{"id":13388,"date":"2021-07-28T08:30:05","date_gmt":"2021-07-28T06:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/?p=13388"},"modified":"2021-08-12T10:56:57","modified_gmt":"2021-08-12T08:56:57","slug":"tcc-2021-leg-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/?p=13388","title":{"rendered":"TCC 2021 Leg 1"},"content":{"rendered":"
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After 20 years of watching fly fishers pit their wits against the wiles of feral Trout, you would think that we\u2019 d seen it all, yet every year at the TOPS Corporate Challenge something happens that beggars belief.<\/p>\n

Usually it\u2019s antics off the field that never fail to amuse and provide anecdotes that decades later still have us in stitches.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve had anglers take on Jersey bull\u2019s ( no prizes for who came off 2nd best), fly fishers park their new brand new 4×4\u2019s in the dam and even a fisherman who caught a 10lb Trout, only to find it was on the completely the wrong dam, plus all manner of shenanigans in the Notties pub resulting in the walk of shame that embodies the Wildfly choice awards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>

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Yet this year, it was the Trout that remained the hot topic of conversation.<\/p>\n

It was a reduced field in the 1st leg, due to level 3 covid restrictions, so only 48 fly fishers were allowed entrance, much to the disappointment of those that didn\u2019t reserve their spot soon enough. This translated into less rod pressure and every team getting to fish the absolute finest waters in the Natal Midlands.<\/p>\n

Which resulted in the first session of the TCC firing, with more 50cm plus fish caught and released than in any previous years. Although social distancing was strictly adhered to, the atmosphere at the outside lunchtime gathering was hence remarkably festive, as teams toasted their morning exploits and started to count their chickens.<\/p>\n

The flies working were contradictory, but the common denominator was the fish were still feeding and not attacking gaudy patterns quite yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\t\t\t

Those that didn\u2019t charge back out on the water were soon scuttling to grab their gear, when the conditions turned South and the horrible wind started to dictate matters.<\/p>\n

There are countless reasons in the fisherman\u2019s bible of excuses, but in fly fishing wind will always be a determining factor and unfortunately baring a few windows of opportunity, it played the defining role for the rest of the weekend.<\/p>\n

In total, 214 fish made it to the measuring tape, which considering the limited teams and blustering conditions wasn\u2019t a bad result at all, unless you were one of the two anglers who didn\u2019t trouble the scorers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>

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The stand out fly fisher became blatantly obvious in a single session, where he landed 10 fish over 50cm, needless to say he went on to take top honours with a grand total of 21 Trout, averaging 47cm.<\/p>\n

But he didn\u2019t stop there for the first time, the very same angler also caught the largest Trout of the weekend, being an 8lb, 62cm Rainbow Hen, take a bow Steve Benbow!<\/p>\n

The teams that qualified for the illustrious final were, the very festive Fingerlings, Outdoor Warehouse, Smells Fishy, ZZ Tops and winning the first leg of the TCC, the talents of the TOPS fly fishing quartet.<\/p>\n

History is a great teacher, but I guess one needs to be continually reminded that it is either the Weather gods or the Trout that will always have the last say.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Outdoor Warehouse<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Fingerlings<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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TOPS Team<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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ZZ TOPS<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Smells Fishy<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\"\"<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

After 20 years of watching fly fishers pit their wits against the wiles of feral Trout, you would think that we\u2019 d seen it all, yet every year at the TOPS Corporate Challenge something happens that beggars belief. Usually it\u2019s antics off the field that never fail to amuse and provide anecdotes that decades later still have us in stitches. We\u2019ve had anglers take on Jersey bull\u2019s ( no prizes for who came off 2nd […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":13414,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[92,22,23,70],"tags":[200,223,290,199,207,281,198],"class_list":["post-13388","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fly-tackle-box-2","category-fly","category-fly-fishing","category-south-africa","tag-brown-trout","tag-fly-fishing-2","tag-kwa-zulu-natal-fly-fishing","tag-rainbow-trout","tag-tcc","tag-tops-corporate-challenge","tag-trout"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Untitled-1-copy.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5707,"url":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/?p=5707","url_meta":{"origin":13388,"position":0},"title":"TOPS Corporate Challenge Leg 1","author":"Gareth","date":"June 12, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"It would be an understatement to say the festivities outweighed the fishing this last weekend, with the legendary Notties living up to it\u2019s reputation as the \u00a0pub with a exit that is impossible to find. The entrants certainly had more than one glass of not so serious at the start\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"Brown Trout\"","block_context":{"text":"Brown Trout","link":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/?tag=brown-trout"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/TCC-2019-Leg-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/TCC-2019-Leg-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/TCC-2019-Leg-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/TCC-2019-Leg-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/TCC-2019-Leg-1.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/TCC-2019-Leg-1.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":9754,"url":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/?p=9754","url_meta":{"origin":13388,"position":1},"title":"TCC Leg 1","author":"Gareth","date":"September 30, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"There are many elements that will determine how successful any fishing outing is, not least of which is our attitude. \u00a0 In the lead up to any trip, it\u2019s that element of excitement, finally being able to get back on the water, receiving the nod from your boss and better\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Tops Corporate Challenge"","block_context":{"text":"Tops Corporate Challenge","link":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/?cat=279"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/TCC-Leg-1-FB-Image-copy.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/TCC-Leg-1-FB-Image-copy.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/TCC-Leg-1-FB-Image-copy.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/TCC-Leg-1-FB-Image-copy.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10560,"url":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/?p=10560","url_meta":{"origin":13388,"position":2},"title":"Self Isolating Trout – TCC Leg 3","author":"Gareth","date":"October 27, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"A few anglers thought that the Trout were adhering to the Covid regulations this last weekend as they certainly were reluctant to come within casting distance, let alone out to play. Weather is always a go-to excuse, but 34-degree heat and Trout do not mix well, let alone the toll\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"Airflo\"","block_context":{"text":"Airflo","link":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/?tag=airflo"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/self-isolating-trout-copy.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/self-isolating-trout-copy.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/self-isolating-trout-copy.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/self-isolating-trout-copy.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/self-isolating-trout-copy.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10842,"url":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/?p=10842","url_meta":{"origin":13388,"position":3},"title":"Breaking Records – TCC Final","author":"Gareth","date":"November 10, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Getting to the final in any event can be a little nerve wracking, especially when qualifying for the first time. Fishing isn\u2019t seen as a competitive sport\u00a0by some, lending\u00a0itself more to recreation and relaxation as an activity, but try telling that to the intrepid bunch of fly fishers who have\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"Airflo\"","block_context":{"text":"Airflo","link":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/?tag=airflo"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Breaking-Records-TCC-Final-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Breaking-Records-TCC-Final-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Breaking-Records-TCC-Final-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Breaking-Records-TCC-Final-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Breaking-Records-TCC-Final-1.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Breaking-Records-TCC-Final-1.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15064,"url":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/?p=15064","url_meta":{"origin":13388,"position":4},"title":"The Middle Fin – TCC Leg 2","author":"Gareth","date":"June 28, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"A lot of Trout clearly didn\u2019t get the message from Uncle Cyril this last weekend as they kept their distance from the very social advances of the fly fishers. The TOPS Corporate Challenge has built its reputation on the camaraderie and festivities surrounding the fishing, which was embraced by the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Fly Fishing"","block_context":{"text":"Fly Fishing","link":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Banner-copy-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Banner-copy-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Banner-copy-2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Banner-copy-2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Banner-copy-2.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2490,"url":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/?p=2490","url_meta":{"origin":13388,"position":5},"title":"5 Reasons To Enter The TOPS Corporate Challenge","author":"Rhuan Human","date":"May 27, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Competition angling is not for everyone, in fact some of the best anglers I have met have never fished a competition in their lives. Some see fishing as an escape. An break from their daily routine, and from the responsibilities that go with adult life. They want to be outside\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fishbook.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_8055.JPG?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pa8sv9-3tW","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13388","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13388"}],"version-history":[{"count":27,"href":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13388\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13402,"href":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13388\/revisions\/13402"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13414"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13388"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13388"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fishbook.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13388"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}