Let’s Fly, bru.

Recently I had the opportunity to join Nick Van Rensburg, a local fly fishing legend and close friend, to a venture out on the Cape Streams, what started as a question became reality in less than 0.5 seconds.

Nick: “I’m going fishing Friday… come with?”

We missioned out to Stellenbosch (Western Cape) Thursday evening to meet up with the crew who all so kindly allowed us to set up base for the night. Upon arrival I was greeted by Gabriel Botha and Tim Leppan, both avid and passionate fisherman themselves… almost immediately feeling I was in the same boat. The invitation was warm and welcoming and I felt as though I’d been a friend and fisherman with the team for years. The fire was lit, the beers flowing and chatter of the wooly bugger on the rise.

“5:00AM the next morning…”

Alarms were bouncing off the walls, kettle starting up and early morning headaches entering the room… after some mumbling over a healing hot beverage we hit the road and made our way through to the Cape Streams.

Feeling inspired from our excursion, I had a moment to catch Nick Van Rensburg on a few questions I thought would resonate with a lot of us reading this article, and ended as follows:

What does fly fishing mean to you?

“Many men go fishing their entire lives without knowing it isn’t fish they’re after” – Henry David Thoreau.

I think when quotes such as this start making sense, you’ve reached a point where there is so much more understanding, and reason to doing what makes you happy.

As many passionate fly anglers will tell you, its not so much about catching the fish, as it is about the methodical process of getting into the scenario, where the opportunity of catching the fish may present itself. Whether you end up with the fish in your net or not, the experience is always be added to a “list” of sorts. For me, it all plays a part in what could be best described as a process of meditation, and grounding. This, has seen the sport become a lifestyle, and is the primary way for me to unpack stress, remove all the bullshit, and focus on what really matters. I think this is a major aspect that is missing in so many people’s lives in the current world in which we live. Having space is essential for growth, and its something I’ve been fortunate enough to learn to create, purely through the lessons, and skills I’ve learnt from fishing.

What sparked your interest in becoming a fly fisherman/guide?

When I was still biting knee caps, my late Grandpa used to take me fishing at the local harbour, and I suppose this is where the addiction became real. Fast forward a few years, and the purchasing of a local Fly Fishing magazine would see the interest spark, and the dream start taking place!

In terms of becoming a guide, I’ve been obsessed with the sport since I was 11 years old, and since then, it’s literally all I’ve ever wanted to do. So, Growing up and materialising a passion into a professional skill has added a new set of experiences, and life lessons that really have solidified the love for the game. I find just as much satisfaction when I catch a fish as I do for a client or friend, and I think this is something that all guides should encompass in their approach. I can tell you that phenomenal friendships and connections have been formed between people by simply sharing a section of water for a day. Amplify this, and you have friendships that will last a lifetime. There aren’t many activities that do this quite as well as fly fishing, and for me, guiding is where the formation of these incredible bonds are witnesses on a daily basis.

What is a FlyBru?

FlyBru was initially started as a passion project with one of my best friends, Matt Gorlei.

The goal was to portray Fly Fishing though our eyes, giving raw insight into our world, using photography and videography. Up until recently, fly fishing was portrayed as an “old mans sport” and I think what we started, really fluffed up the perspective that many had. Here were two students, in floral shorts, most likely hung-over, or on the piss, tackling a trout river, or some local dams with fly rods and gorpos. Compare that to the standardised image, of some old dude with a pipe and wide brim hat, covered in flies. And I think this really started to take hold, and inspire younger anglers to not give a shit about what others thought, because fly fishing is cool bru.

~ FLYBRU ~

What has fly fishing as a skill set taught you in life?

· Passion is powerful.

· Persistence and patience will fare you well

· Space is essential for growth

· Its not about catching the fish, so much as it is about the process.

What place do the Cape Streams have in your heart?

The Cape Streams are the original stomping grounds. Without the awesome spotted residents, I don’t think I’d be nearly half of who I am today. They have always been an easy escape from reality, and to this day, they still serve the same purpose.