African fly fishing

“ Fate, Time, Occasion, Chance, and Change?
To these all things are subject but eternal love.

Percy Bysshe Shelly 1792-1822

Those most enlightened scholarly highly discriminating regular readers of this column are surely aware two of my last international feature column’s India, Thailand are exploding in the news with political turmoil and serious conditions! Those of you fortunate enough to travel the world in these dangerous times understand the roll of the dice mind set one must maintain if one is inclined to remove ones rear end from the sofa, plasma big screen, endless snacks brewskies and move on down the road....Personally I have great empathy for those who are timid and would rather stay nice and cozy fireside with the same old faces, Oh yeah thanks so much as your absence allows a little more elbow room on the over stuffed jets I travel on.... Ok, enough Irish philosophizing...... In the interest of public safety and Mr. Wolf’s undying concern for your personal safety! Please memorise the following Wolf pre international fly trip gut check sequence!

PRE FLIGHT SAFETY QUIZZ

1. Do you harbor the overwhelming feeling being north American entitles you to special consideration? What exactly is your testicular circumference Cowboy?

2. Can you stand in the mirror naked during all meals and snacks and drinking without needing professional help fast? Try this simple exercise for one month?

3. Have you become anxiety rattled in traffic tie ups or while waiting in line for anything lately? Traffic rage been a problem Pilgrim?

4. If you were personally threatened or attacked in a foreign land are you prepared to defend your self to the death regardless of the circumstance Indiana Jones?

4. Have you become reacquainted with general emergency medical care for your self or some one else? Can you deliver a baby? Treat for shock, stop bleeding, treat for poison or bad water dysentery??? In case of a riot or civil disorder do you know what to do first?

5. Are you easily freaked out ( upset by insects or snakes or creatures you can’t imagine in your face pilgrim? Like your hotels only first class and perfect?

6. Do you think chasing hatchery raised clone fish in your local pond means you can throw bugs and hang with master fly fishing guides who can and will eat you for breakfast and embarrass your simple ass in front of the Ball & Chain baby.....

7. Have you ever been in a place, country so far off the path the way back is a complete mystery? When you climb a tree you see nothing for endless hundreds of miles?

Africa Fresh or Salt ?

Those serious international stealth long rod lovers prepared for anything types be advised modern Africa has a tiny bit of danger and surprise in store for you no worries Mate? Bit of a dust up in the old Congo one or two states in minor chaos with the usual unlimited global rape of natural resources! Other then those pesky details the fly action is superb! Many years ago I wrote several feature articles about a certain African Fly Fishing Princess? Then only a handful of fly venues were available. Today it’s a new fly game as inland lodges and deep sea charters welcome fly fishers.

Zambezi National Park

A special still wild wonderful place to see wild life and fly fish in Southern Africa. The legendary Big Bad Boy average weight 10-20lbs of serious piscatorial fighting instinct, The Mighty Tiger fish. I have hooked 5 pound tigers that nearly ripped my bamboo in two! This boy jumps, tail walks, dead serious! The park is a digital camera paradisio, animals everywhere and birds by the flock. What a grand place if one is new to Africa. The whole family easily accommodated. Many fly fishing and camera safari packages available. A must see place. Mid to heavy fly rods best suited unless your accomplished then bring your 4 weight bamboo and take those native boys to school hey Melvin? Clothing very light weight, better check the old shot card and check for travel advisories? How much time needed, at least a month Luke Sky Walker. If one has enough time, fundage, curiosity? Many inland rivers, lakes, streams exist in all African National Parks or very near. Yes, areas in or near the Congo are under travel advisories as is the coast line around Adan, Pirates are in the news as this column is being written. Bottom line many African fly fishing animal viewing venues are perfectly safe! Africa is a huge country with a rich history regardless of the relentless bad press more then three fourths of this grand country is as safe as your own home town. Simply contact your travel agent and put your mind at ease. Africa is a must for international fly fishers. Contact Phone: 1-800-888-891-3474 Zambesi Tiger Fishing.

African Deep Sea Fly Action

Off shore action reminds me of fabled Cabo San Lucas my favorite Mexican fly venue. Simply enter into any search engine African off shore fly fishing charters and be prepared for many excellent choices. My associates world class brothers of the long rod recommend Durban Deep Sea Fly Fishing at Phone: + + 27- 762-9999-445 seasoned pros. The people at Mavungana Fly Fishing Center www.flyfishing.co.za/map.php Have the reputation and experience to help outfit your African fly trip on shore or off. I would begin with either or both of these contacts as they are tested.

Off shore multi species fly opportunities include; Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sail Fish, Yellow Fin, many members of the Tuna family represented Wahoo and Dorado as well. The African coast line is equal to the rish fish nursery still going strong in the Sea Of Cortez or anywhere near Cabo San Lucus. Few remaining wild game fish zones are as bountiful as Africa’s and Alaska. Both Alaska and Africa are must go to fly venues if your serious. Techniques include the hand tied fly, lures soft and hard, live bait and jigging. Jigging is popular asit is in most fly regions because it combines often jigs constructed and presented like flies. Much to learn if you plan your trip well and afford enough time.




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