Once one of South Africa’s most successful tennis players (Wimbledon and US Open mixed doubles champion and a career-high singles rank of no.7 in the world), these days you’re likely to find Greer Leo-Smith ( neé Stevens) participating in South African competitive fly fishing events, figuring out yellowfish both in Gabon and at home, or [...]
When he’s not trying to cast a fly, Dr Patrick Avery can frequently be found tending to Sir David Attenborough and his BBC film crews all over the world … from rainforests to savannah, Iceland to Antarctica. Here’s his advice on the medical kit to pack for a proper expedition. "I was lucky to [...]
As modern day ecologists, conservationists and explorers go, there are very few people that compare with Mike Fay. From his fabled Megatransect (a massive journey on foot across the Congo basin) where he surveyed the environmental and ecological impacts on the region, to his pioneering work establishing and protecting national parks in Gabon, Central African [...]
Conrad Botes battles chaos, fatigue and demons in his return to Gabon on a quest for the Silver King - tarpon. As featured in The Mission Issue 03. I wake up some time on the morning of day three. Or maybe it’s day four, I can’t remember at this stage. I’m completely exhausted, stretched to [...]
Guide, guru, mystic dream weaver and fly fishing pioneer – Arno Matthee is exploring the final frontier. By Tudor Caradoc-Davies, featured in The Mission Fly Mag Issue 03. I came across a great new word the other day – psychopomp. Relax, it’s not what you think. Steve Hofmeyr is not involved. In ancient Greek it [...]
The free films just keep coming! This time, it's Atlanticus (the trans-Atlantic tarpon fest) and Water is Life from Grant Wiswell of Castaway Films. All you need to do is sit back, relax and dream of big fish. https://vimeo.com/414009001
The best fly fishing destinations from fly fishing guide Johann du Preez. 5 favourite fly fishing destinations globally? Bolivia has to be one of the best destinations on the planet. From golden dorado to pacu and everything else in between it is just pure adrenalin. Johann du Preez with a fat pacu caught in [...]
Earlier this year, we spent some time fishing in Gabon with fashion photographer and film director Travys Owen. When he’s not shooting for mega brands like Adidas or lipping African poons, Travys is amassing great tunes. For this Gabon-inspired selection, Travys says, “Deep in Gabon camping on a sand spit having one bar of 3G [...]
"If I could change one thing in fly fishing, it would be the illusion that you can drop a packet of money on going to an exotic venue and come back as an accomplished fly angler. I’m all for the School of Hard Knocks – I had to repeat a few grades myself just to [...]
"It’s impossible to convey to somebody what the jungles of Gabon are like. I can tell you that they are endless and totally overpowering with almost no sign of human habitation, but no matter how much hyperbole I use, most people will never know what it feels like to take a boat trip down a [...]
