SHAUN DICKSON

Xplorer Brand Ambassador & Pro Staff – South Africa

The Fly Fishing bug bit when I was around the age of 5. I was fortunate to have grown up in the Central and Northern Drakensberg of Kwa-Zulu Natal. It all began in the Kamberg Nature Reserve where my parents were employed by the Natal Parks Board. My father ran the trout hatchery at the time. Being able to spend so much time surrounded by trout at various stages of their life cycle was indeed very special.  My folks were instrumental in developing my love for fly fishing and the environment in which trout are located.

I spent every available minute stalking Trout and Scaly’s in rivers, small streams and dams throughout the Kwa-Zulu Natal Drakensberg. My fly tying began whilst in primary school. I was a boarder and fortunately for me the boarding establishment head was an avid fly fisherman and tied his own flies. Garth Kitching took me under his wing and with patience quickly had me whipping up my own flies. These afternoons spinning fluff under his guidance was like heaven to me. In my teens most holidays saw me looking for any opportunity to get to the Zululand coast to chase the salt water species found in the estuaries and bays from Mapelane North. In-between school and fishing I was tying salt water flies which were sold in retail outlets to help fund my fishing addiction.

Over the years I have dabbled in other angling facets but the allure of casting a fly at a rising trout in beautiful Drakensberg streams has always brought me back from the dark side. I am currently involved in the Kwa -Zulu Natal Fly fishing Association which is affiliated to South African Fly Fishing Association, of which I am vice chairman. My highest achievement in competition so far was an individual bronze medal in the 2019 South African Fly Fishing Championship. In-between day to day life and fishing events I also offer tuition on mainly modern river/stream techniques based on those that we use in competition.

Xplorer Fly Fishing offers everything that any fly fisherman may need and more. To be a part of the Xplorer team is indeed a privilege and cannot wait to see what the future has in store.

Tight loops and wet nets! See you on the water!

KEEGAN KENNEDY

Xplorer Pro Staff and Xplorer Flyfishing Concept Shop Manager – South Africa

I cannot remember not being a fishing fanatic! As a child, when I was not on the water, I spent many hours reading fishing magazines absorbing as much information as I possibly could. I have an educational background and taught for several years at a private school in Johannesburg. During after-hours in my early career I assisted in developing the Roam Free Academy, driving the practice of conservation while encouraging children and families to get outdoors and onto the water. This included academies, fly-tying evenings for youngsters, development programs, running family days, fly fishing holiday clubs, school tours and successfully driving youth fishing through social media platforms. Before relocating to KZN, I also served a brief stint as the Youth Development Officer for the South African Fly Fishing Association (SAFFA) and junior team manager with the Mpumalanga Fly Fishing Association.

I take a huge amount of pride in the fact I have fished alongside many different anglers and believe that it is by far the best way to make connections. I take great satisfaction in sharing my time and accumulated fishing knowledge with all. I have guided both locally and internationally having spent time in Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mozambique and have spent many hours on a variety of local stretches of water.  I am excited to be part of the team and look forward to bringing my experience, knowledge and passion into the Xplorer Fly Fishing Concept store (both retail & online).