A former top-tier comp angler, these days the Eastern Cape’s Brenton Freeman lives up to his surname as a free-ranging, solo guide. From the Barkly East area for trout and yellows to the Wild Coast estuaries for salty thugs, he finds great fish in beautiful places.

5 best things about where you guide?

1. Pristine environments.
2. The multitude and diversity of the rivers.
3. E.A.S (Barkly East Angling Society) – their hospitality and commitment to fly fishing is impressive.
4. The untapped potential to explore.
5. The vastness and scenery of the landscape is truly awe-inspiring.

5 fishing-connected items you don’t leave home without before making a mission? 

1. My green mirror Costas.
2. An all-weather jacket.
3. Headlight.
4. Knife.
5. Spare reading glasses.

5 bands to listen to while on a road trip?

1. Sugar Shack Sessions.
2. LIVE.
3. Youngr.
4. Trevor Hall.
5. Nako Bear.

5 things you’re loving right now?

1. Seriously loving it. Maybe it’s just a summer thing but I can’t get enough.
2. Physical training, calisthenics and MMA (mixed martial arts).
3. Strangely enough, having long hair. It gives me a sense of well-being and freedom.
4. My new truck, “The Beast”, a kitted out 2006 Mitsubishi Colt 2.8 Tdi, Xtreme double cab 4×4.
5. Exploring the Transkei Wild Coast.

5 indispensable flies for saltwater?

1. Chartreuse over white clouser.
2. Bucktail predator fly.
3. SF blend baitfish.
4. Seaducer.
5. Crazy Charlies.

5 indispensable flies for freshwater?

1. Gun.
2. Jig Bugger.
3. Tabanas.
4. Hot Spot PTN.
5. Self-tied crab.

5 favourite fly fishing destinations across Africa?

1. Zambia.
2. Mozambique.
3. Transkei/Wild Coast.
4. Eastern Cape Highlands and Lesotho.
5. Garden Route.

Reads the rest of Brenton’s High 5’s in issue 38. It’s free!

The Mission is home-grown and hand-rolled with blood, sweat and beers. You can buy us one on Patreon.