Hi :name:

Catch Report

In the past few months Intrepid Fly sent groups to, The Amazon, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and around South Africa.

Intrepid Fly continued its trips along the Zambezi, with the season terminating at our private lodge on the head waters of the Kariba Dam mid November. Contrary to bullish expectations we had for the 2009 season, we found that the tiger fishing was not its best. The vast amount of water and its delay in it's level dropping off affected the upper and middle Zambezi, while we contended with an easterly wind that blew for 6 weeks upstream while at camp over October and November. That said the groups had to work harder for their fish, not achieving the numbers we were used to, but were rewarded with bigger fish than previous years. The largest tiger weighed in at 20 lbs, with many guests getting into double figure tigers and decidedly more personal bests. The lower Zambezi was better in comparison this year, as the weather conditions were more favourable. We will continue to focus on the middle Zambezi into 2010, with new prospects on Chorra Bassa (Mozambique) as well as the lower Zambezi.

Throughout the year, Intrepid Fly's groups continued with great success in landing peacock bass and other interesting fresh water species in the Amazon (Brazil). Having exclusivity to the top operator in the Amazon has benefited our clients who have been releasing anywhere from 220 - 1400 peacocks per group per week with a number of peacocks over 20lbs being released and the largest being 24 lbs caught 2 months ago!. Suited to fly and conventional lures, these fish are a must for any angler interested in aggressive surface strikes within a truly spectacular environment. We provide a range of options to target these peacocks throughout the year with budget and comfort in consideration.

Intrepid Fly sent a few groups to the Bazaruto Archipelago. From September to November, we were successful in targeting the bill fish that frequent the region. We were blessed with windows of good weather and calm seas that yielded a number of prized black marlin ranging from 200 - 800 lbs and sailies from 40 - 90 lbs on fly. Other species were taken in smaller numbers (not necessarily their season), but the focus in these months was the bill fish. Intrepid Fly has recently finalised a partnership with an internationally renowned marlin skipper, at the top resort in the archipelago focussing on black marlin at a very affordable rate for 2010.

The trout season is well underway across the rivers in South Africa. The Western Cape streams expect a good season into the first quarter of 2010 although was challenged by the good rains and high water levels at the start of the season. We had a fun day out in December using conventional tackle, targeting sharks. Bronze whalers of 88 kg are not accessible on fly … A stubborn fight but very rewarding. The Kwa-Zulu Natal streams and the Eastern Cape also experienced good spring rains and are also suggesting a good season into he New Year with consistent water levels. Intrepid Fly continues its trips into Lesotho in search of large wild trout. The Vaal will be a testing fishery for the ensuing few weeks with all the rains.

Upcoming Trips

Below is a list of the upcoming trips … I am often asked if I was to pick 3 based on value for money alone … From our current portfolio … Mexico, if you are prepared to travel far, Bassas Da India if you can candle a 2 day crossing on a catamaran and still our best package, the head waters of Kariba for tigers. Then again it's a tough choice and I don't want to turn my back on the other trips!

Intrepid Fly will be hosting and guiding a number of trips to lodges on the middle and lower Zambezi. This stretch of the Zambezi well known for its abundant and large tigerfish population. In times where work class fishing on a budget is seemingly unattainable … this is a package and destination worth considering

Intrepid Fly will be hosting trips to the Sea of Cortez on the Baja Peninsula in Mexico from May to July 2010 offering you the only chance to target the legendary rooster fish on fly from the shore while also experiencing marlin and sailies on fly and conventional methods. This is truly great value for money!

Intrepid Fly will be taking 2 trips to Bassas da India in 2010. This legendary atoll in the Indian Ocean offers you the very best chance of hooking up with monster GT's, dogtooth tuna, snapper and various other pelagic species. Expect a 1.5 - 2 day crossing each way with 7 days fishing. The trip is departing from Mozambique.

Intrepid Fly will be guiding a number of trips to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Once arriving in Vilanculos you will be hosted at our preferred lodge where you will have a chance to target various species off shore, off the points and the surrounding islands and spits. Superb estuary fishing is also available.

Intrepid Fly will be packaging and guiding trips throughout the year to the Amazon to target peacock bass in the lagoon systems of Northern Brazil. The round trip is 8 days in the Amazon with options to visit Rio de Janeiro on route. There is space for individuals and groups. Last month's trip, yielded an astounding 194 peacock bass between 2 anglers in one day...

Intrepid Fly will be guiding and packaging trips to Argentina to target large rainbow and brown trout across streams and spring creeks. The trip will involve a stop off in Buenos Aeries on route to Patagonia. Fishing will include floating trips should you wish. We are currently exploring new waters to include golden dorado into a similar package.

Intrepid Fly will be holding a number of academies in the upcoming year. These weekends away will be in the Lowveld, Drakensberg, Western Cape and Rhodes region for all anglers. If you have a party and would like a guide to accompany you on your weekend away, please let us know.

Thank you for all your support over the year and especially through these challenging times. Many of our clients are a lot more excited for 2010 and hopefully this will free you to join us on a fishing safari. Consider getting away during the world cup (June - July) as its slap bang over the season for the Zambezi and the Basaruto Archipelago.

Kind Regards

Andrew and the Intrepid Fly team

How Intrepid Fly works for you .... It only takes an email or a phone call.

We are a specialist fly-fishing travel agency with interests in 20 fisheries around the world, targeting both fresh and salt water species. We negotiate preferential rates with the venues we support so that we don't have to mark up the price. We then package the trips to include guides (optional) who are internationally accredited (REFFIS). Tell us where and when you want to go fishing and we will take care of the booking and the travel arrangements, saving you time and money. Intrepid Fly practices catch and release.