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!
Graeme Pitt
Xplorer Brand Ambassador & Pro Staff – South Africa
My earliest memories of fly fishing started when I was 6 years old and I would fish with my father in the rivers and dams in Underberg and Rosetta. Waking up in the dark and fishing in the misty, rainy valleys was always enticing and exciting – and it still is ! My Uncle had a farm in Colenso on the Tugela river and knew many of the farmers in the area and beyond so we were fortunate to grow up with access to some amazing waters around KZN.
Later in life, we became involved in a syndicated cottage in the Kamberg and as a family we spent many weekends and holidays there. Hunting the trophy browns and rainbows in the dams and fishing the Mooi and Bushmans rivers was always a highlight for me.
Fly fishing really became a lifestyle when my eldest son, for his 13th birthday, asked if we could enter the Kamberg Festival (Then the Kamberg Bells Festival). We were lucky to get a late entry into a team and this kick started my (and our) journey into competitive fly fishing. Not so much from my side but driven by my son’s passion for fly fishing. The learning experience in competitive fishing is steep and it can be one of the most exhilarating and humbling experiences but always fun when enjoyed in the company of good mates. Since joining The KwaZulu-Natal Fly Fishing Association (KZNFFA) in 2010, I have fished multiple SAFFA Senior A National Fly Fishing Championships, collecting a few Team medals along the way. I have also fished a number of Masters Nationals and have a few individual and team medals, primarily through some great team work.
You never stop learning in this game and I am excited to be representing South Africa for the 3rd time at the World Masters Fly Fishing Championships in Spain in September 2025. It is such a privilege to fish against the best in world, to meet new and old fishing friends from various countries and create memories for a lifetime.
Back at home though nothing beats a hot fire and a cold beer or two (and maybe some chilli wors) with good mates after a hard day chasing fish. Whether it’s Queenstown or Zingela, the Bushman’s or Barkley East, Maclear or the Mooi, The Bokong or The Smalblaar, The Vaal or the Umzimkulu and no matter the conditions, it’s always a magic day when you’re out there – on and off the water.
Matt Gorlei
Matt Gorlei is an accomplished South African fly angler with extensive competitive experience, having represented South Africa at the World Fly Fishing Championships. Known for his technical understanding of fisheries and disciplined approach on the water, Matt has earned strong respect within both competitive and professional fly fishing circles.
His guiding career has taken him across a variety of world-class fisheries, including South America, the Orange River, and Russia, where exposure to diverse environments has further refined his adaptability and depth of knowledge as an angler.
Matt currently serves as coach of the South African Protea Junior Fly Fishing Team, playing an active role in developing the next generation of competitive anglers and preparing them for international competition.
He is also a co-founder of FlyBru, a passion-led platform that documents fly fishing adventures through an authentic and unfiltered lens, celebrating the people, challenges, and moments that make the sport unique.
As part of the Xplorer Pro Staff, Matt represents technical excellence, mentorship, and a deep commitment to the continued growth and progression of fly fishing.
Nick van Rensburg
Nick van Rensburg is a South African fly angler driven by exploration, storytelling, and a deep connection to the environments he fishes. Having represented South Africa at the World Fly Fishing Championships, Nick combines competitive experience with a passion for discovering new water — from technical freshwater systems to demanding saltwater fisheries.
His time on the water extends beyond competition, with guiding experience on the iconic Orange River as well as in South America, where adapting to diverse fisheries and challenging conditions has shaped his versatile approach to angling.
Working professionally in content creation and outdoor marketing, Nick brings a modern perspective to fly fishing, blending performance on the water with authentic visual storytelling. He is also a co-founder of FlyBru, a passion-driven platform dedicated to documenting fly fishing adventures in a raw and honest way, capturing the people, places, and experiences that define life around the water.
For Nick, fly fishing is about far more than the catch — it’s about exploration, shared experiences, and pursuing wild fisheries with curiosity and respect, values he proudly represents as part of the Xplorer Pro Staff.