Guided Bass on Fly

Bucketmouths on the Long Rod

For more than 80 years, Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) have been dwelling in South African waters having been brought here from the USA via the Netherlands. During this time period they have inhabited every province in the country including those of the Highveld. Being one of the principal freshwater game fish on conventional tackle all over the world for decades, bass have only from the mid 1990’s or so been regarded as a significant quarry to challenge on fly. Several flyfishers to this day can’t seem to get beyond the sheer concept of actively targeting bass with the long rod. Those that have been privileged enough to hook a respectable bass on fly are well aware of the competence of this supreme opponent.

A trophy Largemouth Bass by any standards

Spring and summer, when the water temperatures rise above 18° C, are on the whole the most productive periods of the year to go after them. For the most part you will be sight fishing for aggressive male bass in water as shallow as 5 feet as they come in to build up nests for the eager and hefty females which you will also encounter. Enormous care must be taken with both male and female bass at this point in time and they have got to be delicately returned to their watery home to ensure that they complete their breeding cycle. Apart from sight fishing, you will frequently have to blind cast to structure such as submerged timber, weed beds, lily pads and rock piles as well as features like drop offs and junctions where, more than likely, a few bass are holding simply waiting to ambush their next victim. Mavungana have available a number of productive stillwaters in and around the Dullstroom area where you can put to trial your flyfishing proficiency while being steered in the right direction by an experienced Mavungana guide. If you haven’t intentionally targeted largemouth bass with a fly by now, here’s your chance.

Now and then you need to get wet to get snagged fish out

Prime Fishing Period: Late August through to early May.

Costs:

Fully inclusive:
Collection and drop off, around Dullstroom, use of all equipment (not flies), rod fees, excellent picnic lunch and refreshments and experienced Mavungana guide. (Morning and afternoon session with a break for lunch) Does not include alcoholic beverages or gratuities.
Full day – R2900 - 2 rods sharing
Half day - R1495 - 2 rods sharing
Full day - R1900 - 1 rod
Half day – R1295 - 1 rod

Self drive:
Meet at the Mavungana Flyfishing centre to collect your guide, includes rod fees and guide for the day (morning and afternoon session with a break for lunch). Does not include lunch, alcoholic beverages or gratuities.
Full day - R1800 - 2 rods sharing
Half day - R1350 - 2 rods sharing
Full day - R1695 - 1 rod
Half day - R950 - 1 rod

For more info e-mail: michael@flyfishing.co.za

Hard-hitting jaws require razor-sharp hooks

Equipment list:

• 5-8 weights fast action rods
• Weight forward floating line with an additional 3-5 ips sinking line on a spare spool
• Lightweight large arbour reel with a reliable drag system
• 7 to 10 foot leaders constructed using varying breaking strains of monofilament (e.g. Maxima Ultragreen).
• Stripping basket
• Breathable, PVC or Neoprene chest waders
• Polarized sunglasses
• Bass fly selection: Dahlberg Diver, Bass Zonker, Foam Popper; Foam Flipper, Deer Hair Mouse for floating lines and Strip Leech, Mrs Simpson Fish and large Woolly Bugger patterns for sinking lines. Click here for bass flies
• Hook sharpener
• Rubber soled wading boots
• Cap or wide brimmed hat and suntan cream.

Correct catch and release is vital

For a more detailed breakdown on the tackle requirements click here