Competition angling is not for everyone, in fact some of the best anglers I have met have never fished a competition in their lives. Some see fishing as an escape. An break from their daily routine, and from the responsibilities that go with adult life. They want to be outside with a rod in hand maybe a refreshment in the other and spend some quality time with mates targeting their favorite species of fish.
The TOPS Corporate Challenge is celebrating its 15th year in 2016., driving anglers have flock to the small village of Nottingham Road in pursuit of the silvery bounty that proliferate in these waters.
It’s about so much more than the fishing though… It’s the time you get to spend with like minded individuals after sessions on the water. It’s about meeting new friends and talking fly fishing over a cold one at the legendary Notties Pub. The TOPS Corporate Challenge is not your average fly fishing competition and if you are going to enter a fly fishing event this is why you should enter this one.
#1 Everyone walks away with something. Besides the awesome goodie bag you receive when you arrive on the first day of the event, each angler receives a prize at prize giving time. Fishing holidays to exotic destinations, fly fishing tackle, clothing and hampers from our sponsors are only some of the prizes up for grabs, and they aren’t all awarded on fishing capability…
#2 The Trout get big in our part of the world. Every year we see trout of monster sizes getting caught and released in our waters. Quite a few have broken the trophy 10lb Trout mark and many have come close. The big ones are around and when you do hook into a 10 pounder, you will be taking home a brand new boat courtesy of Yamaha Marine South Africa.
#3 The food is hot and the beers are always cold. Our hosts Clive and Linda Foss of the Legendary Notties Hotel make sure that you never go hungry or thirsty after a day spent on the water. The food is exceptional and the staff are always friendly but be warned, the taps never run dry.
#4 You don’t have to be a master fly fisherman. Hell you don’t even have to be a fly fisher. We have had many anglers come to our event never having picked up a fly rod before. With capable anglers and guides around that are more than willing to help, you will be casting flies and catching fish before the end of the weekend.
#5 It’s always a jol. Like I said it’s not so much about the fishing but the time spent with mates having a laugh and enjoying the festivities around Notties Pub. Good company and letting loose with friends is what the TCC is all about.
Follow the TOPS Corporate Challenge Facebook page to see what our competitors get up to and find out more about the event at www.wildfly.co.za
Area Fishing: South Africa
Discipline: Freshwater Fly
Species Targeted: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Yellowfish, Largemouth Yellowfish, Natal Scaly, Tigerfish, Bass, Carp
Rhuan grew up in a fishing family and being raised on the banks of the Vaal River he spent many hours targeting anything that swims. He started out as a lure angler fishing with his father in local bass circuits and money trails. He caught his first Yellowfish on fly in the Vaal River and has been hooked on fly fishing ever since. Nowadays Rhuan spends his time in the KZN midlands fishing the pristine trout waters in the area and every now and then he visits his home waters of the mighty Vaal River.
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