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Just outside Potchefstroom is a campsite where the camping is as good as the fishing. Come cast a line at TangleWood.

FISHING RESORT TANGLEWOOD NATURE ESTATE BASS BASE

The TangleWood Nature Estate lies on the banks of the Boskop Dam on the R501 just outside Potchefstroom (in the direction of Carletonville). Look out for the Happy Hooker bar and restaurant to the left of the road. TangleWood’s restaurant and shop – that sells the basics – is also here, while the dam is another 500 m farther down the road. The reception is on the right just before you reach the water, with the stands behind the trees and the dam on the left. Your stand has a braai area, electricity, shade, and grass. Depending on where you set up camp, you may need an extension cord. The bathrooms are close by and use gas geysers. The washing-up facilities are under a roof in front of the building, where there’s also a fridge for campers to use. Behind the stands is a square heated swimming pool that’s kept warm all year round, except for the heart of winter. There’s a second pool – cold water – to the left of reception as you drive in. The children’s playground has a trampoline, jungle gym, and swings, and is also next to reception. The first row of stands closest to the shore is about 60 m from the water – the shore itself is about 450 m long. There’s probably twice as much shore from where you can fish, thanks to all the little coves. There are plenty of tree stumps and

rocks under the water, with grass and reeds on the surface – ideal for black bass anglers. So, even though there are carp, catfish, yellowfish, and labeo here, the conditions aren’t ideal to getting them ashore. The launch for boats is on the far left, and that’s where you’ll find an additional six stands. So, the shore is pretty much on your veranda – just remember, it gets busy early morning as the anglers head for water. Boat owners with an engine larger than 15 hp pay a once-off fee of R80 – you must show your skipper paperwork. For smaller boats – or those without an engine – there’s a R35 once-off fee. You’re not allowed to speed on the dam. As you relax, revel in the silence: no music or noise is allowed in the campsite. If you want to celebrate your big catch of the day, stroll on over to the Happy Hooker. Pets are welcome, but it must be on a leash, and you need to clean up after it.