How a windy Free State weekend turned into a memorable fishing adventure.

Quentin Thuysman

On the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of October 2025, I joined my good friends Frans de Friend and young MG van Niekerk for a social fishing trip at Aprilskraal Fishing Resort, tucked away in the Hammonia district of the Eastern Free State. The wind was howling across the water, and with the carp in spawning mode, we knew we were in for a challenge. But when you’ve got the right company—and Magic Baits in your tackle box—there’s always a bit of magic waiting to happen.

Despite the rough conditions, we managed to land some solid fish. My rods were loaded with trusted Magic Baits combos—MZ Small Bleeding Floaties, MZ Bottled Mealies, and Bloekom Heuning Sluggers paired with 4×4 Boldip and HLX Boldip.

The SloLeak Magic Potions in Rich Corn and Tacky TCP worked perfectly as my secret edge, while also the use of Cypri HEP Powder that gave that irresistible food signal.

For the feed, I mixed up Magic Baits Heavyweight Feed with a squirt of Cypri Liquid Carp Food Feed Booster, and the Wizard Quick-Set Hooks No. 3 sealed the deal.

The results spoke for themselves: carp weighing 6.4 kg and 3.6 kg, plus a couple of solid catfish at 8.0 kg and 6.8 kg—caught on Chicken Blood Bleeding Floaties and Chicken Blood Boldip.

MG even hooked into a monster carp that snapped his bought trace clean off, and I lost a barbel that must’ve been a proper beast.

Aprilskraal is about 43 km from Ficksburg on the gravel road to Senekal. It’s a rustic gem—no electricity yet, but there’s running water, showers, and toilets, plus a small hall and a jetty to cast from. The place has a relaxed farm charm, short grass, and three fixed braai spots, making it ideal for a weekend under the stars. The farmer currently rents the property with the option to buy, and there are three rondavels waiting to be renovated.

He’s already asked if I’d consider organizing a competition once everything’s upgraded—I said yes without hesitation. The venue can host around thirty anglers comfortably and feels completely safe. I’ve camped there three times already, and every trip has been special.

In April, I even landed my personal best carp of 7.2 kg along with fifteen other beautiful fish.

Aprilskraal might be off the beaten path, but for those who love the sound of a reel screaming in the Free State wind—it’s pure magic.