We had a slow “Official” practice on Jansen’s Dam near Dullstroom. Mike and I were completely skunked while the rest of the guys caught a couple. Honestly, none of us fished hard but we rather got a feel for the competition boats and relaxed. And watched a few of the other teams practice! Tomorrow … Read more
Could have slept in till about 7 today but it was so nice I was up at 6. Its summer time in South Africa. After coffee we dressed up and loaded for the bus ride to downtown Dullstroom to walk in the parade for the kickoff of the World Masters Fly Fishing Championships. These … Read more
We checked out of the Nooitgedacht Lodge this morning at 4:30 AM and drove to Dullstroom for a 7 AM check in at the Dunkeld Equestrian Estate where we will stay for the remainder of our time here in South Africa. It’s a stunningly beautiful place with zebra, bless buck and more running freely through … Read more
I’m a firm believer in practicing before a tourney and learning as much as you can about the waters you’re competing on. But I’m also convinced you shouldn’t overdo it. It’s important to enjoy the training time, get rest and have a good time. This morning most of us went out on the Nooitgedacht Dam … Read more
I heard a clambering outside my door around 2 AM this morning. It was the guys getting in after yesterdays long day of yellowfishing and picking up Mike Sexton and Pete Erickson from the Johannesburg Airport. Pete’s flight was screwed up and he came from Europe and landed at 10 PM instead of 4 PM … Read more
Today has long been scheduled to be a full day of yellowfishing on the Vaal River. A break from the trout fishing practice on the lakes around Dullstroom, South Africa. Yellows are a fish I have lots of experience with around South Africa and Lesotho and much enjoy. The reason we scheduled it for today … Read more
The 2019 World Masters Flyfishing Championship here in Dullstroom, South Africa takes place next week and consists of four 3 hour sessions. One of the sessions takes place on the Spekboom River while the other three sessions take place on the local lakes. Lakes have never been a strong point for American fly fishing teams … Read more
My home in Victor, Idaho received 12” of snow today, but I woke up to singing birds and a 5:45 AM sunrise. I’m at Nooitgedacht Lodge in South Africa for the World Masters Fly Fishing Championships and in the Southern Hemisphere its summertime. I’ve been looking forward to this morning ever since I left here … Read more
While Africa and tigerfish and yellowfish only hit the map for most Americans in recent years, in 2005 Granny and I went on full on pursuit of Africa. We did it with backpacker funds trading in all my SkyMiles for two free plane tickets. Then we camped and stayed in hostiles and traveled by bus … Read more
Here’s a photo from my first flight of the weekend from Jackson Hole to Salt Lake City. I’m in route to Dullstroom, South Africa to fish for Team USA in the World Masters Fly Fishing Championships. See my blogs from November when I was there to check out the venues for my team for more … Read more
I’m finally worn out after four straight weekends of shows. This past weekend was the biggy, the Edison New Jersey Fly Fishing Show. I left moms house in New Hampshire strong after a couple days break from the Marlboro Fly Fishing Show, but a dreadful 7 hour drive to NJ through pouring rain and heavy … Read more
Hard to believe the grunt of January ends this weekend with the Edison New Jersey Fly Fishing Show. The heavy show month went by faster than I can ever remember. And despite by Sunday afternoon I’ll have delivered 23 presentations this month, it’s seemed fairly easy and fun. Edison is the biggest of all … Read more