Feeling rather dissappointed, we made our way back to the thickly covered point. The horny toads were substituted for 8″ watermelon black red senko grubs weighted with split shot sinkers that were dragged slowly over and below the cover. I noticed a feint twitch on my line which made me strike and land a 2.5kg bass. I made long casts into the cover and slowly fish the open pockets of water. The grub has a lovely tail that makes the bait look alive and while thinking about its action I felt my line tighten. I set the hook immediately and experienced the power of a big fish. Knowing that it would be impossible to bring a big fish over heavy cover, we went to the fish. The fish continued to tug and when we got there, we noticed it wrapped around a huge cattail about one foot under the boat. My boat partner wasted no time, threw his hand in the water and emerged with a 4kg bass. Enthusiastically he casted into an open pool of water and his rod flexed as he hooked and landed a 3kg bass. My partners attention was diverted as he noticed and open pool of water neighbouring an old tree surrounded with cover. Instinctively he flipped the enticing grub and as he fed line to make his lure sink deeper, his rod jolted from his hand. He quickly recovered and vigourously set the hook. The fish dashed towards the tree stump and stole line by the meters. Unable to stop the fish and in excitement he shouted “go there, go there”, while I battled grass and reeds with the trolling motor, he watched his line graze the tree. As we got closer, the fish turned and moved away from the tree into open water. His tight drag was no match, as the fish continued to fight harder and plough deeper. Finally the battle was over and the fish surfaced close to my waiting hands. My partner was relieved and smiled as the scale topped 4kg. A flat bellied fish that would weigh more than 5kg if spawning. And thats how we wrapped up our trip. We caught many fish and only mentioned the ones that engraved our memories. Apart from the excellent fishing, Mteri boasts an abudant gallery of untouched wildlife. We had the opportunity of seeing a falcon chase down its prey and fish eagles make off with their scrumptious catches. The fresh air and the eagle cries soothe and relax you, while the breaking of trees by baboons and grumping of hippopotamus add excitement. Spending time outdoors has more benefits that one imagine. It revitalises the body and fuels the human spirit. It has molded us into people with a passion for sport and love for nature, like the old sayings go, “work is for people who dont fish” and “everybody dies, but not everyone lives”.