THE HALO HATCH

From wanting “plips” not “blops” to mating flights and embracing darkness, Vaal River hatch junkie Herman “Harry” Botes breaks down the how, when, and why

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

Exploring remote valleys with no paths, no reception and no easy way in or out, three anglers throw caution to the wind, extend a middle

DEER HAIR AND CDC ROACH – SBS

My corruption of Herman Botes’ Papa Roach has come up in conversation quite a bit lately. It’s fair to ask why on earth I would tamper with this damn near perfect stillwater trout fly, but in my case the answer is simple: you absolutely don’t have to, but … you can.

THE BULLET

From body-boarding to skateboarding, exploring the Vaal River and its tributaries for amazing yellowfish action, or inventing fly patterns like the brilliant Papa Roach, whatever our issue 21 Lifer Herman Botes does in life, he does at full tilt.

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