Camouflage and stalking

[smallstreams.co.za]

Mario, you mean that you DON'T use this technique? Very effective, especially in the rivers up your way. I'll have to show you sometime - you're in for a treat!

Kevin, my limited skill does not allow for this technique yet. I have read a lot about it, seen it done, but still cannot master it.

My best method so far is to add as much weight to the leader, and just chuck it "bait-caster" style. It has worked well for me so far, and the splash of the sinker more than covers up any rod-flash.

[KevinE]

To be serious though Mario, 80% of my river fishing is upstream nymphing and dryfly fishing. However I have taken to walking back downstream at the end of the day and fishing a weighted #12 woolly bugger on a sinking leader at the best spots I fished on the way up. This has saved me from a blank day more than once. And it is very liberating to fish this way after having stared at an indicator all day!

[fish]

To be serious though Mario, 80% of my river fishing is upstream nymphing and dryfly fishing. However I have taken to walking back downstream at the end of the day and fishing a weighted #12 woolly bugger on a sinking leader at the best spots I fished on the way up. This has saved me from a blank day more than once. And it is very liberating to fish this way after having stared at an indicator all day!

Fishing beat 4 of the Elandspad, where you have to hike back through the water, allows for a Woolly Bugger to get its chance. Stripping a Woolly Bugger downstream through the head of a pool catch many a fish, often big fish. Rather than just hiking back I like to catch the odd fish. Bit of a non purist I guess

[Gael]

Nice tip Gael - matt varnish, good idea.

Humbrol model airplane paints make a mat varnish that you could use to take out the shine of the varnish

[smallstreams.co.za]

I suspect you would not get the rod painted over a weekend if you do that