Sunny skies and balmy weather – this was the welcome change which characterised this year’s Annual Gathering of the Queenstown Fly Fishing Club. For the third consecutive year, the event has been sponsored by Xplorer and we were privileged to have the owner and director, John Geils, join us this year!
As has become the tradition, the event was held on the first weekend in July at the Aloe Grove Guest Farm. The welcome, briefing and dam draw took place on the afternoon of Thursday 2nd July and was followed by a delicious meal of curry and rice. Needless to say, expectations ran high of the two days of fishing to come.
Eight of the 22 dams managed by the QFFC were chosen for the 8 teams of four taking part; Birds River Batterson’s & Quarry Dams, Oakleigh Dam, Pine Grove Dam, Snowdon Trophy, Long and Secret Dams and Welgevonden Dam. All the dams lie in the remote, pristine mountains around Dordrecht and Queenstown.
The QFFC Committee members spread themselves between the dams to provide a guiding service at each. Entrants were given detailed directions on how to access the dams, allowing them to arrive in the mornings at their leisure. Some of the farm roads are a challenge but this adds to the anticipation and the excitement of finally reaching your hidden destination! The rich, golden hue of the grasslands forming the dry winter landscape is captivating.
As always, Xplorer provided some magnificent prizes. Our other subsidiary sponsors were also very generous. The individual prize for the longest fish went to a junior competitor, Liam Wege, who caught a splendid rainbow of 610mm from Snowdon Long Dam. Unfortunately, he released the fish before a photo could be taken. The second prize was shared between Anton Martyn and Alan Birnie who each caught fish of 590mm with the third prize going to Mark Boreham for a rainbow of 589mm. The junior section was won by Evan van Niekerk. In the team category, the longest bag of 25,28 metres went to the Red Eye Buggers. The Maclear Cormorants came a close second followed by the Fishaholics in third place.
Overall, an impressive 399 fish were caught, an average of 10 per person! This was partly the result of the co-operative weather, but also the fact that the dam stocking has been very successful. The trout were not quite as big as in the previous two years although this is all relative. With an average length of 45cm, nobody complained!
Once again, we are deeply indebted to Xplorer for their continued sponsorship of the event. We also appreciate the ongoing support of the subsidiary sponsors. Aloe Grove, as always, excelled in every department. The entrants commented almost without fail on how much they had enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the camaraderie of their fellow fly fishermen. Most of the teams have already booked their accommodation for next year!
Mark Boreham with his spectacular 589mm cock fish from Pine Grove Dam which won him third place in the individual section
Lawrence McDougall with a fat hen from Snowdon Trophy Dam.
Pine Grove Dam in a tranquil mood!
Fishermen in action on Snowdon Long Dam
The golden hue of the winter countryside enveloping Snowdon Trophy Dam.
A perfect loop!
Team Prize: first place - Red Eye Buggers
Left to Right: Ivan Tyler, Mark Boreham, Steve Harrison & Gavin Bailey
Team Prize: second place - Maclear Cormorants
Left to Right: Brian Todd, Henk Buchell, Anton Martyn, Andre Coetzee & John Geils (Xplorer)
Evan van Niekerk, winner of the junior section.
Liam Wege, the junior who won the individual prize for the longest fish, receiving his floating trophy and prize from QFFC Chairman, Reg Morgan & Xplorer owner, John Geils.
Anton Martyn and Alan Birnie receiving their prizes from Dean Stoltz (Target Line sponsor) and Reg Morgan (QFFC Chairman) for coming second in the individual section.
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