Bass Digest: Rods and reels – what are you guys rigged up with?
Mark Allen: I'm always try different things, doubt I will ever stop. The market is always coming out with new rods and reels, so I'm always trying these new things out. Being partners with Brian as well, I got to try out a lot of the Deep South and Kistler LG rods, and of course the Pinnacle reels. They were both great and I still have quite a few of them, but I’ve settled on the Kistler KLX rods now. They’re light and really strong rods.
As for reels, I’m a Shimano fan. I'm currently trying out the Exsense reel, which is a phenomenal reel. So, as an overall choice, I would say Kistler rods and Shimano reels.
We move onto our next spot – the huge reed beds near Kyalami Bay. Mark is determined to catch a fish on the swim jig he showed us earlier, and he is throwing it with “mucho gusto” right into the thick of it. What intrigued me the most, was his comments while fishing the reeds. He would say “I wonder if there is water back there? Oh well, let’s see!”” Zwiiiinnnngggg ….. Bloop! “Ok I guess there IS water back there!”.
Bass Digest: Ummmm ……… Mark – what happens if you get nailed by a fish back there? How do you propose to get it out from there?
Mark Allen: I was taught that you first catch the fish, and then you worry about getting the fish out once we have got it. Until then, stop worrying and just carry on fishing!
Well that sure was an eye opener! Not sure how that jig didn’t get stuck in all those reeds …………… Sure enough though, Mark’s persistence pays off with 3 fish. On the fourth attempt, he threw the swimjig right into the back of the thick stuff and hooks a decent fish of 1kg+, however the fish gets caught up in a few reeds and manages to shake himself off. Mark was pleased that his lure got the results, and was chuffed about that.
Bass Digest: Does your wife ever fish with you guys?
Mark Allen: Yeah, she’ll come out for an outing once or twice a year.
Cameron Allen: My Mom always seems to catch fish on a crank and a spinning rod. Not sure what it is but it’s freaky!
Bass Digest/July, 2014