AMERICAN IN AFRICA: Lessons From The Field
WORDS: George Robey III* IMAGES: Supplied
It didn’t take long after wife Catherine and I relocated from my home in Ohio, U.S.A. for what became good friends to call me The Greenhorn. The title was not so awful . . . but it would’ve been nice to know graduation day was near. Tenderfoot status may be a tough rap to beat for a slow learner in Africa.
More than a decade has passed since re-locating to Africa and many lessons have been delivered, some fumbled, some wasted, some humorous and others exceedingly wonderful.
I have learned not to touch, hold or approach local fauna and flora. Curiosity and false confidence leads me astray. One such blunder imparted an indelible lesson: A cluster of plump, ripe Prickly Pears beckoned from the shoreline of the Vaal River. I collected enough for a streamside snack and slogged down the river to share with Catherine. The shocked look on her face told me immediately that something was wrong. How was I to know wild Prickly Pears were really prickly?
I have learned my American accent can create communication disasters. Our Malawian gardener listens, nods and smiles when I tell stories. Therefore, without hesitation, I instructed him to clean the boat after I hooked up and pulled it from the garage. Instead, the gardener rolled the boat by hand onto the forward sloping drive and watched it careen downhill, ploughing into the electric security gate. The gardener was adamant that he followed instructions. How was I to know he did not understand a word of my American gibberish?
I have learned that in Africa self-reliance is a priority. Mechanical services, boat shops, tackle stores or groceries do not appear at every venue. When available, the promise of full service remains dubious and staff often lack skills or knowledge. Service requests are handled on African time. “Now – now” can mean an hour, tomorrow or the next day. “Just now” does not mean, just now..? A real outdoorsman from southern Africa comes prepared and knows how to “maak a plan.”
I have learned to carry an operable set of working scales that weigh fish in kilograms instead of pounds. Anywhere in southern Africa, on any given day, it is possible to catch the fish of a lifetime. For an American it is interesting to know the weight, but for a South African it is imperative to know the weight! Angling chat here always begins with the interrogative, “and what is your PB?”
I have learned that casual fishing in Africa is an expensive mission. It is a ninety minute drive to our nearest boating/fishing destination. The price of petrol and outboard oil is more than double the US price. Road tolls, launch fees, entry fees accompany every trip. Imported boat and motor parts, fishing tackle and gear are all sold at premium prices. Annual boat Certificates of Fitness, insurance fees and routine maintenance flattens the wallet.
I have learned that Africa has quality bass fishing. Catherine and I very soon eclipsed our US Personal Bests. The climate, structure and forage is ideal for big green fish. I have also learned that pollution, politics, culture and lack of regulation remain a threat to the future of fishing unless much is done to close the gaps, form unity and create an angling voice.
I have learned that there is no comparison to the grand adventure and shared companionship on each and every fishing trip. I have made great friends over the last years and found much joy in meeting many people. The fishing community of South Africa is made up of wonderful people who exude warmth, welcoming hearts and open hands . . . but heaps of pluck and resolve while fishing. I have learned that the people of South Africa are one of the country’s greatest assets.
*George Robey III is an internationally known outdoor photojournalist now residing in the country north of Pretoria with wife Catherine. In the field it is the chase, rather than the trophy, that delivers a sense of accomplishment. He is also the Africa agent for Venom Lures: info@venomluresafrica.com
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