Learn
Field guides.
Short, practical guides to the parts of fishing that are not about gear: the water, the technique, and staying safe.
Reading the water
- How to read a beachWhere fish sit, how to spot a gully, and why the best spot is often the one nobody is fishing.6 min read
- Tides, the moon and when to fishHow the tide moves fish, and how to plan a trip around it.5 min read
- Wind, swell and water colourWhat the weather is telling you about your chances.4 min read
- How to read a damWhere fish sit in a still water: inflows, weed edges, points, drop-offs and the wind.5 min read
Technique
- Casting a surf rodThe overhead thump and the pendulum cast, step by step, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.8 min read
- Baiting up properlyKeep the bait on the hook through the cast and make it look natural.5 min read
- Setting the hook and playing a fishWhat to do between the first bite and the net: a calm, steady approach lands more fish.5 min read
- Bass fishing for beginnersWhat bass eat, where they sit, and the three lures that catch most of them.6 min read
- Carp fishing for beginnersA patient, bait-led style of fishing: choose a swim, feed it, and wait with a hair rig.7 min read
Tackle know-how
Care and safety
- Looking after your rod and reelSalt water destroys gear fast. Ten minutes after every trip keeps it working for years.4 min read
- Beach safetyTide, rocks, rips, hooks and the sun: short checks that keep you safe.4 min read
- Handling and releasing fishIf you plan to release a fish, the first minute decides whether it survives.5 min read
- Permits and rules in South AfricaWhat you need before you wet a line, and where to check the current rules.3 min read
- Freshwater permits and rulesProvinces, dams and clubs each set their own rules for permits, bait, night fishing and what you may keep.4 min read