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.
Tyler O’Connor
Xplorer Brand Ambassador & Pro Staff – South Africa
I had a fly rod in my hand before I could walk, Been lucky enough to been able to fish both fresh and saltwater. From walking the banks of Durban harbour, beaches of Cape Vidal, chasing dorado off the ships, bank bashing crystal waters or following my dad through rivers. I’ve been grateful to be able to fish our waters as well as venture off to Seychelles and guide out there. Guiding out in Seychelles was a great opportunity and learning curve. Got to add some really cool species to the list as well as some good size fish
I’ve always been interested in all facets of fishing, which I believe has allowed me to learn more about other species as well as open more areas and ways of fishing. Fly tying bug bit me early in life, most recent years expanding and tying everything I possibly can, it’s the art of fly fishing. Whether its tying size 20 perdigons to 8/0 flies, I tie them all.
Privileged to be part of the Xplorer team and fish amongst the crew. Nothing beats casting a line anticipating a tug.
Jonothan De Sousa
Xplorer Brand Ambassador & Pro Staff – South Africa
I learned to throw a fly at a very young age, chasing Cape stream trout and Cederberg yellows with my grandfather who instilled a lifelong love for dogs, fishing and Land Rovers. I learned to tie flies at boarding school (thanks Mnr Jooste) and cut my saltwater teeth in the Garden Route. After school I went to Rhodes where I spent more time fishing Thrift and the Winterberg than studying, this was where the big-trout-bug bit hard.
After Uni I tried a desk job in Johannesburg but soon realized office life was not for me, I became a field guide and have been lucky to have worked and fished in some of the wildest parts of Boswana, Zambia and Zululand targeting Okovango Tigers, Barbel and Nembwe. Guiding in the bush taught me the value of sharing life’s great moments with others and I still always prefer sharing a whisky with good people around a fire after a long hard days fishing.
I love learning every aspect of Fly Fishing, from Rod Building, Spey Casting to Czech Nymping and am especially passionate about teaching and sharing knowledge with others, ideally with a beer in hand on the water.