[Swedish Jim]

Hi Miles,

Youre coming into a fantastic time of year in Canada I guess. Never been there but I used to get out as soon as the thaw came in Sweden and Norway. The free diving in the flooded rivers was great. Salmon Trout whitefish and fresh water crays etc. Otherwise put on fins, wetsuit, swimming glasses (not mask and snorkel) bicycle helmet and hop in for some white water (without the raft!). Just check out the rocks before taking the plunge. Im in Bloem today and you know how this place looks at this time of the year.

What you say fits the scenario regarding conditions in relation to fish. I generally like to be picky, ie I only select fish worth shooting for the pot and am generally happy with a Gallie, steenbrass or a decent hottie there. The water was very cold and clear. The wind had been blowing stong southerly for most of the week and had switched to SE a day before the dive. It was also High tide with a 2.5m swell (flattened off) if that makes a diff. On the otherhand with very similair conditions, ive seen fish coming out to the edge of the kelp as the high tide turns.

The crays were out running around of course! Im sure they know when its safe again.

Spearing is great there in the Dirty water, but as you correctly say there is that constant feeling of being checked out by GW's The locals think that anyone getting more than knee deep there is nuts. I only shore dive, depth isnt a problem but Im not so keen on crossing open water.

I like the area around the Hangklip Lighthouse and off the wooden slipway. The outside of Rooiels also generally gives me fish. Id be interested to hear from anyone what it like along the road between tidal pool to Rooiels. After climbing down there a few times, Ive not had much luck. Ive never seen ‘tail anywhere along the area.

Im always keen for new fishing grounds. Appreciated!