Swaziland Fishing

Now i know i have not posted in a while and i have alot to catch up on. But things have been hectic and alot has changed n the last few months.

On a sad note i have to report that myself and Lefty have split up and are currently getting divorced. not a happy ending to 20 years. But life does go on and i just spent an amazing week end in Swaziland doing some serious fishing. It was brilliant, busy and fantastic.


Sunrise over the dam on Saturday morning
 

The drive into Swaziland was a first for me and the trip from Nelspruit was pretty uneventful until 5 km before the border getting a speeding fine. One thing that i did notice and was mind boggling is the architecture. I am not sure if this is the latest "in thing", but to see houses being built with upside down archs is strange.



Is this normal?????

The border crossing was quick and in no time we were on our way to the dam. The Sand river Reservior was to be our home for the next 3 days. Myself and "DAD"(ex father in law) arrived and started pitching camp. And of course something had to be left behind..... this time i was bright enough to leave the tent pegs at home. Thank fully one of the guys had extra so we were saved... Thanx Craig... With camp set up it was time to hit the water.... thats why we were there... We were allocated to the HMS leakingwaters. Asmall boat that had more water in it that around it. But apart from a few times that it would not start, it served us well....and safely...

The HMS Leakingwater in the foreground



By friday afternoon all the guys had arrived and the fishing was in full swing. it was strange to be catching "kurpers" for the first time and took a while to get used to the hits. But once i got the hang of it there was no stopping. it was great. The fish were lively, the boat was unstable, it rained a few times and then suddenly it was time to return to camp. the fires were lit, the meat was braaied, the drinks were flowing freely. All in all a most fantastic day. the stories around the camp fire covered all the topics that are normally discussed by a bunch of men around a fire and the stomach muscles were getting a good work out with all the laughing. I had an early night but the other guys went out later to catch "Barbel"(catfish). They caught about 8.

Saturday morning 5 o Clock

Saturday morning saw me awakening to one of the most beautiful sunrises i have ever seen(see top photo). The sky was clear, the birds were busy and the dam looked perfect. Breakfast was prepared and the boats hit the water early morning to get some fishing done before the sun started roasting us. Turned out to be a good session for me and i managed to land about 30 fish in a matter of 2 hours. thats not counting the little ones that i threw back.



When the sun decided to come in force we hastily retreated to the shelter of the trees in the camp site and spent a few hours chatting, laughing and sharing stories. Saturday afternoon saw us on the water again and this time the fishing was slightly slow. The highlight, or lowlight, of the afternoon was when i took a strike on my rod and stood on the bait bucket. trying to regain my balance on the boat saw me very neatly do a half back somersault with a slight twist and end up in the dam. Atleast i didnt break anything and i managed to hold onto my rod. Saturday night we went to the local golf club to watch the rugby and saw SA beat Ireland(only just). Back to camp for drinks and supper.



To hot to fish. Relax with a drink.



"DAD" Pieter

The Guys>>> Thanx for a great week end

The open air toilet

The camp site

The Manne


Sunday morning the camp was up early to pack up, get boats ready and get ready for the trip home. I don't think anyone wanted to leave but the real life was calling and with a heavy heart we left to get back to our normal lives. It was a brilliant week end with fantastic fishing and is TOP 1 on my list of favourite fishing destinations at this moment. Swaziland is great, clean and the people are friendly. Something that South Africans need to learn. To TOBY and all the guys that arranged this week end i want to say thank you and i hope we can do it again soon.

 

Cheers and may you all have great and safe travels.

 

Regards     George