A fishing adventure like no other

WORDS: Arno van Rooyen | PHOTOS: Supplied Together with fellow carpers, Alex Willers and Eugene Kruger of Karpioene, I enjoyed an exhilarating 4-day, 3-night journey to the Tzaneen Dam in Limpopo province, a wild-water paradise known for its monster carp and challenging snags. Our adventure began in the early hours of Thursday as we departed from Pretoria, winding our way through the breathtaking scenery of Magoebaskloof. Our success is attributed to a careful choice of feed, bait and rigs. My preference for the German rig and D-rig with a size 2 FOX curve shank from their Edges series, alongside Alex and Eugene's blowback rigs with Korda end tackle, FISH Cook-like-Us Feed and FISH Cocopine Tigernuts and concentrate from their specimen range, proved to be a winning combination. Upon our arrival on Thursday, we wasted no time and began fishing at noon. With excitement building, we eagerly dropped our lines into the depths of Tzaneen Dam, armed with FISH Cocopine Tigernuts and a variety of rigs tailored to our preferences. The results were astounding: a total of nine magnificent carp landed, including an impressive 15,5kg catch by Alex. Each carp boasted a distinctive, high shoulder with vibrant colours and impressive length, making every catch a sight to behold. Alex Willers' impressive catch. I selected a spot with rocky features, situated in 4,1 metres of water. Within just 45 minutes, the thrill of excitement enveloped me as my first rod suddenly jolted with the best one-toner of the session. The adrenaline rush of landing the initial catch was truly surreal, especially when the scale tipped at an impressive 11,5kg. Arno van Rooyen with his catch. Later in the afternoon, around 16:00, I experienced another exhilarating moment as I reeled in a stunning carp adorned with an outstanding orange tail. Weighing in at 9,8kg, this particular fish held a special place in my heart, adding to the magic of our fishing adventure at Tzaneen Dam. We decided to add a flavourful twist to our fishing adventure by assigning each angler the task of cooking their signature dam dish one evening. Eugene kicked off the culinary festivities with a mouthwatering Thai Green Curry, setting the stage for a memorable evening by the fireside, where we shared stories of our angling experiences over the years, soaking in the beauty of the dam's surroundings. As the sun rose on Friday morning, I found myself blessed with yet another carp, adding to the excitement of our trip. Despite the day remaining relatively quiet, Alex decided to switch up his strategy, exploring the 2,1m depths amidst dead tree stumps and snags. His decision paid off handsomely, with both him and Eugene landing carp in the early hours of Saturday between midnight and 01:00. Eugene Kruger with another beauty! Later that evening, it was my turn to take charge of dinner, treating everyone to a delectable Beef Trinchado. As we indulged in the savoury meal, surrounded by nature's splendour, we couldn't help but appreciate the blessing of being able to pursue our passion for fishing. Saturday morning brought another highlight as I kicked off the day with a breakfast run, landing a magnificent 12,5kg carp. The day continued to unfold with excitement, as Eugene reeled in yet another carp on Cocopine bait during the midday hours. Each catch added to the thrill of our adventure, reaffirming our love for the sport and the wonders of Tzaneen Dam. Despite our collective anticipation for landing a 40-pounder, the barometric pressure had dropped, thwarting our hopes. Nevertheless, this setback only fueled our determination to return to Tzaneen Dam and take on the challenge once more in pursuit of those warrior 40-pounders. With none of us having prior experience fishing at this venue, we had approached the trip without any preconceived expectations. We understood that we'd need to embrace a rugged and tough approach, given the absence of facilities. Yet, we welcomed this as an integral part of the fishing experience – an opportunity to immerse ourselves fully in the adventure and challenges that awaited us. From left to right: Eugene Kruger, Arno van Rooyen and Alex Willers with their beautiful catches. Fishing at Tzaneen Dam is an adventure that offers four seasons in just one weekend. Be prepared for all types of weather, from scorching heat to chilly rain, and everything in between. It's essential to pack accordingly to ensure you're ready for whatever Nature throws your way. While there are no public facilities at the dam itself, the town of Tzaneen is conveniently located just a 10-minute drive away. Here, you'll find all the necessities you might need, ensuring your fishing trip is as comfortable as possible. One of the highlights of fishing at Tzaneen Dam is the warmth and hospitality of the local community. The people of Tzaneen are incredibly friendly, with a genuine sense of hospitality that will make you feel right at home. Their welcoming nature adds to the overall experience of your trip, making it even more enjoyable. But it's not just the people that make Tzaneen Dam special. The dam's history as a former forest plantation means there are plenty of snags to contend with, adding an extra layer of excitement to your fishing expedition. And amidst these challenges, you'll have the opportunity to catch beautiful carp like never before, each one putting up a spirited fight that will get your adrenaline pumping and make the experience truly unforgettable. In the end, it's not just about the size of the catch but the memories forged along the way.

A fishing adventure like no other

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