Spotlight: Gary Maas — Fishing Tales from a Life Well Lived
Spotlight: Gary Maas — Fishing Tales from a Life Well Lived: From the helm of Carpetbagger to the quiet waters of Troutbagger Farm, Gary Maas has spent a lifetime chasing fish, telling stories, and living the kind of life most anglers only dream about.
A former Springbok angler and charter-boat captain, Gary’s legacy stretches from the salt-sprayed decks of South Africa’s coast to the misty hills of the KZN Midlands. His latest offering, Facts, Fiction, Fishing and Fun, is more than just a book — it’s a celebration of the wild, the weird, and the wonderful world of fishing.
Written with wit and warmth, Gary’s stories blur the line between truth and tall tale, inviting readers into a world where the fish are big, the laughs are loud, and the memories are unforgettable. Whether recounting epic catches or quiet moments by the dam, his voice is unmistakably authentic — the kind you’d want beside you on a long drift or a late-night braai.
Now based at Troutbagger Farm near Nottingham Road, Gary continues to share his passion with visitors, offering trout and bass fishing in three stocked dams. His wife Shirley adds her own magic with guided nature walks, making the farm a haven for both anglers and nature lovers.








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