Are we ignoring good fishing around the corners?

[Korrie]

I have thought about this for a very long time.
Are we ignoring very good fishing around the corner or in our neighbourhood?

Most towns and cities have little dams and ponds that hold fish, but we do not fish them, we think we must travel?
Some have "NO FISHING" signs but are not really policed.

If I think about Cape Town city bowl.
There are a quarry hole above Vredehoek, Liesbeek river.
In Durbanville there are 4 ponds or little dams with carp and bass.
Paarl is 15 minutes from Durbanville Freeway.

In JHB, there a couple of dams or ponds or streams with fish in every neighbourhood.

Are we a bit snobbish, to not fish the local waters or are we spoilt for choice in this dry country? Or do we "want to drive" to fish?

[Jason vL]

Korrie, that is a great question, I have cut my bass and carp fishing teeth at Sonstraal dams in Durbanville. Now days those living there call the cops on you so you always fishing having to be on the lookout. personally not an enjoyable experience. the little dam behind me (bass fishing) is running empty is summer and by the time winter comes its reduced to a puddle. the big Durbanville dam is such a mission to fish having to get permits from municipality and they also send you on a runaround, the residents there also give you some uphill.

So at the moment I prefer to drive to where I want to fish in order to fish in comfort.

[Korrie]

On Sonstraal dam if you fish from 06:00 ot 08:00 no problems.
I stay 200 meters from dam, I know.
There are another 2 dams in the area of Barcelona street and Mancester street in Kraaifontein/Durbanville border with good fishing.
See on Google Earth, have not run dry in the drought times.
for a quick Sunday morning, on a #3 and a couple of nymphs, you can have 2 hours of fun.

[Jason vL]

ive seen those dams and also wondered if one can fish there. Korrie you may just see me there one morning.

[Korrie]

Have not been chased away, yet.
There is another little pond in Eversdal, Look for Susan Str.
also good fun.

[Korrie]

The quarry at Tyger waterfront, but the one with no buildings has BIG bass. and carp as well.

[PieterS]

I have thought about this for a very long time.
Are we ignoring very good fishing around the corner or in our neighbourhood?

Most towns and cities have little dams and ponds that hold fish, but we do not fish them, we think we must travel?
Some have "NO FISHING" signs but are not really policed.

If I think about Cape Town city bowl.
There are a quarry hole above Vredehoek, Liesbeek river.
In Durbanville there are 4 ponds or little dams with carp and bass.
Paarl is 15 minutes from Durbanville Freeway.

In JHB, there a couple of dams or ponds or streams with fish in every neighbourhood.

Are we a bit snobbish, to not fish the local waters or are we spoilt for choice in this dry country? Or do we "want to drive" to fish?

Here in Joburg it is always a safety and/or pollution issue. I stay near Emmarentia dam, it is fairly difficult to target fish on fly, casting is a bit of a problem and the fish are very difficult to catch with any technique due to the pressure it receives.

There are however good fishing within less than an hours drive if you search a bit

[Jason vL]

The quarry at Tyger waterfront, but the one with no buildings has BIG bass. and carp as well.

was just about to ask about that one. but is it worth it getting into trouble for? Ive also seen some huge fish in there but then again also some unsavory characters hanging around.

ive also seen a pond at the N1 R300 intersection and wondered about that.

[Korrie]

was just about to ask about that one. but is it worth it getting into trouble for? Ive also seen some huge fish in there but then again also some unsavory characters hanging around.

ive also seen a pond at the N1 R300 intersection and wondered about that.

Certain spots, safety in numbers is the answer, like the quarry. But in general it is safe.
The N1 and R300 that is the Kuilsriver, which starts a bit upstream, Sonstraal dam drains in the upper reaches of the Kuilsriver. The origin is a bit further up from Durbanville golf course.

[dollar]

most reasons like robberies, rape, polution, restrictions, development, new owners, vagrants, squatters, foreigners, subsistence fishermen have put a damper on my fishing escapades during the week, especially after work. a rod or two was permanently stashed in the car, not nowadays. its a real shame but from time to time i do visit one or two with my pontoon or kayak and indulge in the sport, even then, most outtings are fuitless or just a single fish to boast about to the wife.
joburg has changed alot and forced to travel distances. miss them days even the free lures i collect from the trees