“Nog net 10 gooie!” (Just 10 more casts)

Fear, adrenaline, uncertainty, excitement, hope, joy… you pick the emotion and I will tell you why.

I have often told the stories of catching large Garrick on chisel nose poppers in the Breede River or double-digit Kob on bucktail in the surf in the Eastern Cape. Truth be told, none measure up to that one late afternoon from the launch pad in the Kariega River.

It had only been a couple of months since I started hunting with artificial lures. Other than a fowl hook on day one I, hadn’t had much success. I was beginning to doubt this new technique that HP was going on about. I had seen the photos of the success he had, but still needed to have that “flip-the-switch” moment for myself. (A word of warning, once flipped, it is difficult to turn back again… you could fish all day, blanking, yet still remain absolutely positive that the next cast is going to be the one… confidence, maybe, insanity maybe, passion, absolutely! …and then suddenly, everything just comes together.) A friend once said that every fish has a story and how right he was.

HP and I had exhausted all options (and our arms) walking up and down the Bushmans River; the day left us beaten and sun burnt. The clouds were starting to roll in and there was a storm approaching. Knowing this meant the air pressure is dropping, we popped over to the Kariega River for one last cast (or 10) before heading back home. There is a fine line between fishing the magic hour right before a storm, and being trap out on an open beach when an Eastern Cape storm erupts… lighting and fishing rods don’t mix so well together, yet we always push it to the very last-minute, just ask Dad. He and HP were caught out on the beach last year with lighting strikes between them and the safety of the vehicles. Read about it here.

We parked at the slip-way just as the first drops crashed into the windshield. HP turned to me with that “should we/shouldn’t we” expression on his face, luckily it didn’t take much persuasion to get the green light (it never does). HP proceeded with his usual walk and stalk approach, up and down the river. I confided myself to the launch pad as it was the easiest spot to retrieve my blue 4 inch minnow from (old faithful as it is now known). The wind picked up and the rain started coming down harder. I signaled to HP and he reciprocated with the usual 10-more-casts nod.

Now keep in mind I was casting a blue 4 inch minnow in low-light / overcast conditions. I didn’t have much hope as the logical thought was that there is no-way any fish can see the minnow in this water. (Man, was I wrong…)

1… Nothing
2… Nope
3… N- “That was weird”
4… Just 6 casts left. (little more effort)
5… Nothing, Nothing, Noth… Dead Stop? zzzzzzzzzzzz! FISH ON!!!!

The Silstar exploded in my hand, the Solara made its usual, but oh so awesome, 90° bend and the fight was on! Now for those of you who know the Kariega River, know that there are quite a few jetty’s to the left of the launch pad. The incoming tide pushed hard and my sparring partner made a strong run up the river. My options were limited and the first thing that popped in my mind was jump… So I did.

I can only imagine what HP must have thought, hearing your brother shout Fish On, only to see him swimming/floating/fighting around the jetties in front of him. By some miracle I managed to manoeuvre around the obstacles and back onto dry ground. I kept the tension on my line as to ensure the fish stays hooked. Finally, with some space to move and a bucket of patience, I let the fish tire using calculated drag control. The 8 pound Suffix braid and 2/0 hook were holding and I was winning the battle.

After about 10 minutes of walking up and down the walkway, the silver flash finally showed itself. I can still hear HP saying “Dis ‘n Leerie!”. What followed was a big test of composure and HP’s wonderful ability to stay calm while he received verbal abuse from his younger brother. I won’t be surprised if HP to this day still gets nightmares about me yelling at him: “spring op hom”, “gryp hom”, “HP duik die @#$%#$ vis”. But true to form and with the Garrick now starting to tire and gradually coming closer HP waded into the water, waiting for the perfect time to gently pick it up and it was done!

With a bit of shake in my hand but a smile on my face, drenched from head to toe, I was able to pick up my fish, put the Solara in my mouth and capture the moment; not just another fisherman’s story. Today I had won!

J’s first decent fish on soft plastics

An unforgettable fight, a 7ft Rod being tested to the limit and a fisherman’s will to not let the big one get away! (Not forgetting that important factor of: OK, nog net 10 gooie)

Few things as satisfying as having Dad repeat his usual “Waars die vis?” when the bakkie pulls up, only to answer: “HP, bring the camera!”.

Golden Boy with a good size leerie

Until next time!