Rust de Winter - Beautiful dam but the Bass here are tricky to catch

Welcome to Rust De Winter Dam. As you travel down the gravel road, first spotting the dam on the left, you just cannot help but get excited about what may lay ahead. I've been to this dam a few times now, always with great expectations. Any angler however, who's visited Rust de Winter dam before, will tell you the Bass there are clever as hell and very tricky to fish.

They're there for sure! And in plenty numbers as well, but they're not going to let you catch them easily. They're going to fight you at every corner, and I don't mean at the end of your line.

I've caught several respectable bass in the duration of 2 hours in the afternoon, and I've gone three loooong days with nothing to show for my troubles.

About the dam:

The dam is one of the best around Gauteng as far as fishing for bass in concerned. Yes it is tricky, like I've stated before, but it's a beautiful, clean dam with relatively low boat traffic. Its northern position extends its fishing season and 'roughness' keeps the noisy picnic going type away.

 

Where to fish:

Well, I prefer the eastern parts of the dam, south of the dam wall. There is a huge drop off left of the boat launching area. Mojo rigs angling at about 16 to 24 feet over the drop-off has been successful to some. Professional anglers prefer the area to the west of the dam. Vast amounts of foliage provide for Bass and Carp alike.

Bait:

Its worth exploring and trying out your entire bait box during those slow days, but pumpkin seed and watermelon seed Flukes are highly recommended. Do not rush those soft worms...take it easy and sloooowly. Bass at Rust de Winter seems to get startled easily.