Bob Crass was borne and raised in the Little Mooi River valley and from an early age had a passion for fishing, rivers, and all things in them. From this beginning he made a life-long commitment to studying freshwater ecology. His important and lasting contributions to our knowledge of aquatic micro-fauna, fishes and the environment are recognized through his many scientific papers and books. Amongst these was the discovery and description of a number of previously unknown mayflies from the Mooi River system. He had a long and distinguished career as the freshwater fisheries biologist and subsequently Principal Scientific Officer of the then Natal Parks Board where he also instigated the fishing liaison committees which were a valued link between the angling public and the nature conservation agency. He had a particular gift not only in his ability for scientific writing, but also in his publication of a number of popular magazine articles and books on trout fishing, the best known of which is probably his much-loved “Trout in South Africa”, published in 1986. Through these, and through his outgoing nature, he became widely known and respected in both the lay and scientific worlds.
Always the professional, he readily embraced new ideas and concepts as they came along. Perhaps one of his many outstanding achievements, was his ability as a scientist and nature conservationist, to recognise that in the modern economy, a balanced view is essential, with due recognition given equally to the need for protection of the natural environment, while at the same time, acknowledging the needs of people to provide for food and many other requirements (such as sport angling) in the developed landscapes.
His contributions to trout angling are legendary and represent a lasting legacy to the sport. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Natal Fly Fishers Club, was a dedicated committee member for many years, an enthusiastic member of the Underberg Himeville Trout Fishing Club, as well as serving as Secretary and Manager of this club for over a decade.
