Feeling the winter blues? What you need to break you out of that low-energy stupor is a high-octane dose of fish smut, shweet story-telling, plus the chance of winning phenomenal prizes worth over R1 million. How does a week at Alphonse Island sound? What about a tigerfishing trip to Baines, a trip to the Makhangoa Community Camp on the Bokong River in Lesotho with African Waters, an Orange River drift with X-Factor Angling, a Jozini/Pongola tigerfish trip with Mavungana Fly Fishing? And of course, tons of clobber from the likes of Shilton, Thomas & Thomas, Cortland, Echo, Fishpond, TFO, Costa, Yeti, Turtle Box, Xplorer, Upstream, FlyZinc and yours truly at The Mission?
If any of these even remotely piqued your interest, then amigos, you might want to grab some tickets for you and your mates to attend the IF4 (International Fly Fishing Film Tour) events in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Knysna. Seriously though, if you are hesitating for even a second, ask yourself this. What else are you going to do on a random mid-week night in winter? You might as well get your fly fishing buddies together, kick back and enjoy the show and maybe, just maybe, go home having won an incredible trip or an amazing piece of gear.
The schedule is as follows:
KNYSNA
WHEN: THURSDAY 17 JULY
WHERE: KNYSNA HOLLOW COUNTRY ESTATE
Knysnaaiers (and other denizens of the Garden Route), it’s time to show up and represent the Southern Cape. Get your tickets HERE
CAPE TOWN
WHEN: TUESDAY 22 JULY
WHERE: LABIA THEATRE, GARDENS
Slaapstadians, don’t snooze on this as it always sells out. Get your tickets HERE
DURBAN
WHEN: WEDNESDAY 23 JULY
WHERE: BARNYARD THEATRE, SUNCOAST
Dirtbinnebraaiers, now’s your chance. No complaints if you don’t show up. Get your tickets HERE
JOHANNESBURG
When: Thursday 24 July.
Where: The Tryst, Sandton
Gautengalengers, do the Big Smoke proud. Get your tickets HERE
Here are a couple of the standouts from the lineup:
NATIVE RANGE
“Big fish. Exotic locales. Dangerous conditions. Three anglers and a dog encounter precisely none of these as they set out across the remote expanses of Utah in search of native cutthroat trout. Do they go for the roadside tacos? Or dusty dive bars? Maybe they’re searching for an inner wild and a different kind of trophy—one hidden in plain sight.”
FISHING DIARIES
“Fishing Diaries from acclaimed filmmaker Vaidas Uselis, takes viewers to the breathtaking flats of the Seychelles, where angler Helmut Zaderer faces the challenge of landing massive GTs, some over 1.2 meters long. Known as the “gangsters of the flats,” these fish demand skill, strength, and diverse fishing techniques to conquer. The film showcases the thrill of stalking GTs in shallow waters, explosive strikes, and the subsequent brutal, adrenaline-fueled battles. From surf fishing to targeting these giants alongside rays, Helmut navigates the chaos and excitement of every encounter. With stunning visuals and unforgettable moments, this film is a tribute to the untamed beauty of the ocean and the ultimate fly-fishing adventure.”
LEGACY
“What happens when you lose your fishing buddy, business partner, your muse, and your loving wife all in one moment? Award-winning filmmaker Joshua Caldwell—director of the Netflix hit Mending the Line—once again tackles the subjects of loss, healing, and recovery in the sweeping story of the life and legacy of fly-fishing’s best-known and influential couple, Barry and Cathy Beck.”
NEW BEGINNINGS
“New Beginnings from Jesse Males, picks up the story of the iconic Casa Mar and introduces fly-fishing legends Chico Fernandez and Dan Blanton who together, with the late Peter Gorinsky, tell untold stories from the past, address current conservation challenges and uncover what the future of the area needs most. Thrilling fishing sequences mixed with never before seen documentary footage of the area makes New Beginnings a truly riveting piece of fly-fishing film history.”
THE SILENT SPOTTER
“Silent Spotter, from award-winning filmmaker, RA Beattie, explores the extraordinary life of Tommy Batun, a deaf and mute fly-fishing guide in Xcalak, Mexico. With wit, honesty, and a touch of irreverence, narrator Jesse Colten provides a glimpse into Tommy’s remarkable journey—one that questions what it means to be a “hero” in the world of saltwater fly fishing.”
If you’re into reading, check out The Mission Issue 51 below, for free.
