Meerhof, Hartebeespoort 3 June 2012

A few friends, Ettienne and Rudi, and I went to Meerhof at Hartebeespoort Dam on Sunday 3 June 2012. We arrived at the gates just before 6.00am and was able to secure a nice spot almost completely to the right of the venue. Started unpacking, but the cold didn't make it easy and I only had my first rod in the water around 6.35am. Made a blunder on the cast with the second rod and decided to warm up my hands with a warm cup of coffee and a rusk. Finally got both rods in and we were all eagarly awaiting for bites. It wasn't long when Rudi got a pull on kamoem mielies on a hair. But we suspect the fish were to small to get the bait in it's mouth.

Our spot

After one or two pulls I finally landed a nice Common Carp at 9.30am with Butter/Vanilla/Caramel on the bomb and kiana dough and plain float on the hook. Then it got quiet. We all got a few light pulls, but nothing on the line.

I tried various dips, baits and distances. Eventually got back to the butter vanilla caramel combo with a touch of Stuttafords on the bomb. Dough on one hook and float on the other. This got me two fish and quite a few bites as well. Ettienne also changed over to this combo and got bites on both rods, but unfortunately we were packing up at this stage and we ran out of time. Better luck next time Ettienne!!!

2nd Carp. All the fish were basically the same size.

So in total I landed three fish under 1kg. All were caught at least 100-120m out. All in all we had an awesome day at the water enjoying nature and good conversation. Would love to go again during the winter to see if some of the bigger fish want to bite.

Time to pack up....

PS: Thanks Ettienne for the steaks! The braai was well worth it! 

Update: 
Here is a map and approximate co-ordinates to get to Meerhof: -25.761424,27.894635

Thanks to Google Maps

The entrance