Bass Digest/April, 2014
What do you consider your primary fishing strengths?
I'm more of a finesse fisherman. You’ll notice I will keep my boat in one place and fish an area thoroughly. I would use lighter tackle, smaller lures etc. But it also depends on the venue as well.
We had a Divisional in Tzaneen and it was really tough. I only had 1 fish in the well by 1pm. I went to one of my primary areas and I knew there were fish. I took out a rod with 8lb line, rigged a finesse worm and a split shot, and dropped it down to 30ft of water. I caught about 5 fish in 15 minutes that way.
I made the right decision that day, and that helped me going forward on days when things were tough on other dams. It helped me to go slower, and taught me the benefit of smaller lures. I think it’s the combination of the slow presentation and the thin line that was the success.
One tournament on Witbank for instance – I was battling, so I did the same – I went to one of my primary spots which I knew had fish, took out the rig with the 8lb line, and reached the limit – worries over. Then I could continue and culled the rest of the day. You would hear of locals and other anglers who were catching 9kg bags on practice days, and then come tournament day and the conditions have changed, you’d see them going down a bank throwing spinnerbaits and all kinds of stuff, and land up blanking.
What is your favourite rig, if you have one?
One of my favourites is a sliding Texas rig with a 1/4Oz tungsten and a Junior fluke.And of course a weightless fluke.
What is your favourite rod and reel setup?
I like the older Chronarchs and light line (8-10lb, especially in clearer water or areas with light grass etc.), and I like 7ft M action rods. I will use 14ft line in dams like this where there are lots of structure, rocks and trees. As for rods, I like the older TC4 Crucials. They are great rods