I built Silver Fish Lodge 10 years ago, because I wanted to get out of the rat race, and certain events in my life culminated to push this lifestyle forward quicker. Having said that, I have been a boater for the last 33 years, having gotten my skippers licence in South Africa in 1985.
I understand how we fished in the old days, when meetings on the fishing comp/ trip started over a couple of beers in the local pub, and this then transgressed to a few more meetings on when, what to take with, when are we going to tell the boss at home this is going down (because they all had each other’s numbers- the other half- so it had to be co-ordinated to prevent surprise and subsequent failure….). Then trips to the local tackle shops for some ‘last minute supplies”. More meetings at the local pub, then it’s a quick boat service, 4x4 needs another service, or maybe some equipment needs to be upgraded, etc. etc. Then, who’s going to bring what needed another meeting…… Southern Africans love off-road trailers, 4x4’s and generally going into the wilderness unknown, and doing their own thing- maybe it’s bred in us from when we resisted the British in the Cape Province and heading out, with everything, on the great trek!
After plenty of meetings, and months of planning, we finally decide we are going fishing…. Mostly in those days we camped. So Shelly Beach, Cape Vidal, Sodwana Bay, Ponta De Ouro, Inhaca, Xai Xai, Zavora, Vilanculos, Barra and Tofo were the places we frequented.
Times have changed, and many of us don’t camp anymore preferring to stay in chalets- self-catering still being part of what we do. Some of us never do change, but the need to go to a new place never stops.
I built this lodge because nothing like it existed in that time, but I was lucky enough to travel and saw what we as South Africans needed- a dedicated fishing lodge, that would be affordable.
We have four fishing boats, 5 fishing canoes, and a small rubber duck- all ready to work.
We have accommodation for 16 guests, and a staff of 10, including everything you need.
Having said that I still know many people out there who have their own boats and still like to pull a boat 1000km over bad roads, one way, and bring everything with- including fridges, the wife and family and the kitchen sink. Fishing trips, it seems, just isn’t the same without all the “stuff” one needs to bring with to go fishing! I understand that- I used to be like that.
I think there is possibly a misconception that we are a “closed” fishing lodge, but nothing can be further from the truth! Whilst we do focus on the group fully inclusive fishing packages, we also are open for business.
I enjoy the company of fishermen, and the reason I am writing this is to invite fellow ski-boaters to come and stay at the lodge, and bring your own boat.
Let me tell you why it is a good idea: firstly, we have local knowledge. You can hire a guide to come with you on your boat- one that is proficient with the area, and can help you with tackle preparation, refuelling and cleaning of the boat after a days fishing.
You can then also use our chef to help prepare meals- if you want to give your wife/ the braai some rest. You can also make use of the restaurant and bar.
Boats are left on a mooring in the water, so you don’t have to trailer and re trailer daily. The launch is safe, not a surf launch.
There is usually a vehicle that goes into town, so we can assist with fuel. Maxixe is 17km away.
We can also assist with bait and fish cleaning.
The accommodation is above average, serviced, and convenient, being rite on the beach.
Security is in place.
So, guys, bring your own boat to Silver Fish lodge, and come stay at the place that is geared for fishing. Special pricing applies, use the code stay boat in correspondence.
For those of you that have understood something clearly at last, and want to fly in to Inhambane airport with just some shorts, a t-shirt or two, hat, sun-glasses and cash- we welcome you, as always. For fully inclusive packages, or to hire the entire lodge, speak to me, Etienne.
See you on the water some time.