Make use of local knowledge

Anyone will tell you that to get the best out of a fly fishing destination, you should make use of local knowledge.

Alan will help you to hone your skills to try to fool these wily Karoo trout, that don't often fall for the more commercialised fly patterns.  The area offers pristine fly fishing in the Karoo. Take full advantage of the opportunities, whether you are an experienced fly fisher or novice, the day will be structured to suit your individual needs.

Wild fly fishing in the Karoo, fly fishing for trout

Guiding costs

The cost of daily guided fly fishing would vary dependent on number of fishermen, and whether this would be a full day or half day guided excursion.

An observer fee is charged for additional persons that accompany the fisherman, which would include lunch on a full day, or snacks on a half day experience.

As guiding to our Trophy dam requires travelling a little further; there will be a fuel levy added to the guiding cost.

To request costs on guiding, please click here

What to expect from the guiding

A guided excursion typically takes either a half day or full day.  If Alan is taking you fishing for a half day, snacks and a couple of soft drinks are included.  The full day includes lunch as well as a couple of soft drinks or water.  You're welcome to bring your own fly fishing tackle (please don't forget your waders!) but if you don't have the tackle, don't worry, Alan will provide it for you. 

He'll take you to the waters in the Somerset East area, brief you on what to expect, where to fish, and help you set up your tackle.  Alan will also give you a better understanding of the local habitat, entomology and fish behaviour, and make sure you're in the most promising position to try to achieve success!

If you would like to bring your own fly box, you're welcome to, but don't worry, Alan has some amazing flies, developed specifically for the area, although they catch fish all over the world.  He will also show you how to construct your leader according to the conditions and techniques that you will be fishing.

Just a reminder to tell him of any medical conditions or allergies you have prior to the day.

Casting or fly tying instruction

R 450.00 per person for the first hour, and R 200 per person per hour or part thereof thereafter.

Yellow fishing

First class yellow fishing is available in the area.  The surrounding rivers are ideal for up to two anglers.  Access is available only with Alan Hobson.  Guiding or hosting options are available.

Fishing Clinics

Fly fishing clinics can be arranged for up to 10 people.  The day will be tailor made to suit your requirements, whether you're looking for an outing for a group of friends, or a corporate team building experience, just give us a call!

Angler and Antelope Fly fishing shop, Somerset East, Eastern Cape South Africa

Suggested tackle / equipment requirements:

Tackle
  • 2/4 weight rod with matching reel & rated line for small stream fishing
  • 5/6 weight rod with matching reel & rated line for still water trout and yellowfish
  • 6/7 weight rod with matching reel & rated line for black bass fishing
  • 8/9 weight rod with matching reel & rated line for barbel fishing
  • Generally, a 5/6 weight rod will allow one to target all 9 species of the area.  We would recommend having both floating and sinking lines.

Equipment

  • Waders - Essential to get the maximum benefit from our waters
  • Landing net - Preferably a floating net. One of the most overlooked tackle items! 
  • Species specific fly selection
  • Hook sharpner / debarber
  • Fly floatant
  • Headlight / torch
  • Thermometer
  • Split shot / lead putty
  • Strike indicators
  • Multipurpose knife tool
  • Tippet Material
  • Leaders
  • Foreceps
  • Hat / cap
  • Polarised sunglasses
  • Priest
  • Sunscreen
  • Clothing: Wading boots, waders, waterproof jacket, warm jersey / jacket, flyvest/rucksack/chest pack to carry all of your equipment.

Feel free to browse the fly shop for any items that you may need.