‘Czech mate’ for fly-fisherman

LIAM van der Merwe (15) has returned from the Czech Republic where he was part of the South African junior fly-fishing team that competed in a four nations tournament.

The Umtentweni teenager was a member the SASACC (South African Sport Angling and Casting Confederation) youth fly-fishing team.

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He said it was a very good trip and that he made new mates, even if some of them could not speak English that well.

In terms of the tournament, he finished 23rd out of 50 which wasn’t bad considering he was one of the youngest in his section.

He attends Port Shepstone High and is in grade 10.

It was his first time out of the country and he had a great time, catching seven new species, including his first grayling.

“I learnt some new techniques, methods and different ways to fish the water,” he said.

There were seven boys in the team, plus a manager.

Liam first got hooked on fishing at the age of 10, after tagging along with his father Pieter at a Paddock fishing competition.

He also enjoys bodyboarding and spearfishing.

One a lighter moment, he had to throw away clothes, shoes and even some nets as his bags were way too heavy to take on the plane.

Next up is the junior nationals in Douglas, Kimberley from October 4 to 8.

It’ll be fished at the confluence of the Orange and Vaal rivers.

The Czech team will be coming out to fish in that, which will give the SA fishermen a chance to reconnect.

Liam thanked the South Coast Fly-fishing Club for its support.

Some of the best advice he has received to date is to “just do what you do, as in be comfortable doing what you do best”.

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