The South Coast Fresh Water Angling Club enjoyed a Monster Carp Safari to Von De Rust recently.
They left a ‘lekker, warm South Coast’ and headed north to the Vaal River.
On the way, they enjoyed their familiar boere breakfast in the mist at Sterkfontein dam lookout point.
This included coffee, cheese sandwiches, boiled eggs, frikkadels and more.
The temperature dropped a degree or two every 20km or so as they got closer to their destination via Bethlehem, Senekal, Kroonstad, and Viljoenskroon.
Finally, at the Renoster River, they turned left to Von De Rust, where it was time for a cold one, or should that have been warm coffee.
They were welcomed by the ‘baas’ Piet van Schalkwyk (owner).
It wasn’t long before the vehicles were unpacked, a ‘shisa nyama’ was on the go, and stories, tips and dips were shared.
From Oom Piet’s place, one could literally jump to the fishing spot, but that jump came with another 10 degree drop in temperature (or so it seemed!).
Fishing was slow to get started – and cold, very cold.
There were carp all around, with 500g to 1,2kg fish coming out thick and fast, but not the monsters; they were still hiding.
Over the days, the weather changed, and Darren claimed the first monster.
Gary Leite landed a beautiful 10kg barbel and, minutes later, a 9kg carp.
Tweezie Leite caught a carp which was only 100g below her personal best.
Gary was crowned the Monster Carp champion.
Tweezie was second with 33 carp, Charlie Ward third with 29 (despite not fishing the last day) and Ena fourth with 22.
In total, 118 fish were landed.
They’re already looking forward to returning next year.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
