ULTIMATE ANGLING - the Ultimate SA Fishing website
General Angling Topics => Saltwater Lure Angling => Topic started by: Tommo on March 14, 2012, 05:27:20 PM
-
Just back from a long weekend in Transkei. We had four days of fishing on a lovely unspoilt estuary. I am sorry but I cannot give the name of the river here, as I promised our hosts to keep it secret. The thing is that there are a lot of good, productive estuaries in Transkei, which will provide great light tackle fishing.
The drive down is always pretty, but you have to be wide awake, and aware of erratic drivers and animals on the roads.(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0612.jpg) I was pretty excited to do this trip, as Yamaha had just given me a lovely aluminium boat and motor to try out on the river. It is a Quintrex Explorer 390 (made in Australia), with a 20hp 4 stroke Yamaha motor on the back. I had got a salt water trolling motor (Minn Kota Riptide) to mount on the transom, and felt that I had the ideal craft for exploring the estuary, and sneaking quietly around the fishy areas.
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0882.jpg)
Anyhow, it was really great to arrive and see the water. The estuary looked good, and we had chosen our time well. We arrived on Thursday 8/3, which was on spring tide. This meant that we would have good tides for the rest of our stay, with a high tide in the early morning and evening, and a low in the middle of the day. Perfect, for light tackle lure and fly fishing.
My Mate Cliff was with me, and he decided he was going to fish hard with the fly, while I was itching to get some of my lures into the water.
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0733.jpg)
We had our wives with us, so there was no fishing the first afternoon. We spent our time getting the camp properly sorted out, then rigged our tackle and started a braai fire, amped for the next morning. We were up at 5am, in the dark and loaded our gear onto the boat and headed up the river. The boat travelled beautifully, and the fourstroke motor was lovely and quiet. We headed for the upper reaches of the river as the tide was high. Cliff was first into a fish on a Flipper Fly, he landed a big eye kingfish after a nice fight on his fly tackle.
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0637.jpg)
Soon after that he got a really good sized perch on the same fly. I was starting to wonder if I was going to just be the gillie and fish netter on this trip....
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0647.jpg)
Shortly after that I got onto the scoreboard with a small Bigeye Kingfish, which ate a clear Zara Puppy, which I was twitching slowly near some overhanging trees. Those little kingies in the estuaries put up a good fight on light tackle. I was using 8lb braid, with 15lb fluorocarbon leader, so it was good fun!
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0656.jpg)
The electric motor really made it so much easier to position the boat, especially when making casts into structure, looking for river snapper. It was also great for going in quietly and retrieving lures on the occasions that we overcast and got stuck in the trees. We found that casts had to be pinpoint accurate. The fish, especially perch and snapper were holding very hard to the rocks, and lures had to virtually land right against the edge. It wasn't long before I got my first snapper for the trip.
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0681.jpg)
That fish made me very stoked, for even though it wasn't a monster, River Snapper are great fish to catch. They are very challenging, and any size snapper on 8lb tackle is an achievement. About a half hour later I landed another one. This one was bigger and gave me an even harder time, trying to sew me up in a submerged tree, but I got him out in the end.
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0690.jpg)
There was excellent snapper structure, with rock ledges coming down into the water, and overhanging bushes, hanging over the water. This type of fishing takes a lot of patience, but the rewards are great.
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0816.jpg)
Over the four days that we had to fish this estuary we caught 11 different species of fish between us. This is pretty good going. Many of the fish were not particularly big, but when being caught on light tackle they all put up a good fight and can be very challenging. One of my highlights was catching a springer (skipjack) in the early morning upriver on a Rapala X-Rap Walk. This fish hit the lure with such a ferocious smash, and gave a spectacular fight, jumping from the water about five times during the fight.
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0662.jpg)
I also got a nice river gurnard on the dropshot.
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0667.jpg)
I also got a Garrick
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0728.jpg)
Quite an unusual, and not very welcome catch was an electric ray on dropshot. I had to use rubber handled pliers to get it off the hook without touching it. It ate a slowly worked dropshot, which I was bouncing along the bottom near the river mouth.
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0721.jpg)
Here you can see the electric motor mounted on the transome, next to the main motor. This is a really great set up for estuary fishing. I find the aluminium boats to be lighter than fibreglass ones, and can handle the knocks of fishing in shallow water around the rocks better.
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0778.jpg)
I was very stoked to get a perch on a new system I was trying, with a small single assist hook, instead of two trebles on a Rapala Shad Rap. This lure was deadly...
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0757.jpg)
MY Wife Pam came out with me the one afternoon and I rigged her up with a light dropshot outfit. She landed the biggest fish of the trip within ten minutes, a lovely kob of around 10kg's. I was really proud of her (yes, and a little bit jealous!)
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0717.jpg)
My most unusual catch of the trip, was a bonefish, caught on a dropshot fished slowly near the bottom. I had seen bonefish before in Transkei estuaries, but it is unusual. To catch one on a dropshot was amazing. It gave a really good fight, taking line on fast runs. I was wading in almost waist deep water and had no landing net, so battled to land it. I kept grabbing it and tring to turn it over onto its back, as we do in Seychelles, but it would kick free each time. Anyway, I didn't get a pic, as it got away while I was trying to walk with it to the boat, but here is a pic of me trying to land it...
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/craigfish1/Tkei/DSC_0784.jpg)
The rain really came down on our second last day, and the river got pretty dirty, but we had already experienced so much, and had such a good trip. It was nice to spend a bit of time with the girls as well. It just shows that there is potential in our country to do some great light tackle fishing without having to break the bank.
-
(clap) Very nice report Tommo, it looks you guys had a blast. You are surly a very lucky man to have such a job that lets you fish so much. Some of us just sit at the office and dream of sutch things.
-
Brilliant. Just shows you what an estuary system can be like if looked after.
You are a lucky man Tommo.
(clap)
-
Great report and awesome catches! :envy
I would also keep this location a secret if I was you, sensitive systems like that can easily get over fished.
-
Great report Tommo and :yipee: :yipee: one up for the girls Pam (clap) - some beautiful fish in a beautiful location.
-
Ok... it's official... I HATE you Tommo!
Great fishing! What a diverse fish community! Hard to believe there's still some spots that look like that!
Thank you for a fantastic report!
-
Great Report Tommo.. well done to your wife as well for biggest fish of the trip (clap)
-
(clap) .. great report Tommo and some fine looking species as well , good to see an estuary if looked after can still produce a variety and good sized specimens.. :shre:
-
What a report Tommo. Excellent fishing as usual. And way to go to Pam. Give her my regards
-
Tommo I am speechless... :udman: thats my kind of fishing! Well done on the species :happ: :win:
-
What a stunning area, and awesome report, that Kob is a cracker and in such great condition!!
-
Well done, this is a great report. I have had the privilege of many hours spent on this magic coast especially in the estuary's trying to out wit their occupants when we could not get out to sea. I love it, highly recommended as this report says. :shre: :shre: :udman: :udman: :+ cred: :+ cred:
On the sad side, can you imagine what these areas will look like when the new N2 extension goes ahead? We must fight boys. Tell me how and I will.
-
:shre: awesome report as always Tommo
-
Out done by the ladies again...................eish :hehe: :hehe:
Fantastic fishing & congrats on the rig!
Nice to know such places still exist and keeping the location quiet is the only reason it does :-(
-
Nice report and awesome catches!!!! (clap) (clap) (clap) (clap) :happ: :+ cred:
:clfoto: :clfoto:
-
Nice spot, look familiar. How Cliffy doing?
-
:shre: Beautiful specimens!! I hope this spot remains a secret.
-
Nice Post Tommo, how do you rate the quintrex? I am currently looking around at different aluminium boats for estuary, tiger fishing...perhaps even for a calm day off moz??
-
WOW fshg :cgrts: is all I'm saying. Even more reason to preserve our angling resources. Well done Tommo! When are you going to the EC again? The Swartkops shows and the fishing near the Springs was amazing. Still have it on PVR :win:
-
Thanks for all the comments guys.
@L Hooker, the Quintrex is an awesome boat, the lightest of the tinnies available, due to the Aussies being skilled at welding thinner aluminium. The Explorer is a really nice soft ride, with incredible stability. With two of us both on the same side of the boat landing fish it never felt like it was rolling too much. When it was high and dry one morning due to not enough tide the two of us also managed to push it into the water without much stress. The finishes and quality of the workmanship make these boats really excellent, I can't recommend them highly enough. If you are in the market for a tinnie, definitely check out the Quintrex's, they are built to last.
-
Thanks for the report, that system looks amazing! :clfoto: You have to love those electric rays :hehe:
On the sad side, can you imagine what these areas will look like when the new N2 extension goes ahead? We must fight boys. Tell me how and I will.
Greg have alook at this website, lots of info: http://www.swc.org.za/ (http://www.swc.org.za/)
-
Thanks Tommo for the feedback will go have a look at one cheers mate.
-
Thank you Rory, appreciated, I hope others join as well
-
Fantastic Report !
Great to see some healthy estuaries !
-
TOMMO :win: :shre:
:envy
-
I'd give my life's earnings to live on the banks of that river
Thanks tommo, legend stuff.
-
Lovely report as always Tommo, epic stuff....
That truly is one of the most incredible estuiaries on our wonderful coastline, and holds very fond memories for me as it was the last place myself and my late old man, Pappa Nepps fished together on a boys fishing trip, just the two of us... we weren't blessed with particularly good weather or fishing conditions, but hanging with my old man, braai-ing fresh grunter every night, pondering the ways of the world, and all its wonder, are some of the best memories I have.... being able to experience such a beautiful place, with my hero, best friend and mentor, is something I'll never forget....
After reading your report, I went back through my pics from that trip.... thanks for giving me the idea to do so... truly magic.
-
Good going Tommo
On what did you get the Springer? I saw plenty in Knysna lagoon and wondered what they would go for.
-
Good going Tommo
On what did you get the Springer? I saw plenty in Knysna lagoon and wondered what they would go for.
I recently got a hook-up in Kosi Lakes with a Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15 - Mackerel flavour...
-
Good going Tommo
On what did you get the Springer? I saw plenty in Knysna lagoon and wondered what they would go for.
I recently got a hook-up in Kosi Lakes with a Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15 - Mackerel flavour...
I got springer on good old trusty Camo worm on dropshot in the St Lucia estuary ... :rck"
-
Good going Tommo
On what did you get the Springer? I saw plenty in Knysna lagoon and wondered what they would go for.
I recently got a hook-up in Kosi Lakes with a Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15 - Mackerel flavour...
I got springer on good old trusty Camo worm on dropshot in the St Lucia estuary ... :rck"
I heard from a guy in Knysna that they catch them on a float with small hook and small piece of pilchard
Looks like they eat just about anything
-
Good going Tommo
On what did you get the Springer? I saw plenty in Knysna lagoon and wondered what they would go for.
I recently got a hook-up in Kosi Lakes with a Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15 - Mackerel flavour...
Tony,
Did you use that Trolling or spinning?
I have had some of them in my hands before my last adventure, but not sure as to how they would cast.
PS Sorry for the Hijack
-
Good going Tommo
On what did you get the Springer? I saw plenty in Knysna lagoon and wondered what they would go for.
I recently got a hook-up in Kosi Lakes with a Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15 - Mackerel flavour...
Tony,
Did you use that Trolling or spinning?
I have had some of them in my hands before my last adventure, but not sure as to how they would cast.
PS Sorry for the Hijack
We were trolling slowly on Kosi Lakes... that big lip would be very difficult to cast unless you're using ultra light tackle!?
-
those new maria casting minnows cast a mile and they have an awesome action
-
Hi Woerman, I got the springer on a 9cm Rapala X-Rap Walk. They are great estuary lures, and the springer seem to love them. There are quite a lot of lures that one can use for springer, from bucktail jigs and dropshots, to slowly worked surface lures. Lures that suspend in the midwater are also good. I find that the most important thing is to be able to pause frequently during the retrieve, with the lure still looking attractive, either by suspending or lying still on the surface.
Springer definitely prefer slower moving lures fished with frequent pauses and twitches. There are days when they will eat anything, but those days are few and far between.
I hope that helps!
-
:shre:
-
Hi Woerman, I got the springer on a 9cm Rapala X-Rap Walk. They are great estuary lures, and the springer seem to love them. There are quite a lot of lures that one can use for springer, from bucktail jigs and dropshots, to slowly worked surface lures. Lures that suspend in the midwater are also good. I find that the most important thing is to be able to pause frequently during the retrieve, with the lure still looking attractive, either by suspending or lying still on the surface.
Springer definitely prefer slower moving lures fished with frequent pauses and twitches. There are days when they will eat anything, but those days are few and far between.
I hope that helps!
Thanks Tommo, that helps a lot
Where would be the best to target them: channels, drop-offs, shallow water, etc? Any tide preference?
-
They will hunt around wherever there is a congregation of baitfish. Mullet like to sit on top of shallow banks (particularly banks with some rocks on them), especially when the tide is in. The springer will normally be in the channel close to the shallow bank, waiting for a chance to attack. So working the drop offs is generally good. They do most of their feeding during low light conditions, so early mornings and evenings is prime time for springer. I have had most of my success with them on a pushing tide coinciding with those times.
If you are seeing surface chases in the area then use a Rapala X-Rap Walk 9cm, if you are not getting hits on that then try the suspending version, the Rapala Subwalk 8cm. After every four or five twitches give it a few seconds pause. If there is a hungry springer around he will definitely eat one of those two lures.
-
Thanks Tommo - great advice