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About Slade Ray

I’m an ardent outdoors enthusiast, driven by my unwavering passion for competitive bass fishing. It is within the realm of this sport that I truly come alive. With utmost dedication and a lead-by-example approach, I strive to inspire those around me to reach for their own triumphs. Assisting others brings me immense gratification and serves as a powerful motivation to excel in every endeavor I undertake.

Why Fish with Me?

Bass fishing has been my passion since the age of 3 when my father first introduced me to the art of this captivating sport. Over the years, that passion has grown into an impressive career, marked by numerous achievements:

  • Competitive Experience: I started competing at age 11 and have participated in 8 Junior Nationals, earning a spot on the Protea team 7 times.
  • National Recognition: Represented South Africa on an international stage. ·
  • Top Honors: Awarded South Africa’s Top Angler in 2022 and 2024, cementing my place as one of the country’s elite bass fishermen.
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Let us tailor an unforgettable adventure just for you. Our team is ready to provide all the details you need to plan your perfect fishing trip.  

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What I Offer

I bring years of hands-on experience and deep knowledge of bass fishing to create an exceptional experience for my clients. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Personalized Guidance: Learn expert techniques, strategies, and insights I’ve honed over decades.
  • Top Fishing Locations: Explore South Africa’s best fishing spots, tailored to your skill level and preferences.
  • A Passionate Coach: My mission is to ensure you have fun, learn something new, and create lasting memories on the water.
  • Subject matter expert on the latest electronics.

More Than Just Fishing

Fishing with me is about more than catching bass – it’s about connecting with nature, honing your skills, and experiencing the thrill of reeling in a prize catch. As a passionate angler, I’m dedicated to sharing my journey and expertise with you. Plus, follow my adventures on social media for tips, tricks, and a glimpse into my life of bass fishing.

My Office - Your Ride For The Day

Testimonials

Selwyn Martin

My experience with Slade’s guiding, is that he is nothing short of a professional guide, with a personality to match his determination & competitive spirit, make his clients more than satisfied for the days fishing!!!!

Rasmus Venter

Thank you Slade for putting us on big fish. A few varke as you said🤣 Pitty about the ones that got away.. But that is why we go back! Anyone looking for a PB, Slade is your man! 🎣🎣🎣

PAUL STONLEY
Junior SABAA President

I have had the privilege and honour to have known Slade for 7 years. I first met Slade back in 2019 when he moved across from Northern Division to Gauteng Southern Division which i was managing at the time. He immediately stood out with his Angling skills, friendlyness, and leadership qualities. He was chosen to Captain our Junior Southerns Team for a couple of years and was the glue to keep the team together. He was never afraid to share information as it was a team effort when Fishing SA Junior Nationals. Since joining Southerns he finished in 1st place 4 times and had one 2nd place. He finished 1st in the 2022 SA Junior Nationals. On the International front against Zimbabwe I had the privilege to accompany him to 4 Internationals. He was nominated Captain and Vice Captain in two of the Internationals. In 2024 we had our Inaugural Tri Nations Cup which included the youth USA team held in Zimbabwe. Slade was Vice Captain for the Junior Protea Team. We won this Inaugural Tri Nations Cup. Slade has represented our Country 6 times both in Zimbabwe and South Africa. He has had the most amazing successful career in Junior Bass Angling and I wish Slade all of the very best moving forward into Senior Divisionals.

JOE KOURIE
Junior Protea Angler

Slade is one of the best anglers I know, I’ve watched him over the years dominate the tournaments and catching big bass consistently ! He always makes sure to put you on the fish, it’s just weather if you can catch them ! He is an exceptional angler when it comes to moving baits and finesse fishing.

DEVON MARSHALL
2 x Junior Protea Angler

Slade Hawman is a phenomenal angler and best friend, he always manages to figure out patterns and is consistently up there amongst some of the top anglers in the country, he has patience like no other angler I know. He has thought me so many valuable skills in bass fishing that have made me the angler I am today. He has contributed a major role in my finesse fishing and bed fishing and overall put me onto some big fish including my first 5kg from those techniques.

KEWAN NINANBER

Slade Hawman has taken me out several times and every time he has located and understood what the fish were doing that day. He takes all aspects into account for the day and adjusts accordingly. He is a great teacher and taught me how to make the correct changes at different times and countless techniques on different dams.

SHANDON HAWMAN
10x Protea Caps | Protea Captain 2011/12

Proud father indeed! Slade has excelled in the Sport of Bass Fishing at a very young age. His intuition, prowess and thinking has honed his skills to become a formidable and talented bass angler. He has a bright future, and loves to pass on his experience with others, Anyone who spends the day with him, will be a day to remember!

Seasonal Tips and Tricks

Winter: Slow Down

During the winter months, bass metabolism slows down, and they become less active. This means they won’t chase fast-moving baits. Focus on slower presentations like jigging or fishing with slow-moving soft plastics, such as a worm or a creature bait on a shaky head or drop shot. A slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses will often trigger strikes. Consider fishing deeper water, as bass tend to hang out in deeper, warmer parts of the lake during winter.

Autumn: Feeding Frenzy

Bass aggressively feed on shad and other baitfish, so use crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits to mimic their prey. Use fast-moving lures to locate active bass before slowing down with finesse techniques.

Summer: Peak Activity

Bass are more active in low-light conditions, so get out at sunrise or sunset. During midday, bass retreat to deeper water. Try drop-shot rigs, deep-diving crankbaits, or Texas-rigged worms. Frogs, buzz baits, and poppers create exciting surface strikes, especially near vegetation.

Spring: Look for Warmer Water

Bass become more active as temperatures rise, so target shallow areas where the water warms up first. Jigs, soft plastics, and suspending jerk baits work well as bass are still sluggish. Frogs, buzz baits, and poppers create exciting surface strikes, especially near vegetation.

Let’s Make It Happen

Are you ready to cast your line with an experienced angler? Whether it’s your first fishing trip or your hundredth, I’m here to make it an experience you’ll never forget. Book your fishing adventure today and join me, Slade Ray Hawman, for an unparalleled journey into the world of bass fishing.

Bass Fishing Locations

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