Venue review by Sean Tucker
The DAM
Whenever I have to take the N4 to Rustenburg , whether it be for work or pleasure, I always have to see how Bon Accord Dam is looking…it is a dam that has intrigued me for some time now. The Dam was built in 1928 (almost 100 years ago) and is located on the Apies River about 15km outside Pretoria North. Its actually quite a big dam and stretches over 1km across from the angling bank and is 1.4km from the inlet to the dam wall, making it one of Gauteng’s largest dams.
After hearing reports of the dam being in much better condition and better fish coming out I decided to go check it out. Well needless to say the reports were correct, the management of the dam has been hard at work clearing the hyacinth and making the bank more safe and user friendly.
THE VENUE
The Bon Accord family resort sits on the northern corner of the dam and offers quite a lot to the angler looking to target some big carp. There are cabins and camping spots available, clean ablutions with showers and wash-up areas for dishes etc.
If you’re hitting a quick overnighter or just aren’t in the mood to cook, you can enjoy a great breakfast, lunch or dinner at the restaurant and bar. There are other necessities like wood, blitz and ice for sale, if you happen to forget something on your way to the water.
The Bon Accord family resort also has two swimming pools for the kids to cool off. Motor boats and jet ski’s are also allowed on the dam and there is a nice boat launch built for easy access into the water.
BAIT & TACTICS
The dam is quite silty so my suggestion is to take your time in looking for harder spots as these produced more fish for me. I caught the bulk of my fish on tigernuts and kaboems from DB Baits and also had two fish on mainline pop-ups.
I landed 8 fish, 5 of which were above 10 kilos, the highlights of my trip being two awesome commons, one of 15.4kilos and one of 16 kilos. In terms of hookbait flavours I used banana, pineapple and Mulberry and these all gave me fish. Daytime fishing was very slow and definitely got better in the evenings.
OTHER INFO
Bon Accord has been known to be a dangerous venue to fish and I would certainly recommend not fishing anywhere else other than the Bon Accord Family Resort. The other areas around the dam are not safe for fishing. The sunsets are unreal as well so make sure you have your camera ready. I would definitely suggest giving this dam a go as there are so many unknowns, one thing I know for sure is that there are BIG fish!
Sean Tucker – Karpioene
To book or enquire
Sunset Family Resort – 0727646445