FFA Club Day, Sunday 20 May 2012

Post date: May 31, 2012 5:02:47 PM

Report by Laurence Davies

We left Durban with the temperature at around 17 degrees and counted down the temperature as we neared the Nottingham Road turnoff, where it was 6 degrees. At the dam, with the mist shrouding the water and the wind chill, it felt like 0 degrees. Warm blankets and a bit of old brown sherry kept the girls (Jenny and Averil) happy whilst I wet a line. 

I started with an intermediate line but, because I had opted not to wear waders, I was not able (or willing) to wade like most of the other flyfishers dotted around the dam. The weed became a problem and I switched to a floating line, with a brown, red eye damsel on the tippet. After about a half hour of fishing from the far side, a nice fish took off , and after some aerobatics, was netted and killed (I had brought a smoke bag along to give everyone a taste of smoked trout, but we had problems in getting the braai lit – but that is another story).  

The fish was a cock fish, 48cm long and probably weighed in the region of 1.5 kg. What was interesting was that the stomach was empty (other flyfishers reported the same) – probably due to the cold front which had come through and put the fish off their food? Water temperature was 12 ° which should have been ideal. Fished for about two hours in total, without any further success.

Had a lovely lunch fortified with coffee and some more OB. Investigated some birds which Patrick had seen from the far side - turned out to be a pair of Wattle Cranes. We also saw a pair of Spoonbills.

Did not fish any further as we had to get back by 4.30.

Despite the cold and mizzle  conditions (not quite mist and not quite drizzle), there was a great sprit amongst the gathering around the skottel, and Vaughan and his co helpers must be thanked for a great organisation . For those who could not make it, you missed a good, spirited outing, so keep your eyes peeled for the next one.

See photographs from the day in the photo gallery or click here.