Largemouth Yellowfish Clinic 2017

The largemouth yellowfish Labeobarbus kimberleyensis is the apex predator in the Vaal and Orange River systems. These highly sought after game fish are commonly found in these river systems. They attain an average size of 8-10lbs and are known to reach a maximum size of 50lbs! Our very successful largemouth yellowfish clinics are aimed at equipping the angler to successfully target these fish on fly. 

This years largie clinic will be hosted at Gkhui Gkhui River Lodge on the Orange River from the 13st to the 15th of October. We will cover Largie behaviour, identifying Largie lies, tackle requirements, leader setups and knots, approaching spots, tactics, practical sessions on the river, flies and how to tie them.

1.    Itinerary.............................................................................................................. 3

2.    Accomodation.................................................................................................. 5

Gkhui Gkhui River Lodge.......................................................................................... 5

3.    Food.................................................................................................................. 5

4.    Drinks................................................................................................................ 5

5.    Extras................................................................................................................ 6

6.    Costs................................................................................................................. 6

7.    Getting there..................................................................................................... 6

8.    Tackle list.......................................................................................................... 6

9.    Safety................................................................................................................. 7

9.1.      Swimming...................................................................................................... 7

9.2.      Wading........................................................................................................... 7

9.3.      Dangerous animals........................................................................................ 7

9.4.      Medical conditions......................................................................................... 7

10. Travel requirements and important information............................................. 7

10.1.    Credit Cards................................................................................................... 7

10.2.    GSM / cellphones........................................................................................... 8

10.3.    Expenses........................................................................................................ 8

 ITINERARY

The Itinerary will be as follows:

Friday

17h00-            Participants arrive at the Lodge. Meet other participants and get to settle down.

18h30-            Meet and greet at presentation area

19h00-            Presentation by Chris Van der Post: Largie Behaviour

20h30-            Dinner

Saturday

07h00-            Coffee and rusks

07h30-            Presentation by Klaas Viljoen: Identifying Largie Lies

08h45-            Breakfast

09h45-            Presentation by Chris Van der Post: Tackle Requirements, Leaders and Knots

10h00-            Practical session: Leaders and Knots

11h00-            Break: cool drinks and snacks

11h30-            Presentation at river by Klaas Viljoen: Approaching Spots and Tactics

12h30-            Lunch

13h45-            Draw for practical session

14h30-            Practical session on river: The participants will be divided in groups and each group will fish on a section of the river with one of the presenters. The aim will be on learning as much as possible and not fishing time.

17h00-            Return to camp

18h30-            Presentation by Chris Van der Post: Largie Food

19h00-            Fly tying session: A selection of our most successful patterns (Tied by Chris Vander Post and Klaas Viljoen)

20h30-            Dinner

Sunday

07h00-            Coffee and Rusks

07h30-            Fly tying session: A selection of our most successful patterns (Tied by Chris Van der Post)

08h45-            Breakfast

09h45-            Practical session on river

10h30-            Practical session on river: This time the group will be divided again and each group will have a different section to fish. The focus will be on landing fish.

13h00-            Lunch at River

14h00-            Solo Fishing     

2. ACCOMMODATION

The lodge is situated on the game farm, Saaidam, on the banks of the Orange River between Orania and Hopetown. With majestic views over beautiful rapids, game on its doorstep and rocky hills in the background, the setting is nothing short of spectacular.

Food is of the highest standard and lodging is in standalone luxury river rooms all with river views, air conditioners and their own private deck. Conference facilities, a fantastic deck, restaurant. This is truly an exclusive lodge for the person that enjoys secluded nature.

Visit www.gkhuigkhui.com for more information about this fantastic lodge.

3.   FOOD
We will have hearty breakfasts, light lunches and big dinners. Lunch will consist of sandwiches or Boerewors rolls. Dinner usually consist of Oxtail and rice served with veggies or Roasted Chicken served with freshly baked pot bread and veggies or something similar.

4. DRINKS
Participants will be responsible for their own drinks that can be purchased at the lodge.

5. EXTRAS 

Each participant will receive a fly hamper and course material.

6. COSTS
The total costs for the clinic including all meals and accommodation is R 3250 per person.

Excludes:

·         Travel to venue

·         Alcoholic beverages

·         Soft drinks and bottled water

·         Snacks

·         Tackle

·         Gratuities

·         Personal expenses 

7. GETTING THERE
The turn off to Gkhui Gkhui River Lodge is 18km from Orania and 22 Km from Hopetown on the tar road between Hopetown and Orania.

8. TACKLE LIST

·         7/8 wt fast action rod

·         7/8 wt reel with reliable disc drag system

·         WF intermediate / intermediate tip / floating line

·         1X / 2X tapered leaders

·         1X, 2X tippet

      - Gear / clothing

·         Wading boots (felt/Vibram soles)

·         Gravel guards

·         Wading socks

·         Tech pants

·         Tech shirts (long sleeve, SPF factor)

·         Buff

·         Sungloves (optional)

·         Hat

·         Polarised sunglasses

·         Fly vest / backpack

·         Raincoat (packable)

·         Nippers

·         Forceps

·         Fly boxes

·         Headlamp

·         Sunscreen

*Custom fly packs for largemouth and smallmouth yellowfish available. Flies must be ordered at least 2 weeks in advance

**tackle rental is available at R250 per rod outfit per day and require a R1000 breakage deposit.

 9.  SAFETY 

9.1 Swimming
Safety on and off the river is a great concern to us. Because of the nature of the operation it is imperative that all participants are able to swim.

 9.2  Wading

Wading in the Vaal and Orange Rivers can be treacherous as the rocks are slippery and often concealed. Participants must wade slowly through water and careful foot placement is imperative. If any participants have problems with their balance or any other medical conditions that prohibit an occasional fall, they must come equipped with a wading staff and attach it to their person with a lanyard.

9.3   Dangerous animals

Dangerous animals such as snakes are rarely encountered and do not pose a threat if they are left alone. The greatest risk of snakebite is at night when moving around camp and participants must have a headlamp at all times and sturdy leather shoes are highly advised 

9.4  Medical conditions
Participants with any medical conditions must be aware that fishing of this nature can be strenuous and very tiring. Participants are personally responsible for all medication and must make their guides aware about any inhibiting medical conditions.

 10.  TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

10.1  Credit Cards
Please note that due to the remoteness of the operation there are no credit card facilities.

10.2  GSM / cellphones
There is cellular phone coverage at the Kliphuis, but there is normally no cell phone coverage along the river but coverage is sometimes available. Participants are required to consider the serenity and ‘out of the city feel’ that other participants might enjoy. Cell phones are required to be switched to silent and phone calls are to be made in private.

10.3  Expenses

We suggest that you carry sufficient cash to settle your expenses such as tackle purchases, bar bills, personal expenses and gratuities. All accounts must be settled by the end of the trip in cash or by EFT.