The 2025 Chronicle

FLY FISHING AND TROUT CLUB

Staff Member in Charge: Mr Righardt Kotze Chairman: Craig Cribbins

wells of several long-standing “officers and men” from the Crib bins, Walters, Le Sueur, Baker and Gilson families. In a won derful gesture, the club – including its retired members – gifted Murray Cathcart a new Ark inflatable boat to replace the iconic “Yellow Torpedo”. As a result, Murray and Bish were finally able to spend less time portaging and reinflating their boat, and more time actually catching fish – which they did with great success! The group was also treated to a guided tour of Old Boy Rhett Quinne’s hatchery, followed by a special fishing session on highly exclusive waters. The final evening’s dinner was as entertaining as always, with Bimpy treating everyone to anoth er of her renowned culinary masterpieces – always the abso lute highlight of the camp’s dinners. The trip was a resounding success thanks to Murray and Bimpy Cathcart, and we remain eternally grateful for their incredible hospitality. SA NATIONALS FLY FISHING CHAMPIONSHIPS After the SA Nationals Fly Fishing Championships held in Barkly East, Shaun Robinson (Ralfe, 2024) and Henry Wal ters (Tatham A Block 2025) were invited to the SA National Protea Trials at Snowflake, Bushman’s River. Henry demon strated his experience and performed well in the final stand ings, ultimately qualifying for the SA Protea National B Team.. Following a challenging National Championship, Shaun and Henry ended up in mid-twentieth placings. With such a low ranking, competing in the Protea Trials would be difficult, as they needed to finish in the top ten. While Shaun struggled with his fishing, Henry demonstrated his experience and per formed well in the final standings, ultimately qualifying for the SA Protea National B Team.

AWARDS Heath Turner: KZNFFA A Team; team bronze medal at Nation al Fly Fishing Championship; Cole Hooker: KZNFFA Invitational Team; competed at National Fly Fishing Championship We remain deeply indebted to the many friends of Michaelhouse who so kindly grant us access to their beautiful waters; without their generosity, there would be no club. Alex Dam has developed into an exceptional trophy water. The boys who make the trek up the hill during afternoons and free bounds at weekends often find it challenging, narrowly missing out on hooking one of its deep-lurking giants. Patience and skill are absolutely essential. Although finding open days when the boys are free of commitments has proven difficult this season, we still managed a few successful outings. Even though a few boys blanked, simply being out on the water was a breathtaking experience. It was especially rewarding to watch our novices cast their lines and focus on the retrieve, hoping to hook that elusive trout. EAST GRIQUALAND TRIP The 70th annual EG Trout Club trip was one for the record books. It was a deeply nostalgic occasion, marking the fare

Left: Henry Walters (Tatham A Block 2025) Right: Shaun Robinson (Ralfe A Block 2024)