By Dylan Richter
Academy Lakes formerly known as African Blessings, is a very neat and well looked after farm just outside Bronkhorstspruit that not only provides great fishing but also does plenty for the local community.
Academy Lakes accommodates not only the specimen angler but also has the option for the avid bass angler to catch from what I myself have witnessed to be large and powerful bass.
People may be in the mind set that smaller waters like Academy Lakes s are easier venues to target. That in fact is not true at all. What makes Academy Lakes such a challenging venue is the fact the precision is everything. Without the right depth, structure or presentation Academy Lakes can send you home with your tail between your legs. But if you can identify the right location with the correct presentation, well then you in for business.
Venue:
The venue consists of 2 dams, top dam and bottom dam. I will be covering bottom dam. Bottom Dam consists of 4 well maintained swims.
Swim 1 being a great option as it sits at the in flow to the dam. Whilst this swim always seems to be holding fish the lily pads can make it very hard work to land a fish. Snags will always come into the equation on this swim but then again if fishing was easy it would be called catching.
Swim 2 can prove to be tricky especially if u have anglers on swim 1 and 3. As tricky as it may be it has always being a rewarding swim if approached correctly and fished hard. On this swim the opposite margin would be your main target. To identify the path the fish swim through the reeds on the opposite margin is the number 1 priority. If u can locate the ‘highway’ then you in for business.
Swim 3 gives you the option of covering more water. On this swim you can target the opposite margin or the river bed. Much like swim 2 its very important to identify the path the fish are swimming on the opposite margin.
Swim 4 the biggest swim also a personal favourite of mine. This swim can be back breaking but also very rewarding. The current Academy Lakes record holder comes out of this swim. On this swim u have a couple of options to target. The dam wall, the pump house and the opposing margin all being equally good options.
Academy Lakes carp fishing has grown exponentially in the last 2 years due to excellent conservation of the fish. This is evident in the drastic growth of the fish. 20 and 30 lb fish are coming out far more regularly and im sure before to long the 40lb mark will be reached too.
When u make your way to this stunning venue be sure to contact Marc Williams of psycho baits. Psycho baits have led to my personal success at this venue and very sure there are other anglers that feel the same way.
Baits:
Psycho Skitzo and Psycho original being the 2 flavours that stand out above the rest at this venue.
This venue has state of the art security and makes for the perfect weekend getaway. If there are any queries or interests Academy Lakes contact Julio at +27 74 360 2946
NB. Bookings are essential
Boats are recommended
For more info go to Academy Lakes Facebook page
Or phone +27 74 360 2946
