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Local fly-fishing club sets an example
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"Fly-fishing is about conservation - not about
killing", says local fly-fishing enthusiast Colin Hyman. "We
have the largest yellow fish area in the world right here in the
Vaal River, flowing through the Northwest Province.
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We are setting an example to the rest of
the world with our promotion of the catch-and-release policy".
Colin is part of the local Windknot Flyfishing Club which
recently held the Bells Windknot Yellowfish Festival at the
Elgro Lodge near Potchefstroom. (from 12 to 14 November 1999).
Colin says more than a hundred fly-fishing enthusiasts from
all over the country participated.
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Fly fishing guide and conservation officer Piet
Goosen says the conservation orientated actions of the Windknot
Club and FOSAF (Federation of South African Flyfishers) have
been so successful that a 25 kilometer stretch of the Vaal
River (from Schoemansdrift to Schandinaviadrift) is now recognised
as a "no kill zone".
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The
Bells Windknot Yellowfish Festival takes place annually at
the Elgo River Lodge, a five star game farm with four kilometers
of pristine yellowfish streams, where "Catch-and-release"
has been the
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norm
since 1995. It is a beautiful tranquil setting with chalets,
conference centre, game drives and the best fly-fishing in
the area. Prizes are allocated by lucky draw, an no longer
go to the person who catchs the most yellowfish on a fly.
This policy protects the yellowfish from extinction.
The
stretch where the Bells Windknot Festival takes place has
been named: "The Sanctuary". "Nowhere else
can one fly-fish while watching otters and birds in you direct
surroundings," says Piet Goosen. "It is an example
of conservation to all fishable rivers in South Africa".
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The
most popular activity is a float fishing excursion, reaching
an assortment of streams and rapids that are rarely fished
- a nature lover's dream.
Fly-fishing
is a unique hobby where the most fastidious detail is being
given to creating the
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most
delectable "flies". A fly-fisherman who is worth
his salt will have a fascinating array of colourful flies
of all shapes and sizes, delicately designed to be as tempting
as possible to the yellowfish lurking underneath the water's
surface.
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Anybody who has seen the film "A river
runs through it" starring Brad Pitt, will know how beautiful
the casting of the line is - a symphony in rhythm, movement
and style.
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GREAT
FLY-FISHING AT ORKNEY TOO
Members of the Windknot Flyfishing Club also fly-fish at the Vaal
River near Orkney.
"It is a lovely family outing, and we get together socially at
least six times per year to enjoy the day at the river, doing fly-fishing,
having a braai, and just enjoying ourselves", says Piet Goosen,
fly-fishing guide.
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"The fly-fishing part is very specialised and educational. We
regularly have tackle-talk and hands-on instruction, where
people get information about the latest techniques and equipment".
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The
major topic of conversation amongst fly-fishers is usually
the flies.
These
little monsters - some fluorescently glowing, some amazingly
lifelike, resembling the most gorgeous insects, and are intricately
compiled to be the perfect bait in the eye of the fish. These
flies can either be the fishermen's own creations, or else
kits for every kind of fish can be bought from Morrar's in
Klerksdorp. Dennis Morrar is a member of the management committee
of the Windknot Flyfishing Club.
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People
who want to learn how to fly-fish are being assisted by members
of the management committee, who are willing to go out with
them and show them the ropes - or the line....
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To
join the club, contact Colin Hymen 082 4125405
Denis Morar 018 462 8692
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