Bell Blog 11-12-2011 by Tony Kietzman

Derek (I apologize if the spelling is incorrect) had his grandson, Kai with him and wished to have me help with Kai’s introduction to streams. Richard was also after an introduction to fishing in moving water. Derek owns land up the Kloppershoekspruit near Tiffindell (although as he pointed out to me on the map, the river is actually called the Bell there).

We went up and some concerted fishing failed to even produce a take. I decided to move the party down to the Bokspruit.

On the way back down, near to the top of the Carlisleshoek pass Richard suddenly stopped and pointed out a large bird. The bird turned out to be a Bearded Vulture and what is more it was busy breaking bones. We stood and watched transfixed as it would drop a bone, descend and pick the bone up again. The process was repeated a few times and what was really amazing was watching how the bird would soar without flapping, turn and drop the bone on its ossuary. The bird was so in tune with the wind that the bone landed in the same spot every time. (the three are quite serious and accomplished birders.) This sighting became the highlight of the day and they almost forgot about the fishing.

When we got to Birnam we found the Bok flowing clear although on the high side. There were no hatches or rises and they took a few fish on nymphs. Kai spent his whole day using the Tenkara which he quickly bonded with. This really is an amazing teaching tool.