About Fred Steynberg & Linecasters

FRED STEYNBERG has been a professional fly fishing guide for more than 20 years and is considered one of the most experienced guides in South Africa. Most of his time has been spent on the clear mountain rivers of Rhodes which boasts over 300 km’s of Africa’s most pristine wild trout waters. The popular smallmouth yellowfish share these untainted waters with the trout. Specializing in river fly fishing, Fred has developed an astounding knowledge of the trout and yellowfish and their habitat in this area. Fred also has trout fishing experience in Sweden, Argentina, Patagonia and New Zealand where he has spent many months stalking large brown trout.

Having developed a passion for fishing to any salt water quarry that would take an imitated fly pattern, Fred has also facilitated, guided and hosted trips to various world class salt water destinations such as Mozambique, Cuba, Angola, Mexico, Tanzania and the Seychelles over the last 15 years and has a vast knowledge of species that teem the waters of these tropical paradises.

Fred was one of the field editors of the “The Complete Fly Fisherman” for many years, South Africa’s leading fly fishing magazine. He currently contributes educational articles on fly fishing and runs fly fishing forums for the magazine.

Fred started hunting with his father at the age of six in the Natal region for plains game and problem animals (vermin classified animals). It was in his later school years when he moved to Rhodes in the Eastern Cape that he had the ideal opportunity to pursue the ‘Sport of Kings’ – wing shooting. This was also the time when he started hunting extensively in the Eastern Cape and the Free State. Fred started hunting professionally in October 1993 when he completed a professional hunter course through the NAPHCOM approved Professional Hunters School of Johan Calitz.

Fred specializes in trophy hunting for Mountain Reedbuck and the elusive highland Vaal Rhebuck. He also offers wing shooting for Greywing Francolin over English Pointers. He trains his own English Pointers and has bred dogs that have won National trophies. Being both a professional fly fishing guide and a professional hunter, Fred also guides clients on MacNabs and has helped numerous clients on their successful completion of the challenge.

Fred and his family live in Rhodes, a tiny, quaint, rustic village snuggled high up in the mountains of the North Eastern Cape. The town’s dirt streets are lined with wild roses and willows instead of street lamps. Most of the houses are over 100 years old and built in the Victorian style. Some of the old buildings are declared national monuments with the town itself a National Conservancy. Rhodes offers total peace and tranquillity where the weather is mostly great and the air crisp and clean. This is the base from where Fred operates his outfitting business – LINECASTERS.