Pros show anglers how to fish for bass
Go ask the average bass angler whether he's ever wanted to get into the mind of a top bass angler to get a better idea of how they approach a day on the water and go about their craft. The majority will answer with a resounding "absolutely".
Michael Cronje of Angling & Outdoor World in Mbombela is enthusiastic about educating anglers and sharing fishing know-how, and consequently determined to arrange the finest bass-fishing seminar in Mpumalanga, if not the entire country, has ever seen.
This past Saturday four of the most distinguished names in South African bass fishing, Giulio Nolli, Garth Liefeldt, George Robey and Darryl Quinton interacted with bass lovers and shared tournament-winning and up-and-coming fishing techniques.
Liefeldt, a first-rate competitive, fresh and saltwater angler, and the sales and marketing manager of Thornveld Angling Tackle Distributors had the class in awe with his talk on crankbait and spinnerbait techniques, and directed a brief session at fish care during tournaments. Former Zimbabwean national angler, Nolli, gave away a host of secrets acquired during decades of competitive angling, as well as pointers on how to target bass during the spawning season.
“Learning from the pros was definitely a remarkable experience. We were given tips that will better our social and competitive angling,” said Lowveld Bass Trail angler, Frank Gottschalk.
Jonathan Zeederberg said this was one of the most memorable days. “I would like to say thanks to Angling & Outdoor World and especially Michael for organising our very first bass seminar in Mbombela. We all received a great welcoming gift bag filled with the things we, as bass anglers, love most. You guys really outdid yourselves. The tips and tricks taught to us by Liefeldt, Quinton and Nolli were of the most invaluable and will be the greatest help to all of us in competitive as well as social bass fishing. I personally would love to have a part two of this seminar because these guys truly have a wealth of information and surely can help anyone become better.”
Quinton, a Protea Bass Angler who spoke about jerkbait and soft-plastics techniques, as well as how to practise for a bass tournament said, “I’ve had the privilege of talking at several seminars in the past, but nothing like this. It was well hosted and the organising and execution was impeccable. The anglers were interactive with the speakers and this makes a huge difference when standing up there talking the talk.” The positive reaction didn’t end there. “The level of fishing expertise and enthusiasm is evident. We look forward to future Lowveld fishing time with our new friends,” said American angler and columnist Robey who’s talk was entitled “The Joy of Fishing.”
Students walked away with some amazing welcome packs, giveaways and prizes. All fully paid attendees received a special 15 per cent discount on any bass-related gear they purchased at Angling & Outdoor World on the day. Taking all this into consideration, any future events organised by Angling & Outdoor World are not to be missed.
