New to fishing

[4x4BEES]

Hi guys

This past Dec holiday we went to Pietermaritzburg for a funeral.

I have never been there and we decided to stay for 2 weeks to see the Natal Midlands. What a beautiful part of our country.

While we were there, for a reason I still cannot figure out, I decided to buy some bass fishing rods and lures. Now I have never fished before and heard that we should go to Midmar dam. We were there for 2 days and my wife caught a bass and my son and I didn't get anything :lol:

Now that we are back in Cape Town, Brackenfell area, we would like to continue bass fishing on weekends.

I have just read a report on Fischers Haven and it seems like the perfect place to start. Am I correct in thinking so, or am I mistaken?

Fishing from the bank of a dam is what I would best at as I have a small problem in the mobility side of things. I was shot through my spine and have lost the feeling in my left leg. I can move about for short distances but cannot climb obstacles or great inclines.

I am also fairly new to forums and am busy teaching myself to navigate this one.

Hope to hear your thoughts.

[Navrik]

Welcome 4x4BEES. Lots of good info and accomodating guys and a few ladies on this site.

Fishers Haven would be a good idea although the fishing can be a bit tough there at times.

[Rory]

Welcome 4X4BEES! Le Bonheur crocodile farm close to paarl is also a nice spot. The family will also enjoy the facilities, restaurant etc.

[4x4BEES]

Thanks guys

I didn't need a permit to fish at Midmar, will I need one here?
If so, where can I get one?

[Rory]

Post office or tackle stores sell them.

[4x4BEES]

Thanks, will get it asap

[BosOtter]

You can also order a license from Cape Nature via mail. Mail them at <!-- e --><a href="mailto:reception@capenature.co.za">reception@capenature.co.za</a><!-- e --> and state you want a fresh water fishing license.
They will ask for your ID, address and cell number, and provide you with their banking details. As soon as the eft is done they will send you a copy of your license via email which you can print out, and a week later the original will arrive in the post.
They issued my license via mail the same day I sent the proof of payment through. Lot easier than to go stand in a queue

[4x4BEES]

Thanks for the info, will save me a lot of hassle.

[Marmaduke]

Thanks guys

I didn't need a permit to fish at Midmar, will I need one here?
If so, where can I get one?

You need a fresh water fishing permit to fish most waters in SA.

For the Western Cape contact Charmaine on <!-- e --><a href="mailto:reception@capenature.co.za">reception@capenature.co.za</a><!-- e -->.
Costs R45. You can pay via eft and Charmain sends you an electronic copy (I keep mine on my phone) and posts the original.

[BuzzLiteBeer]

NB! Post Office does not sell Freshwater Angling licences.

[4x4BEES]

Thanks BuzzLightBeer, Marmaduke and BosOtter

[Crafty]

Don't need a license in Limpopo :eusa_angel: Welcome to the site Have fun! Remember to report back on your adventures.

[4x4BEES]

Thanks Crafty, will do.

Just give me some time.

[Jacq]

For privately owned waters you do not need a permit, thus if you are planning on starting with Fishers or the croc farm you are good to go - it's only the public waters that require a permit from Cape Nature.

Personally I would give Fishers a miss at this time - water lever has dropped seriously to the point that you can walk through the dam (if I interpreted the photos correctly)

The Croc farm can be tough on days, but remains great fun with good fish. I know that the owner did request that if anyone should arrive before 08:00 they should not fish the area in front of the restaurant as people are staying there and requested their privacy.

Nice thing is that there is ample fish and even some nice Kurper if all else fails.
Their current rates are R35-00 half-day of R70 for a full day which is payable at the curio shop. Most of the area restaurant side is reasonably level thus should not pose a problem, with the advantage of some shade for the family.

It is worth the drive - enjoy!

[4x4BEES]

Awesome, thanks Jacq