There is an exciting development afoot in South Africa marked by a new interest in catching indigenous wild fish in their native environment. Yellowfish -- Barbus -- of which there are 9 species, are a challenge to the fresh water angler. They are indigenous to all provinces and can attain a weight of 5kg. As yet there are no commercial guides available but managers of lodges and resorts cater for all possible needs of the visiting angler. South Africa offers excellent fly fishing in almost all provinces.. Freshwater fishing is freely available to guests at resorts, lodges and fishing camps. On waters controlled by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, or angling societies, one may be required to obtain a permit before setting out. Salt water fishing is freely available but an annual or seasonal license should first be obtained from the local post office. Increasingly more of our estuarine and saltwater species, gamefish and bottom feeders like the spotted grunter, are now being found to take a fly - which fly exactly , is for you to discover
Fresh water fly fishing:
In the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces rainbow trout were first introduced by the Frontier Acclimatisation Society (FAS) in 1894. The FAS Trout Club still exists and is based in King Williamstown, Eastern Province. There are excellent trout streams in the northern regions of this province, which are served by small hotels and lodges.
The rivers which rise in the Highveld, the Natal Drakensberg and the Western Cape Mountains also provide excellent waters where yellowfish, trout, and largemouth bass up to 5kg can be caught.. Water levels fluctuate seasonally and fishing can be affected by extremes of weather -- flooding and drought -- but the region is so vast that one can overcome these set-backs by moving to another location Salt water fly fishing:
Numerous lagoons and estuaries along the S. Cape coast, Eastern Province and Kwa Zulu Natal provide challenging salt water opportunities . 'Leervis' -Lichia amia-- known in KZN as 'garrick', a member of the family Carangidae --attain 15kg, 'skip-jack' -- Elops machnata,-- a member of the tarpon family (Ladyfish in USA) and shad (the 'bluefish' of American waters). In the estuaries these 2 species attain a weight of up to 2 - 3kg and are caught mainly on white streamers and poppers. Wading is usually possible and boats are available for hire. November to April are the best months but avoid the Christmas holidays as the venues are crowded. The warmer sub tropical waters of KZ Natal and Mozambique provide the widest range of salt water fly fishing. Specialised equipment is essential - 9-12 wt. rods and lots of backing. Boats can be used to explore the lagoons, estuaries, bays and open tropical seas and are recomended should you have to give chase. Game-fish to be encountered include many tackle busters such the kingfish. of various kinds. (The giant king-fish ignobilis attains 30kg). Queenfish, Spanish-mackerel, barracuda, bonito, and the smaller tuna are often encountered,. Sailfish and marlin ? Copyright Oceans Africa 2002. All rights reserved. | 
