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ARRANGE A TIGER QUEST FOR YOUR GROUP FOR THE COMING SEASON! A Tiger Quest is an option for a group of anglers to arrange their own hosted trip at a convenient date to all. The minimum requirements are that there should be 4 in the group and the stay should be for a minimum of 3 nights i.e. 4 days.
What is a Tiger Quest? Flyfishing Tiger Quests were started 10 years ago by Malcolm Meintjes, who has over 20 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in flyfishing for tigers. He will personally host these Quests, which means he is on hand to help members to find and catch tiger fish in more than 40 kilometres of excellent water on the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. He has also developed productive flyfishing techniques for tigers and he will spend sessions with each angler in the group. This makes for a very enjoyable and relaxed trip.
Many anglers who, having saved up for this lifetime trip, find that, on a normal excursion of 4 - 5 days, they are often unable to come to grips with the big unfamiliar rivers like the Zambezi. Often different techniques and flies are required for success during their stay and this can, as in most flyfishing, be a critical factor to success. Thus the Quests offer accelerated learning of techniques, flies etc and substantial experience in fishing the Zambezi, Chobe and their associated rapids - a wealth of wonderful water. While the usual catch is for fish between 2 - 8lbs. the Quests have yielded up more than their fair share of big tigers to 18 lb. (By the way,
if your partner doesn't fish, book her or him on to the Quests
as well . While they're welcome to fish, there's no pressure
on them to do so all the time and they can enjoy outstanding
birding, take a cruise into the Chobe to see game at close
quarters - or relax by the pool )
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When will the Quests be held? The preferred period for Quests to take place is June to December but there are opportunities for good fishing in March - May when the river waters clear. More about what happens on a Quest? On a trip of 4 - 5 days, you don't want to have to spend precious time re-inventing the wheel since there's a lot of water to cover. Thus with Malcolm in attendance, you benefit from his personal knowledge of the rivers and local information on the fishing the moment you touch sides at the lodge - even the flight over bubbles with excitement and the thought that possibly that evening might herald the first thunderous take
You're going to be exploring some superb African waters in search of wild fish, so getting to grips with the awesome tiger as quickly as possible, gives you a much better chance of subduing, perhaps even a dream fish. This has happened each year (sometimes with beginners) with the biggest each season weighing between 16 - 18 lbs. And there is always the chance of a lovely Olive bream (Nembwe) or a sizable Sharptooth catfish as well. What is the likely itinerary? It is possible to drive up to Kasane, but the preferred approach is to fly into Kasane, Livingstone, Victoria Falls and then transfer to the Lodge.
And then to dream of the big fish of tomorrow.
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It's not only
a case of learning a variety of tackle set-ups, innovative techniques
and using new fly patterns, but you'll enjoy the thrill and fun
of putting these into practice while fishing a number of sessions
and a variety of waters on the river. Malcolm spends a session
or two with each member, giving a wonderful opportunity for personal
discussion and that evening around the fire or dining table,
there is always a warm camaraderie on the day's successes.
All going well,
the Quest members will have had their initial chat on tigers
and techniques even before they have arrived at the Lodge and
the short session before dark helps sort out casting and retrieves.
Some anglers even had their personal bests that first afternoon!
There are two
flyfishers per boat, each with a driver and Malcolm will share
morning/afternoon session with members. Each evening after a
refreshing shower and over a drink before dinner, the team recalls
the events of the day. Tales of techniques that worked; flies
that were successful; particular water to be focused on and digital
photos of fish won are the order of the moment.