 Dear AnglerAswan, Egypt, January 2002 This year I once again followed the sun to Sydney for Christmas and New Year and had a great family time Ozzie-style – despite the dreadful bush fires surrounding this beautiful coastal city. But then I guess there are problems in many parts of our world and we need to be thankful for what we have and get on with our lives. Which brings me to the aftermath of September 11, when we were pleasantly surprised by how few anglers cancelled their safaris. As a result we have kept busy throughout the winter season into 2002. | ||
 This is because many of our anglers have been out here before. They realise that, despite the media frenzy, Egypt and Lake Nasser are a long way from Afghanistan and are as safe as most other places on our planet.As for newcomers, most are not coming out ‘blind’, but on the recommendation of old hands, who have put them in the picture. Having said that, however, many people are still apprehensive about travelling. So while I don’t want to get into a long discourse about why travellers should not over-react to the terrorist threat, I would like to say something about the atmosphere here in Egypt. First, I should point out that Islam has many of the same principles as Christianity, and that it is only an extremely small number of fanatics who distort their religion for their own ends. People here were just as shocked and horrified by events in the US as they were elsewhere. So while it’s true that there are quite a lot of Egyptians who are anti-American and angry at the civilian casualties caused by the bombing, I have experienced no hostility to western visitors here. | ||
 In fact, with Egypt suffering considerably from the worldwide down-turn in general tourism, ordinary people in the street are going out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. I really do feel just as safe in Aswan as I do in Sydney or in London.Returning to fishing, I unfortunately didn’t get the chance to hunt for the Nile perch’s cousin, the Barramundi, while I was in Australia. But I am really looking forward to the coming months on Lake Nasser-especially the many reconnaissance safaris we will be running this year. Some of these will concentrate on prospecting for new hot-spots on our huge 2,000-square-mile water – past recce safaris have been rewarded with some fabulous results from previously unfished areas. | ||
 On others, guides and anglers will work together to increase our repertoire of fishing techniques.I am particularly pleased to announce that UK pike guru and old Nasser hand Barrie Rickards will be leading one of these safaris – we expect to learn a lot from him. Any angler interested in joining one of these safaris can find details in our newsletter or on our website. | ||
 Because anglers joining recce safaris will be making a contribution of their expertise, the prices have been discounted. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information. Another chance to save some money is the early booking discount we are offering. This also applies to the recce safaris, which really does make them exceptionally good value.Best wishes and tight lines for 2002. Tim Baily Join Barrie Rickards on a recce safari Calling dedicated anglers who like a new challenge… Top pike angler and angling writer Professor Barrie Rickards is looking for a small group of experienced anglers to join him on a recce safari departing on March 18th. This one-week special will concentrate on perfecting deadbait and livebait techniques for Nile perch, as well as prospecting for new fishing grounds on our massive, highly complex water. This expedition is likely to appeal to pike enthusiasts who like experimenting, who are keen to apply their experience to the challenge of one of the biggest freshwater predators. The timing should coincide with the Nile perch moving into the shallows to feed on spawning Tilapia. A major part of the trip’s purpose is to help familiarise our guides with new rigs and techniques. Because of this training input, the cost is less than regular safaris – £ 865 after early booking discount. For details email me, (Tim Baily) or contact Tailor Made Holidays. Price includes flight, hotel (2nts b&b sharing) but not tips, drinks & permit. Your chance to fish with John Wilson In April, TV personality and writer John Wilson will accompany a small group of anglers for a week’s fishing on Lake Nasser. In past years, anglers on John’s escorted safaris have caught Nile perch to 176lb. Last year one safari member landed a 90lb bagrus catfish -the unofficial world record. The number of anglers will be limited to eight (two per fishing boat) with John dividing his time between the four boats. The safari will be accompanied by a well equipped supply boat, which will prepare each night’s campsite and evening meal. Group members will depart for Egypt on Monday, April 22. The price per person is £ 1375. This includes flights, use of tackle, fishing permit, tipping, travel insurance, soft drinks and bottled water. To reserve a place, contact Christine Slater at Tailor Made Holidays (see below). Please note that places on this one-off safari are limited. Those interested are advised to book early. This safari is not subject to the early booking discount FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LAKE NASSER
Package price includes all airport taxes and airline insurance levy (protects against airline failure). Package does not include fishing permit and tipping contribution, which are payable on arrival in Aswan (one week 05, two weeks £ 115). Optional hotel on arrival/departure is subject to supplement at peak periods (affects 5 departure dates). Safari members must arrange valid travel insurance. Applies to all 2002 safaris, including recce safaris. International enquiries The African Angler Pty Ltd Enquiries from UK |
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