Shongweni flying ants feeding carp
Flying ants have drawn carp to the surface at Shongweni Dam this past week.
Carp
Shongweni has had plenty of flying ant showers and other insect spawns which meant that there were plenty of fish feeding, which has caused the carp to be very active on the surface. Many anglers have caught smaller carp using conventional rigs, but have struggled with larger fish. At Inanda the carp still seem to be feeding deep, probably due to the excellent water clarity. Tiger Nuts in FX have still been the bait of choice and has worked well all week long. Midmar has been fishing well recently, producing a number of carp up to around 5kg. However, huge barbel seem to be interfering with the baits more often than not. Best for these situations is to fish shallow margins with very little ground bait.
Bass
As we move into the beginning of the festive season, our dams become busier and more crowded with holiday makers and anglers. Most of these anglers will flock to the popular spot and the fish will get lock-jaw for the majority of the day. The best way to target fish in these conditions will be to fish the shore drop-offs with downsized plastics or shallow running crank baits. Do not be afraid to venture off in search of new spots, chances are if it's the first time you have come across an underwater brush pile in the middle of the dam, it's relatively un-fished and will produce fish when the conditions are tough. Inanda dam is fishing better now than in the previous weeks and has produced some quality fish too. A number of fish over 2kg have been landed towards Car Body and surprisingly close to the wall in Durban Bay. The secret has been downsizing the diameter of the line to around 8lb and using fine wire hooks to improve the action of the baits. 8lb Daiwa Sensor is tough as nails and will produce fish when heavy lines won't. Mustads Ultralock hooks are finer than most hooks on the market and have better penetration than most as well, but does not compromise on strength. It is essential to use fine wire hooks when using light line in order to set the hook.
Trout
The rivers in the Midlands area are starting to have much better volumes of water with the currents rains and this has made it easier for anglers to find trout holding to the beginning or end of pools, concentrating on food. Anglers have been concentrating on their presentation, making accurate casts and allowing their flies to drift into the strike zone and in doing so, have landed many fish. Floating lines are to be used in the shallows, with tungsten heads on the flies to get them to the right depth. The standard patterns such as your GRHE, PTN's and flashback nymphs will get good bites.
(File Photo: Gallo Images)
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre @ECRSportswave
Facebook - ECRSportswave
Shongweni has had plenty of flying ant showers and other insect spawns which meant that there were plenty of fish feeding, which has caused the carp to be very active on the surface. Many anglers have caught smaller carp using conventional rigs, but have struggled with larger fish. At Inanda the carp still seem to be feeding deep, probably due to the excellent water clarity. Tiger Nuts in FX have still been the bait of choice and has worked well all week long. Midmar has been fishing well recently, producing a number of carp up to around 5kg. However, huge barbel seem to be interfering with the baits more often than not. Best for these situations is to fish shallow margins with very little ground bait.
Bass
As we move into the beginning of the festive season, our dams become busier and more crowded with holiday makers and anglers. Most of these anglers will flock to the popular spot and the fish will get lock-jaw for the majority of the day. The best way to target fish in these conditions will be to fish the shore drop-offs with downsized plastics or shallow running crank baits. Do not be afraid to venture off in search of new spots, chances are if it's the first time you have come across an underwater brush pile in the middle of the dam, it's relatively un-fished and will produce fish when the conditions are tough. Inanda dam is fishing better now than in the previous weeks and has produced some quality fish too. A number of fish over 2kg have been landed towards Car Body and surprisingly close to the wall in Durban Bay. The secret has been downsizing the diameter of the line to around 8lb and using fine wire hooks to improve the action of the baits. 8lb Daiwa Sensor is tough as nails and will produce fish when heavy lines won't. Mustads Ultralock hooks are finer than most hooks on the market and have better penetration than most as well, but does not compromise on strength. It is essential to use fine wire hooks when using light line in order to set the hook.
Trout
The rivers in the Midlands area are starting to have much better volumes of water with the currents rains and this has made it easier for anglers to find trout holding to the beginning or end of pools, concentrating on food. Anglers have been concentrating on their presentation, making accurate casts and allowing their flies to drift into the strike zone and in doing so, have landed many fish. Floating lines are to be used in the shallows, with tungsten heads on the flies to get them to the right depth. The standard patterns such as your GRHE, PTN's and flashback nymphs will get good bites.
(File Photo: Gallo Images)
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre @ECRSportswave
Facebook - ECRSportswave