

Post-production. Good editing software and apps like Lightroom Mobile can take your mobile photos to a new level with a little research and practice. However, just like with fly tying, less is more. Over-saturating colours or adding heavy filters often detract from authenticity.

Over-editing. Nature is beautiful enough already. We don’t need saturated, high-contrasted images to make it seem even better. Sometimes photos can look dull compared to how you remember the scene, so boost the colours and contrast slightly. Expose the shadows and sharpen details slightly. As Yaqoob says, less is more.

PRO 1

JESS MCGLOTHLIN

Usually found on the road (or in the air or on water), from Chile to Australia’s Northern Territory, Belize or on her home range of Montana, Jess is in high demand as a commercial photographer and travel host. Insta: @jess_mcglothlin_media

The system

I’m a huge proponent of shooting with what you have, be it an iPhone or the newest Leica. I recently made the switch from my two 12-year-old Canon EOS 5D MK III cameras –which were absolute workhorses but starting to finally fail – to Sony mirrorless cameras. So far I’ve been impressed with the Sony although some of the new features feel a bit like cheating. Still, I can strip down the settings and finesse to capture what I want. The change to mirrorless has come with a lot of homework, but it’s been invigorating to have that learning curve. As I write this, I’m in Argentina for a month of travel, fishing, and shooting various fisheries, and the cameras have done great in various conditions. I’ll typically run a long lens and a short lens. On this trip I have a 70-200mm and a 16-35mm, both f/2.8, as well as a 50mm f/1.4 with me. I’ll run the f/2.8s on the water, and the 50mm is great for lodge shots or astrophotography.

I shoot all RAW images, and use Adobe Lightroom for cataloguing and light editing. The goal is to capture images correctly on the camera, so Lightroom is just for keyboarding and file organisation. Do the work to get it right in-camera because who wants to spend hours on the computer manipulating files when you could be out fishing?

The approach

To my mind, a good fish photo is something different from the standard grip-and-grin. It’s something creative, compelling, that shows off the fish and the fishery at its best. Let’s place the viewer into the scene with us, sharing as much of the place and the environment as we can while also showcasing a fish that in the end gets to swim off healthy and well. That said, I still look to tick the “classic shot” boxes. Rod bent, angler looking intent and happy as he fights the fish. The hero shot is always good to shoot, though if I have an angler who A) knows how to hold fish well, and B) is willing to work well with the camera, I like to forgo the grip-and-grin and instead shoot something more creative… like having the fish half in the water, getting the lens low to the fish’s eye, etc., all while ideally keeping the fish as wet as possible. If we’re in a situation where we can rest the fish in the water in the net and are not rushed to get it released, I’ll shoot tight detail shots of eyes, fins, and any other outstanding markings. And then, of course, the release is a great shot.

“WHO WANTS TO SPEND HOURS ON THE COMPUTER MANIPULATING FILES WHEN YOU COULD BE OUT FISHING?”

ÁLVARO G. SANTILLAN

Usually found shooting for Guideline and other brands in places like New Zealand or guiding on the Gaula River in Norway.

Insta: @focusontheflymedia

The system

On the technical side, I prefer to keep things natural. I dislike the exaggerated ultra-wide-angle look for fish portraits. I get that wide-angle lenses make fish appear larger, which is great for grabbing attention in the fastpaced world of social media, but that won’t make your fish bigger, just your ego. If I have a telephoto lens on when a fish takes, I work with what I have. That said, if I had to choose one lens for fish photography it would be a 35mm. Over the years I’ve found that a 35mm fullframe lens offers the perfect balance between subject

separation and environmental context, both of which deserve to be captured in harmony, as they help tell the full story. For detail shots, I rely on my 90mm macro lens, which allows me to capture intricate textures like scales, eyes, and fins.

The approach

In a world where many are simply chasing “likes”, it’s easy to get caught up in grip-and-grin fever. From my perspective, fly fishing photography has evolved significantly in recent years, largely due to the impact of social media and the sheer volume of content we create for it. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say that social media has changed the way I perceive fly fishing content. I love the unique aspect of photography, capturing a moment that will never happen again. But nowadays I feel we’re oversaturated with content, which

PRO 2

“WHAT MAKES A FISH SPECIAL, BEYOND THE EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS OF THE ANGLER HOLDING THE OTHER END OF THE LINE?”

makes me question whether some of these images are truly unique. Now, more than ever, I believe capturing authentic moments is crucial to truly conveying what fly fishing is about. Fish photos are just one piece of the puzzle and not even the most important one. If fish photos happen, they happen and, when they do, I try to focus on the beauty of the fish itself and the emotions of the angler. To me, those two elements are what truly matter. After all, what makes a fish special, beyond the emotions and feelings of the angler holding the other end of the line in that fleeting moment when the line goes tight?

While grip-and-grins make up no more than 20% of my final selection, more often I focus on fish details – scales, eyes, fins – along with underwater shots, fight sequences, and moments of celebration between anglers. The rest

of my project typically revolves around the landscapes we’re fortunate enough to fish in, the people I’m sharing the journey with, spontaneous moments in nature, and the gear we use because, let’s be honest, every angler suffers from a bit of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). Many of us are convinced that the one fly we don’t own will solve all our problems.

The tip

Respect the fish above all else. Don’t fight it longer than necessary. Don’t resort to unethical tactics just to get a photo. Keep the fish in the water and, if you must lift it, do so for only a few seconds. Also, not every fish we catch needs to be photographed. Essentially, use common sense. Fish are living beings.

Boats and skiffs are super-useful for finding fish but can make for some of the blandest photos out there. It’s got something to do with all the horizontal lines plus your boep (AKA gut) hanging over the fish’s head. When you’re next on deck, fish in hand/net, take the time to present a better photo. Drift to some nearby shallows or a reed bank, get in the water with the fish, and pose with a proper backdrop. Alternatively, if the photographer gets low as you release the fish from your hands or the net, you should get a better perspective.

BRIAN “CHUCKY” CHUKANYUKA

Usually found on the Seychelles Outer Islands working for Blue Safari, capturing moments from some of the best saltwater fly fishing on the planet. Insta: @brianchucky

The system

Starting from the sky I shoot on a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone and I also have my DJI Mini 3 Pro that I love using for experimental shots when I know there’s a slight chance the drone might not make it back. At ground level I use the Sony A7R III and A7R IV. The A7R III does all the underwater work. For this I use an Aquatech underwater housing. I also use a Canon 7D, my first love, and that has an underwater housing too which I use quite a bit both above and below the water. My favourite lens has to be the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8. It’s a great all-rounder especially on a skiff. Second would be the Canon 70-200mm f/4.0 and third the Canon 300mm f/2.8 to round it off. These are all full-frame lenses.

Gear doesn’t matter as much as it used to. Phones have improved so much. The RAW photos coming out of the iPhone 16s are pretty epic. Aquatech have the Joby and AxisGo housings for phones that offer a dome too, so you can do split shots on those. GoPros are also great for these. They capture so much depth and have such a wide angle that it makes them perfect for it as long as you have a dome in front. GoDome make a nice housing for GoPros too.

The approach I like to experiment with different angles, mainly aerial and underwater. Like what does a tailing trigger look like on the drone? Or looking straight up at a permit from underwater? Some ideas stick in your head for a while, and you try them over and over until eventually they work. One of my favourite moments is capturing the excitement of the eat. Timing it is tough but when you get the shot it’s a lot of fun. Then landing the fish. Permit are nerveracking because they try and tangle you with the line, big GTs stress everyone until they’re in the net, and triggers could dive into a hole at any moment, which is where I get some of my favourite shots of guides swimming down to get them out. The relief and excitement of knowing the fish is caught radiates off everyone’s face.

“STEPHAN DOMBAJ SHOWED ME THE LICKTHE-DOME

TECHNIQUE TO

STOP WATER FROM

STICKING TO

THE DOME SO YOU HAVE A CLEAR SHOT ABOVE THE SURFACE.”

Once the fish is landed, I like to get the grip-and-grin or hero shot out of the way. I’ve had the privilege of spending time with people like Dr Andy Danylchuk of Keep Fish Wet (keepfishwet.org) who has really changed my mind about fish handling. So I love getting as many shots as I can as quickly as possible with the fish in the water. All species have such different and interesting scale patterns, so I try to get those in. Their eyes are intriguing. Milkfish have those massive eyes that look like they could stare into your soul, triggerfish have chameleon-like eyes with the awesome pattern continuing from their scales, and GTs have these intense eyes with that light ring around the edge that sometimes looks like glowing lava. Another favourite detail is the fish tail: yellow margin triggerfish rank highly there. Then finally comes the release. My favourite for these is on the drone for bigger fish, especially on white sand.

I love a split shot. It’s challenging but when it works it’s one of my favourites. I’ve learnt a lot from people like Stephan Dombaj who showed me the lick-the-dome technique. This is to stop water from sticking to the dome so you have a clear shot above the surface. The camera focus point matters.

Most importantly, try to show a well-rounded fishing adventure. This took me a while to learn but spending time with Keith Rose-Innes has helped a ton. Capture the journey (pilots on the small plane, first glimpse of the island over a shoulder or the boat ride as you enter the atoll), then the destination. Start from a wide perspective of the whole place, right down to the details like terrain, accommodation, food, staff. An important one for me is the fun side, that celebratory beer after a big fish, sundowners when all the stories come out.

The tip

The most important thing is to make sure your glass is clean. The second most important thing is making sure to shoot RAW. The Sony RAW files carry so much information and are forgiving for when you over- or under-expose, within reason.

50 ISSUES OF THE MISSION

FROM THE DIYS TO THE FYIS, PEARLS OF WISDOM AND PISS-TAKES, IT’S BEEN THE PEOPLE, THE PLACES, THE FISH AND THE STORIES THAT HAVE MADE THIS MAGAZINE WHAT IT IS. HERE’S A LOOK AT SOME OF OUR HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 50 ISSUES.

THE COVERS

We’ve had a stupid amount of fun over the years with our covers, starting with issue 1, shot by Oliver Kruger when Conrad Botes caught a carp in the moat of the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town on a stompie (cigarette butt) fly. Did we get chased off by SANDF soldiers? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Since then our covers have had tons of art, long dusty roads, deep thoughts in fields of weed, fly tying at night in vans, star-crossed guide nipples, drone shots, macro shots, a live grunter in a tank on a trash heap and even a smidgen of full frontal male nudity.

Most covers by a photographer?

Ryan Janssens with the Tankwa Karoo (issue 3), Orange River (issue 4), Jurassic Lake (issue 20) and Jimmy Eagleton cliff climbing (issue 40).

Ryan Janssens, issue 2.

Most covers by an illustrator?

Our editor-at-large (who also happens to be a celebrated artist), Conrad Botes, with six covers including issue 2 (the torso Capt. Jack wishes he had), issue 4 (the left hand of Lefty Kreh), issue 10 (Oliver White as a werewolf), issue 14 (dragon on the Orange), issue 30 (River of Shit) and this issue’s Detention Deathsquad. Plus Conrad also has a few director creds for photographic covers too.

Most covers by a model?

Andre van Wyk with issue 16 (split-screen goldfish), issue 29 (Seffrican Beauty) and issue 38 (Chronicles of Loss).

Before (above) and after (below), issue 29.

THE PLACES - AFRICA

Our raison d’être is to shine a spotlight on Africa, which is why approximately 70-80% of what we feature showcases the best our incredible continent has to offer. That’s also, in part, why the spine of our print magazine has the line, “The Best Shithole Species, In The Best Shithole Destinations”. The politically-aware will be able to identify who the muse was for that charming line, but, in short, it captures a large part of our ethos. All continents and countries have areas deemed shitholes. We have caught some of our best fish in shitholes. We firmly believe, a shithole is in the eye of the beholder.

From shitholes to glory holes, paradise and purgatory, in the last 50, we have gone deep with hatch junkies on the Vaal River, had our Djiboutis called by the GTs and rainbow runners caught on foot in the Horn of Africa, had several Gabonnanzas, embraced the goats and triggers of Sudan, featured the first fly fishing story out of the Cameroon Nile perch fishery, covered Nigeria’s quiet corner (and its amazing Niger barbs and perch), and got lost in the Legend of Fuck You Valley (aka the Bokong River in Lesotho). We have been to Jozini/Pongola Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia as well as some unnamed rivers elsewhere in Southern Africa for regular brevis tigers; hit Tanzania for the bluefinned jobbies and Chinko in DRC for goliaths*.

We have deconstructed grunter, revelled in the e.coli infested waters of the Berg River in search of Paarl Panthers (aka carp), and lost our minds again and again over Clanwilliam yellowfish. We wrote a love letter to Salma Hayek and bumphead parrotfish, joined two farm kids on their quest to decipher lowveld yellows and delved into the suds of the Cape rock and surf fly fishing scene. We followed santer up a river, tried to figure out why all leervis species have the same damn name, ran after bonnies on the rocks, tussled with Satanic papaya triggers in the Maldives, figured out Angolan tarpon in estuaries and geelbek at night off the West Coast.

“OUR RAISON D’ÊTRE IS TO SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICA, WHICH IS WHY APPROXIMATELY 70-80% OF WHAT WE FEATURE SHOWCASES THE BEST OUR INCREDIBLE CONTINENT HAS TO OFFER.”

Chinko, issue 28.

Bokong River, issue 4.

Cameroon, issue 10.

Djibouti, issue 4.

Vaal River, issue 44.

Tanzania, issue 39.

Sudan, issue 16.

Maldives, issue 39.

Cosmoledo, issue 20.

Berg River, issue 2.

We’ve covered the Seychelles extensively: from behind the scenes guide prep at Astove (and fishing for permit in the unique milky waters of its lagoon), to the behemoths and bounty of Providence, Cosmoledo, Farquhar, Poivre, St Francois and Alphonse (as well as in-depth descriptions of the sex lives of tortoises on Bird Island). Not forgetting our stories on St Brandon’s off Mauritius too, the Maldives (Satanic papaya triggerfish), Bassas da India and Mozambique. What else? We’ve marvelled at the fruit-eating ndungu of Tanzania, the blue yellowfish and amazing bream species in Zambia, barbel and zombie loeries in Joburg, chiselmouth and scalies in KZN and going locally lekker with the leeries of Zandvlei.

Then there were the trout escapades - stillwater deep dives in Dullies and Thrift, smallstream trout at Gateshead on the Bokspruit as described by Toast Coetzer and other parts of the Rhodes area, Injasuti, Kenya, the Jan du Toit’s, and many, many more.

*When we say “we”, we mean our contributors, because sadly we have neither the time nor money to do this all ourselves.

“WE’VE

THE PLACES - REST OF THE WORLD

While our focus is mainly on Africa, it does not mean we neglect the rest of the world when opportunity knocks.

Places we have been and/or featured include, but are not limited to: Iran for mangar and sherbot, Cyprus’s DMZ for tilapia, Exmouth for marlin and goldens and lots more, Florida for poons, snook and Florida man, Mongolia for taimen, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana for troot and hatches, Weipa for a death march, Oman for DIY permit and Africanus breakthroughs, New Zealand for big troots, a 61-hour journey to Kamchatka for rainbows and other salmonids.

Deep breath.

Then there was Guyana for arapaima, golden mahseer in Bhutan, Long Reef for Chinaman and GTs, Fiji for lovers, Tierra del Fuego for mahoosive sea trout, Iberia for barbel, Costa Rica for Machacha, Germany and Austria for a medley of barbel and troot, Socotra for GTs, bones and parrots, Holland species bashing, Yucatan DIY, Alaska for sheefish, a Christmas island pilgrimage, wild fish from Borneo, yellowtail on the flats of North Island, New Zealand dirtbagging, slow lane-ing in Slovenia, DIYing Grand Cayman, stripping for Boston stripers and so many others that we literally cannot find the space for them all here.

issue 16.

Alaska, issue 40.

Bhutan,

Mongolia, issue 8.

Boston, issue 46.

Kamchatka, issue 46.

New Zealand, issue 38.

Christmas Island, issue 33.

Colorado, issue 7.

Costa Rica, issue 20. Cyprus, issue 5.

Tierra del Fuego, issue 17.

Long Reef, issue 27.

Oman, issue 9.

Wolf Barbs from Laos, issue 2.

THE PEOPLE

Perhaps the thing that’s made The Mission a little odder than usual, is the personalities we feature either as indepth profiles or Lifer Q&As. Whether it’s legends of lore already known for their fly fishing exploits or undercover fly anglers with a story to share, we’ve had a lot of fun getting some of these gems to give up a bit of time to be interviewed.

Keith Rose-Innes on the methodology behind protecting paradise, issue 1.

“Without fly fishing there wouldn’t be these places, it’s impossible. Conventional tackle wouldn’t have been able to create this culture of the fly fisherman where all they want to do is protect the ecosystem.”

Ray Montoya, the man who fishes with goats, issue 2.

“The uncertainty, hardships and days of struggle are as much a part of the narrative as the prize. This is what defines true DIY fishing.”

Arno Matthee, the psychopomp*, issue 3.

“Tarpon cum is the worst. It’s impossible to get the stench off your clothes.”

“When I first saw a tarpon, that was the end for me. The end of my sanity. That was all I wanted to catch. You can’t design a better game fish. They are silver, they jump, they are super-powerful, we catch them on tiny flies in shallow water, the whole design and makeup of them is incredible.”

Marco Pierre White on being a poacher, issue 5.

“It’s funny how you change as you get older. When you’re young, you want to kill everything and catch everything. Now, if I fish, there comes a point when it’s time to go have a pint. But I love the romance of one for the pot. The poacher is always in you.”

Lefty Kreh on Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, issue 5.

“’Old Man Patagonia’ Yvon Chouinard – five foot two and the toughest guy I ever met. He hardly ever wears shoes. His feet are tougher than a badger’s mother-in-law. He’s climbed over 200 of them vertical mountains alone. Never talks about any of this stuff. I’ve known him for over 30 years maybe. He’s a neat guy.”

Stephan Dombaj on the struggle, issue 6.

“The struggle in between makes it worth pursuing something. It’s human and absolutely more obtainable. I wouldn’t go fishing with someone who catches all the time. It would be terrifying.”

Dale Steyn on why he fly fishes, issue 8.

“Fly fishing is an incredible skill and once you get into it, it teaches you a lot more about life than actually catching a fish.”

Arno Matthee, issue 3.

Keith Rose-Innes, issue 1.

Lefty Kreh, issue 5.

Marco Pierre White, issue 5.

Oliver White on wolfing his way to Wall Street and back to fly fishing, issue 10.

“As a fishing guide you are a curator of an experience. The fishing is part of that. We’re creating memories for people.”

Rolf Nylinder on balance, issue 11.

“There are these people who quit their jobs just to fish every day of their lives. Looking at those people - and from what I’ve experienced with fishing too much - is that the glory of fishing is swept away. I like fishing not to be my usual day. I like it to be something special.”

Tom Sutcliffe on fishing alone, issue 12

“Most of us – outside of the committed loners and the true misanthropes – would probably opt for company on a trout stream, if only because it’s more pleasant to share an experience than to live it alone; and because who otherwise is going to believe you caught that hog from an impossible hole on a size 20 dry fly on a perfectly executed first cast?”

Jeremy Block, the Kenyan billfish pioneer on the bioluminescent night-time eat of a broadbill swordfish on fly, issue 13.

“It’s something every bill fisherman should experience, regardless of whether or not you get a hook up. It’s unlike anything on earth.”

Tim Rajeff, The Murder Bird, issue 14.

“I’ve always been the goof off, the youngest brother always breaking shit and losing stuff, causing trouble. Dependability wasn’t always my strength.”

Jeff Currier on his incredible species count and luck, issue 15.

“My final fish that day was an 8lb guapote. That’s when I first learned I had the golden horseshoe up my ass.”

Bob Skinstad on good vibes and energy, issue 16.

“Give to the givers because you will get time, energy and wealth back in buckets. Don’t give to the takers, because only you will suffer.”

Back country philosopher Riverhorse Nakadate, issue 17.

“Why else would we be here, other than to celebrate and fully immerse ourselves in the miracle of Mother Earth?”

“Most of us have realised that the earth is struggling. I believe in us as humans; that we can do the right things, make changes with wisdom and intellect that save things and get them back on track.”

Bob Popovics on playing it forward with fly fishing and fly tying knowledge, issue 18. R.I.P

“Somebody gave it to you and gave it to me, so you give it to someone. You pass it on, and I’ve always liked that. That’s a big deal to me.”

Oliver White, issue 10.

Tom Sutcliffe, issue 12.

Jeff Currier, issue 15.

Bob Skinstad, issue 16.

“MY FINAL FISH THAT DAY WAS AN 8LB GUAPOTE. THAT’S WHEN I FIRST LEARNED I HAD THE GOLDEN HORSESHOE UP MY ASS.”

Jimmy Eagleton, the West Coast saltwater pioneer, issue 23.

“There is very little that beats a freshly brewed cup of coffee after midnight on a small West Coast island. The darkness amplifies your senses. In a strange way, the smell of guano and decaying kelp complements the coffee.”

Mike Fay, the conservationist, issue 27.

“Before I die, I want to see the fauna come back in its full glory in eastern Central African Republic.”

MC Coetzer, issue 28.

“If the French government should fall or go broke to the extent that they cannot afford to patrol the waters around Bassa da India, I’ll be on the first yacht out there.”

John Thoabala, issue 29.

“If I could change one thing in flyfishing it would be the attitude of those anglers who do not want to share with others. One needs to love fly fishing and to share that love. It’s not about how many fish you caught, but how the fishing was.”

Greer Leo-Smith, issue 31.

“The most satisfying fish I ever caught was a yellowfish on the Nyanga River in Gabon. It was an amazing experience as no one had fly fished the river before.”

Anton Pentz of Pretoria’s Pentz Predator reels, issue 13. “Lefty Kreh gave me my first big order.”

Linda Gorlei, issue 19.

“What I get out of fly fishing has changed over the years. I am less obsessed about the quarry and more in love with the cast, the surroundings and sucking up the moment.”

Tim Babich, issue 32.

“I want clients that are fishing-orientated and could not give a fuck about the wifi.”

Mike Fay, issue 27.

John Thoabala, issue 29.

Linda Gorlei, issue 19.

Tim Babich, issue 32. Rolf Nylinder, issue 11.

THE SCIENCE

Led by our in-house ichthyologist Dr JD Filmalter, we have had a ton of science-led stories, from a general one on JD, The Fishing Scientist (issue 7), to a deep dive on kob and an even deeper dive on GTs. Then there’s our coverage of the work done by Dr Jeremy Shelton and the Fynbos Fish crew fighting to bring sandfish, Clanwilliam yellowfish and other indigenous species back from the brink, and, of course, our regular Troubled Waters feature looking at everything from who is responsible for stuffing up a specific fishery (and how to go about fixing it) like the Wilge, Sterkies, Broderstroom, Witte, Umgeni to how estuaries work.

THE FLIES

On our 1-50 journey thus far, we’ve snuffled around like truffle hounds looking for wisdom, insights, tips and tactics from some of the best fly tyers on the planet. Some of it is theory, the rest practice, which you can get stuck in to with the line-up of Step-By-Steps on our Youtube channel. We’ve had Joe Blados on the crease fly, Ed Truter on the Balbyter ant, Conrad Botes on John Barr’s Meatwhistle for smallmouth bass, Alec Gerbec’s Grim Reaper popper, Arno Laubscher’s Gnarly Headz popper, Jimmy Eagleton’s Mohawk Kwan, putting together the perfect flats box, Bob Clouser on the Clouser minnow, Tim Leppan on the Foam Dungeon, Alan Hobson’s beetles, Ray Montoya on simplicity, Platon Trakoshis on the Lalu Bug, Gordon van der Spuy on life-changing ants, Sean Mills on tilapia soft serve, Andre van Wyk on hooks for BEASTS, David Taylor on the Faro Peanut and the PAW, Conrad Botes on Spongebobs for kob, John Barr’s Meatwhistle and the Bulkhead Hollow Fleye and a smorgasbord of others for you to choose from.

Joe Blados on crease flies, issue 6.

“Every salty fly rodder will differ on their favourite gear or flies, but one thing they will all agree on is that nothing beats a surface strike. A bunch of factors from luck to skill and sheer determination can make you stand out on the beach. When all else fails, crease flies have given me the edge.”

Bob Clouser on the origins of his eponymous fly, issue 4.

“Before the Clouser, we had a fly that was just as good but it was so ugly it wouldn’t sell. You have to make something to please the buyer too.”

Ed Truter on the Bokong River’s most famous pattern, issue 7.

“No-one’s goens got nibbled. The pattern is simply named after the 1-2 cm long Camponotus spp. of ants called sugar ants, but officially known in Afrikaans as balbyter ants.”

Ray Montoya on the similarities between organised religion and fly tying, issue 14.

“I was fortunate in that my mother did not protest when I decided at age nine to give up Catholic Mass in pursuit of fish. Honestly, I think she was ecstatic to have me out of the house. Little did I realize then, I was simply replacing one doctrine for another.”

Dr JD Filmalter, issue 7.

Bob Clouser, issue 4.

Alec Gerbec, issue 8.

ZIMBABWE’S

Tel: +263780449596

Email: jason@finandfeather.co.zw

•

TASMANIA TROUT

COD’S WINDOW

TAKING A GAP BETWEEN STORMS AND TODDLERS, TUDOR CARADOC-DAVIES GOES DEEP INTO THE BACKWOODS OF NEW SOUTH WALES IN SEARCH OF MURRAY COD WITH AUSSIE FLY FISHER (AUSSIEFLYFISHER.COM).

Photos. Josh Hutchins, Tudor Caradoc-Davies

“Cod thumb, it’s a rite of passage mate.”

Iwas standing in the middle of a long, dark pool on a heavily-wooded, mid-sized river in the hills of New South Wales, Australia, with my thumb inside a Murray cod’s mouth, while Josh Hutchins of Aussie Fly Fisher, who caught that particular fish, was taking photos. Josh was excited about the soft, late afternoon light but, at the same time there was no denying that he was enjoying the grimace on my face as the cod’s raspy tongue and pads of needle-sharp teeth shredded my thumb. Somewhere off in the woods to the right I could hear the bleating of a feral goat, a noise that in the moment sounded awfully like a laugh.

Josh is classically Aussie in that he is all about the banter, mate. And, with me being South African (a nation that traditionally competes well at sportsball with Australia, but generally loses the sledging wars), I carry a small pouch of national trauma everywhere I go. Think Shane Warne running psychological rings around Darryl Cullinan; the Clyde Rathbone/Tiaan Strauss/Kepler Wessels defections and the 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-final. That’s why when Josh insisted that you have to lip cod with your thumb, I wasn’t sure if he was taking the piss or not. He’d already tried baiting me with chirps about South Africa’s “yellow carp” (aka our beloved yellowfish species), so I had him pigeonholed as being full of it.

Pretending it was all in a day’s work, I did as I was told and lipped cod when instructed, both Josh’s and mine, and soon had raw bleeding thumbs that looked like they had lost a fight with a belt sander. Still, despite feeling like Satan’s proctologist, it would not be an overstatement to say I was in a state of deep bliss. You know that feeling that only seems to set in when you are several hours into a trip? Where you are tired, but in a good physical way, not stressy tired; with a fish on the board; and a cell phone deep in my pack that could not receive any comms even if it had been switched on.

Plus, the only arse I’d wiped in the last 24 hours was my own.

“I DID AS I WAS TOLD AND LIPPED COD WHEN INSTRUCTED, BOTH JOSH’S AND MINE, AND SOON HAD RAW BLEEDING THUMBS THAT LOOKED LIKE THEY HAD LOST A FIGHT WITH A BELT SANDER.”

Rewind six months to 11 000km away in my home town of Cape Town, South Africa. I was stalking my way, like a big game hunter, down the corridor of our house, tracking two predators of a different sort.

Like when you arrive three minutes after a pack of aquatic pit bulls have massacred a school of defenseless baitfish, there were obvious signs of destruction and mayhem. Three dummies (one with a hole chewed in it), a soaking wet teddy that may or may not have been dunked in a toilet bowl, a selection of spoons taken from a drawer in the kitchen, and every Tupperware we own, strategically strewn like boulders through a shallow run. All senses alert to my quarry, I stepped nimbly past a brightly-coloured xylophone and through a minefield of Tupperware lids into the nursery... only to put my foot through what felt like a Duplo block but could have been

another pointy object designed to eviscerate bare feet. I screamed like Jako Lucas holding a GT and bit my fist as a mouth-foaming fanagalo of at least five languages erupted within. Limping and off-kilter, I stepped left onto a squeaky rubber duck liberated from the bathtub, then right onto something wet that squelched between my toes before my foot slipped out from under me onto a Julia Donaldson book. I staggered backwards over a prone pink plastic motorbike and then landed on (and broke) a puzzle with my butt while also taking out a miniature blackboard with my arm. Activated in the fall, a doll with a robotic heart button like a candy floss Iron Man declared, “I love the ABCs.”

As I lay there for a moment, I imagined the Tudor of my teens, twenties and thirties floating up above me like ghostly E.R doctors, tutting and conferring.

“Time of death?”

“Sunday May 12th, 10:58.”

“Cause?”

“Toddlers. Two of them.”

You see, to use the technical term other parents use, my wife and I are currently “in the trenches” with our 2-year-old twins. People have offered accurate yet largely unhelpful platitudes like, “you’ll miss this stage when it’s gone” and “the days are long, but the years are short”. These offerings are well-meant and so far true. A) I already miss some of the stages that have passed. B) Somehow the last two years have flown but also gone exceptionally slowly. Show me a slow glacial winter’s day with the rain bucketing down outside and two hyper-active toddlers rampaging through the house and I will sell you front row seats to the formation of fossil fuels in real time.

I’m not going to bang on about how much I love my girls and how utterly positively life-changing the whole experience has been, because no one really wants to hear that (those who already know know and those who don’t, don’t care... understandably). But what I do want to get to grips with is how parenthood completely changes your relationship with time. And of course, in the context of a fly fishing magazine editor, fishing time.

I used to casually suggest fishing to friends and then just go with nary a care in the world. I laugh at that guy now as weeks in advance of a possible gap I work, prep and hustle and that’s all before I even double-check my wife’s schedule, the weather, the traffic, fishing buddy availability and other variables before possibly shooting out for a half-day session.

The other way it’s impacted on time is my long-term management of it. Every few years we need to visit the inlaws in Australia as we did at the end of last year. That’s how, six months in advance of getting to Australia, I got in touch with Josh who kindly secured trips for me to go fishing for trout in Tasmania and to join him for Murray cod in New South Wales. While lying on the floor of the nursery gathering my wits and my will to live, my phone pinged with a message from him confirming the dates.

I did the trout trip (utterly epic, see issue 49), but it was the allure of the indigenous cod that I’d pre-ordained as the potential highlight of my time in Australia. But as I was gearing up for the cod trip, the entire east coast of Australia was hit by massive flooding. You know, footage of bogans paddling between homes on surfboards and weather reports on TV with maps covered in brightly coloured lava lamp eruptions as system after system smashed into New South Wales and Queensland. Josh and I ping-ponged messages for a while as he kept an eye on the floods. A gap around Christmas was proposed as a back-up, but that was going to prove a hard sell for all parties with festive season family commitments. The trip was starting to look like it was going to be called off (the original idea of a combined float+heli trip was definitely off), but then Josh scanned his weather apps and found what he thought might be a window between storm systems. A window that would only last two, three days max and that would only apply to one tributary of the Murray-Darling River system that Josh knew from experience behaved differently due to something mysterious in its drainage and the general hydrology of that clump of hills.

It’s a little over 1000km from Warrnambool, Victoria where my in-laws live to Bathurst, New South Wales where I was to meet Josh and fellow guide Rowan Robinson. That’s a long way to drive for a two-day fishing experience, but flying (complete with the train+bus+transit time) was going to take roughly the same amount of time) and I wanted to see a bit of the countryside. Even though Australian highway speeds are painfully slow, anticipation and good podcasts made the two-day journey via towns with delightful names like like Wagga Wagga, Wombat and Cootamundra (Donald Bradman’s home town) whizz by.

On arrival there was a Bathurst supermarket rendezvous in the cold cut section, a drive out to Josh’s family cabin, the transferral of my clobber from my mother-in-law’s small Suzuki to Josh’s Landcruiser and a final drive to the farm with access to the unnamed river. There we left a votive offering of two cases of beer in a deserted barn (to futureproof the farmer’s favour), then turned off the jeep track and into some heavy 4x4 territory before finally making camp on a rise above a bend in the river.

Rigging up a 9-weight with large flies when the river before you is the size of a trout stream felt a little weird but Murray cod, the apex predator of this system, can grow to massive sizes. The largest freshwater fish on the continent, despite being called a cod (like so many other disparate species globally), Murray cod or Goodoo in the local language, sit in their own family, Percichthyidae, along with other large, rare indigenous Australian fish. Cod moniker aside, they are very bassish in looks and in some behaviours, like their propensity to smash surface flies in the late afternoons and early mornings.

While Rowan and Josh had large, gaudy streamers and poppers, foam frogs and deer hair bugs tied specifically for cod, when I opened my fly box containing beasts, tarpon flies and other odd creations shoplifted from Andre van Wyk of Beast Flies, they didn’t poo-poo what they saw. It turns out, cod aren’t too picky and tarpon flies are as good as cod-specific patterns. You just need something with movement that either makes a commotion on the surface or pushes water below it.

“You really want to work that far edge, in amongst the sunken logs and the rocks.”

I’m a bit over 6 foot and was already up to my nipples, throwing wobbly casts while my pack floated up behind me. Josh looks closer to 7-foot, and with his full beard he sports the air of an NBA hillbilly, but he was working that far edge better than I was. I put it down to the height advantage and the fact that while I’ve been desk-bound, he’d just spent a season guiding in the salt of Aussie Fly Fisher’s Wessel Islands and Cape York operations.

As their mouths might suggest, these fish are ambush predators. Fishing the margins of wider pools where subsurface rocks were just visible, on Josh’s recommendation I tried to give the flies a moment to sink into ambush territory. Moving up into an unlikely looking narrower run, my fly was smashed by a small cod, which then promptly and somewhat surprisingly gave up the fight. That is until I put my thumb in its mouth. With stunning spotty markings, white-tipped fins, a wide leery mouth and bad attitude bouncer eyes, these fish are at once pretty and ugly, like if Jabba the Hutt banged a mermaid and spawned a species. By the time we hiked back into camp that first evening after adding on a short surface fly session, we each had fish on the board. Judging by Rowan and Josh’s reactions, perhaps on account of the changeable weather, but more likely the general odds of group success with this species, this was already a successful trip. I got the sense that for everyone to catch cod in one session is like everyone catching Clanwilliam yellowfish. When it comes to tricky indigenous species this was a good return.

If the weather held overnight, we’d get one more full day. As thunderstorms threatened overhead, we laid out the swag tents and prepped chow. Steak and broccoli dinner, washed down by gin and tonics, the three of us, all with young kids, compared notes about wrangling sprogs,

“YOU REALLY WANT TO WORK THAT FAR EDGE, IN AMONGST THE SUNKEN LOGS AND THE ROCKS.”

fishing, and then, for possibly the first time ever on the first night of a fishing trip (at least for me), we all turned in. I lay awake for a short while listening to the unfamiliar sounds of the Australian bush, but slept fitfully as the rain fell.

The river was up in the morning, but the clarity (Josh and Rowan’s main concern), was still okay enough to try. The plan was to walk downstream as far as we could while fishing, break for lunch and fish our way back before heavier predicted rain hit the valleys and our window slammed shut.

Initially, I thought it was a pity I hadn’t brought along a 6-weight for the carp in this river, because they were big and plentiful. And, considering I could wade in pretty close to them in the back eddies and tail outs, they looked gullible enough to take a fly. In retrospect I think it was a good thing, because with carp as an option I am likely to have made at least 300 fewer casts at Murray cod and there’s a good chance I would only have carp to show for making the journey there. I love carp, but I can catch them at home. Still, having them swim around the margins kept the adrenalin flowing, because for every 40 carp spotted, there’d be a sighting of a cod.

As pressure systems built in the sky and the humidity shot through the roof, we worked our way downstream, fishing the heads, tailouts, and structured margins, all the while Josh pointing out spots where he’s previously caught fish. We criss-crossed the river for better vantage points and access. At one point a seriously old stone road ran alongside, apparently built by indentured Chinese labourers during the area’s gold rush era.

As a South African, I have always felt a daft rivalry with Australia when it comes to our animals. Australia has historically had closer relations with the USA, and Ozzie films and TV shows like Crocodile Dundee and Steve Irwin (aka The Crocodile Hunter) have helped push the US’s hegemonic cultural narrative that ‘in Australia, everything is trying to kill you’. Having spent two months on the trot there, I can state that that is categorically not true, especially in the more heavily populated south-east, where you’re more likely to get killed by a burning hot flat white or die of boredom reading the warning signs on everything. The competitive seven-year-old in me kept thinking, “Our animals want to kill you more!” We have crocs like them (ok, their salties up north are more hardcore); we have sharks like them (Bulls, Tigers and Great Whites) and snakes too

“I COULDN’T HAVE SCRIPTED A BETTER ENDING, SO WITH CAMP IN SIGHT AND HEAVIER RAIN COMING DOWN, I BROKE DOWN MY ROD AND FINISHED OFF ON A HIGH.”

(our Black Mambas and cobras = more hardcore). But... we also have massive herbivores that can crush you and large carnivores that’ll chew your limbs off if given half a chance. So, deep in that valley, even after watching a red-bellied black snake swim the river, I felt pretty blasé about the threat from fauna. Scan the hills and you do not think about what sees you as prey. There were lizards aplenty, tons of feral goats and various wallaroos, wallabies, kangaroos etc too. What actually seemed like a much bigger threat was the heat, the intense humidity and the fact that I’d powered through my water a kilometre or two back.

We broke for lunch with only Rowan having a cod to show for the morning’s efforts. While we swam, Josh and Rowan educated me on the fact that the directors behind cult movie The Castle, Rob Stich and Tom Gleisner, are also avid fly anglers who had a comedic catch-and-cook fly fishing TV series called A River Somewhere in the late 90s.

Rejuvenated, and with water bottles refilled thanks to a handy MSR filter Josh was carrying, we turned back towards camp and began re-working the water we had just fished. In the sky dodging around skinny trees on the highest hills, two crows and a massive wedge tail eagle were engaged in a dog fight. It felt like a portend of violence to come.

At the head of a slow deep pool, on about the 20th cast at a specific cluster of boulders my tarpon toad got hit by something considerably bigger than any of the knocks I’d had thus far. Judging by the leaden head shakes and the bend in the rod, this was a much heavier specimen than the fish from the previous day. Josh and Rowan came running with the net only for the line to go slack after about a minute’s fight as I tried to get the fish on the reel. I wager I am the first person in history to swear in colourful Kaapse Afrikaans on that specific pool.

Working any bit of structure I could find from sunken log piles to submerged boulders and grassy islands in the stream, as we approached the last stretch heading back to camp we intensified our efforts. By now Josh had also caught a Murray cod, plus a yellow belly (aka Golden Perch). As thunderclouds formed overhead and it began to spit with rain I was starting to get a little despondent as the only blank angler in the crew. With my back cast threaded through a gap between two trees, I was casting diagonally along the edge at the end of the last massive pool. I was zoned in, enjoying making the black and purple tarpon fly emerge from the darkness of the main drop off and dart nervously across several shallow shattered rock shelves, when a cod rocketed out of what felt like nowhere but must have been a crevice in the shelf. It smashed the fly in the most glorious cinematic swoop of bubbly chemtrails and emphatic predatory power then turned for deep water. After a good fight, it felt like an honour to offer it my thumb. I couldn’t have scripted a better ending, so with camp in sight and heavier rain coming down, I broke down my rod and finished off on a high.

We packed up in the rain and made our way to the Hutchins’s family cabin on the top of a hill a few valleys away. After hot showers, cold beverages and a braai/BBQ we watched lightning illuminate the hills we’d just been fishing as huge storms rolled in. In the morning, we checked out one last section of river, but it was fully in spate. Even as I set off on my two-day drive back to Victoria, massive rains lashed the roads for the first five hours until I finally outran the systems.

As I walked in the door at my in-laws’ house, in her excitement one of my toddlers kicked me in the nuts so I sat down at the dining room table to recover. There, someone had laid out a regional newspaper on a spread where some local angler had caught a record cod, a monstrous fish at least seven times the size of the cod I caught. I couldn’t help but wonder if Josh would actually thumb that thing or not.

There was a time, not so long ago, when I would not have thought twice about driving a 1000km to catch a couple of fish for two nights and then turn around and drive home. Twin parenting upended that way of being for a few years, but this trip showed me that in many ways, I’m still 100% that guy. I just need a window.

SHOP THE MISSION

Scott Sector 9-weight. Bought with a one-day trip to bonefish flats in mind, this incredible rod made light work of throwing big streamers accurately in bushed-in locations. scottflyrod.com

Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan Tropical/Jungle Clear Tip. Designed for hot, humid conditions, this wonderfully easily-loading floating line with a 15’ intermediate clear tip made casting big flies, stealthily, a dream. scientificanglers.com

Scientific Anglers - Absolute Fluorocarbon Shock. Confidence to pull like hell when you connect with a fish (or a tree to be honest...). scientificanglers.com

Turtle Box Grande. Josh had one of these around camp. It literally fell off the roof of his car, hit the ground and continued playing Rowan Robinson’s tunes (listen to his playlist on pg 16). Apparently it swims too.

turtleboxaudio.com

MSR - MiniWorks® EX Microfilter. This genius product allowed us to filter murky river water into quaffable H20. 10/10 would highly recommend.

msrgear.com

SALAD BAR

THOMAS & THOMAS - SEXTANT 88

Don’t be surprised if upon wrapping your fingers around the new Thomas & Thomas Sextant 88, John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom Boom Boom” worms its way into your ears. You see, the Sextant 88 has that swagger. With its easy-loading, progressive action, it’s designed to handle whatever you throw at it – whether gooiing heavy sinking lines or sending perfect presentations on floating lines. Perfect for all-day fishing, at 8’8” with a steep taper, the Exocett 88 offers ultra-fast recovery, enabling effortless long-distance casting. In terms of the guts, it’s built with proprietary multi-modulus carbon and S-Glass lay-ups (an S-glass lay-up is a composite material made

PATAGONIA - NEW STEALTH PACK RANGE

from S-glass fibers – known for stiffness and strength – and epoxy resin). The 88 has significantly more strength than previous composites, giving it superior hoop strength and reducing swing weight. That’s going to result in excellent tracking and precision, along with extreme lifting power for those moose fish of your dreams. As for looks, expect titanium frame stripping guides with ceramic inserts, recoil titanium alloy snake guides and a Flor-grade 7” full wells grip with composite nose. Bonus: The 88 features AFTMA line weight and suggested grain weight labels, simplifying your fly line-selection process. thomasandthomas.com

Patty drop! Starting with just the packs, it would not be an understatement to say that we are frothing for Patagonia’s 2025 spring/summer range (though that could be due to that rancid flat dog bite from a few months back). For those who like to fish with minimal clobber (or who want the option of a light system to add to their main packs) there are new Stealth Switch Packs in 3L, 5L and 9L versions. The 3L can attach to wader suspenders, wader belts, other packs or even raft straps. Outside of the four zippered pockets, it features hemo and zinger docks on the sides, a fly patch on the face, multiple lash points to keep essentials close, an embedded magnet on the pack front, and corrosion-resistant zippers. What more do you need? A little more space? Then take a gander at the 5L version which can be worn as a chest, hip or sling pack, or clipped to another pack. With multiple lash points, an integrated magnet, sturdy zippers, a foam fly patch and multiple internal pockets, it’s the bigger brother of the 3L. Next up is the Stealth Switch Pack 9L. Taking the “sling pack” mantle of this collection, it is built for left- or rightshoulder wear but easily converts to a hip pack. Features include a net sleeve with multiple carry options, integrated magnets, a water bottle sleeve, corrosion-resistant zips, multiple pockets, gear attachments and lash points. Lastly, there’s the waterresistant Stealth Backpack 25L. No need to compromise on clobber here with plenty of gear-hauling space and anglersavvy styling. Expect a large main compartment, a top stash pocket, a hydration pocket, multiple net-carry options, and external lash points. As we’ve come to expect from Patagonia, all these products are made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. patagonia.com

SCIENTIFIC ANGLERS - MAGNITUDE SMOOTH INFINITY

SALT FULL CLEAR

We all have fuck-you fish. Permit take the cake for many seasoned anglers worldwide, while for saltwater fanatics along the South African coast, it’s often the magnificently temperamental spotted grunter. Whichever skittish fish is your nemesis, their time may be up as the breakthrough in clear lines (a notoriously challenge in line manufacturing) is now here. Scientific Anglers are leading the way with their Magnitude lines loaded with revolutionary new technologies like DuraCoat, which leverages advanced dual-polymer design to optimise line stiffness, abrasion resistance, and slickness. The core is enveloped by a supple material, promoting minimal memory and strong adhesion, while the outer layer boasts a robust composition that significantly enhances slickness and abrasion resistance. These are some of the slickest, most durable clear floating fly lines you’ll

REDINGTON - MIAMI VICE

Taking their established Vice rod, Redington have spiced things up with a limited edition 590 Vice “Miami” featuring an industry-first gradient design (each section of the four-piece rod gradually changing from pink to blue) inspired, they say, “by palm trees, warm beaches, and drinks with little umbrellas”. We say, don’t forget the cocaine and bikinis, Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas. While it’s a 5-weight, with its easy casting fast action and anodised machined aluminium reel seat it would do the job for light salt work too. This rod has already sold out on Redington’s website, so move fast if you want a sniff at the only ones brought into Africa (by Xplorer Fly Fishing). farbank.com, xplorerflyfishing.co.za

INSPIRED, THEY SAY, ‘BY PALM TREES, WARM BEACHES, AND DRINKS WITH LITTLE UMBRELLAS.’”

SCOTT FLY RODS - R905/4

Before Scott had the Centric and the Sector as its flagship freshwater and saltwater models, it had the celebrated Radian and Meridian in those categories. The Radian, for anyone who had the pleasure of owning and casting one, somehow managed to solve the challenge of marrying a fast action with feel. Now, in celebration of Scott Fly Rods’

50th anniversary, one of the best freshwater fly rods ever made is available in a limited edition. Mavungana Flyfishing got their hands on some stock of this iconic rod, which we have no doubt will become one of the most coveted historical Scott rod models ever. Get one if you can. scottflyrod.com, flyfishing.co.za

MCLEAN - COLOURED SHORT HANDLE WEIGH NETS

The go-to choice for guides and anglers across the globe, McLean’s celebrated weigh nets are not only very accurate when it comes to weighing your fish (cough... and therefore should be essential to half the guys guesstimating yellowfish weights on the Vaal), but also light, strong, deep, robust and gentler on fish with their rubber mesh. We know that some of you OCD types already have the complete photo set-up of your dream fish formed in your mind. McLean nets recognise the urge to customise your set-up, which is why they now offer these nets in blue (to mirror your balls), red (to bring out your bloodshot eyes), orange (to twin with your Trumpesque fake tan), olive (to make your enemies green with envy), and purple (to celebrate your ascension into angling royalty). mcleanangling.co.nz, flyfishing.co.za

SIMMS - SOLARFLEX HOODY

SIMMS - BUGSTOPPER SUNGAITER

Bugs are in trouble all over the place with insect density plummeting. And yet, many of the places we go to as fly anglers are still extremely buggy. We’re talking bugs-in-your-wind-pipe-and-snotting-up-blackboogers buggy. On days like that, when the hatch is wild and the fishing off the charts, you don’t want to run for cover or bug spray. You want clobber that steps up, like Simms’ BugStopper SunGaiter. A lightweight, breathable gaiter that protects your face both from insect bites and sunburn, it’s made from Insect Shield UPF 50 SolarFlex stretch fabric and features a longer cape that gives your skin coverage at the neckline and a taller fit that allows you to pull it up and over your cap. simmsfishing.com, frontierflyfishing.com

It’s funny how you think you know what hot conditions are and then you go somewhere that is so mind-numbingly, ball-bakingly (it’s a thing OK, we made it a thing) sweltering that you struggle with even the most basic bodily functions. Simms’ SolarFlex Hoody is designed for that kind of heat. Featuring Simms’ smooth-to-thetouch solar protective knit fabric, which stretches for comfort, dries fast and does a decent job of making you less... fragrant, these hoodies are made with UPF 50+-rated construction, essential back-of-hand sun coverage and a hood closure for full protection whether you’re bouncing around in a boat or stalking fish across a sandy flat. Stay safe out there. simmsfishing.com, frontierflyfishing.com

FISHPOND - THUNDERHEAD SUBMERSIBLE POUCH

As far as trends go in fly fishing clobber, we’re in our pouch era at the moment with more and more brands bringing out multi-use pouches for attaching to backpacks, hip bags, belts or just wearing cross-body. The latest entrant in the fully waterproof sub-section comes from the experts at Fishpond who have built an exceptional reputation for their submersible range over the years. Their Thunderhead Submersible Pouch is built with 900D TPU Coated NewStream Fabric and, thanks to a self-healing TRU Zip zipper closure, is fully waterproof. With a Hypalon panel on the front for tool and accessory attachments and two large Hypalon panels on the back for attaching the pouch to wading belts or raft frames, this pouch also integrates well with the Thunderhead Submersible Backpack or moulded tabs on other Fishpond gear. fishpondusa.com, frontierflyfishing.com

Whether in transit to somewhere else or visiting Dubai itself, where else in the world can you catch epic queenfish in an urban fishery in the morning, then sign that big deal in the afternoon? Or get 18 holes on a championship course, go for a helicopter ride/ desert safari/skydiving or go to the top of the world’s highest building...

In saltwater flyfishing’s new frontier, Ocean Active Fly offers anglers a chance to chase Trachinotus Africanus, aka “the 4th permit” along Oman’s stunning southern coastline. Expect experienced guides top tier boats and tackle, plus 4 star hotels and modern facilities. Visit OCEANACTIVEFLY.COM to book your trips now Email: charmaine@oceanactive.com @oceanactivefly

XPLORER - FLY TING RING BENCH SETS

RIO - GOLD FLY LINES

Rio just dropped an entirely new, expanded and upgraded revamp of their Gold series fly lines, in both the Premier and Elite ranges. Within those ranges the Gold series also includes three distinct line classes: XP, Max and Classic Gold. Each of these classes is driven by intentional design and application. For example, the Gold Classic is seen as the dry fly guy’s go-to with a primary focus on small dries and dry dropper fishing and a secondary focus on bigger dries and light indicator fishing. The Gold XP on the other hand is built a half-size heavier for extra power and is aimed at anglers wanting more versatility. So, if you’re happy to fish subsurface until a hatch comes on, this is your area.The Gold Max is aimed at the guy with those heavy-ass fly boxes loaded with tungsten, feathers, foam, and heavyweight rigs, rather than delicate CDC concoctions, parachutes and long leaders. A full-size heavy, if you plan on lobbing heavy indicators, big dries, streamers, etc., this is your line class. farbank.com, xplorerflyfishing.co.za

Keeping on top of your fly tying materials is a massive ball-ache. Make your life a little easier and more organised with a Bench Ring Set from Xplorer. Perfect for keeping all your material packets neatly together and easily accessible, each set includes five rings in varying sizes: 2x40cm rings, 2x30cm rings, and 1x10cm ring. Each ring is equipped with small screwon clips, allowing you to securely attach packets of materials and prevent clutter. Whether you’re a seasoned fly tier or just getting started, these bench rings will help you keep your workspace more ordered and neat(er). xplorerflyfishing.co.za

HARELINE - POPPER HEADS

While we’re not averse to dredging in the salt or plumbing the depths in the fresh if we have to, it’s never first prize. As with sex, we’re visual creatures who want the show. Given the choice we will always choose the thrill of catching fish on the surface, which is why almost all our fly boxes feature poppers of some sort. Just in case whatever we’re targeting is in the mood. And of course, some species, like largemouth bass, leervis and kob (especially at dawn and dusk). have no qualms about surface feeding. That’s where you’re going to want to stock up on Hareline’s range of different popper heads for the fresh and salt. From flat foam face popper heads to foam diver and dodger heads, check out the selection at Upstream Fly Fishing. hareline. com, upstreamflyfishing.co.za

SMITH CREEK - PIKETOOTH FOLDING KNIFE

Looking for a do-it-all knife that’s also blerrie sexy? Then take a gander at the PikeTooth folding knife from Kiwi accessories aces Smith Creek. Featuring an AUS-8 Japanese steel blade, known for its sharpness and reliable cutting performance, it sports an edge fine enough to clean and dress a fish at streamside or slice through a length of paracord with ease. The durable Grilon handle offers a solid, comfortable, nonslip grip. The kit includes a dualsided water sharpening stone (400/1000 grit) to maintain your blade’s edge, a small polishing cloth, and a wrist lanyard for added convenience. The sturdy nylon sheath with Velcro closure has an integrated rear belt loop and a top-mounted D-ring, making it easy to keep your knife close at hand. smithcreek.co, flyfishing.co.za

YOUR GOLD?

While RIO makes dozens of specialty fly lines, many anglers still want that one tried-and-true delivery system that simply handles it all. Gold Series multipurpose lines unlock the potential, powered by smart taper designs and performant weight distributions that sync with the wide-ranging opportunities you’re used to seeing during any given session. And because no region, water type or fly box is the same, we’ve expanded Gold into three distinct classes — each tailored to your multipurpose program — making Gold Series the new standard for all-around versatility.

YETI - FLASKS AND SHOT GLASSES

7oz ounces is 207,015ml, because of course it is, but the imperial system aside there is not much to fault about Yeti’s hip flasks. Sleek, hardy and potentially your best friend in celebrations, commiserations and chilly weather, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better home for your favourite tipple. Available in stainless steel, navy and white, pair one with Yeti’s shot glasses and you are set for the opening round of Phuza Thursday with your mates. yeti.com, upstreamflyfishing.co,za

FULLING MILL - CRUNCHER FLY PACK

DANCO - 7” PREMIO OFFSHORE PLIERS

New in at Upstream Fly Fishing is the big dog from Danco’s Premio plier range, the 7” Premio designed for offshore applications (but which will be just as at home in your meaty paw on a flat somewhere). Made of 100% machined titanium with a sleek matte finish and fitted with Danco’s Super Halo Hinge, these lightweight pliers also feature replaceable cobalt-titanium side cutters that will chomp through braided line, fluorocarbon, monofilament and even light wire. They come with a 304 stainless-steel D-ring, a non-coiled elastic cord lanyard and a belt-loop sheath made from quality leather. Like most serious quality products, they come with a full lifetime warranty. Available in titanium. dancopliers.com, upstreamflyfishing.co.za

Fulling Mill are leading the way with these specialist fly packs and their latest offering is the “Cruncher” selection (so named for the UK reservoir-style fishing that focuses on buzzers). From Crunchers to Nemo Holographics and Traffic Lights, each pack features 12 of the most popular Cruncher patterns in Fulling Mill’s range, so you’ll be assured of having a little army of trouty soldiers perfect for both straight line nymphing and (and we quote Fulling Mill here, not an Instagram trad wife) for “the washing line combined with boobies”. flyfishing.co.za, fullingmill.co.uk

REDINGTON - EDC

The concept around an EDC “Everyday Carry” set-up is the stuff that you have on your person at all times: knives, wallets, multi-tools, torches, pens, notebooks, etc. With their new rod range, Redington are saying they have the do-it-all essential rod for any application ranging from 9’ to 10’ and from 4-weights to 8-weights covering everything from tiny creeks to big water. Built with their all-new, state-of-the-art Nano Resin Graphite technology

KIFF - LEADER MANAGEMENT KIT

If only there were leader management kits to sort out governments the world over, but for now we will make do with the great gizmos produced by SA brand Kiff. This kit includes a leader straightener, a leader loop, and strike indicators. All three are also available separately. xplorerflyfishing.co.za

that Redington confidently claim is “the best material we’ve ever put in a fly rod”, their rods are now stronger than ever: better overall durability, more backbone when fighting fish, more precise when casting giving you more efficient mends, and more rod-responsiveness than ever before. If that’s the case, then there’s no reason you’d ever leave the house without the EDC. farbank.com, xplorerflyfishing.co.za

WIN A FREE TRIP!

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• Widest selection of flies in SA.

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Shop and subscribe online via the QR code and receive one entry per R1000 spent to win a spot on our Remote Richtersveld Drift trip, to be drawn on the 15th April 2025.

By shopping online with us. www.flyfishing.co.za

NORMAN MACLEAN: A LIFE OF LETTERS AND RIVERS

“SOME OF THE BEST, MOST LUSTWORTHY KNIVES ON THE MARKET.”

Speak to anyone who has been in the fly fishing industry long enough and they’ll tell you that the two phenomena responsible for the biggest spikes in interest (and spending) in fly fishing were Normal Maclean’s A River Runs Through It and Other Stories (OK, maybe the film with Brad Pitt can be included in that laurel too) and the be-poeste pandemic. In this scholarly work from Rebecca McCarthy, a family friend whom Norman mentored at the University of Chicago, we get a deep dive into the man behind arguably the most loved fly fishing story of all time. Be warned, this is not a life in fly fishing so do not expect a blow-by-blow account of his time spent on Montana’s rivers. But if you are a superfan, curious to learn more about the man, the world he lived in, how biographical his book was to his own life, how it should have won the Pulitzer and how he loved LL Bean (but disliked Orvis), then this will interest you. amazon.com (if you wish to contribute to Bezos’s next superyacht, otherwise support independent book stores).

CAPE STREAMS

CAPE TOWN

BOLIVIA

THE PRINTS

THE FIREPIT - VELOCE

Ban Tik-Tok! Tell LinkedIn to keep office hours! Send Instagram, Vleisbroek and X back to their oligarch owners! “Why?” you ask? Dear reader, you know it and we know it, nothing beats proper bush TV for deep chats about fishing, human connection and switching off our digital lizard brains. Problem is, if you do not live in the bush, building a proper firepit is a bit of a commitment. That’s where Veloce step up with their outdoor built-for-life steel firepit. With a 75cm diameter by 30 cm height from the ground to the top, and 3mm-thick steel at the top, 4mm for the base, and 3mm for the foot, this thing is sturdy as hell. Large enough for a solid crowd yet compact enough for a smaller yard, it’s the perfect size. And, considering it is acid-washed and then coated with heat-resistant paint, it will likely be passed onto your kids. That’s why it comes with a three-year warranty. Braai on it? Sure. Stare deep into the embers and commune with the ancestors? You know it. velocefire.com

shiltonreels.com | sales@shiltonreels.com

CRAY -CRAY

TROUBLED WATERS

Photos. C/o Joe Cutler, Josie South, Leonard Flemming

CHASING REPORTS OF INVASIVE AUSTRALIAN CRAYFISH FOUND IN ZAMBIAN RIVERS AND DISCOVERING OTHER INVASIVE CRAYFISH FROM THE USA IN THE CEDERBERG’S WATERWAYS, MATT KENNEDY CHATS TO THE EXPERTS ABOUT HOW THIS MIGHT PLAY OUT.

Invasives, non-natives, aliens. When a species is introduced to an ecosystem that has never seen the likes of it before, the consequences can be unpredictable. Sometimes the effects are relatively minor, like that of alien trout in South African rivers. Trout occupy a niche in the ecosystem that was otherwise (mostly) unoccupied and have minor impacts on native species. They also fill a gap in the food web, promoting energy and nutrient cycles. Some invasives, on the other hand, can be devastating for the habitat into which they are introduced. Smallmouth, spotted and largemouth bass, for example, prey on all sorts of indigenous fish species in rivers throughout South Africa, and present a real threat to these populations.

Well, what’s the big deal? Survival of the fittest right? The problem is these native ecosystems and their inhabitants have evolved and stabilised over millennia. When a new species is introduced, the natives often don’t have a natural way of dealing with the threat. Whether they’re transported in the ballast water of ships (e.g. mussels), introduced for recreation (e.g. bass, trout, hyacinth) or just passengers lurking on global travellers (that itch you brought back from Bali), the invasion of alien species tends to link back to one common denominator – humans.

“CRAYFISH EAT AT EVERY LAYER OF THE FOOD WEB, AND ONCE RESOURCES BECOME SCARCE, THEY’LL TURN CANNIBALISTIC. YOU’RE LOOKING AT A HORRIBLE SELF-SUSTAINING ECOSYSTEM.”

THE KAFUE RIVER

Aquatic non-native invasive species are threat enough alone but, when combined with a lack of legislation, illmanaged conservation and general ignorance, disaster can be imminent. Serving as a tried and tested food protein source in other parts of the world, fisheries venturists thought it would be a wise idea to start farming freshwater crayfish in parts of Southern Africa where protein sources can be limited. The plan was either to sell locally, or export on a bigger scale. At least this is the case for how the redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus , native to Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea, made its way to southern Africa’s waterways.

Whether through flooding or by insemination, the crays made their way out of the aquacultural realms and into the African wilderness where they are now rampant.

Joe Cutler, an aquatic ecologist of The Wilderness Project (thewildernessproject.org), details what’s happening under the water in Zambia’s Kafue River. “Most of Zambia relies on the Kafue and its ecosystem services,” says Joe. “It’s an extremely diverse river, with 170 or more fish species, most of which are undescribed in Western science. Most of the river is ravaged by commercial fishing and protected conservation zones are few and far between.” Now, Zambians also have to contend with redclaw crayfish that have spread through over 100km of the Kafue system.

“The crayfish have changed how fishermen use their nets,” Joe says. “Previously, seine nets would be used statically in one zone, catching anything in the river’s flow overnight. Fishers started waking up to nets ravaged by scavenging crayfish that would crawl up the seine and eat all the trapped fish, slicing the nets in the process.”

“ZAMBIANS ALSO HAVE TO CONTEND WITH REDCLAW CRAYFISH THAT HAVE SPREAD THROUGH OVER 100KM OF THE KAFUE SYSTEM.”

To protect their nets, this has resulted in a more active fishing approach by the Zambians. “Fishers now drag their seine nets behind boats in an effort to avoid the vulturine crayfish” says Joe. “This active form of netting is even more destructive, indiscriminate in catch and is homogenizing (over-simplifying) the river’s diverse benthic structure.”

What direct harm are the crayfish doing to the local critters? Joe says, “Overall, it’s unknown at this point how they are directly impacting the ecosystem. Crayfish are benthic [bottom-feeding] omnivores, so they are in direct competition with crabs and catfish. We don’t know whether the crayfish are taking advantage of a new unoccupied niche, or if the population has replaced a biomass previously supported by the river.”

On early expeditions with The Wilderness Project on the Kafue River, Joe’s research team binged on crayfish every night but, while Joe says the crayfish are delicious, the local Zambians were initially hesitant to indulge because Africa has no native freshwater crayfish. “Their language has no word for these creatures, so they called them what translates to ‘cockroach’.”

Today however, there is a fully fledged commercial fishery in place. The crayfish are sold alongside high value shellfish imports from Mozambique, with cold chain trucks transporting the catches from the river to local markets and supermarkets. While the idea of invasive crayfish is alarming to us as anglers, the reality is that Zambia has more pressing matters than trying to eradicate a fast-reproducing source of protein that could feed thousands of hungry people.

“If I had 10 conservation issues to present to the president of Zambia right now, the crayfish issue wouldn’t be there,” says Joe. “It’s all good and well that we anglers are upset about how this may impact our angling and general species conservation but, for the general population of poverty-stricken Zambians, recreational catch and release fishing isn’t top of mind.”

Time will tell if redclaw crayfish can become a valid prey item for Southern African predatory fish like tigerfish, nembwe and vundu. Joe says that predators tend to avoid novel prey species for a number of reasons but, if after a few decades or centuries, the predators adapt and the crayfish haven’t ruined the system, we may just be able to target these fish with a new category of fly selection.

The diverse Kafue system with species including nembwe (left) and African pike (right).

Red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)

THE CEDERBERG WILDERNESS AREA

Along the border of the Western Cape of South Africa, you’ll find the stunning, stark beauty of the Cederberg Wilderness Area. Here, the formation of the Cape fold mountains resulted in tributaries that are isolated by their watersheds. That means the species found in one river, including resident endemic minnows and yellowfish, can differ entirely from those in a neighbouring valley. Threatened by current invasives like bass and bluegill, not to mention things like water scarcity and pollution, these ecosystems are under a huge amount of stress. The introduction of an invasive crustacean like the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, from southern United States and northern Mexico, spells even more danger for the Cederberg’s rivers. There’s already a strong presence of these crayfish in the area in aquaculture, farm dams and now rivers, although science can’t confirm yet how secure their foothold is in main systems like the Oliphants River.

Josie South, a researcher at the University of Leeds, is an expert in aquatic and invasion ecology. She explains that habits of invasive crayfish are a very real threat to the Cederberg’s endemic species. In recent decades, red swamp crayfish (aka Louisiana crawfish) have invaded South Africa’s borders via the aquarium trade and only a handful of incubation dams around the country supported the local aquaculture industry. “In Louisiana, largemouth bass have co-evolved with crayfish, which promoted local anglers in the Western Cape to introduce crayfish to their dams, thinking it would improve their bass fishing,” says Josie. “But crayfish don’t necessarily play by the rules, and easily made their ways out of dam enclosures, often over dry land, into farm canals.”

Without natural predators, the crayfish may do more harm than we might predict. Josie says, “Freshwater crayfish are obligatory burrowers. They dig into stream banks to nest and leave a mess in their trail. This unearthing results in sedimentation in rivers, clogging up viable gravel beds that are spawning grounds for indigenous fish like the Clanwilliam yellowfish.” The Cederberg rivers are meant to be pristine and clear, full of aquatic invertebrates that fuel the yellowfish. The other problem with sedimentation is that it dirties the water, decreasing visibility, and thus negatively impacting how yellowfish can feed. Crayfish also eat everything in their path. Josie says, “Red swamp crayfish have fine claws which they use to snip at macrophytes submerged in the water. This causes massive habitat simplification and loss of essential aquatic vegetation that supports local fish and invertebrate populations.”

Crayfish are also direct competition for local species of crabs, which form a big part of Clanwilliam yellowfish diet. Josie says, “All of our data suggest these crayfish are in competition with indigenous crab species. The yellowfish tend not to prey on crayfish for a number of reasons. They’re difficult to eat with rubber lips, they’re strangelooking, aggressive with front-facing pincers, and their body shape doesn’t allow for stacking in the stomach as well as crabs do.”

The Oliphants River is already under pressure from the citrus farms that line its banks, causing eutrophication (nutrient spills that lead to algae blooms and deoxygenation) and habitat destruction.

“FRESHWATER CRAYFISH ARE OBLIGATORY BURROWERS. THEY DIG INTO STREAM BANKS TO NEST AND LEAVE A MESS IN THEIR TRAIL.”

Dr Josie South with red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

“Add habitat simplification and it’s just stress on top of stress for the river,” says Josie. Being predatory omnivores, crayfish eat everything in their path, including fish spawn. “They eat at every layer of the food web, and once resources become scarce, they’ll turn cannibalistic. You’re looking at a horrible self-sustaining ecosystem.”

Although they’ve only been documented in farm canals for now, it may be only a matter of time before they’re over-running the rivers. Josie says, “They’re a tropical species and the waters of the Western Cape should be very cold for them at certain times of the year. Whether they’re able to expand their distribution rapidly or not will depend on changes in temperature and water flow.”

So, at what point does this become a serious problem?

A study in Zimbabwe by Josie’s team revealed that crayfish damages equate to half a million USD in losses each year. Now, there aren’t any major fisheries in the Cederberg Wilderness Area but there are other adverse consequences to consider. The crayfish’s presence can shift the ecological balance, according to Josie. “If you’re suddenly getting high density of these big-bodied

shredders that weren’t previously there, you get this increase in nutrient cycling which may start leading to things like harmful algal blooms.”

Whether it’s the red swamp or the redclaw that’s doing the invading, the bottom line is that Africa has never had naturally occurring freshwater crayfish. While they are similar to other aquatic invertebrates, their behaviour and habits are unique in many ways. What happens if/when the crayfish move from the Kafue into the Okavango or Zambezi? Picture a tidal wave of crayfish overflowing through those waterways, outcompeting local critters and snipping away at fish. Perhaps it could be Africa’s next protein source with Bufetu Gump franchises popping up all over the place? Or it could be the last element to tip the scales for threatened indigenous species.

WHEN LIFE HANDS YOU LEMON BUTTER…

We’re going to pray that this blows over, but if it doesn’t and species like Clanwilliam yellowfish and tigerfish start regularly predating on crayfish, then crayfish flies might come in handy. Check out Platon Trakoshis’s step-by-step on themissionflymag.com

BRIAN BECKSTEAD

IS THE CO-FOUNDER OF ALTRA, A RUNNING SHOE COMPANY THAT CHAMPIONS ZERO DROP TRAIL SHOES. WHILE HE’S STILL INVOLVED IN THE BUSINESS, THESE DAYS YOU’RE JUST AS LIKELY TO FIND HIM FLY FISHING IN THE JUNGLES OF SOUTH AMERICA FOR PAYARA AND PEACOCK BASS.

Some of the first vivid memories of my life were camping and fishing in the Uinta Mountains of Utah. I was 5 years old and I remember wanting so badly to catch more fish. And trying, mostly unsuccessfully, to cast. We caught loads of brook and cutthroat trout with my dad casting and me reeling them in! I was hooked for life!

Utah is the only place I’ve really called home. It’s an outdoorsman’s paradise. I’ve spent a significant amount of time in London England and Seward Alaska but my time and heart belong to Utah.

I now live in a wonderful little city in the mountains of Utah called Heber. The world famous Provo River flows through it but Heber also has quick access to Idaho and Wyoming. Within three hours there are more world class trout streams and lakes than you can count. Large brown trout, rainbow trout, multiple species of native cutthroat trout, high alpine lakes with brook trout, tiger trout and

even small mouth bass, tiger musky, stripers, carp and catfish live in the area too. However I like hunting big fish with streamers in the spring and fall and with dry flies (mostly grasshoppers) in the summer. I love a stiff 6-weight rod and going after the extra-large brown trout and cutthroat trout near my home. Getting a large grasshopper sipped up on the edge of a bank is my absolute favourite. Keeps me happy.

Outside of a few jobs as a kid, I’ve spent my entire career in the running and outdoor industry. I started at a run specialty store called Runner’s Corner when I was 16 years old in 1998. I spent 10 years there while I was in high school and university. I did some backpacking, guiding as well, and worked as an adjunct college professor teaching courses on backpacking and wilderness skills. I managed an outdoor retail chain for a short time before starting Altra in 2009. I’ve been with Altra Running ever since!

My days vary wildly nowadays after 16 years of Altra. I travel one week a month for Altra and those are long days including public speaking engagements, retail clinics, group runs, and conferences. When I’m at home I have a very flexible schedule. Altra got acquired by VF Corp and moved to Denver Colorado in 2019 so now I work from home! I’m still on the leadership team for Altra with a focus on PR and strategic projects, but I get to take my kids to school most days, have a few Zoom calls and emails, volunteer as a track and cross country coach for the local high school, and of course FISH! I am incredibly lucky with my lifestyle.

As a creative person and avid adventurer I ended up in Colombia in January 2021 (it was the only country that would allow us in during Covid). I was blown away by how amazing it was and how few flies there were for these giant fish species. So, I started Payara Flyfishing (payaraflyfishing.com) out of boredom. Now, I get to create unique patterns that smash, and help people experience these amazing places. I take a lot of joy out of other people catching fish on my flies.

Photos. Brian Beckstead

At this point in my career I love startups. I miss those early days of Altra and have started several new companies in the last few years. None are more fun than Payara Flyfishing, but it’s very much a side-hustle. We will see if I expand but right now, tying flies and hosting a few trips a year is perfect.

Although Altra has no plans for fishing/wading shoes, I do put my Altra trail shoes to use while fishing! As a young broke ultrarunning entrepreneur I didn’t have the time to train for my ultramarathons, fly fish, and backpack, so I found an 8-piece 4-weight rod and began doing 30-60km runs in the mountains while taking short fly fishing breaks. It was amazing and it’s still something I do each summer.

Payara are an apex predator found in the headwaters of the Amazon River and throughout the Orinoco River basins of South America. They are a fairly unknown and underfished sportfish just coming into the social media feeds of the greater fishing community. They live and feed primarily in fast water and come from the depth to smash migrating baitfish. With their teeth they regularly try to weaken or stun the fish then come back to finish the job, so once you get a hit, prepare for a second or third. Their power and initial run are spectacular! Once the first run is halted, which can be very difficult because they use the current to their advantage, they go airborne. The first 30-60 seconds of the fight are pure chaos! Multiple jumps are normal and

for every 3-5 hits you might land one. They love using the rocks or trees to pin or ambush large baitfish. Sweeping the rock or boat at the end of every cast is highly recommended. A 10-15 lb payara regularly breaks 40 lb wire so bring your 10-12-weight rods. You’ll need them if you get a big fish. 20+ lb is considered trophy size. An underarm retrieve with constant pressure on the fly along with a stinger or trailer hook is virtually mandatory. Their gill plates are as hard as medieval armour and their teeth as gnarly and as sharp as they look. 8-12 inch flies are needed with quality #4/0-#6/0 hooks. These fish are a sportfishers dream!

The best advice I have ever been given was, “This too shall pass”. I remember that during the high and lows of life. Enjoy the highs, but they are temporary as are the lows. It keeps me grounded whether fishing, work or kids.

More than anything else I’ve done in life I’m most proud of my kids. I have three all-star children who have kept me grounded and humble, but have also brought me so much joy. Love those kiddos more than anything else in life.

The wildest party trick I’ve seen from my buddy Andy in the UK is ( after an entire evening of drinking mind you), he can do a headstand against a wall and with no hands on the glass grab the pint with his teeth and chug the pint of beer in three seconds upside down. I’ve never seen anything like it!

Something that many people think I’m good at is social situations. However I hate them and I’ve had to work very hard at it. I can be affable and outgoing but it’s something I have to focus on and work on. I feel much more at home in nature. Camping, fishing and adventuring is something that has been part of life from an early age and I don’t feel like it’s ever been a struggle. People are odd, nature makes much more sense to me.

Trying to pin the best fish I ever caught down to just one is so tough. It might be my big musky in Wisconsin. It had been a grind. There was this beautiful backdrop and I just got a new GoPro. For the first time ever I wanted a timelapse of my casting. Well, I had a swipe on my second cast so I threw the fly right back in and watched this huge musky eat my fly in full view! My head exploded and I happened to get a photo every three seconds of the whole experience!

One place I have to return to is New Zealand. It’s just a magical place. The crystal clear waters, green mountains, picky yet massive fish. I really love New Zealand.

The handiest survival skill I have is that I can run forever through the mountains. It helps to have a running shoe company, but I’ve run over 15+ marathons, 50+ ultramarathon races including 14 100 mile races, all of which had over 22,000 ft of elevation gain and loss. Moving long distances through rugged terrain is a skill I’ve honed over my 43 years on this beautiful planet!

A skill I would like to master is patience. I’m good at learning, going, and doing. I struggle sitting still. I’m not great at relaxing and I want to be better at that. A morning meditation practice has helped, but I am trying to be happy when I’m not on the go.

I’ve been on so many adventures it’s hard to pin down one as the bigges’t. I’d say it was when I was 21 years old, I packed my old Toyota 4Runner to the brim and drove to Alaska. It changed the whole world for me. Caught my first salmon that summer, backpacked below Denali, sea kayaked next to whales, and had an amazing time working and exploring. My mind was blown. It kicked off the big fish/big adventure/risk-taking behaviour that has moulded my life. I spent the next several summers doing that and I visit Alaska regularly. Took the kids four years ago for the first time and I’m going back again this coming summer. It’s a special place for me.

If you are to face your fears it’s best to do a moderate amount of planning then dive straight in. You don’t want to be stupid and rush it but you also don’t want to overthink. Whatever you do, don’t half ass it. Plan + execute + effort.

Something I’d like to do before I die is explore Tibet. I’ve become partial to Buddhist philosophy and there is such a mysterious beauty and remoteness in both the Tibetan Himalayas and the rich religious history of that region. Definitely want to get there before I die.

As I’ve explored many facets of fly fishing and caught loads of fish over the years, I feel like a kid again when I catch that targeted fish every single time. I get that same sense of awe and accomplishment, excitement and a dopamine rush. The fish species and location might change but that feeling of catching a fish is the same and never gets old.

I’d love to find fewer ways to kill the fish. I always feel terrible when a hook gets in an eye or a fish’s gills are bleeding. Making every effort to protect the fisheries so our grandkids can have similar experiences is very important to me.

As I look back on life I’m very proud of who I was and who I’ve become. If I could go back in life I’d show more acts of simple kindness to those around me. I’d judge others and myself less for mistakes. Life is messy but you got to enjoy it as much as you can. Go easy on yourself and others.

Changing one’s mind is very difficult for most people, including myself. I grew up in a very religious household with very strict notions of right and wrong. I don’t consider myself religious anymore although I have levels of spirituality. It was difficult but my eyes were opened as I’ve travelled and seen so many cultures, races and religions. I don’t judge very harshly anymore unless someone is directly harming another person. Be open to the world. It›s an incredible place!

As I’m writing this in a hotel fresh off back-to-back jungle trips in Colombia, it’s fitting that the last fish I caught was an average-sized yet beautiful Payara!

Payara, Amazon basin.

Matoya Lodge on the Barotse floodplain of Western Zambia is renowned for dishing up the Zambezi River’s biggest tigerfish (20lb+), as well as less common, sought-after species like Humpback Largemouth Bream and Nembwe.

Open from May to November, whether you choose flood season (May-June), run-off season (July-August) or low-water season, a week at Matoya offers you your best shot at a record tigerfish on fly and memories that will last a lifetime.

DON’T MISS OUT ON TIGERFISH SEASON, BOOK NOW!

POP QUIZ

HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING ATTENTION FOR THE LAST 50 ISSUES? THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS REFER TO THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED OVER THE LIFE SPAN OF THE MAGAZINE. ANSWER THEM CORRECTLY (OR AT LEAST AMUSINGLY) AND EMAIL YOUR RESPONSES TO INFO@THEMISSIONFLYMAG.COM , AND THE BEST RESPONSE WILL GET SOME SWAG FROM US.

1. Which publishing errors has The Mission made in the last 50 issues?

A. Attempted to change paper stock only to change back again.

B. Put the wrong months on the spine.

C. Had the printer forget to bind the magazine with a spine resulting in the whole job having to be re-cut (every single individual magazine) to include a spine.

D. Attempted to print in another city, then realised you need quality control by proximity.

E. Forgotten to place an advertiser’s advert and having to then make it up to said advertiser (and then some).

2. What have The Mission’s rivals (think Anchorman TV crew wars) allegedly said about us?

A. That we are unabashed satanists.

B. Companies and brands should not advertise with us.

C. Fellas that contribute to our magazine will no longer feature in theirs.

D. Fly fishing should rather be the preserve of people who would rather flog scatter cushions than put together a magazine.

3. Which of the following people have sent us hate mail?

A. A Florida-based MAGA guy.

B. A known racist who took issue with the language used in the magazine.

C. A bunch of bigots.

D. A priest.

E. A vegan animal rights activist.

4. Which of the following descriptions was not used in the last 49 issues to describe The Mission’s art director, Brendan Body?

A. “Brendan Body, aka Boderick, aka Bod, aka Hoender, aka Pterodactyl Toes and many other monikers, is a seven-foottall human giraffe with verbal diarrhoea, skateboarding injuries, claws for feet and a penchant for bad behaviour. He’s also our art director, the man responsible for the look and feel of this mighty tome.”

B. “The One Revolution Drag Knob (coincidentally our art director’s pet name for a certain body part)...”

C. “In Ghana the African Pike is known as the ‘Predator with Doglike Teeth’ (coincidentally our art director’s nickname on New Year’s Eve).”

D. “The Lothario of the Liesbeek, the baller of the Berg, Oberstleutnant of the Orange and Zandvlei’s Zorro...”

E. “Ideal for stillwaters and streams, the braided core ensures low stretch as well as less memory than our art director Bod has of the 90s.”

F. “Stiff and resilient, like our art director Bod’s fabled trousersnake, it sports a convenient one-handed deployment so you can be ready in seconds (like Bod). Unlike Bod, the length is adjustable (120-140cm).”

G. “Tinder Fungus is not something you get from swiping right too many times with the wrong people (e.g. our art director Brendan Body).”

Photo. Brian Chukanyuka

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