This was it, I was going to Africa. This time, there was no way back.
For years I had been playing with the idea to fish BEO. For various reasons however, it somehow never worked out. Last October then, the winter blues already kicking in, I finally pulled the trigger and completed the very convenient form online for a trip late December. This was it, I was going to Africa. This time, there was no way back.
In the following weeks, greatly thanks to the help of this page as well as Sam, I gathered information on the lake, the swims, etc. In fact it was refreshing to find such a collaborative community in a world all too often dominated by secrecy. That way, when I finally left from Luton on the 6am Friday morning flight, I felt better prepared and equipped than on many earlier session abroad.
Upon arrival, I was immediately greeted by Michael, who would take me on the 3.5h drive from Marrakech airport to the lake. Having strategically arrived early, I would still be able to start fishing the same day. The drive was extremely enjoyable, largely thanks to Michael’s company. Also, he updated me on the latest catch reports, which were more than promising. Over 70 fish including many big ones were landed in the last ten days. This sounded more than promising, even more so because I would have the 5000ha lake all by myself for the week.
Four hours later, the rods were all in place
What became immediately apparent on the drive over however, was that the weather was unusually bad and a big change vs the week before. It was “cold” (9°), windy and upon arrival at the lake started to rain heavily. Full of adrenalin and with camp pre set up perfectly at Tamouni Island, I didn’t bother and started to explore my area.
“Four hours later, the rods were all in place and besides that everything, including most of my clothes were soaking wet, there was this huge feeling of relaxation and inspiration when I finally managed to take in the breathtaking scenery of the lake and its surrounding mountains.
Minutes later I was holding in my arms my first piece of Moroccan gold
It kept pouring down the whole night and into the next morning, when suddenly one of the alarms went off. Minutes later I was holding in my arms my first piece of Moroccan gold. Although small, size doesn’t matter when you are in such a place and for me the trip was already a success.
What followed were two days of what I feel carp fishing is all about
Over the next couple of days, I would continue to catch my fish. Not without effort and definitely not in the numbers of the week before, but that is what makes interesting, right?
5 days into the session and having eyed the slowly submerging Paradise Island to my left throughout the whole time, I could no longer resist the temptation to claim I was the last man standing on it. A few hours later, armed with just my bedchair and a sleeping bag, I installed myself on the highest point (read 50cm) of the island. What followed were two days of what I feel carp fishing is all about. Being (literally) one with your surrounding and trying to catch a few nice carp while doing so.
Fishing in BEO is a real adventure, an experience that is so much more than the numbers or kilos
Being in the plane now, flying back home, I could not but think this was probably the most impressive fishing experience I ever had. I took me a long time to finally make the decision to come a first time, however the decision to come back is already made.
Finally some things that worked for me (but being a novice I do not claim to hold the truth):
– Be prepared to work hard. BEO is a giant lake and the fish move all the time. You can be lucky and have a shoal residing in your area, but chances are slim. Look to experiment with different depths (eg 5, 8, 12) and have patience. If after a certain period of time (eg 48h) there is still no (or inconsistent) action, move. It can be hassle, but with the help of the team on the ground it is done in no time.
– Keep it simple. No need for fancy rigs. I attached a picture of the rig I used all the time. Hook size 4/5, 2x 30mm hookbaits, 20cm length. Also, save money and use stones (make sure they are heavy enough and drop of tho) instead of leads.
– Most of all enjoy.
As Sam told me: “BEO is like fishing on the moon”. I can only complement that. Fishing in BEO is a real adventure, an experience that is so much more than the numbers or kilos.
Tight lines and hopefully see you in BEO
