Pretoria is one of those cities which are endowed with a number of good fishing spots, with three dams within its precincts, and the fourth just outside the city’s western boundary.

The three dams located within the city’s boundaries are Rietvlei, Roodeplaat and Bon Accord, while Hartebeespoort dam is located about 30km west of the city, near the town of Brits in the North West province.

I have had the opportunity to fish at Rietvlei, Roodeplaat and Hartebeespoort dams, but gave Bon Accord a skip because of stories about fishermen being mugged at this dam which lies north of the city, and not too far from Soshanguve township.

All four dams are well known for the abundance of carp and catfish, while Roodeplaat and Hartebeespoort are also famous for bream (popurlaly known as kurper in Afrikaans).

On arrival in Pretoria from Durban in 2008, the dam I got to know of first was Hartees (as Hartebeespoort is popularly known), and it was to become my only fishing spot for a few months before I got to know about Rietvlei and Roodeplaat dams.

Later, Rietvlei became my favourite fishing venue as it was the nearest to my house, and also had excellent ablution facilities. I felt safe at Rietvlei because it was always well patronised, and as the saying goes – there is security in numbers.

I later switched to Roodeplaat after learning about the abundance of my favourite fish – bream – at this dam.

The tranquil at these dams is soothing and satisfying especially to those fishermen after carp and babel, because once they have set their equipment, they can sit and relax.  Some even read novels, listen to the radio or play soft music while waiting for a bite..

However, this quiet atmosphere can be disrupted in a big way by the arrival of groups of people who find dam sites ideal places for braais and the playing of loud music. This is a common problem at both Roodeplaat and Rietvlei dams, especially during those weekends which coincide with month-end when resources with which to purchase braai meat and beer are readily available.

It is this annoying behaviour which made me scout for dams far away from the city where I could fish in peace and tranquillity.The noise was a blessing in disguise because I then discovered some wonderful fishing spots such as Mkombo and Klipvor dams in Mpumalanga and North West provinces, respectively.

The fishing at Mkombo dam was for some time the best I had ever experienced, until the arrival of God forsaken poachers who have almost wiped out breams from this largel dam which is about 23km long. Before the arrival of poachers, I rated Mkombo as the best fishing spot for both bream and bass.