Hi everyone I've just got back into specimen ang

[Mikedyson]

Hi everyone
I've just got back into specimen angling after a 2.5 year break. It seems that crime has increased tremendously on so many dams. Is there still place to fish that's safe?

 

[Fishpaste]

I think to give you a fair answer...there are no such thing as a safe venue anymore so keep your eyes peeled where ever you go!

 

[Lance R]

True, but there are less risky areas.
Maybe consider joining SACS. You will have access to private controlled venues not visible to the criminal elements as public waters are.

 

[Mikedyson]

Thanks guys,I ended up going t op Buffelspoort dam, landed a 7.5 and 11.7kg, thoroughly enjoyed the venue

 

[Lance R]

Congrats on your catches after a long absence . I have never fished Buffels as I have heard the boats can be a problem over the weekends. Is this just a rumor ?

 

[HennieB]

Buffelspoort is one of the unsafest venues around, lots of theft there and yes boats are a problem depending on which side of the cable you sit.

 

[Lance R]

Pity the negative elements keep us away from such venues that hold the trophy fish.

Hennie, where do you do most of your sessions?

 

[Mikedyson]

I got there Saterdag morning and sat on the boating side as it was my first time there. The boats do bother as some don't care much about the angler's and drive pritty close. But one must also remember that the fish are used to it. The bigger problem is the grass and the lines in the water. I moved over on Sunday afternoon as many people started packing up. I was worried about the safety and spoke to the people that run the place, such beautiful and humble people, and asked them about the safety as i also read about it online. There is security that patrol now and then and one must also remember that there's a lot of drinking there over weekends and that many stories are alcohol related. I would recommend that if specimen fishing is done, that the best time will be during the week where there isn't a lot of noise.

 

[Lance R]

I would think there are less boats on the water during winter. That region of the country also has better weather during the colder months.

Could be a good venue for a long winter session when the larger fish still feed.

 

[HennieB]

Lance R wrote:

Pity the negative elements keep us away from such venues that hold the trophy fish.

Hennie, where do you do most of your sessions?

Rietvlei and wild dams

 

[Lance R]

Rietvlei has also been my target venue but mainly during winter. It gets very busy on weekends during the summer

 

[deisel]

Safest venue is probably fishing off the boat hahaha. No such thing as a safe venue in jhb bud. Sad but reality