ULTIMATE ANGLING - the Ultimate SA Fishing website
General Angling Topics => Rock and Surf Fishing Reports => Topic started by: Homie on November 17, 2010, 08:18:54 PM
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- DAY 1 – Sunday 7th
After much planning and research, the day arrived and a 3am wake-up call saw us meeting at the Total Petroport on the N3 and at 5am we left in convoy to travel down to Cape Vidal. We had a quick breakfast at McDonalds in Newcastle, and after a 8.5 hour later, we arrived at Vidal, without incident.
On arriving, Reefz came round a corner to be confronted by the mother of all Black Rhino’s who proceeded to walk down the road directly at his Jeep. Some deft reversing (had a trailer behind him!) for about 300m, before the animal decided that she’d had enough fun and headed off into the bush. Within the first 15minutes, we spotted 3 of the Big 5 – Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo! Awesome Game reserve!
The original campsites that we booked were allocated elsewhere, perhaps fortune smiled upon us here, because the ensuing weather would have flooded those campsites badly, as they were in the valley nest to the beach. We unpacked and some tired travellers set up the mother of all campsites! Those who made it this far were Homie, Mike, Lichia Amia, Doc, Jan and Reefz. We were quickly joined by Toppie’s clan, which consisted of Toppie, Rusty, Walla and Jacques, who had arrived the day before.
We decided that we would not fish that day, and after a walk on the beach, we ended of a tiring day with an excellent campfire and some bitterly cold beers.
DAY 2 – Monday 8th
Next morning was Bacon and Eggs time after fighting off the monkeys, Mongeese and Squirrels. Lost 3 loaves of bread in the process! Note to self: don’t go to Vidal without a Paintball gun. It is absolutely necessary. A Kettie is but a small deterrent!
Tackle ready, we decided to fish the low tide off Lighthouse and the 3.4 kms walk down the beach saw amped anglers flying lead! As we got there, the wind started to pick up, a steady North wind that increased in intensity at a rapid rate of knots. After about 3 hours of fishing and a few Wave Garrick, Blacktail and Karanteen, the wind was now sandblasting everything in sight and it was decided to return to base. duh That’s when the fun started… walking into a 50km/h headwind through soft sand carrying everything but the kitchen sink, with sand pelting your face is not exactly fun. Somehow, we made it back to camp, but there were some very hot, sweaty and sore campers all of a sudden…! Some of the guys really put in an epic effort, most notably Toppie, with his Gammy knee, he was visibly proud of himself for making it back in one piece!
That evening, we decided to try fish the High in the Bay. We found a nice spot to the left of the bay, with a nice hole and rip. Baits in and in no time we had some pulls. Deon, Craig and Homie landed some Wave Garrick and Doc had half a chokka removed by a toothy critter, which just missed the hooks. Reefman had a good hit, and was vas with a big Blackfin as night fell. Into the braid and 20 minutes into the fight, the fish swam over another anglers line, who struck and that was the end of the story.
Wind continued to howl, but the guys persevered.
DAY 3 Tuesday 9th
We woke at 4am, which became the norm, because that’s when the monkeys raided our camp en masse, throwing pots and pans and generally making themselves an absolute nuisance.
Now here I have to make special mention of the “Flying Carpet” The Mongeese ! These are amazing creatures, and bloody noisy ! When they move together, it looks like a moving carpet !
Craig started his Loser streak. He lost everything he touched… bed pump, Bluetooth earpiece, keys. If Craig didn’t have a belly button, I’m sure he’d have lost his poopall!
Fished the right hand side of the bay with spinning tackle – guys had some small shad – Doc ended with about a dozen – all released. Most of his fish were taken on Dropshot using Berkley Camo worm! Some more Wave Garrick as well.
Mike and Reefz took a walk up to Dunn’s Hut, which is 4.5km from the Campsites. We sussed out and marked some good spots. Little did we know that we would have no opportunity to go and visit those spots! Arggghhh! swr
That afternoon, the Rain started in earnest… poured solidly for 2 and a half days. It was quite hilarious the size of the trenches we had to dig to keep the rivers from sweeping the tents away! Resembled a WW1 Bunker zone! Some drenched anglers kept their spirits up however, and amazingly there were few complaints.
Someone noticed that our Bait Freezer had packed up and all our bait has defrosted! In the middle of the downpour, Homie became an electrical professional and by hook or by crook, we managed to get it working again. This being done in ankle deep water….. NO-ONE wanted to plug it in !! LOL
Evening saw us back in our hole on the beach, fishing for hours in driving torrential rain… those hot showers were our saving grace! Marthin landed an 18kg Blackfin.
DAY 4 – Wed 10th
Rain, rain and more rain… mud, glorious mud everywhere… nothing dry anymore… reminded me why Reefz’ hates camping so much!
Irrespective, we decided to fish the hole in the bay… was actually weird to see all of us standing knee deep in water, with our rainjackets on in pelting rain still fishing !
Gatvol of the weather conditions, we decided to go have lunch in St Lucia… a welcome respite from the weather… some good chow, cold beers and good company.
The funniest part ??? After 2 beers and a burger, we had one Mike “The Mongoose” Pike order a pot of tea ! I mean a boys week out and the man orders tea ??? duh Laughs all around !
On the way back, we decided to do a little recce at Mission Rocks, which was looking good for the next day !
DAY 5 – Thurs 11th
A very bad day for Homie.
Everyone was seriously amped to try out the light tackle and dropshot at the famous Mission Rocks. A couple of hours of preparing tackle etc and off we Drove to Mission Rocks…. Never forget the look on Marthin's face as we headed down the path to be treated to an horrific spectacle! Thick Brown treacle water! :sadd The Umfolozi had come down in flood and the strong Southerly wind had made Missions unfishable. No-one wanted to catch barbel all day, so some very disappointed anglers made their way slowly back to Vidal and we fished the ledges south of the bay.
Craig landed another Wave Garrick and Reef caught a 2kg Salmon/Kob - all released safely. Marthin continued his plunder of Shad and Wave Garrick with Camo worm!
I had the worst day… every cast, either stuck, broke off or lost sinkers !!!!
Besides losing a few other important unmentionable items, I almost lost my marbles too... and had small sense of humour failure...
DAY 6 – Frid 12th
Fished the ledges south of the bay again. The water had now started turning brown with the North wind blowing it up from Mapelane.
Evening – Walked a short way up the beach and slides in! Craig, with his first slide ever, lands a small Blackfin in the region of 12kg! Awesome to see a new guy applying all the knowledge he has learnt and getting the rewards! Well done Craig!
Later, we moved back to “our hole”. Within half an hour, Reefz, fishing on his ace, got properly flattened with a big run on a whole Chokka slide – first run took about 600m of line straight out to see. Reefz says: "By the time I turned the fish and got back into my topshot, my body was aching already… this was a serious fish. Thought I was winning the fight when I got the fish to the backline waves, but fish said “ja sure!” and went on another blistering run.
By this time, Marthin had joined me and gave me moral support and encouragement. Body was taking huge strain! When he saw the braid going off at a rate of knots – “bliksem, dis ‘n goeie vis die!”
The fish had now pulled me about 300m up the beach and after about an hour into the fight, I was finally winning the battle. Marthin and I saw the fish in the shorebreak, it was a beauty! Maybe 100-120kg Blackfin! But sadly, as the story goes, with only about 20m of line left out, the tjopp anglers adjacent to us felt the fish go over their line, and struck… I was left standing with a reel filled to the brim, with only the leader missing…. This is why we call it fishing and not catching…. Sad.
The rain came again shortly after this and with it came the wind again… everyone called it a day shortly afterwards.
DAY 7 – Sat 13th
Mike decided there was a Blackfin with his name on it out there and went out with Doc to go get it, Craig followed, and I went down with some dropshot after. The South had returned and had blown all that treacle water up into the bay at Vidal.... No bites.
We then started the great pack-up !
After an AWESOME meal consisting of some potbrood and pap, we had the prizegiving
- Champion Angler – 18kg Blackfin + Numerous Eds
Martin (Doc)- 1800m Berkley Whiplash
Reefz – Cooler box
Deon (Walla)- Pioneer HMG rod
- Runner up / Most Improved Angler – 12kg Blackfin + eds
Craig (Lichia Amia)- Kingfisher Braid and line + Tline
- Most Species (By default)
Homie – Leeukloof weekend
Clive (Toppie) – UA Shirt +Cap
Garry (Rusty) – UA Shirt +Cap
Mike “The Mongoose” Pike – Torch
Jan – Cap and some DVD games
An AWESOME week with AWESOME mates…..
WE BEEN HAVING IT !!!!!!!
:ult:
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Pics to follow, having issues with my camera cable.
A HUGE Thank You to all that made the trip, and also, to our dedicated sponsors !
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Awesome report Homie... makes a pleasant reading! Looking forward to check the pics!
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Thanks John,
Credit goes to Reefz, he did 99% of the report !
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Eish, it sounds like the weather was awful. Well done for sticking it out, and well done for a great and entertaining report!
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Ok i'll put some pics up, thanx for the report Homie herewith some pics.
The campsite.
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Good stuff guys, next time I'm sure the weather will play along
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Kitchen area.
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NIce report bru...next time lets hope the weather gods are on your side and I can teach you how to hook and land big fish fshg :uarocks
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The boyz spinning in the bay. Homie / Craig and Tony.
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Doc (Martin) the ultimate winner, spinning as well.
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Mission rocks, looked good on this day ....next day the water was chocolate brown from heavy rains and Umfolozi flooding out to sea.. :sadd
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Lekker trip guys.
Every time I have been to Vidal for some R&S the weather has been foul.
If I take my boat then it is Ok.
Go figure.
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Some shots of everyone fishing the start of "ledges". and Craig with a small wave garrick.
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Got up sparrows after the monkeys had raided the kitchen yet again headed off to the beach and took pic of awesome sunrise.
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Prize giving time.1st up . Martin (Doc) with the 1800 m whiplash kindly donated by BigG... (clap) ....Reefz and cooler box....Deon (Walla) Pioneer HMG rod.
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Craig (lichia amia) most improved angler. Homie , most species. Clive , best person in camp.
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Garry(Rusty) 2nd best person in camp, yours truley Mike "the mongoose" Pike ,tjop of the week. :hyst: . :hyst: .. and Jan , best photographer. im sure theres still plenty pics on there way from all the others as well.... enjoy :uarocks
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Next time I promise I will stay longer!
I wanted to come through on saturday morning again but when i woke up we were half way back to durbs already! yes I drank that much on my birthday that I could not wake up in the morning and was somehow carried to the car, put in the car and drove for an hour before i woke up at about 9am! I think that is quite funny :hehe:
But Im glad you gents had a good time despite the horrible weather!
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Was good to see you there Stef hopefully next time the weather is on our side and you can stay a bt longer , looks like the birthday was a joll of note or what u can remember.. :sml:
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Some more pics ,courtesy of Clive (Toppie). Deon making a serious "potbrood" which i can vouch for best i've ever tasted ,hot and straight out the pot... Deon waiting for the big pull.... and the Ultimate crowd on the last evening and braai/get together ..... watch out Vidal Kingies and Blackfins ...we'll be back.. (bat
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Sounds like a joll regardless of the weather! Good one guys! Can't wait for more pics!
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The Main Manne at the meeting point. Petroport Heidelberg
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Braving the weather Doc , Reefz and Homie
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Homie had the Bokkies in camp feeding from his hands
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The Vidal team : Doc, Reefz,Homie, Toppie, Walla , Mike,Rusty and Jan. Lichia taking pic.
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The pit crew Mike and Homie . Faster than Sebastian Vettel’s crew any day. “ Swear , hold , swear , pluk the hook , swear and she’s back in the ocean , swear , swear “ Job well done .
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My first 10kg plus fish from the shore on my first slide ever . Good to have Lady Luck on your side !!!
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Awesome report & pics ... (clap)
Glad to see that u guys had a blast .. :rck"
Next time i will be there ... Definitely .... w;k
Well done Guys ... (clap)
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Great report Homie! Enjoyed it...
Sounds like you guys had a ball of a time.
(clap)
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Awesome report guys !!
Looking at the good time had by all, irrespective of conditions, that's what fishing is about
Great pictures guys, and some serious incentive for the next trip
And congratulations in particular to LA with your sharky on your first slide, may you have many new PB's as you grow in this sport we all love so much
Guys don't put Mike the "Mongoose" Pike down, you don't know what he had inside that pot off tea.. :hehe:
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Awesome report :win: :win:
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Awesome report guys, sounds like you really had a jol! I love camping, in all conditions! Would have been right up my ally except for the fact that Vidal is a bit of a trek from Cape Town!!! As soon as my kids are a bit older I'll be on my way though!
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Super report, looks like it was a jol. Where do I sign up for the next one??
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Some more thoughts on the trip...
I consider it an honour to have rubbed shoulders on the beach and at the campsite with some of the finest gentlemen I have yet to meet. Despite really harsh living and fishing conditions, no-one complained, everyone kept their chins up and we had a really awesome trip!
The guys fished really hard, in driving rain and sandblasting wind - we never gave up.
Marthin... congrats on your successes - just shows how a league angler is willing to adapt himself to the conditions, scale down and still catch. Craig - it was awesome seeing you on your first real fishing trip - and showing the rest of the guys up with your catches... well done, very rewarding to see!
Mike Pike and Homie... you okes are kings amongst peasants. I value your friendship more than you would know! Thanks for all the laughs...
To Toppie and clan... thanks for all the effort you guys put in to make the trip a success. Clive, you have a great family, something you should be very proud of.
To the guys who didn't make it... Rods, thanks for at least trying.
Action Man... thanks for popping by to say howzit! You're forgiven that you didn't return. hapbday
Daryl Visser - where were you? A phone call would have been nice!!! swr <:
Musselcracker and Zimbi - you okes are faders of note...
Carlos - thanks for making the trip from Richards Bay and popping in to meet the guys - those 2M's were awesome!
To all our sponsors, especially BigG - THANKYOU!
Here follows some pics....
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Round the campfire.
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Homie sleeping like a baby. In a sopping wet duvet, sloshing around as he turned!!!
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Rewiring a dead freezer in ankle deep water!!! :shk.
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Rain and glorious mud!.
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I'm not missing the next one. And I'm taking my boat. so when is it? March?
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Awesome guys. Those trips are about so much more than the fishing. The camaraderie and fellowship, especially bred in tough circumstances cannot be overestimated. I wish I could have been there! Hopefully I can make it on one of the future trips.
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Deux M's to keep the chins up!
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Now thats what :ult: angling is all about!
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Then, suprise suprise.... more rain!!! :cnfzd
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Boyz on the beach.
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More...
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And last, but not least... the guy we missed the most. Kumzie... sorry you couldn't make it bud. But for sure you're NOT missing the next one!
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please guys, next time we tak ethe boat guys too.
That way we can take some of the R&S guys fishing in the morning, and in the afternoons the R&S guys can teach us a bit again
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Great report homie and reefs. Clearly fun was had by all even in those harsh conditions.
(clap)
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please guys, next time we tak ethe boat guys too.
That way we can take some of the R&S guys fishing in the morning, and in the afternoons the R&S guys can teach us a bit again
That was the plan this year but we all faded!! but for sure it will be a blast on the next one.
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From my side,
It was an absolute pleasure to fish amongst you all !
Tony, the ULTIMATE Camper !!!! Thanks for all the prep, advice and guiding ! You rock bru ! Would have loved to see you land that beast !!! Oh, and thanks for the kettle and toaster.... Just the microwave was missing :hehe:
Craig, Thanks for all the help, and the camaraderie
Doc, Jan, for all the laughs
Toppie and clan, thanks for the effort and was a pleasure meeting you all.
Mike, Thanks for the hospitality, the drive and the tent ! You really are a friend in a million bru !
Even if you have manboobs and are a Tjop of note !!!!
:happ:
We missed 2 of our bro's down there... Kumz and Skrops ! We have to plan at least a weekend fish SOOOON !
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Fantastic Homie and all the guys. Looks like a lot of fun was had.
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Agreed it was a trip with a difference , we had 4 seasons in one day weather wise and although the fishing was a tad poor the company and cameradie was top notch , with all the weed in the water as well made sliding conditions more difficult matched with driving rain and wind , my eye opener was being burnt off on a slide that something large took off with incredible speed ... yoiks!!! didnt even have time to set up for the strike... zzzzzzzzzz.. bang , gone in a split second. :shk and um watching okes battle the "dune" going back :hyst: :hyst: , new name for that stretch of sand and dune "kotz huwel "... all in all was great fun , would do it all again tomorrow without batting an eyelid , and we also saw one of them Civet/ Serval cats in the bush 3 m from the kitchen and got a pic as well. Skrops and Kumz and all others that missed it , haul out the 2011 calender and marker pen .. :hnthnt: :hnthnt:
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1. Reefz Salmon
2. My boet - Mike "Mongoose" Pike keeping us all in high spirits
3. Doc acting like a fairy..... I believe I can fly......
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Awesome report and awesome pics! Looks like you guys had fun despite of the conditions!
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Thanks to all involved from my side as well. A Trip I will definitely never forget. Don’t think I can wait a full year for the next one . :uarocks
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Don't know about you guys, but reading this report this morning has really made me lus to go fishing :sadd
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Here are some of my picture to illustrate some of the points mentioned in the report.
Firstly a group photo of us at mission rocks notice the beautifull color of the sea
Secondly a view from the top of Reelman's hill so named after Tony's trek up it after loosing the moster Blackfin
And lastly Mike having after lunch tea in St Lucia
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Here are some pictures of the wildlife we encounterred
The second picture shows what we believe is an octopus found in a shell washed out on the beach.
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and lastly some of the fish that was caught. All others were to small to mention
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Awesome report guys. (clap) Next time I'll try and make a plan to join in the fun! Glad you guys had a blast!
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Don't know about you guys, but reading this report this morning has really made me lus to go fishing :sadd
Like you won't believe!!! And now to try and work for the rest of the day........
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Identified this thingiemajig...
(http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2856.0;attach=15856;image)
Paper Nautilus - Argonauta argo
A cephalopod, amongst the most advanced molluscs, and ranks amongst the most sophisticated of all invertebrates!
Body with 8 arms, 2 of which are flattened and responsible for secreting and holding the shell. Grows 10cm.
The shell is an internal flotation device.
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Wow thats a crazy looking animal!
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(http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2856.0;attach=15850;image)
This little hill... better known as "Kots heuwel" will haunt many of us for a long time to come... after a long, hard day's fishing, losing PB's, braving gale force winds and torrential rain etc etc... long walk back home to the camp site, only to be confronted by a short very steep dune... fully loaded I nearly didn't make it on at least 2 occasions... :puke:
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And last, but not least... the guy we missed the most. Kumzie... sorry you couldn't make it bud. But for sure you're NOT missing the next one!
:tkx:...For sure i will be there ...with my Potjie pot in tow ... w;k
Damn wished i was there ... :sadd
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Pls can this post by removed I find it extremely offensive! Its just not right that you guys remind me how awesome it is to be out fishing. Memories of last years trip to the 'kei just came back and keeping the GP flag flying :hnthnt: Dam I wish I had not missed out on this one
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Amazing report.. Great snaps there for life guys.. Alot of the locations brings back memories. :resp:
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Great report mr homie, I will give you chaps an A+ (clap)
If you are planning a weekend soon let me know, I have 2 weeks of work/school left!
And lets get next years trip so that I can join you please!!!!
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Nice one guys - I'm very jealous
:ayb
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Lekker report guys, looks like you guys had good fun regardless of the conditions.
hopefully next year life will stop interfering with fishing......... :dunno:
seems fishing wasn't that great without me and Kumzie.... :crzy
see you guys on the 11th.
Skrops
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Lekker report guys, looks like you guys had good fun regardless of the conditions.
hopefully next year life will stop interfering with fishing......... :dunno:
seems fishing wasn't that great without me and Kumzie.... :crzy
see you guys on the 11th.
Skrops
LOL.... Next time for sure Skrops .... w;k
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Lekker report guys, looks like you guys had good fun regardless of the conditions.
hopefully next year life will stop interfering with fishing......... :dunno:
seems fishing wasn't that great without me and Kumzie.... :crzy
see you guys on the 11th.
Skrops
Hope things are calming down in your life Skropsie! Look forward to seeing you on the 11th!