For far too long I’ve been saying, OK Tom, we will go fishing. But one thing and another…
But at last we head north. It’s too windy for offshore and I forget you can’t fish in the estuary, its a sanctuary, as it should be. Go with Jeff of Fat Bike Fishing, says Tammy at our lodge.
Best suggestion ever. Even better when I find out we’re motor-assisted! Pedalling can cause perspiration, but with a tiny press of a thumb lever there’s a seat-of-the-pants shove and weg is jy!
Seven km north we reach First Rocks in isiMangaliso Park. Jeff and Tom had already bonded as crazy ass fishing focused enthusiasts. Jeff baited up and cast into the reef where he knows the fish lurk.
Next minute, Tom was ON! First cast!
Well, that was it for normal people. The fishermen were busy! I had to move out the way.
Tom caught a cave bass, and then three cat-face rock cod. All beautiful fish. Each was given a huge grin, a wriggling-with-pleasure dance, a photo shoot and then was released to swim again.
On the way fresh leopard spoor on the trail, a number of birds on the vegetated dunes, ghost crabs, rock pools, and the realisation that Jeff is a damn good birder and safari guide, having ferried trips into Hluhluwe Game Reserve as a previous career.
A definite must do again…
~o0o~