Ladysmith fisherman Ralph Pandoy shares some tips to catch “monsters”

Local angler Ralph Pandoy (61) has been fishing for half a century, ever since he was just 10 years old.

Speaking to Ralph, he says that ‘back in the day’, the famous choice of bait was brown bread, which they used to catch “monster-sized” fish.

Ralph has fond fishing memories of when he was around 14 or 15 years-old… He and his friends used to walk or hike to a dam on the Bergville road, where they would catch tilapia.

Their lunch for the day was usually tinned fish and brown bread (which could also double as bait). So it was basically a day of eating fish and catching fish!

Over the years, he began social fishing and then about 10 years ago, he joined Breakwaters Angling Club, which is part of the Northern Natal Fresh Water Angling Association. Ralph has been part of Ladysmith Angling Club for the past three seasons, battling it out in the competitive fishing league. During the past three seasons, Ladysmith Angling Club has won the league twice and come second on one occasion.

When Ralph is not fishing in the league, he is bound to be at one of his ‘secret’ spots along rivers around Ladysmith, where he is known to land some massive catches.

Ralph says, “The best part of fishing is to release your catch back into the water so it can fight another day and so that these marvellous creatures can be around for generations to come.”

Here are some fishing tips from Ralph that could come in handy:

If you are going for bass, the ideal time to fish for them is during the warmer seasons. You also need to look for the ideal habitat and the lure of choice has to be just right.

For carp fishing, Ralph says the best time to catch massive carp is during winter. The best bait is floaties, pap, brown bread and your choice of dip.

With regards to the dips you use, Ralph says it’s all trial and error until you find the correct combination that will make the fish bite. The best line to use for dam carp fishing is a thinner line of around 8 or 10lbs, with a 15 or 20lbs leader line for casting.

Only use your traces around three times, as they become weak and frayed, and can easily break. After this, you will need to re-tie them so you don’t lose the fish you’re trying to catch.

There are plenty of tackle shops in Ladysmith where you can get all your fishing supplies.

The main tip for fishing is: have patience and perseverance. Then the big fish will surely come!

Hopefully these tips will help you land some “big ones” on your next fishing trip!

Also read: Ralph lands himself another massive fish in Ladysmith waters

Remember to follow all the rules and regulations of level 3 lockdown – sanitize and always wear your mask.

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