SFA Winter Flyfishing Competition hosted at Oxbow Country Estate (12 July 2025)

Fishing Rules

The Competition will be fished from the side of the fly fishing dams, adhering to regulations and respecting the spirit and tradition of game angling. There may be occasions when the organisers will need to amend the rules for some reason, or local fishery regulations may have to be imposed or the match postponed to a later date; whatever the reason, the match organiser’s decision will be final and binding. Entries are limited to 50 fishers.

A beat system will be organised by Sundowner Adventure staff and the allocation of beats will be made by means of a random draw. There will be six x 50 min fishing sessions on the day. A travel period of 5 min will be allocated to move between beats.

Rods

Two rod’s (5-7 weight), not exceeding 10 feet in length, may be used by each competitor. Only one rod may be fished at a time.

Flies

Fishing shall be with de-barbed artificial fly only. Tandem flies are allowed. No more than two flies may be mounted on a cast. No bait of any form may be used on a fly.

Fly Size
The overall length of a fly, including dressing when wet, shall measure no more than 6cm’s (including setae, wing, hackle and tail). Attractor chemicals and the use of light emitters to flies are not permitted. Only single hooks permitted on a fly. Strike indicators are allowed.  Buoyant flies e.g. "Boobies" etc, may be used in conjunction with non-buoyant flies. Squirmy wormy flies permitted.

Fly lines, leaders & retrieves

Lines, casts and leaders shall not be additionally weighted. Braided leaders, Poly Tips and Poly Leaders are allowed, so long as they do not include any metal content.

A competitor’s rod when working flies or retrieving casts, must be above water level.

Proximity of anglers

Please adhere to the distance applicable to each beat category. No competitor may fish within the specified distance of another fisher unless express permission is given.

Proximity of spectators

No spectators will be permitted within the applicable distance of the competing fisher. No assistance may be given to the competitor by any spectator.

Other match rules and determination of results

Competitors shall not fish before the start of the match and will fish from the bank during the competition. Competitors must not fish during the pre-determined “Time-out’s”. These will be discussed on the day. Any person fishing before the competition commences or during “Time-out’s” will be disqualified.

Accidentally foul hooked fish that are hooked from gill plate to front of head will count toward the total bag weight. Foul hooked fish that are hooked from gill plate to tail will not count.

The individual placing recorded will be decided by:

1)      Total nr of fish in each category.

2)      In the event of a tie, the decision will be based on the total length then time that the first fish was caught by each angler. A fish caught at 7:15 will take precedent over a fish caught at 7:30.

3)      There will be spot prizes for competitors on each fishing session.

Categories comprise of Men, Ladies, Junior (12-16 yrs). Fishers currently representing a National South African Fishing team will not be permitted to fish. The team category is a fun part of the comp however there will still be prizes allocated. 

All fishing will on a "Catch and Release" basis. Any fish that are injured must please be kept and paid for (R155/Kg).

Fish catches will be measured and recorded by an official and returned to the water. Species and time that fish was caught will be marked on the anglers score card (worn by angler) + bailiffs record sheet. All rules regarding the tagged fish prizes will be communicated prior to and re-confirmed at the pre-comp briefing.

Safety and disputes

Competitors should alert a Competition Official should assistance be required.

Officials should be around the dams during the Competition to investigate any incident without delay. Any dispute or complaint must be reported to a Match Official as soon as possible, but not later than after completion of the competition. The Match Organiser will investigate all reported incidents and adjudicate there-on and his decision will be final.

In the event of dangerous weather conditions, or any other circumstances, the Match Organiser may alter the start time and change the hours of fishing to whatever he or the Fishery Management feel is in the best interests of the competitors. This might mean that the match will be postponed and held on a later date. If a match date is to be changed for any reason, competitors will be offered an alternative date.  Entry fees are not refundable under any circumstances unless the event is cancelled by the organizers.

Indemnity

Sundowner Adventures, Oxbow Country Estate , their staff and sponsors are indemnified and may not be held responsible for any theft, damage or injury whatsoever. Use of all facilities and fishing gear are at guests own risk. Right of admission is reserved. Staff of Oxbow Country Estate and Sundowner Adventures hold the right to enforce these rules.