As spring arrives, so we see change. We welcome the recent rains that will ultimately bring fresh water to the estuaries and have a positive impact on the open rivers; however the Gamtoos is a wait-and-see issue now, it seems.
With the change of the season, so too come other changes and the weekly Reel Time column – today is my 290th – sadly has also drawn to a close.
It will no longer be published as a column and I cannot comment at this stage about an angling column for the future.
It has been a wonderful journey and I have met many interesting folk – and shared many stories, ideas and theories about angling, which is a rather complex and diverse sport once you are into it.
Angling, although not as spectacular as the televised sports, is among the most practised of all sports.
Where do I fish?
I’ve often been asked: “Where do I decide where to fish?” This can be complex and a topic of great debate, but is simply answered by considering a variety of issues.
I recently stumbled on a YouTube clip that sums it up rather well.
Firstly, what fish are on the menu? You have to know the similar feeding behaviours of fish you want to target if you are fishing where multiple species dwell.
This will be a decider on what bait selection to use, and remember: fresh is always better.
The turn of the tide is where the action is, as the water displacement releases the food types the fish feed on.
Naturally, this is then where the selection of equipment comes into play. A shark rig set-up will not catch grunter and vice versa. Many a good fish has been lost as this combination did not play out when it counted.
Conditions are of great importance and you should first metaphorically look into the bottle and then look out from within. Study the weather and fish the windows of opportunity, like when there are pre-frontal conditions as we experience at this time of year.
The moon phases also influence tidal conditions vital to angling success.
I have often spoken about the golden period of three days before or after the spring tides of the new and full moons.
Wind conditions and patterns are also important considerations.
The east wind cools the water and makes it clear, which is not favourable, while the west warms the water and provides natural cover for the fish as visibility is hampered.
Spending time observing nature will help increase your odds. On the angling scene, the fish are about and catches of the expected are being made as conditions allow.
Disturbing image
I was rather disturbed by a photo sent to me of a commercial boat with its entire deck covered in fish.
There are quotas in place so I can’t comment further on this; however, as recreational anglers, we are restricted and get blamed for dwindling stock numbers when commercial operations virtually have carte blanche.
Weekend weather
This weekend, only Sunday will be an outdoor day as much-needed rains continue.
Low tide is at 9.21am on Sunday with favourable wind conditions and clear skies expected.
Until another time, I bid you much angling fun.