Turning into the St Nowhere campsite and “spa” concession had become a very familiar sight, yet it still got the tummy butterflies fluttering. The ocean on your doorstep, usually turbulent on this little stretch, with the rustic yet sufficient cottages welcoming you back in all their orangey-brown glory. It might not be 5 star, but you are sure to be in for some 5 star fun.
We have learnt not to ask about the fishing when booking into the accommodation, it could potentially lead to a serious case of PFDS (post fishing disappointment syndrome). The answer tends to be the usual same, “last week the fish were biting, big ones!”. Always the week before you arrive and probably the week after you have left, so stay off social media a few weeks after you are back home.
But in all seriousness, this can unfortunately be the reality at times. A nasty bit of weather can turn the sea on its head and really make fishing conditions a challenge. Thankfully, we have been fortunate and has led us to believe that the fish are always somewhere there, sometimes you just need to work harder to catch what you are after. Confidence leads to perseverance and ultimately to success (perhaps not in quite such quantity as when conditions are good).
The first and only item on the shopping list is wood, lots of it. You fish, you braai, you sleep, and you repeat.
The accommodation at St Nowhere is more than sufficient and the sunsets are not to shabby either (when the wind is not blowing at gale force speed)
The conditions were favourable and it didn’t take us long to get stuck into some quality fish. The grinder setups allowed us to fish the far off banks and although this is considered to be pre-season for Kob, and off-season for Steenbras, we kind of knew where to go looking for them. There is nothing like getting a decent bite and hookup on your first cast, a friendly welcome back.
We have come to realise that our fishing style differs slightly from most people that fish the coast of Namibia. Squatting for a day with rods in pension pipes waiting for a bite is well, just not (my) fishing. The initial take of a good fish is half the excitement, how can you experience that by not holding the fishing rod? Of course when you are just spending the day at the beach and fishing isn’t your main objective or you are too old to stand holding the fishing rod, then it is perfectly acceptable, but after anticipating the fishing trip for 12 months and driving 2200km to get there, what else could you expect from us?
I sold both of my multiplier setups in order to finance a new grinder setup. I am a couple of years behind on this revolution, but I suppose I am a lure fisherman and didn’t really pay attention to what was going on in the rock and surf scene. I didn’t feel the need to spend an arm and a leg on an overkill setup, so I decided to do a bit of research and ask some of the other guys that have been using these kind of setups. I don’t target sharks, so that narrowed it down considerably. I required something that would be just as efficient in targeting the bigger kob as it is in targeting galjoen.
Although this is more my dads forte, sometimes the conditions are challenging and fishing light is required.
I quite like the Penn reels and loved my Fathom (which I still own as a back-up, will probably sell it soon) but I am not a big fan of the distributors, so that ruled out Penn and only left Shimano and Daiwa. Unfortunately I haven’t gained any trust in the other brands, probably due to the lack of using them, but hey I am open to a sponsor.
Blikkies Vis did a comparison matrix on value for money reels. This left me with two choices, the Shimano Spheros 10000 or the Daiwa BG 5000. I was hesitant to spend the extra grand on the Spheros (it didn’t win any awards for its looks) but Alan Hawk gave a it a great review. When it was offered on special at Bilimoria I concluded it to be the better buy. I then had a chat to Mark at Rod Worx in PE who hooked me up with a Blue Marlin SS 50/50/430. I have only great things to say about his service and craft, always exceptional and highly recommended. I spooled the Spheros with 40lbs JDB Extreme 8 strand and 80lbs JDB as leader. My dad fishes a Penn Clash 6000 and a Blue Marlin SS 40/50/430. We love both these setups.
The conditions during this trip was not conducive to throwing lures, but it did not stop me from trying. Not much to write about… blanked.
We were hoping to catch a couple of the 50 – 60cm fish that would fit nicely on the braai, but we were only getting specimens of 70cm+ (a nice problem to have). We were very impressed with the amount of “bigger” size Kob we were catching, the lighter setups with braid made for loads of r(rrr)evving fun.
We eventually kept one or two of these just to have something for the braai, a fresh vissie and a crisp white pairs beautifully, and of course a couple of braai broodjies and dads quick-quick salads to fill the recommended daily allowance.
Releasing so many fish had some of the other vehicles that were being less successful asking us if they can have some of the fish we were returning. It was rather awkward saying sorry and no, these fish are off to breed for the future when I bring my kids to catch the fish’s offspring one day. I suppose some would respect that, but I felt rather unpopular on the beach.
The kob kept coming, day after day and my dad and I made the most of it.
I enjoyed my new fishing setup so much that I actually cannot see myself ever going back to a multiplier setup. The same as the whole paddletail and bucktail fad that has actually stuck, the poor fish have less and less chance as people are managing to catch more and more, especially Kob. The specie must be on the verge of collapse due to the fishing pressure from not only the boats and commercial guys, but even the Rock and Surf guys are giving them a hiding.
We had so many highlights during our eight day visit, one being my new personal best Kob in Namibia. A beauty of 107cm, hopefully she is still swimming as I did my best to ensure that she is kept out of the water as short as possible and felt strong when I let her go. I suppose it is not the best way to hold a fish when posing for the photo and could probably do some damage. Lessons learnt on this trip as well.
One morning we managed in excess of 10 fish around the 10kg mark. It wasn’t too long before the “vultures” pulled in and were getting in on the action as well. What ever happened to personal space?
A good view of what a working bank looks like. There is so much excellent structure here in good sea conditions.
Ready to send one back to fight another day.
In very rough sea conditions one afternoon we managed a couple of average size Steenies, but this was spot fishing, which made it ever so satisfying.
I also got in on the action. The smaller steenbras can often be quite annoying as they just strip your bait, but this is a nice size to catch and they give a good initial run when they grab your bait.
Dad once again managed some galjoen in bad conditions. I however was playing in the nursery.
The last couple of days the sea had been a bit up and the waves were breaking far out, causing big surges. When the water is like this I believe the fish struggle to hold an area and would probably venture to the deep or look for shelter until conditions improve. We had to look for structure that would help break the surges as much as possible. Targeting Steenbras the day or two before, we manged a couple of smaller ones on soft fleshy sardine bait. While we scratched around the similar area I noticed a good looking spot. I removed my grapnel sinker and replaced it with a regular bottle sinker to enable more movement in the wash. I also used a smaller 4/0 hook and baited a nice small piece of sardine as bait. The cast landed perfectly where I intended. I was standing around, enjoying the beauty of the desolate desert landscape, when I felt a definite enquiry at the end of my line. It wasn’t a bite, but more of a gentle pull. Then I felt it again, yet this time the fish was moving my sinker…
I was sure the fish hadn’t yet realised that he had taken my baited hook. I gave it a second or two and tightened the line. Fish on! The fish pulled hard and was heading for the safety of the rocks. On its initial run, I contemplated it being a spotted gulley shark, maybe some other smaller shark, definitely not a Kob or one of the smaller Steenies of the day before.
It hugged the safety of the structure and did not want to swim closer to the side. These smaller sharks are usually easy to get to the side, but then they box in the shallows. Not a shark, not a Kob, what could this be… a decent size Steenbras I hoped. Every meter or two I regained, it would set off on a strong run, the braid would fizz off my reel at times, and my heart was still pounding from the initial enquiry and take. Dad came closer to investigate, camera in hand. I managed to manoeuvre the fish away from some of the rocky ledges and I was grateful it seemed content in the deeper water now. As it raised to the surface I caught a glimpse of a broad silver body, surely not a Kob, can’t be.
As I patiently brought him closer to the side, using the surges of the waves to my advantage the species was revealed, the fat stocky body and faded vertical stripes along its side were the final clues. Excitedly I turned its head toward the beach and gently directed him along a small rolling wave, but this is Steenie territory, where the advantage is weighed heavily in their favour. The shallows have left many an angler with a broken heart when the Steenie changes direction and darts off for a last run or two, unsuspecting and subsequent to too much pressure often effects the hook pulling.
From experience I left my drag not to tight and the Steenbras was able to strip a last couple of meters before eventually admitting defeat and allowed me to direct him onto the firm wet sand. With the hook removed and the Steenbras photo ready, Dad took a couple snaps as evidence and to fuel the anticipation of future visits when we reminisce about times past. I think Dad might have been a little green as his goal is to land a big Steenie, although this is far from “big”, we are heading in the right direction.
Measured 70cm and 10cm better than my PB.
I let the Steenbras recover in the shallow water. Once I was satisfied that it was ready to swim off, a quick un-clip of the lip grip and off it went, nice and strong. Pure joy to see the fish swim off and satisfied with my new PB.
Soon the tide had dropped too much and the feeding fish had moved on. On our way back to St Nowhere the sun made an appearance and we stopped at one last spot for a couple more throws before it was time to pack. The result, a couple more good size Kob to put the cherry on the cake of a great day and even better trip.
No sooner had the trip arrived, had it drawn to a close. One of my favourites thus far, just my dad and I, the desert, the ocean and a couple of screaming grinders. So many great memories, and so much to look forward to, we learn each trip, getting to know the coast and conditions, working smarter (and harder). Till 2019 Namibia, auf wiedersehen.
