About Bo Karoo Fishing & Jacques Schoeman
About Bo Karoo Fishing:
Bo Karoo Fishing was built around a passion for the Orange River, Yellowfish fishing, and sharing authentic fishing experiences with anglers visiting South Africa’s Northern Cape.
Led by fishing guide Jacques Schoeman, Bo Karoo Fishing specialises in guided Orange River Yellowfish fishing experiences, combining local river knowledge, trophy fishing opportunities, fly fishing, seasonal conditions, and meaningful time on the water.
Bo Karoo Fishing is built around authentic Orange River fishing experiences, local knowledge, and a passion for targeting largemouth and smallmouth yellowfish in South Africa’s Northern Cape.
About The Guide
Built Around a Passion for the Orange River and Yellowfish Fishing
Long before Bo Karoo Fishing was established, my connection with the Orange River began as a passion for fishing and exploring one of South Africa’s most remarkable freshwater systems. What started as time spent learning the river gradually developed into a deep appreciation for its changing conditions, diverse structure, and the unique challenges presented by both Largemouth and Smallmouth Yellowfish.
Over the years, countless hours on the water helped me build an understanding of seasonal patterns, fish behaviour, productive water, and the small details that often make the difference between a memorable day and an exceptional one. The Orange River became more than just a fishing destination — it became a place of continuous learning, discovery, and respect for the fishery.
Yellowfish quickly became the species that captured my attention most. Their strength, unpredictability, and the technical challenges they present create a style of fishing that remains rewarding regardless of experience level. Whether targeting trophy Largemouth Yellowfish or enjoying the action provided by Smallmouth Yellowfish, every day on the river offers something different.
Guiding developed naturally from a desire to share that knowledge and passion with others. Today, I enjoy helping anglers experience the Orange River, improve their understanding of Yellowfish fishing, and create memorable experiences on a fishery that has shaped much of my own fishing journey.
— Jacques Schoeman
Founder & Guide, Bo Karoo Fishing
About Bo Karoo Fishing
More Than A Guiding Service
Bo Karoo Fishing was created to offer anglers authentic guided Yellowfish fishing experiences built around local knowledge, honesty, and a genuine passion for the Orange River.
Rather than focusing only on catching fish, the goal is to provide memorable experiences that help anglers better understand the river, the fishery, and the unique opportunities it offers.
Every guided trip is built around real-time river conditions, seasonal patterns, and the individual goals of each angler or group.
Whether the objective is pursuing a trophy Largemouth Yellowfish, enjoying active Smallmouth Yellowfish fishing, introducing a family to the sport, or simply experiencing the Orange River for the first time, each trip is tailored to create a rewarding day on the water.
At its core, Bo Karoo Fishing is about sharing knowledge, creating memorable experiences, and helping anglers connect with one of South Africa’s most remarkable freshwater fisheries through guided fishing adventures that are personal, professional, and authentic.
About The Orange River & Slypsteen Safaris
One Of South Africa's Most Unique Yellowfish Fishing Destinations
The Orange River is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s premier Yellowfish fisheries and offers anglers the opportunity to target both Largemouth and Smallmouth Yellowfish in a truly unique environment. Its combination of flowing water, diverse structure, changing seasonal conditions, and remarkable scenery creates a fishing experience unlike any other freshwater destination in the country.
Bo Karoo Fishing operates from Slypsteen Safaris, a riverside destination situated along one of the most productive stretches of the Orange River. The location provides direct access to quality fishing water, comfortable accommodation, and a peaceful environment where anglers can fully experience everything the river has to offer.
Beyond the fishing itself, the Orange River is known for its rugged beauty, birdlife, wildlife, and sense of isolation. For many visitors, the combination of exceptional Yellowfish fishing and the natural surroundings is what makes the experience so memorable and encourages them to return year after year.
A Fish I'll Never Forget
Some fish stay with you long after the photograph is taken, and this Largemouth Yellowfish is one of them.
It was caught during my first self-planned expedition to Slypsteen Safaris, making the experience especially memorable. The conditions were exceptional, with clear water, active fish, and the opportunity to explore new stretches of the Orange River for the first time.
The fish struck aggressively only a few metres from where I was standing, smashing a Rapala X-Light Midrunner as it tracked along a deep drop-off close to the river margin.
That small lure has earned a permanent place in my tackle box over the years and remains one of my trusted confidence lures when conditions suit its presentation.
Moments like these happen in seconds, yet remain etched in your memory forever. Estimated at around 9.5 kg, this fish was remarkable not only for its size but also for its incredible colours and condition.
Even today, it remains one of my favourite Orange River Largemouth Yellowfish captures and a reminder of why I continue to spend so much time exploring, learning, and sharing this remarkable fishery with others.
GUIDING PHILOSOPHY
Every Fishing Experience Should Feel Personal, Relaxed, and Authentic
No two anglers are the same, and no two days on the Orange River are ever identical. For that reason, every guided trip is approached with flexibility, patience, and a focus on creating an enjoyable experience that matches the goals and expectations of each angler or group.
Some anglers arrive in pursuit of a trophy Largemouth Yellowfish, while others simply want to improve their understanding of the river, spend time outdoors, or enjoy quality fishing with family and friends. Regardless of experience level, the objective remains the same — to provide an authentic, relaxed, and rewarding day on the water.
Guiding is not only about helping anglers catch fish. It is about sharing knowledge, building confidence, reading changing conditions, and helping people experience the Orange River in a way that creates lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for this remarkable fishery.
Bo Karoo Fishing strive to keep yellowfish conservation as a top priority in guiding and enjoying our sport.
THE RIVER LIFESTYLE
More Than Fishing — The Orange River Experience
While Yellowfish fishing may bring anglers to the Orange River, the experience often becomes about much more than the fish themselves.
Days on the river are shaped by changing scenery, wildlife encounters, peaceful stretches of water, and the opportunity to disconnect from everyday routines. From early mornings on the water to evenings overlooking the river at Slypsteen Safaris, every trip offers a chance to experience a unique part of South Africa’s Northern Cape.
For many visitors, it is the combination of exceptional fishing, remarkable landscapes, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Orange River that makes the experience so memorable and encourages them to return again and again.
The Fish That Changed Everything
Some fish become personal milestones. Others become part of your story forever. This Largemouth Yellowfish remains the largest fish I have ever caught and stands as the highlight of my fishing career on the Orange River.
The fish struck a shallow-diving Rapala Shad Rap Shallow Runner that was being allowed to swing naturally across a deep rapid estimated at around 16 metres deep.
The water below was filled with structure, and despite difficult conditions and very little activity throughout the day, I continued believing in the presentation and the water I was fishing. Cast after cast, the lure was allowed to swing through the same feeding zone until the moment everything finally came together.
The take was brutal. The fish hit with incredible power and immediately used its weight and the deep water to its advantage. With large structure nearby, maximum pressure was needed to prevent it from reaching the rocks. At times, I even had to use my hands to assist the drag as the fish overpowered the setup.
What followed felt like an eternity as the fish stayed deep, using every advantage the river could offer before finally beginning to tire.
When the fish eventually surfaced, the emotions were overwhelming. My heart was racing and I knew I was looking at a truly exceptional Largemouth Yellowfish.
I chose not to weigh the fish because my landing net was, in my opinion, too small and I was unwilling to risk harming such a magnificent specimen simply to record a number. Estimated between 14.5 and 15 kilograms, this old predator continues to swim the Orange River today, inspiring anglers who dream of one day encountering a fish of similar size.
The photographs were taken quickly before releasing the fish. After giving everything it had during the fight, it deserved the opportunity to return to the river with enough energy to survive, recover, and continue thriving.
To this day, I still find myself wondering how I will ever surpass that fish. Perhaps that is part of what keeps drawing me back to the Orange River—the belief that somewhere beneath the current swims another giant capable of capturing an angler’s imagination in exactly the same way.
Experience the Orange River Through Guided Yellowfish Fishing Adventures
Explore guided Orange River fishing experiences focused on trophy Yellowfish, fly fishing, multi-day adventures, and memorable time on the water.