FREESTONE GUIDING

I am entranced by the beauty of South African landscapes and love flyfishing (with bamboo rods!) in the streams and rivers that run through our stunning mountain ranges. I have been flyfishing these waters since 1971 and every time I go out it is a sheer delight (see gallery).

I would like to share some of this magic with guests who are visiting the Cape and are looking for a special South African flyfishing experience or with fellow South African anglers simply wanting to learn more about fishing on these challenging streams.

I offer a guiding service from Cape Town, which offers guests access to the world class flyfishing we have in the surrounding mountains - streams such as The Smalblaar, The Witte, The Holsloot, The Molenaars, The Elandspad and The Jan du Toits.

My guiding service includes:

• Tailoring the day to meet your special requirements
• Procurement of all necessary licences and day tickets,
• Booking of beats
• Collection from where you are staying and return to same at the end of the day.
• Tea/coffee and rusks before we get onto the waters
• Option of fishing with tackle I can supply including one of my handmade bamboo rods (bamboo rods) and/or your own rod and tackle.
• Expert guiding offering advice and assistance on
  • appropriate tackle - rod, reel ,line, leader, end tackle and flies
  • optimal setup of this tackle.
  • line and leader make-up to suit the immediate conditions.
  • fly choice - option of using tried and tested flies tied by myself, or your own.
  • reading the water; where fish are likely to be lying, and how to spot them
  • how best to approach each and every pool/riffle/run with the above knowledge
  • Appropriate presentation techniques; casts and line handling to ensure drag free drift.
  • how to set the hook, play the fish and safely return it to the water
  • Common bird identification and basic entomology
  • etc.
• A picnic lunch on the water
• Photographs of yourself with your fish
• A cold drink on return to the car
• Return to your place of stay

If you'd like to spend a special day being guided on a Cape Stream please contact me (stephen dugmore) for further information.

I look forward to sharing a memorable experience with you.

Stephen Dugmore

BAMBOO RODS