THE ULTIMATE ANGLING BUCKET LIST

8 of the 88 sharks weighing in excess of 200 pounds
1 individual shark touching on three 300 pounds
To me that is irrefutable evidence for the most impressive shore fishing in the world. Accumulated by
a party of UK anglers fishing the surf beaches of Namibia in February 1999, at the time it took place,
this trip is thought to represent the most productive surf fishing trip ever made.
Namibia back then was one of the newest countries in Africa, encompassing one of the oldest, and
certainly one of the hottest deserts on earth. Don't however read too much into the hot desert bit as it
can be very cold down on the beach, and for up to maybe half a mile or so inland. So much so in fact
that fleece jackets might even need to be worn.
A little intervention from one of the coldest places on earth is actually the main driving force behind
both this fact and this remarkable marine and coastal ecosystem. For this region, known as the skeleton
coast, receives cool nutrient rich water all the way from Antarctica carried northwards by the Benguela
Current.
Our guide for the trip was Namibian international shore angler Johan Berger. A man whose enthusiasm,
work rate, and temperament, make him one of the finest fishing guides anyone could ever hope to meet.
At eight o'clock prompt he would pick us up at the Hansa Hotel, and would not pack up until either
everyone in the group was satisfied with the fishing, or it was no longer light enough to see.
He would then make the long trek back along the featureless salt tracks of the Namib Desert to our base
at Swakopmund, usually in total darkness. Just time for a quick shower, a bite to eat, and a few hours
sleep, then it would start all over again.
Other than the occasional mile marker, out on the desert salt tracks there are no sign posts to pick up
on. But like a cruise missile programmed to find a specific target, Johan would suddenly detour from
the track out across the desert sands to the lip of a steep surf beach. There he would stand for a few
minutes watching, looking at the surf tables, water colour, and current.
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