Second at Outcast Club Competition

Johan Nell

I decided to join the Outcast Club competition on Saturday, even though I had never fished at this private dam between Brandfort and Verkeerdevlei before. With no real plan in mind, I just wanted to enjoy the day and see what happens. The morning started off calm with a light breeze — perfect fishing weather.

I set one rod to fish shallow and the other deep. My shallow rod was clipped at 50 m, and the deep rod was left open spool. The first fish came quickly on the 50 m line, but it was small. I recast, and soon after, the deep rod produced a much better-sized carp. That told me what I needed to know. I moved the shallow rod to 75 m, which again brought a small fish, while the deeper rod continued delivering quality fish.

As the wind picked up, it became harder to build a solid feeding spot, but I pushed my cast further to 85 m — and immediately got rewarded with another solid carp. From that moment, both rods stayed at that distance, and the fish just kept coming.

The day, however, had a few surprises. What started as a calm morning turned into a wild afternoon. The wind grew stronger, shifted directions several times, and by mid-afternoon we were hit by rain and even hail. At one stage, I had to take cover in the car because of the thunderstorm passing dangerously close. But despite the chaos, the fish were feeding — and I was landing them.

By the end of the day, I managed to land 16 fish in total — 11 carp and 5 barbel — with a total bag weight of 11.660 kg, earning me 2nd overall for the day.

My Winning Setup

Rod 1

Top Hook: Cinnamon X Small Bleeding Floaties with Sweet White Dough

Bottom Hook: Vampire Fluoro Small Bleeding Floaties with Sweet White Dough

PB Muti & DCX Boldip

Rod 2

Top Hook: Vampire Fluoro Small Bleeding Floaties and a worm

Bottom Hook: Vampire Fluoro Small Bleeding Floaties and a worm

Chicken Blood Boldip

Feed Mix: BGA Liquid Carp Food Feed Booster.

Backing: Plain White Sweetdough.