There are two types of recreational fishermen: the first enjoy a calm, relaxing day out on the water and are quite happy to cast a line, crack a beer and wait for a fish to take the bait. These fishermen are content with their decently sized fish that are quick to reel in before returning to quietly enjoying the scenery.
And then there is the second type that loves a bit of excitement while catching their dinner. They wait with bated breath for that moment when their lines jerk with the force of their hooked prize. They want to feel the spray of the water as they wrestle a fierce fish out of the lake and into their eager arms.
If you are the latter type of fisher, there’s no better fish to catch than a Tigerfish. However, this African game fish is not for the faint-hearted – check out this family’s epic Tigerfish experience! Tigerfish have tough scales and a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. Suffice to say, they are some beastly-looking creatures.
Their looks are also not just for show, oh no. These predatory fish are known to put up a good fight. They will do anything from biting through a leader to cutting the line with their tails to avoid capture. Tigerfish are also considered the fastest freshwater fish in Africa. You will need to keep your wits about you to catch one of these super swimmers. So, if you’re planning on taking on the challenge of trying to catch a Tigerfish, here are a few things you have to know.
Tigerfish are considered Africa’s answer to the Bass in America and Carp in Europe and are particularly abundant in the Zambezi River. The River Club and other luxury lodges perched above the Zambezi near Livingstone offer tiger fishing included in many of their packages. Further down river in Lower Zambezi National Park, lodges like Royal Zambezi Lodge or Sausage Tree Camp offer free tiger fishing excursions for all of their guests. Don’t worry if you don’t have the correct equipment; you can hire from the lodge for only $25 a day.
Lake Kariba is another water body teeming with tigerfish. Nestled along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Kariba offers great fishing opportunities from either side. Be sure to check out Rhino Safari Camp, which is perched on the Zimbabwean side of Lake Kariba. While tigerfish are the main attraction, guests can also catch other fish like Tilapia and Vundu. Moreover, guests can access the rich wildlife in the Matusadona National Park on their doorstep.
The best months to catch a tiger fish are between September and March. This is considered summer in Southern Africa. Since this is such a popular time to catch these exciting fish, hotels and lodges often offer tiger fishing excursions all day.
Gondwana Collection Namibia also offers fully inclusive fishing packages at Zambezi Mubala Camp and Zambezi Mubala Lodge, Namushasha River Lodge and Hakusembe River Lodge, consisting of three or five nights’ accommodation, meals, and of course angling. They know where the river monsters lurk. Spend the whole day on the river with an experienced guide and the prospect of having tigerfish, nembwe, humpback and three-spot or redbreast tilapia on the hook. At the end of the day, the complimentary sundowner cruise is the ideal spot to sit back, forget the hustle and bustle of town and swap fishing tales.
Musango Safari Camp is opportunely located near the Zimbabwean side of Lake Kariba. The Camp offers an excursion complete with a guide, a boat, equipment and even some drinks. Because, of course, you’ll need some hydration when engaged in a battle with these big boys. And when we say “big”, we mean it. The largest tiger fish caught in the area surrounding Musango Safari Camp weighed a whopping 14 pounds!
The philosophy of many Southern African establishments, especially those involved in the travel industry, is to tread as lightly on the Earth as possible. It is a commonly held belief that one should take what they need from the environment and nothing more.
As such, many places will only allow guests to catch and release tigerfish in an effort to assist with conservation efforts. In fact, tournaments like the Invitational Tiger Tournament held at Lake Kariba are exclusively a catch and release event.
At the end of the day, the thrill of the chase is what tiger fishing is all about. The satisfaction of catching one of these elusive creatures is the real prize. Plus, this is a great way to learn about the deep connection that certain communities have with the environment. For example, catch and release fishing is offered at Caprivi Mutoya Lodge on the Namibian side of the Zambezi River. From here, guests have the incredible opportunity to do walking tours through the local Libula village and learn more about the way of life of the area’s indigenous inhabitants.
So, while tiger fishing is undoubtedly more action-packed than the average Sunday morning fishing trip, the gratification of going to battle with these fearsome opponents -and winning- is more than worth it. Besides, what better place to rest your weary muscles than with a gin and tonic toasting an enchanting African sunset?
