Good bass come to those who wait

The annual Clanwilliam Winter Bass Classic in the foothills of the Cederberg is for serious anglers who don’t believe in luck. Okay, maybe just a little bit…

- SVEN HUGO

A full moon shines in the cold August night above the Cederberg mountains. Hardly a leaf stirs in Clanwilliam down below, and the moonlight shimmers silver on the still, black water of Clanwilliam Dam.

At De Kelder Restaurant, not far from the dam, fishermen are talking fishing like a group of stockbrokers analysing the day’s market data. “Look at the moon… Mmm, promising,” says one. “Nope. The dam is too full. The water is too cold. But you never know,” says another.

For now, the bass are lurking in the nooks and crannies of the dam, in the shallow, muddy water that they enjoy. Tomorrow, lines will be cast and fish will be caught. Well, that’s the plan at least.

There are about 60 enthusiastic anglers gathered at De Kelder to register for the annual Clanwilliam Winter Bass Classic, which was first held in 1989. Don’t confuse the Winter Bass Classic with the Summer Bass Classic – both tournaments are held at Clanwilliam Dam, but the winter tournament draws more experienced fishermen. Most of the participants are professionals with national colours in the sport.