Trophy Tails

05/06/2026

Trophy Tails, hand-made Bucktail Jigs...they seem to work!

05/06/2026

Trophy Tails, hand-made Bucktail Jigs...they seem to work!

01/06/2026

Dillan Bruce Lee with a nice 52cm bartail flathead caught on a trophy tails bucktail jig this morning while taking a stroll along the banks

25/05/2026

The devastating Gamtoos River floods have completely transformed the local landscape. In this video, I document the historic aftermath firsthand, beginning the morning after the disaster at home in Kingsway Resort, paired with early aerial clips.

18 days after the floodwaters peaked, I took my boat out for the very first post-flood launch. This recce provides a firsthand look at the massive structural damages, new sandbanks, and severe environmental changes to both the Gamtoos River and its delicate estuary system. We scout popular boat launches, legendary fishing spots, campsites, and local tourist amenities to see what remains.

The scale of the disaster reaches far beyond the water's edge. The floods have caused catastrophic damage to the fertile Gamtoos Valley, displacing local residents, destroying infrastructure, and dealing a massive blow to the region's vital citrus and fruit industry. Furthermore, the massive volume of debris and silt has dramatically impacted the local estuary ecosystem.

🗺️ Locations & Landmarks Featured In This Video:
○ My Kingsway Resort Home
○ Gamtoos Mouth
○ Kraansie Area
○ Gamtoos Mouth Slipway
○ Historic Steel Bridge
○ Ferry Hotel & Campsite
○ Gamtoos Adventures
○ Wacky Woods
○ Wood House (Old Bus)
○ Loerie Spruit
○ Kob Hole
○ Golden Sands & Houses

Watch to see the true scale of the changes to the river system and what boaters and anglers need to know before heading back out on the water.

🔔 Subscribe for more Gamtoos river updates, and scouting trips.
💬 Are you a local resident or angler? Let us know in the comments how the river looks near you.

The devastating Gamtoos River floods have completely transformed the local landscape. In this video, I document the historic aftermath firsthand, beginning t...

02/05/2026

Long weekend vibes in the Eastern Cape!! :-)

Finished my shop duties and headed home for a short afternoon session on the mighty Gamtoos River. The scene was busy with happy fishermen enjoying the last hours of a stunning early winter afternoon! :-)

Chaps winter arrives next week...check you weather apps to see what's hitting home!! :-(

On a very busy river I managed two juvenile Dusky Kob and Garrick on a Trophy Tails Pink and White 1/2oz Bucktail! :-)

Watched a stunning sunset as I lit the braai and have settled in for a great meal! :-)

Tight Lines for the remaining Sunday chaps...it's going to be a stunner tomorrow...so get out there and wet a line in search of that PB catch! :-)

26/04/2026

The "Kob Curse" is finally broken! :-)

I was starting to think I’d personally offended every Dusky Kob in the Gamtoos! After a bit of a quiet spell, the luck finally shifted late this afternoon! :-)

I picked up this fella in about 6m of water just off the "Kraansie" using a Trophy Tails Sinking Stickbait. The key was a slow sink followed by short, stiff pokes on the rod to get that lure dancing right off the bottom structure.
There’s nothing like that classic Kob bite—a subtle knock, the braid goes taut, and then... FISH ON! :-)

After a quick photo, she was released to keep the population thriving. Let’s keep practicing Catch n Release, chaps—it’s the only way to ensure our kids get to experience this thrill, too! :-)

If you want to try this technique, pop into Trophy Tackle Den - Newton Park (Stefs) and chat with our knowledgeable fishing staff! :-)

These Sinking Stickbaits have been the "secret weapon" all summer—grab a few before they’re gone! :-)

SouthAfricaFishing

26/04/2026

The "Kob Curse" is finally broken! :-)

I was starting to think I’d personally offended every Dusky Kob in the Gamtoos! After a bit of a quiet spell, the luck finally shifted late this afternoon! :-)

I picked up this fella in about 6m of water just off the "Kraansie" using a Trophy Tails Sinking Stickbait. The key was a slow sink followed by short, stiff pokes on the rod to get that lure dancing right off the bottom structure.
There’s nothing like that classic Kob bite—a subtle knock, the braid goes taut, and then... FISH ON! :-)

After a quick photo, she was released to keep the population thriving. Let’s keep practicing Catch n Release, chaps—it’s the only way to ensure our kids get to experience this thrill, too! :-)

If you want to try this technique, pop into Trophy Tackle Den - Newton Park (Stefs) and chat with our knowledgeable fishing staff! :-)

These Sinking Stickbaits have been the "secret weapon" all summer—grab a few before they’re gone! :-)

20/04/2026

Mid April and the Gamtoos Nursery water temps have dropped from 28 to 23 degrees! I've been catching Bigeye but had not caught a GT for a few weeks. This 35cm puppy and three Bigeye Trevally almost cast for cast on a 1/2oz Trophy Tails Bucktail on a stunning Sunset session!

15/04/2026

The Swartkops River Mouth and estuary remains any art lure anglers ultimate fishing destination. Duanne Christopher Hardy took his light 7ft Spinning outfit loaded with 15lb x6 HMP Braid and was working a 'Tequila Sunrise' Trophy Tails Bucktail right in the river mouth!

The target species was undoubtably a Garrick, known to frequent the Swartkops River system this time of year, when a greedy Bartail Flathead, River Gurnard, pounced on his lure. Bartail Flatheads normally hit a lure hard and pack an almighty punch for their size. Anglers can often mistake the aggressive take for a Flathead for a much larger Dusky Kob...even more so when that Flathead shakes its head with vigor!

Bartail Flatheads are difficult to handle and are well equipped with enough hardware across their heads to easily draw blood and in some cases inflict injuries that require surgical stiches.

There is no doubt whatsoever our once abundant fish stocks are under threat from overfishing and negative environmental impacts. As you improve in your success and your catch rate improves...give a little back as credit for the next BIG ONE! Limit your catch, don't catch your limit...catch n release! :-)

If you enjoy my content and have any questions, comments, or suggestions to add... I would greatly appreciate your input. Also, a SUBSCRIBE would be greatly appreciated!! :-)

Tight Lines
Brett Harris
[email protected]
+27(0)834125316

The Swartkops River Mouth and estuary remains any art lure anglers ultimate fishing ...