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 and we flat out made it into a good fun time.

I did have a thing to settle however.  Pete put a hurt on me yesterday catching about 12 fish to my 6.  This morning I had to reprove to myself that I could “vacuum” the lake if needed.  I fished with Kalvin and unfortunately, Kalvin got the bad end of the deal.  I landed 14 fish to his one and put on a clinic to the rest of the guys as well.  If only I could put todays luck in a bottle and save it for the tourney.  Maybe I can. . . .

After lunch we drove down to the part of the Spekboom River that holds the beats for the competition.  Though we’re not allowed to fish it there’s plenty of value to have a look.  All I can say is that stockies or no stockies, the tournament section of the river is no less than gorgeous.

We finished looking fairly late and there wasn’t much time for fishing. However, like cleaning up on the lake in the morning, I wanted to clean up on the river in the afternoon.  I went to where we beat on the stockies yesterday to see if I could catch more today.  From 4 till sunset I managed to land 11.  This included one hefty native brown likely there eating stockies!  I’m ready for the World Masters.

When I got back to the Lodge I was quickly informed that I missed some excitement.  We had a night adder show up in the kitchen.  Unfortunately for Mr. Adder, the ladies of the kitchen don’t tolerate snakes. . . . Especially in the kitchen, and especially when they are poisonous.  The ladies beat him with a broom stick.

It’s sad that tonight was our last dinner at Nooitgedacht Lodge.  This place was my home for a few days back in November and for all of this week.  I love it here and can only hope to return someday.

Tomorrow we kick off the World Championships and I’ll have more then.  Good night!

Be sure to keep track of my upcoming travels around the world!

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Jeff Currier Global Fly Fishing