It is strange the twist and turns that fly fishing can bring into your life.
Alex Burnett(Catman) and I have, over the last year or more become good friends (another long story, involving another forumer)
During Alex's last visit, to Cape Town, he showed me his Barrio #3 9' rod.
What a lovely rod, with a stunning wooden handle.
Easily shoots out line, with a lovely short casting ability.
We did not managed to get out on the streams, but we did manage to play around at the pond, at his girlfriend's house.
In the Cape Streams, the ability to cast short lines, are very important, as a lot of the fishing is done short, in pockets.
18" leader with a 6" flyline is suffice in most spots.
Andre, another friend of Alex, invited us for a braai (in South Africa, you dont barbecue, you BRAAI) on Friday evening.
I was early and had the fire going outside, standing with a beer in hand, enjoying the summer weather.
Alex rang the door bell and I went to greet him as well. As Andre opened the door, Alex handed us both a lovely tartan rod sock, saying "Merry Christmas"
Inside the rod sock, was a custom built, #3 9" rod, each with the name of our favourite stream on it.
What a christmas present, WOW.
I am not sure what we did to deserve this, but we are very grateful for this.
Over the weekend, Alex and I went to try out my new Christmas present.
It performed lovely, even in the windy conditions.
Landing a couple of lovely trout.
Thanks again Alex, for a super Christmas present.
