Meet Tourette Fishing Guide, Pierre Swartz

Growing up in Graaff Reinet, Pierre fell in love with the sport of fly fishing at a very young age, spending endless weekends camping and fishing the neighboring rivers. After matriculating Pierre took the plunge and moved to Stellenbosch where he took up fly fishing full time, guiding local and international clients on the pristine streams and rivers of the Western Cape. Since then Pierre has guided throughout South Africa targeting both salt and fresh water species and joined the Tourette Fishing guides team in 2014. Quite the dexterous man, Pierre also designs and manufactures custom handmade leather boots, belts, and bags in his spare time.

Guiding log

Pierre has guided for yellowfish, rainbow and brown trout, carp, mullet, and numerous other fresh and saltwater species. Since joining the Tourette Fishing guides team, Pierre has spent seven weeks guiding in Lesotho for smallmouth yellowfish and trout.

Q & A WITH THE MAN HIMSELF

What was your first fly rod?

A Daiwa Osprey 7’6 4/5wt matched with a Daiwa reel and Sci Anglers 4wt floating line.

Where is your favorite fishing spot?

There are so many to choose from but I love De Mond Nature reserve near Struisbaai. It is one of the most beautiful lagoons on the South African coastline and casting to tailing grunter is enough to get anybody excited.

What would you consider your favorite fly?

The one fly that stands out to me is the Royal Wulff. It always has a special place in my box because the fish love them.

What is your all time favorite movie?

There are many great films out there but the one that will always be special to me is A River Runs Through It.

What kind of music are you into?

Rhythm and Blues is king. BB King, Miles Davis, etc. (Sorry Mark Murray, Trance music is somewhere on the list.)

Any advice you would give to someone starting out fly fishing?

KEEP IT SIMPLE. I learned this lesson a long time ago from well known angler and guide, Tony Biggs.

Any interests outside of fishing?

I have always been quite a keen outdoors man. I really enjoy spending time in my garden or going on multi-day hiking trails.

Favorite Quotes?

All of John Gierach’s work is brilliant and refreshingly witty. This is one of my favorites: ”Calling fishing a hobby is like calling brain surgery a job.”

Most Memorable moment/highlight of your guiding career

I’ve been fortunate to have shared some very memorable times with a lot of exceptional anglers like MC Coetzer, Dean Riphagen, Tom Sutcliffe, Ed Herbst, Ed Truter, Anthony Kruger and Andrew Parsons to name only a few. However, the moments that really stand out for me are the ones where I get to help a first time angler to land their fish of a lifetime. That really puts a smile on my face.