ISSUE #11 | Q3 2020
SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES T H E
W O R L D ' S
B E S T
F I S H I N G
D E S T I N AT I O N S
MALDIVES
SWEDEN
GABON THE MAGIC OF SETTE CAMA
CANADA
GAAFARU ISLAND
SUNNEDAMMS SPORTFISKE
ONTARIO’S MUSKIES
+ NEW TACKLE, LATEST IGFA RECORDS, SEEN ON THE WEB, FISHING ART & MORE...
CONTENTS 8 IGFA
Latest records and news
ISSUE#11 Q3 2020
54 Sweden
Sunnedamms Sportfiske
12 Maldives
70 What’s new
28 Canada
74 Gabon
46 AST
96 Fishing Art
Gaafaru Island
Ontario’s muskies
Atlantic Salmon Trust Auction
Our selection of the latest tackle
The magic of Sette Cama
Andrej Krysov
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12
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70
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WHERE ARE WE TAKI
CANADA
GABON
ING YOU THIS TIME ?
SWEDEN
MALDIVES
EDITORIAL Dylan Smith Editor in Chief
Let’s keep our fishing spots clean In Paris, the Seine river‘s water quality has tremendously improved over the past decades. After the 70’s, industrial pollution had a huge impact on local fish. Some of them even disappeared, like the European shad. Nowadays, their numbers are consistently getting higher each year. But there’s still a lot to do concerning trash. Even in the countryside, where we’re based, we still see too many cans, cigarette packs, and now masks in the river. That’s why we always bring a big trash bag in our backpack. I know it is no fun to pick up somebody else’s trash but I believe it is our job as fishermen to keep our fishing spots clean. It only takes a few minutes and it’s the least we can do to thank nature for all the good moments we’ve had near the water. So remember to bring a bag next time you go fishing, it might be useful!
Dylan Smith COVER SHOT: A mighty African threadfin, from Mark Murray’s article p.74
SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES T H E
W O R L D ' S
B E S T
F I S H I N G
D E S T I N A T I O N S
Editor in chief Dylan SMITH
Contributors Babs Kijewski Rudy Van Duijnhoven Andrej Krysov Mark Murray Daniel Klemm
Special thanks Geoffray Juillard IGFA African Waters Iskander Mermet Sportfishing Adventures magazine, published quarterly, is independently owned and operated by DMS Editions. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. No part of this magazine can be reproduced without prior permission. For inquiries, contact the editor: editor@sportfishing-adventures.com
IGFA NEW RECORDS
IGFA
NEW RECORDS Wada’s Two-Spot Red Snapper
Masuda’s Almaco Jack The IGFA All-Tackle almaco jack record stood for over 55 years until May 28, 2020, when Kiyofumi Masuda caught this massive 61.6-kilogram (136-pound) almaco jack. Kiyofumi was bottom fishing with live rubyfish off Ashizuri-Misaki, Japan, and was able to pull the record jack up after a strong 15-minute fight. Congratulations, Kiyofumi, on toppling one of IGFA’s long-standing AllTackle World Records.
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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
Riki Wada recently caught this awesome 16.55-kilogram (36-pound, 7-ounce) two-spot red snapper to set the new IGFA All-Tackle World Record. On May 18, 2020, he was casting mackerel scad from a rocky shoreline and hooked up to the record snapper. With 15-kg line, he was able to land the beast of a snapper in just three minutes. Riki’s first IGFA World Record bested the prior one by over three pounds.
NEW RECORDS IGFA
De Santis’ Zander Matteo De Santis recently caught this incredible 97-centimeter zander to set the new IGFA All-Tackle Length World Record. He was trolling a Fox Rage Replicant Wobble in Lake Maggiore, Italy when the record zander struck. After a brief battle, Matteo quickly measured and released the fish to fight another day.
Bahan’s Roosterfish Chuck Bahan recently set the IGFA All-Tackle Length Record for roosterfish with this monster 136-centimeter fish. Chuck was fishing out of Los Buzos Resort in Cambutal, Panama, and landed the record rooster in 15 minutes after it struck a live bonita he was slow trolling. Congratulations, Chuck, on your first IGFA World Record.
SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
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IGFA LATEST NEWS
IGFA LATEST NEWS
Florida Governor Signs Bill Designating Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve
Great news for menhaden, arguably one of the world’s most important species of forage fish! On August 5th, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted unanimously to implement Ecological Reference Points (ERPs) for Atlantic menhaden.
On June 29th, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation (HB 1061), creating the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve (AP) in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties following an outpouring of support from local businesses, county commissioners, conservation groups, and recreational and marine industry organizations.
Read more
Read more
Menhaden Conservation
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SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
LATEST NEWS IGFA
How to Submit an IGFA World Record It’s a question that many anglers have experienced firsthand, and one that every angler hopes to if they haven’t already! This newly released video from the IGFA answers that question and provides you with all of the details on how to properly document that catchof-a-lifetime so it can become an IGFA World Record.
Prospecting a Future for Golden Dorado A great article about the importance of scientific research on golden dorado in South America.
Read more
SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
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TRAVEL MALDIVES
MALDIVES
GAAFARU ISLAND Text and photos by Daniel Klemm
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MALDIVES TRAVEL
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Strolling the beach in search of a stickbait-eating predator!
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acations that promise good fishing and make your wife happy at the same time? We all know this is not so easy. After a few long nights on various booking portals, four countries were shortlisted: Mexico, the Seychelles, Mauritius and the Maldives. After an unbeatable offer, our choice for February 2020 was the Maldives - we shouldn’t regret it.
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Gafaaru - the tuna Island The destination of our trip was the Gaafaru Atoll. About 60 kilometers south of MalĂŠ, 1300 people live on the island at the moment. Tourists are only allowed to visit the island for a short time, before that it was only possible to visit the island within organized tours. Gaafaru owns the largest tuna fleet of the Maldives and therefore everything is adjusted SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
Due to the strong wind, the first two days a trip outside the atoll was not possible, so we first explored the island.
MALDIVES TRAVEL
to fishing. All the locals live from it and have a special relation to it. So do our hosts Ahemd and Mohamedd, two young Maldivians in their early 30’s. Their relaxed and fun-loving nature has inspired us from the very beginning. Their guesthouse has only been in operation for one year, but already now there is a lot going on in terms of service and the feel-good factor. The room service was on its toes the whole vacation and fulfilled every wish. Of
course, the food is also very important on vacation. What the chef conjures up from the fish is absolutely top class and certainly does not have to hide from any of the surrounding resorts. In general we found the atmosphere much more pleasant than on a resort island. Even though the population is Muslim, the public life was not comparable to countries like Oman or Egypt. The people were very open-minded and those who could speak Engli-
sh were not averse to a chat (about fishing of course). Windy? No problem. Due to the strong wind, the first two days a trip outside the atoll was not possible, so we first explored the island. Exploring is a big word here, because the walk around the island is finished after 30 minutes. Beside many very friendly locals we noticed a lack of awareness for garbage. Outside the area cleaned for tourists, plastic bottles and other
A hefty coral trout caught by the author. SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
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Giant trevallies of all sizes can be caught on the outer side of the reefs. The abundance of baitfish explains why they were so playful!
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MALDIVES TRAVEL
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TRAVEL MALDIVES
Within the next two hours I could land three bluefin trevallies, two barracudas, one trumpetfish and three golden trevallies.
garbage can be found everywhere. The island council is aware of the problem and different projects are being tested to get the whole thing under control. Besides the garbage at the edge of the island we saw a lot of local people during our first evening walk, standing directly in the high surf and throwing big stickbaits. On inquiry in our pension it came out that probably for some years many locals have been fishing for GT and also some are caught again and again, but probably rarely over 5 kilograms. The problem here is
Some colorful doctorfish inhabit the reefs. 18
SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
not the lack of larger fish, but that landing on the shallow and sharp-edged reef is extremely difficult. So the plan for the next two days was fixed: before breakfast with heavy gear for GT, afterwards relax and in the evening again with light gear on the inner reef. But after the first two casts the next morning the plan had to be changed again. The waves were now so big that it was no longer safe to fish the edge. So after breakfast we started with the light rod. What followed I would not have expected: within the next two hours I could land three bluefin trevallies,
MALDIVES TRAVEL
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TRAVEL MALDIVES
The biggest GT of the trip, caught on a Hybrida J1 Tropic stickbait. Big specimens like this one are not unusual in these GT infested waters!
The surubi catfish not only have amazing patterns, they also put on a great fight! 20
SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
MALDIVES TRAVEL
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Sunset on Gaafaru’s beach.
two barracudas, one trumpetfish and three golden trevallies. An absolute pleasure on the light rod. I couldn’t get that smile off my face the rest of the day. The following day was also very entertaining some bluefin trevallies and smaller snappers were caught on Seaspin Pro Q and the Fiiish Black Minnow 120. Underwater As successful as the first two fishing trips were, the underwater world had to be teeming with fish? Since one of our hosts and my wife are en22
thusiastic divers, this was of course investigated. The underwater world was indeed very impressive. It was teeming with different coral fish everywhere. There were shoals of bluefins, garfish and other predators. But most impressive were the huge accumulations of fusiliers. The reef edge was teeming with them, so the GTs had more than enough prey fish to choose from. When at the end of the dive three Napoleons swam by I was finally convinced: here the fish stock is still okay! SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
Off to the reef edge After the weather had improved, we finally went by boat on GT & Co. After only 5 minutes drive it was time to cast! The boat drove at a walking pace along the reef edge - but not really long. After only 10 casts a group of GTs came out of cover and attacked the Hybrida J1 Tropic. One of the little rascals got stuck - with five kilograms not a big one but a start was made. That the day was going to be special was clear 10 more litters later. Again a GT grabbed the stickbait, with 10 kilograms
MALDIVES TRAVEL
already a slightly better specimen that delivered a good fight. What followed a little bit later, I surely would not have expected: a GT from the boss class inhaled the Hybrida J1 Tropic at the reef’s edge. Fortunately the first run was in the direction of the boat. Only after some time I managed to move the massive GT with the help of the HOWK Big Blue, fifteen minutes later he was in the boat. The loud cheering could probably be heard all the way to the island . After this fish I took a
break and let Ahmed fish. In the next hour we took turns and could catch another four GTs up to 110cm and had some spectacular misses on diving poppers like the Amegari Urpekari. When we drove back after three hours I realized what an exceptional day this was. I have fished GTs in many places in the meantime, but I had never experienced this bite frequency before!
Besides fishing with surface lures, jigging was of course also on the agenda.
Not only GT But fishing with surface lures is not only for GTs. Bluefin Trevallies are ubiquitous and
Bluefin trevallies are among the prettiest species of the caranx family. SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
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MALDIVES TRAVEL
Gaafaru is a large elliptical reef with only a small inhabited island at its eastern end. It used to be known for causing shipwrecks.
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Small to medium-sized GTs are often in schools. Watching them fight for your lure is an amazing sight!
especially in places with heavy current strongly represented. The biggest one reached a stately 90 cm, on average the fish were about 70 cm tall. In addition, bohar snappers in good sizes were caught this fish species hoewever is very expensive, they always seek their salvation in the next coral. Unfortunately this often works, even with a locked drag. But the absolute highlight was a coral trout. During light tackle fishing, specimens up to 50 cm were 26
eagerly taking the stickbaits. But on the outer reef a cortal trout grabbed the Hybrida J1, which you might suspect in Papua New Guinea or Madagascar. The Dino trout measured an enormous 115cm. An extremely old but also tasty fish and so it could only be put back under great protest of the captain. Besides fishing with surface lures, jigging was of course also on the agenda. However, this was not easy as there is no sonar on board (but for the SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
Due to the captain’s good local knowledge some good spots could be located without any technical aids.
MALDIVES TRAVEL
coming year one will be purchased). Due to the captain’s good local knowledge some good spots could be located without any technical aids. The strong current makes it not easy and so jig weights of 250-300 grams were necessary to reach the desired depth. Once at the right depth a colorful palette of fish species could be caught. Beside jobfish, bluefin trevallies and groupers a probably big yellowfin tuna grabbed the jig, but unfortunately the hook didn’t sit right and after a short, heavy drill the fun was over. An absolute highlight was a dogtooth tuna, which took the Palms Jigaro at 150 meters depth. This fish was definitely the culinary highlight of the trip!
Relax again Besides all the hectic fishing, of course, relaxing was also the order of the day. There are probably only a few places in the world where this is easier than in the Maldives. The beach for tourists allows you to swim at all tides, which is very helpful considering the average temperatures around 30 degrees. Besides swimming, snorkeling is a real highlight. Great places in the inner reef can be reached after only five minutes boat ride and let you dive into another world.
MORE ABOUT THEAUTHOR
The relaxed atmosphere, combined with a world class fishery is something you have to experience for yourself
Bohar snappers are unforgiving fighters, they will wreck your lines into the corals. SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
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TRAVEL CANADA
CANADA
ONTARIO’S MUSKIES Text and photos by Babs Kijewski
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CANADA TRAVEL
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TRAVEL CANADA
I
Staying in a lodge is the best way to appreciate the Canadian wilderness.
was at home, excited as a little girl, and trying to prepare my fishing tackle for a trip in Ontario, Canada. Eight destinations, eight species of fish, six weeks time. While packing, I remembered the planning day in England for the TV show. We were not sure about taking musky as the target species. I managed to convince the crew by saying: «Don‘t worry, I have a lot of pike-fishing experience». But when I got back home, I did a little research on Google. I suddenly became a little desperate.
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«The fish of the 10,000 cast!», «Needed years to catch the first fish», «life task» were common sentences on every website I checked, and I had told the film crew right before that I would catch a big one, in three days of shooting ... It was late summer when I arrived in Ontario. The very first episode shot was the one about the musky, on the legendary «Lake of the Woods». We arrived late at night to start directly early in the morning, and I had proSPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
We arrived late at night to start directly early in the morning, and I had promised to catch a musky.
CANADA TRAVEL
A nice lake trout caught by the author. They can get huge: the IGFA record stands at 32kg and 150cm! SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
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TRAVEL CANADA
Anglers come from all around the world to try their luck at catching a musky, which long has been known as the «fish of 10,000 casts» for its difficulty to catch.
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CANADA TRAVEL
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TRAVEL CANADA
mised to catch a musky. So I took my big pike fishing gear and went on the pontoon towards the boat. The lodge was huge, and other fishermen were also preparing to embark on a day of fishing. Some laughed at seeing me excited as a child running on the pontoon with my ÂŤlightÂť equipment which was however very serious for European pike! To put it simply: nothing on the first day, nothing on the second day and nothing on the morning of the third day. Needless to say that the mood
of the 7 cameramen was not really optimistic. The countless following fish, the nearly 10,000 casts, the rain, the jet lag, the first time I had to speak in English in front of a camera, it put a lot of pressure on my shoulders and I must admit that I had a few moments of doubts. Still nothing in the afternoon, so we decide to give one last try in the evening. And guess what? I finally got my first musky! Since that evening, I fell in love with muskies and knew that I would come back again with more time to hunt for this fish specifically.
Musky lures look like pike lures on steroids! 34
SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
Back home, the images of the fish that followed my lure did not come out of my head.
CANADA TRAVEL
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CANADA TRAVEL
Hunting for musky can be nerve wracking. They often follow the lures to the boat but don’t always bite. Figure eights and lure swaps can make the difference.
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Smallmouth bass can be a fun target between two muskies!
Back home, the images of the fish that followed my lure did not come out of my head. I think that is the difference with pike fishing as we know it in Europe, it makes musky fishing so fascinating: muskies follow lures to the boat, much more than pikes and it makes them go completely crazy! I probably had 15 fish over 130cm following my lure, 2 meters behind! 38
This is why the musky fishermen always finish retrieving the lure with a «figure 8» to the boat, hits often occur at that moment, pure adrenaline and nerves of steel! Images that will remain in memory until the end of one’s life. This summer, exactly one year after my first tour in Ontario, I had the opportunity for another chance to fish for SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
The lodge has one goal: make its clients catch a big musky!
CANADA TRAVEL
musky. With a little more experience, more than 2 weeks and 3 bodies of water known to be productive for muskies, I had a perfect itinerary for this return match. Stephan Dombai came with me, and he wanted to catch one on the fly. The first lodge we visited was Andy Myer’s at Eagle Lake. The lodge has one goal: make its clients catch a big musky! Everyone who visits this
lodge comes to catch a big one. Our strategy for the first 4 days was to fish in a large area. Thousands of throws. The fish showed some interest regularly, some followed and we really learned to do «figure 8» each time by looking in the water carefully. During the first 2 days, we caught 2 meter-long fish. Stephan caught his first musky with a spinning rod. After 2 days of covering 150km of water and casting big lures,
SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
I was really tired. So in the evening, I sat on the pontoon with Stephan and I played with a small bass rod and a 10cm soft lure. As I was retrieving the lure ... a 135cm musky grabbed my poor little lure, we were speechless! This was the perfect way to end our stay in this lodge. I was really happy with this fish, and now it was Stephan’s turn to catch a musky on the fly in our second des-
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Promising-looking water at theofClaggan The trophy the trip!peninsula. Full grown muskies usually have no other predators to worry about. Just like northern pike, female muskies grow much larger than males.
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CANADA TRAVEL
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tination: Lake of the Woods. The tactic was to focus on places where there was only one big fish, so we didn’t fish large bodies of water, which is complicated when fly fishing. We chose this strategy because muskies like to stay on their preying spot. Big fish often stay in the same area throughout their lives. Change of location, here we are now at Witchbay Camp for 4 days. The owner’s son,
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whom we met the day before, joins us for the first day of fishing. He grew up in the area and knows a few big musky spots. Our strategy was to go to these areas 2 to 3 times a day hoping to find a feeding phase. A giant, clearly above 140cm, appeared twice one day. At some point, he got more aggressive, and finally decided to hit the lure ... but missed it! We couldn’t get him to bite. It’s a kind of fascination for these big pre-
SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
The tactic was to focus on places where there was only one big fish.
CANADA TRAVEL
Double trouble with some Canadian walleye! SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
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dators that seizes me. Stefan too was captivated by these fish, and by fishing from 5 in the morning until 10 in the evening, he finally won his bet, catching a musky on the fly! To finish our trip, we arrive at Muskybay Resort on Crow Lake. This lake has a nice population of muskies. But since Stephan and I had reached our objectives, we took advantage of the place to practice a to-
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tally different fishing: vertical style for some pretty lake trout! It was something I really wanted to do when I came the first time but we did not have time. We were rewarded with a few average fish that will visit us, and finished with a very nice fish! It was an extraordinary journey. So much fun, and great fishing in breathtaking places. I love to fish in Canada and hope to come back one day for my next fishing adventures
SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
IRELAND EGYPT TRAVEL
Tailored jigging and poppping trips in the Red Sea, Egypt.
hello@kbeteam.com Office 3202A, Ocean View, Abu Tig Marina, El Gouna, Hurghada, Egypt.
www.kbeteam.com
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AST 2020 AUCTION
AST 2020 AUCTION
T
Lots include 2 rods for one week at the Belousiha Lodge, Russia.
he Atlantic Salmon Trust’s annual auction goes live on Thursday 1st of October 2020 and closes at 9pm on Wednesday 18th of November. Once again an outstanding and eclectic variety of over 70 lots has been sourced. From fishing to art – there’s something for eve46
ryone. All funds raised go towards helping the Trust deliver their aims of putting #WildSalmonFirst and will support their tracking work, which is due to take place on the East and West Coast of Scotland, in Spring 2021. All lots can be viewed at www.astauction.com from SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
the 1st October or contact the AST office by emailing administrator@atlanticsalmontrust.org to request a printed catalogue. For full terms and conditions, visit www.astauction.com. As well as the usual staples of quality fishing, some of the more unique lots include:
2020 AUCTION AST
Title: All-inclusive safari for 2 people. 8 nights Donor Name: Offbeat Safaris Dates: Booking must be within 1 year - May 2020 - May 2021 Starting Price: ÂŁ6,000
8-NIGHT KENYAN SAFARI FOR 2 PEOPLE An 8-night Kenyan safari for 2 people. This fabulous trip will be an adventure of a lifetime with a variety of visits between the splendid Deloraine House, Sosian Lodge and the heart of Mara. With beautiful gardens and a house to explore at Deloraine, along with a choice of day/ night game drives and walking tours across 60,000-acres of carefully managed habitat on Sosian ranch, Offbeat Safaris offer exploration like no other. One could ride on the farm at Deloraine or explore the wilderness at Sosian with big game encounters on the ranch and possibly seeing wild dog. Depending on the time of the year, one can see the magical wildebeest migration at Offbeat Mara Camp in the Masai Mara, but year round there is an abundance of big cats, elephants and plains game. For a full itinerary and details of additional costs that will be incurred which are not included in auction prize, please contact the AST office. SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
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AST 2020 AUCTION
Title: Cottonwick on Mustique: A Week’s Stay For Six People In A Luxury Villa Donor Name: WhereWiseMenFish Dates: To be taken on a mutually agreeable date from May – December 2021 or as agreed with the owner, subject to availability Guide Price: £7,000 Starting Price: £6,200
A WEEK’S STAY FOR SIX PEOPLE IN A LUXURY VILLA Cottonwick is a gorgeous villa set on the world-renowned island of Mustique and can be yours exclusively for the week. The villa comprises of a number of stunning cascading pools and infinity edge, a dining room with space for 10 guests, a bar, three air conditioned en-suite bedrooms – one with access to a separate plunge pool alongside a veranda and outdoor dining table. You will be looked after by an outstanding chef/housekeeper whose culinary talents are something to behold, alongside a fabulous butler/gardener. You will have full use of both a six-seater Kawasaki mule as well as a two-seater electric vehicle to explore the island. Cottonwick was designed to be a wonderfully relaxing base for friends or families from which to enjoy everything that the incredibly picturesque island has to offer. Full details are available at www.mustique-cottonwick.com. 48
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2020 AUCTION AST
Title: Russia - 2 Rods for One Week at the Belousiha River Lodge Donor Name: Lot offered by WhereWiseMenFish on behalf of Belousiha River Lodge Dates: At any stage of the 2021 season, subject to availability Guide Price: £7,250 Starting Price: £5,000
2 RODS FOR ONE WEEK AT THE BELOUSIHA RIVER LODGE An opportunity for two anglers to fish a prime week, for Atlantic Salmon, over the 2020 season at Belousiha Lodge on Russia’s Kola Peninsula. The fishing comprises of two rivers; the small and intimate Belousiha, a river set amidst exceptionally attractive surroundings with a good run of salmon and the larger and more powerful Voronja, with the potential for something BIG! Typically, anglers will spend 3 days fishing each river. The Belousiha can be compared to a small Highland river, best fished with a single or short switch rod. The water is usually crystal clear and has a wide variety of interesting and attractive pools, some of which allow the salmon to be fished by sight. During the summer weeks, both dry and hitched flies are very effective. The Voronya is a much larger river and is best suited to anglers fishing with a double-handed rod. Fish of over 25lbs are relatively common-place and it has produced salmon well in excess of 40lbs. Each pair of anglers will have a dedicated guide, all of whom speak reasonable or good English Anglers stay in a comfortable lodge, over-looking the Belousiha and a very short drive from the Voronja. The lodge has received numerous improvements over the last two seasons with substantial upgrades to the accommodation and living area as well as offering wi-fi, and a sauna. Helicopters are not used as the lodge is an easy 3 hr drive from Murmansk. SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
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AST 2020 AUCTION
Title: Four ball on the 2010 Ryder Cup Course, hosted by Sir Gareth Edwards, for 3 people Donor Name: Sir Gareth Edwards and the Celtic Manor Resort Dates: Tee times and dates are subject to availability and prize must be taken by June 2021. Guide Price: ÂŁ1,250 Starting Price: ÂŁ1,000
FOUR BALL ON THE 2010 RYDER CUP COURSE A fabulous four ball of golf on the Twenty Ten Course which staged the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort. You and two guests will have the privilege of playing in the company of Wales and British Lions rugby legend, Sir Gareth Edwards. The prize also includes overnight accommodation at the five-star Resort Hotel with a threecourse dinner in one of the restaurants and breakfast. Accommodation is based on three people sharing two twin or double bedrooms. Any additional charges, including all beverages, must be settled on departure. 50
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2020 AUCTION AST
Title: Glass Salmon Portmanteau from the Wye Donor Name: Joseph Rossano Dates: TBA with Donor with flexibility dependent upon weather Guide Price: £11,000 Starting Price: £8,000
GLASS SALMON PORTMANTEAU FROM THE WYE
Joseph Gregory Rossano has dedicated his career to portraying what we do not see in nature. By collaborating with environmental scientists and implementing familiar technology, he engages viewers, building bridges to understanding. From individual subjects to entire ecosystems, Rossano’s portraits of nature, gaze through time at a now, soon to be without them. A Portmanteau depicts a lone Atlantic Salmon of glass and silver gliding upstream, its form passing above a river bottom strewn with mirrored stones. Joseph has made this donation with the understanding that we are working together to raise the collective tide of awareness of the plight of salmon globally. Joseph looks forward to working with the AST to see School exhibited in the UK, focusing on a population of salmon carefully chosen and documented by the Atlantic Salmon Trust. Please contact the AST team for full details about collection or delivery. www.rossanostudio.com. SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
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AST 2020 AUCTION
Title: Tour of Vintage Fabrics Aircraft Restoration Workshops at Audley End Airfield with Trip in Piper Arrow followed by lunch at Biggin Hill Donor Name: Pete Wood - Vintage Fabrics Aircraft Maintenance (Warbird Maintenance and Restorations). Dates: TBA with Donor with flexibility dependent upon weather Guide Price: £400 Starting Price: £300
TOUR OF VINTAGE FABRICS AIRCRAFT RESTORATION WORKSHOPS AT AUDLEY END AIRFIELD WITH TRIP IN PIPER ARROW FOLLOWED BY LUNCH AT BIGGIN HILL A tour for 2 people of Vintage Fabrics Aircraft Restoration Workshops at Audley End Airfield. This will be followed by a trip in a Piper Arrow to Biggin Hill for lunch and to look over the famous Mark IX «Kent Spitfire». The Kent Spitfire is flown in displays by Clive Denney, partner in Vintage Fabrics.
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2020 AUCTION AST
Title: Beautiful Oil Painting of River Usk by Simon Royer Donor Name: Simon Royer Guide Price: £500 Starting Price: £300
BEAUTIFUL OIL PAINTING OF RIVER USK BY SIMON ROYER
Simon Royer takes inspiration from the natural world, particularly marine and aquatic environments, and is fascinated by species, ecologies and habitats. Royer executes his oil paintings with a finely tuned application of detail, layers and glazes. Though his paintings are notable for their perfect finish, he continues to experiment with the technical application of paint as well as composition and subject matter. Royer was a finalist in the BBC Wildlife Exhibition in 2013 and exhibited in the David Shepherd Wildlife Art Exhibition in 2014 and 2015.
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SWEDEN
SUNNEDAMMS SPORTFISKE Text & photos by Rudy Van Duijnhoven
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A big trout is almost ready to be landed.
he area around Kn채red is often called the most southern wilderness of Sweden. Yet, civilisation has entered here as well in the form of Sunnedamms Sportfiske, a trout fishery where the quality of the water and of the fish that can be caught come first. There used to be a small lake on the terrain some seven kilometers east of Kn채red, an artificial stream that twists and 56
turns was added to this when Sunnedamms Sportfiske was opened in 2009. The water for the creek comes from a pipeline of several hundreds of meters in length that takes its water from the river V채nne책n which runs alongside the terrain and which guarantees a constant supply of cold, clear water. The artificial creek runs into the lake, on the other side of which the water is taken out again. Via a pipeline the water first runs through a small pond, where SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
Both the creek and the lake can be fished with the fly-rod and artificial flies
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Hotel Freden in Knäred. Martin Ahlström works closely together with them. SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
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A Red Buzzer fished close to the surface brought up this nice trout!
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the trout are held that will later be planted to the lake and river, before the water flows back into the river. Both the creek and the lake can be fished with the flyrod and artificial flies, next to that licenses are available for the stretch of the river Vänneån which runs alongside the trout fishery and which holds a natural stock of brown trout with bright coloured sides. Martin Ahlström of Sunnedamms Sportfiske can also supply licenses for other
stretches of the Vänneån. Tour When I made a visit to this area in early November a few years ago, together with Kenneth Svensson and Joakim Karlsson, there was already a closed season in place on the river Vänneån, so we restricted ourselves to fishing Sunnedamm itself.
The level of the river Vänneån was about half a meter above normal.
After two days with fresh, sunny weather we now got a dark, overcast day with several
Martin Ahlström (left) explains to Kenneth Svensson the history of Sunnedamm. 60
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SWEDEN TRAVEL
The water of Sunnedamms Sportfiske is beautifully clear and it has a stable temperature.
Sunnedamm’s location in Sweden
rain showers up our sleeves, with temperatures between five and nine degrees Celsius. Martin first took us on a tour around the terrain. He showed us the house where up to eight people can spend the night, he told us about the history and building of Sunnedamms Sportfiske, showed us where the pipeline is to be found which supplies the creek with water etc. The level of the river Vänneån was about half a meter above normal, but the fast flowing, dark water looked most inteSPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
resting. I sure hope to spend a few hours there at another moment! After drinking a cup of coffee, we collected our warm and water proof clothing, put up our flyrods and walked to the waterside. Hotel Freden in Knäred expected us for lunch around half past twelve, Martin closely works with this simple, but comfortable and friendly priced hotel; a good place to spend the night for those who prefer not to stay on the terrain of 61
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Even in November, the trout on the lake were in excellent condition. 62
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Sunnedamms Sportfiske after fishing, but prefer to be pampered in a cosy hotel. The hotel holds a bar, a party hall or conference room and a fine kitchen.
When I brought the rod up in an effort to set the hook, I felt a solid resistance right away.
Buzzers Even though there was no real surface activity visible, I decided to still start with a floating line, a long leader with a fluorocarbon tippet and two buzzers. A small black one I knotted to the dropper, a slightly larger, olive fly came on the point. The wind blew towards the corner where the creek entered the lake, which is why
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I decided to fish this area first. After about ten minutes I changed the Olive Buzzer for a Red Buzzer and I fished on in the same slow manner: very, very slowly I stripped in line, a short pause and than a new strip. It looked more like keeping contact with my flies than with stripping in the team of buzzers. I tried different depths and when, on one of my casts, I started fishing right away after casting the flies, the line suddenly tightened. When I brought the rod up in an effort to set the hook, I felt a solid resistance right away. A resistance that took of with high speed as well. The fish turned towards the main lake and
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A strong rainbow just took the fly, the fight is on!
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just before the knot between fly-line and backing would leave the top ring, the fish moved of to one side. The fish swam of to the left and to the right, but I managed to regain line back on the reel. The fish made several more short runs, especially when it came close to the landing-net, but finally it had to surrender. A fish with a weight of between three and four kilograms in an excellent condition; after I made some quick pictures she regained her freedom. 68
Quality Martin is aiming to put trout of the best possible quality out in the water, if possible fish with an excellent condition and large, full fins. This is in contradictory with the activities of a great many fish-farms that try to produce as many fish on a small surface and as fast as possible. Martin has new contacts now with other fish-farms and he is sure that top-quality trout will be delivered these coSPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
The fact that even large trout took our buzzers, indicated that they had started feeding on these.
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ming years. It is possible to take fish from Sunnedamm for the table, fish for which you have to pay extra in that case; but you can fish according to the catch and release principle too. In 2020 a day of fishing here will cost you 300 Swedish Krones per person, whereby you can fish from 7.00 until 21.00 hours. If you want to take fish along, than this will cost you an extra 90 Krones per kilogram, with a maximum of 350 Krones per fish. For the prizes of staying at the house, arrangements, renting an outfit etc., you need to look at the website of Sunnedamm.
Buzzers produced several more nice rainbows for us this day, fish that gave an excellent account of themselves on our light outfits. The fact that even large trout took our buzzers, indicated that they had started feeding on these. You can of course start fishing a streamer on this water too, but when the trout take a fly carefully, than a nymph will often be more effective. In the summer months, when a lot of insects are to be found on the surface of the water, you can – I am sure – enjoy a fantastic fishing here with dry flies as well
TRIP CONTACT Sunnedamms Sportfiske - Martin Ahlström Trälshult, Svensgård 310 20 Knäred Sweden Tel: +46 (0)430-520 29 Mobile: +46 (0)707928 258 Website: www.sunnedamm.se E-mail: martin@sunnedamm.se
Flyyshing Blog
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TACKLE NEW GEAR
?
WHAT’S
NEW
SHIMANO VANFORD
The Arbogast Jointed Jitterbug is an iconic lure. The Jointed Jitterbug 2.0 builds upon that legacy. A lower pull-point ensures an intense action in the water, which leads to more heart-stopping blowups. Updated hook hangers allow free movement of hooks to not slow down forward momentum, while the black-nickel finish hides them from the wary eyes of the fish you’re targeting. The feathered rear treble drifts when the lure is stopped for extra strike-inducing movement.
The new Vanford incorporates a MagnumLite (MGL) Rotor for up to 48% less rotational inertia than traditional rotor construction for a quick response in critical situations. The Vanford features Shimano’s cold-forged HAGANE Gear and many of Shimano’s premium technologies for increased fishing performance and years of durability. Vanford’s SilentDrive and MicroModule Gear II technologies combine to produce a new level of smooth rotational performance while reducing overall reel vibration. Vanford also incorporates Long Stroke Spool technology to increase casting distance while producing a smoother line lay on the spool during retrieval. X-Protect technology and water-channeling construction enhances Vanford’s water resistance and overall durability — an important feature for a reel sure to be found in inshore environments
$7.99 | lurenet.com
$229.99 - $239.99 | fish.shimano.com
ARBOGAST JITTERBUG 2.0
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OCEANS FISHING MAHI STORM
PLANO GUIDE SERIES REEL LOCKER
Oceans Fishing latest shorts feature water repelling» technology, stain resistant, quick drying, UV protection UPF50 quality, leash ring, multiple pockets, belt loops…. An idea that germinated during a trip to Florida! The pliers are presented as an accessory but are not included.
The Plano Guide Series™ Reel Locker™ features a revolutionary molded top and bottom for extra rigidity to keep expensive reels protected. Each hard shell also includes noslip rubberized feet to guard against vibration no matter where reels are stored or how they’re handled.
$70 | oceansfishing.com
$79.99 | planomolding.com
OKUMA MAKAIRA ANNIVERSARY Okuma Makaira 10th anniversary edition Lever Drag Reel is Tri-anodized reel with two type different blue and silver color to celebrate Okuma Makaira series 10th anniversary. The carbonite dual force drag system maximizes high-end drag pressure, efficiency and overall smoothness. It’s over sized handle and lower low speed gearing versus the original Makaira serve up extreme torque for the Makaira 10th anniversary edition lever drag reel.
$649.99 | okumafishing.com
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A BAND OF ANGLERS DARTPROP The DartProp Pro is similar to the ever-popular DartSpin from Hyperlastics, but instead of a molded-in will blade, you’ve got a prop on the front and the rear of the lure. Cast and retrieve, let it sink to fish at different depths. Although it is a sinking model, you can speed up your retrieve, to give yourself a nice topwater prop bait presentation. The body of the lure will give it a big minnow action, while the prop on the tail and head create turbulences.
abandofanglers.com
BIOLITE CAMPSTOVE 2 Turn fire into electricity with BioLite’s award-winning stove. Patented combustion technology creates a vortex of smokeless flames for a portable campfire that can cook your meals and charge your gear, all at the same time. Leave the gas canisters behind and unlock the potential of the sticks and twigs around you. Charge phones, lights, and more with 3W generated power. Just burn sticks, wood scraps, or pellets!
$149.95 | bioliteenergy.com
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TUFLINE FLUOROCARBON XD Highly abrasion-resistant and virtually invisible underwater, Fluorocarbon XD is the perfect line for targeting skittish fish or when targeting species in heavy cover, dragging baits along rough, rocky bottoms, or hunting for an offshore beast. With less stretch and slack, Fluorocarbon XD delivers solid hooksets, even at long distances, while sinking quickly, dropping to the depth you need to for the fish you’re targeting.
$13.99 | tuf-line.com
NEW GEAR TACKLE
ABEL REELS CASEY UNDERWOOD COLLAB Every now and then, we come across an artist whose work naturally fits Abel’s palette of custom finishes. This time, that artist is Casey Underwood. Each of these original designs was created to correspond with a specific model in the Abel lineup. Individually laser engraved, and put through a proprietary polishing/texturizing process, these reels feature an innovative, first of its kind finish. Though complicated, the process requires less time than our hand-anodized graphic finishes, allowing for a Base Price + $200 premium on gloss black, or + $300 on any solid color gloss finish reel.
$395 - $895 | abelreels.com
BOOYAH XCS SERIES
2mm Thin Neoprene allows for enhanced Feel and Dexterity while providing a warm and dry environment for your hands. Perfect for those chilly, windy, damp days when our heavier glove is too much. Constructed of 2mm water and wind resistant soft neoprene, the Second-Skin fit allows for great dexterity.
The Booyah XCS Series Squarebill Crankbait delivers the same classic fishing catching action as the original but now from Booyah Bait Company. It doesn’t have a rattle, so it can sneak up on fish and trigger vicious strikes with its wide, seductive wobble and semi-roll. Its square bill design also allows it to bump-and-run through all types of cover like shallow wood, rocks, and weeds. The Booyah XCS Series Squarebill Crankbait is equipped with razor sharp treble hooks that ride up against the body to reduce snags and it provides the buoyancy to float up and out of obstructions.
$29.95 | fishmonkeygloves.com
$5.99 | lurenet.com
FISHMONKEY THE BLOCKER
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GABON
THE MAGIC OF SETTE CAMA Text and photos by Mark Murray
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GABON TRAVEL
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It is believed that Gabon’s ocean loving hippos use the swell & ocean currents to move down the beach in search of fresh grazing.
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ocated on the equator and bordered by Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo, Gabon is a lastchance-to-see how all of the coast of western tropical Africa once was. Often referred to as Africa’s Eden, Gabon is like a magical window into long-long ago, where elephants and buffalo wander the beaches, gorillas and chimps cavort through the rainforest and where giant 76
fishes rule the waves. Visiting Gabon and Sette Cama in particular, is also about exploring the meeting point of two great realms, the Atlantic Ocean and the Congo forests. It is about appreciating the beauty of Central Africa in its whole sense; the vast water- scapes, the primal jungles, and the animals that live there. Where else can you stroll for more than a 100 km on the beach and have to share it with only the crabs, buffalo and elephant? SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
Visiting Gabon and Sette Cama in particular, is also about exploring the meeting point of two great realms, the Atlantic Ocean and the Congo forests.
GABON TRAVEL
The tarpon in West Africa use the estuary in Sette Cama as a nursery/safe haven for their juveniles until they are mature enough to enter the surf-zone. SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
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GABON TRAVEL
Red river hogs are one of the main attractions at Sette Cama. These hogs are often seen digging for ghost crabs on the beaches of Sette Cama.
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Very sadly, in all of the countries north and south of Gabon, the Atlantic coastal belt has been reduced to the final, skeletal fragments of their original states. But thanks to Gabon being an African good-news story and a positive conservation anomaly, Natures ways in this little-known country have remained largely intact. The country’s low human population and a relatively high standard of living, historically maintained by a domestic petroleum industry, has
meant less pressure on other natural resources. About 83% of the country is covered in forest, much of which has been very selectively logged for over a century, further creating income and reducing the slash-and-burn subsistence lifestyle which has destroyed so many other parts of Africa. In 2002, a network of thirteen national parks was formed to protect many of the country’s wilder areas and more recently various degrees of protection have been extended to
About 83% of the country is covered in forest, much of which has been very selectively logged.
Longfin jack used to be misidentified as a caranx hippos better known as jack crevalle for a very long time. However, in 2007 they were fully described by William Smith-Vaniz and Ken Carpenter as caranx fisheri, a different species. 80
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GABON TRAVEL
“…The quality and quantity of these big fish is what sets Sette Cama apart from many other fishing destinations…” - African Waters Head Guide Mark Murray.
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include 29% of the ocean and marine areas. Forming part of the protected area network, Loango National Park is a scenic, biodiverse, 1550 km2 mosaic of forests, many types of wetlands, grassy plains, mangroves, lagoons and sandy beaches along the southern coast of Gabon. Besides being home to chimpanzee, western lowland gorilla, red river hog, forest (western) sitatunga, leopard, and numerous forest duiker and mon-
key species, (along with the unique experience of forest elephant and forest buffalo sightings on the beach), Sette Cama Camp also offers some of the best inshore, saltwater fishing in the world. Tarpon, cubera snapper, giant african threadfin, both longfin & jack crevalle, are among some of the species that frequent this shoreline. African Waters, a South African company founded by two conservation minded anglers Rob Scott & Keith Clover,
Tarpon, cubera snapper, giant african threadfin, both longfin & jack crevalle, are among some of the species that frequent this shoreline.
Anglers often encounter forest buffalo on the beaches while fishing. 84
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From December onwards, the vast numbers of longfin jacks in the estuary make for incredible fly fishing. 10wt setups with surface flies work best.
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We’ve had times where we have landed tarpon of over 220lbs and cubera snapper and threadfin over 100lbs, all in the same week.
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have been at the forefront of managing the fishery at Sette Cama since 2011. Since these early days, and through consultation with Ed Truter, long time Gabon fishing and tourism advocate and naturalist, African Waters has self imposed a strict code of best conduct and have been instrumental in the care of the area – this has drastically improved the catches of the years. In conjunction with the self imposed measures of looking after this fishery, the Gabonese government and in particular the ANPN (Agence Nationale Des Parcs Du Gabon) are immensely progres-
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sive with their approach to conservation. Self managing the fishery, and being supported by progressive legislation, means that this fishery will continue to exceed our expectations in the years to come. As the head guide in Sette Cama, it has been amazing to see the transformation of this fishery over the years. The sheer volume and size of the iconic West African species is something to behold - big cubera snapper, giant African threadfin, tarpon, jacks – both longfin and crevalle, Senegalese kob, Guinean bar-
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Gabon has the longest stretch of untouched coastline left on the African continent. SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
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What a sight - tarpon taken on foot, on fly, in the surf.
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A strict catch & release policy has played a major role in the success of this fishery.
racuda, as well as marauding bull sharks. The uniqueness of targeting such large species on foot, is only multiplied when you consider that you are sharing the beach and estuary mouth with wild animals like forest elepants, buffalo and occasionally gorillas and leopards. As far as shore angling goes, there simply aren’t many places that can be compared to Sette Cama. When it fires, there is nothing else like it. You can 92
have weeks that are just mindblowing in terms of numbers, but in my opinion what sets Sette Cama apart, is the quality of the fish. We’ve had times where we have landed tarpon of over 220lbs and cubera snapper and threadfin over 100lbs, all in the same week. We base our fishing in Sette Cama over the rainy season each year from September to April. As important as the SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
tide, rainfall plays a massive role in this fishery. My feeling is that it is a 60/40 when it comes to rain vs tidal influence. When we have good rains over the forest, it creates a big flush of nutrients into the water which not only attracts all the baitfish and pulls in the bigger fish, but it also cools down the water temperature ever so slightly. Combine this with a really good tide
GABON TRAVEL
The majority of the fishing is done with art lure in the surf, working gullies, sandbar edges and rocky outcrops.
and you are in for a show. Of course the rain is something you can’t control and it is very interesting when you compare the rainfall to the catch records each season as one can clearly see the connection. The majority of the fishing is done with art lure in the surf, working gullies, sandbar edges and rocky outcrops. Generally we concentrate on the darker times of the day, so early mornings’s around sunrise and then again around sunset, deep into the darkness of night. The threadfin, tar-
pon, and snapper become really active once night falls and come into super shallow surf. Another facet of Sette Cama is the estuary fishing. Every season, especially from December onwards, longfin jack & jack crevalle migrate into the river system in huge numbers. At first light, normally on a falling tide, it is not uncommon to see big shoals of jacks as far as the eye can see. Pushing big shoals of herring into shallower water and then hunting them from every
Sette Cama is a real test for one’s fishing tackle. SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
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angle. It is a real spectacle. Often on these mornings we will encounter elephants swimming across the river, and even have chimpanzee sightings. An emerging facet within Gabon, is targeting the large species on fly rod on foot, while fly fishing the surf and estuary mouth zones. This facet of the area is gaining traction, and we are seeing a growing number of fly fishing dedicated groups every season. Although not for everyone, for the intrepid fly fisher, there simply is not a
place on that planet that can provide a fly fishing experience like this. Targeting fish up to 200 lbs, while fly fishing on foot, in the surf, and often in the dark, is not a normal outing. It is physically and emotionally demanding, but for those that are willing to make the commitment, there are life long memories to be made. Sette Cama is a really special place and I do believe it is a fishery and true wilderness that every angler should at least see once in their lifetime
Anglers and elephants often share the same beaches in Africa’s Eden. 94
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TRIP CONTACT africanwaters.net
COSTA RICA TRAVEL
ADVENTUROUS MAHSEER FISHING TRIPS IN NORTHERN INDIA’S HIMALAYAN OUTBACK info@himalayanoutback.com himalayanoutback.com
FISHING ART ANDREJ KRYSOV
FISHING
ART One of our favorite styles from Andrej, fishing scenes with minimalist colors.
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ndrej Krysov’s favorite activities since childhood are drawing and fishing. So he became a professional artist and graduated from the Academy of graphic arts. He has been illustrating books for children for many years. A few years ago, he didn’t have any orders from publishers, so he started drawing about fly fishing. He didn’t realize it was going to be his 96
main subject for so long. He uses various techniques, such as watercolors, drawings, and calligraphy, to keep his interest alive. The most interesting thing for him is a mixture of all of this in one work. « I make drawings sometimes when I go fishing or kayaking. These materials help me in my work. I don’t use photos much, but sometimes I can’t do without them.» he says. «Natural landscapes SPORTFISHING ADVENTURES | Q3 2020
are very different from those made in the workshop using photos. Many of his pictures are similar to illustrations and I am advised to make a book for children, but I am not a writer!» He is looking forward to creating books. «The books that I’ve illustrated please me the most because many children read them The subject of fly fishing is very diverse and so I do a lot of drawing on this topic»
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ANDREJ KRYSOV FISHING ART
MORE ABOUT ANDREJ KRYSOV
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MEDIA SEEN ON THE WEB
SEEN ON THE
WEB
BACKWATER FLYFISHING JUNGLE TARPON MAYHEM Backwater Flyfishing goes hunting for tarpon in the heart of Costa Rica.
INSTINCT PECHE FRENCH CARP ON THE FLY Great footage of Instinct Peche fly fishing for carps in French canals.
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KANALGRATIS SALMON FISHING An epic day of salmon fishing in Bergeforsen with Edvin and Tobias.
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SEEN ON THE WEB MEDIA
ZEBALEKS MEDIA PATAGONIA Fly fishing for South American king salmon on the Caterina River during the 2020 season.
CAVY MONSTER BARRACUDA FROM SHORE While exploring remote islands of Indonesia, Cavy had the chance to hook this monster barracuda from the shore.
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Kombi Tours Uganda's Most Adventurous Tour Company
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