We're off to release some fish tomorrow if you'd like to join us?
Rather naively, in my mind's eye I could see camouflage waterproof clad fishermen sitting on canal banks under huge umbrellas protecting themselves from drizzle and looking super glum. My hitherto only experience of fishing! The reality could not have been more different.
The last few miles of the journey to Chemususu Dam took us up and down a very wet and muddy track with a considerable drop on the left side. The car kept sliding from side to side and I was petrified. In order to avoid my anxiety levels peaking and stressing out Chris with my constant squealing I eventually got out and walked the remaining stretch.
The views were absolutely spectacular. The reservoir was surrounded by indigenous forest inhabited by Colobus monkeys. A camp had been set up towards one side with dining tables and chairs set out under canvas and fires burning. It transpired the event had been organised by members of the Kenyan Fly Fishing Club and people had come from as far as Nairobi. Some had camped overnight in order not to miss the 'fingerthings' arriving at ten o'clock.
The plan was that each of the eight fishing boats would be assigned a particular area of the reservoir and the occupants were to release two bags of fingerlings very slowly into the water in dribs and drabs near lily-pads so they'd have the best chance of survival. I must admit that it wasn't until much later in the day that I discovered that 'fingerlings' aren't actually a breed of fish rather it describes their size. These were in fact trout! We had approximately 10,000 to release. This re-stocking experiment is done twice a year.
Each boat had a skipper and those remaining were asked to help. Chris immediately volunteered and was paired up with Andrew on his canoe.
Whilst Chris and Andrew paddled up to the far reaches of the reservoir releasing fish I wandered around with my camera and was lucky enough to spot a pair of Grey Crowned Cranes.
Best day in Kenya so far
The chaps re-appeared some two hours later, Chris grinning from ear to ear... "definitely my best day in Kenya so far, do you think I should try my hand at fishing and join the club?"
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