MIDMAR LEADS THE WAY FOR BASS FISHING

THE BASS and carp fishing is going well, with many anglers recording new personal bests in both facets.

The trout on the other hand have slowed a tinge in the Stillwaters but the rivers are making up for that. Bass fishing has been phenomenal over the past week or so. Midmar has produced some absolute slabs for the competitive guys while Alberts and Inanda have not been far behind. The two main methods that have produced the most fish have been cranking in the deeper water and fishing the weightless soft plastics in the shallows.

The crank baits that have been producing are those that can efficiently get down to the deeper depths (12ft at least).

Targeting the deeper structure off points has produced the bigger fish. Remember to match the rod and reel to the application as well as the line.

The soft plastic anglers have been doing the Reaction soft plastics proud.

The flukes and the worms in watermelon red and green pumpkin have been the best colours. Keep an eye on your line and make sure to let the lure sink. Any twitch in the line is a sign of bass, so strike as soon as you can.

Carp fishing continues to grow. The guys putting the hours in have seen rewards. Structure finding is important and specifically finding fish-holding water. Remember not to drive your bakkie in to where you are going to fish.

The two main venues producing fish recently has been Albert Falls and Inanda. The sweeter flavours are really coming into their own with the onset of the warmer weather and specifically for the conventional anglers.

The specimen guys have been doing very well on the “match the bait” method. In other words they are using the same bait they are feeding the area with. The more time you put into preparation, the more fish you will catch. Tigernuts that have been critically balanced is by far the best fish-catching method.

The river fishing is on an upward trajectory. Facebook is loaded with picturesque views and beautiful river fish. The Stillwater fish have started to feel the heat a bit and have become a little picky when it comes to what they will eat. In the rivers, weight (presence or absence thereof) and movement are your friends when it comes to the flies you use. CDC is an underused material for the legs of nymphs. In the rivers, the two main approaches are the dry route or the nymph. For the nymphs, a Zak nymph has always been a winner and should definitely be with you at all times.

The new Gun nymph is also a fantastic fly but you have to tie them yourself or get friendly with a good fly-tier if you want some. For the dry flies, a whole host of flies will do the trick.

Focus on the smaller side of things and pay attention to the insect life around you. DDD and mayfly imitators are your best general purpose flies.

The bait and lure anglers are starting to report good catches throughout the harbour. The flatheads (gurnards) have been full-up on the sandbanks. Almost any lure fished just off the bottom will work for these fish, but they are partial to a small paddle tail. The springer and oxeye tarpon have also been testing the lure anglers. These fish have been hooked on all manner of methods but few have been landed. Make sure your hooks are sharp.