TIGER FISHING ON THE UPPER ZAMBEZI

How time flies! Thus far (Septemebr 2009), with record floods having taken place earlier, the tiger season, which started in June, has been very good and all signs confirm a very good season. Not only have we caught some lovely double-figure tigers, but also some specimen nembwe and Pink bream ( formerly known as Pink Happies)

SOME FEEDBACK ON TIGER QUESTS 2008

If you weren't on the Zambezi in 2008 then undoubtedly you missed one of the best seasons for many years.

Flyfishing Tiger Quests were held from June to October and only on one outing did the Quest groups fail to land a double-figure fish on fly. Not that emphasis is laid on big fish - wild fish are far too canny for that sort of guarantee - for if you don't go to enjoy the full range of what the Zambezi can offer, you'll miss out on some extraordinary sights. Having said that. the array of huge fish was a very welcome - and nerve shattering - sight to those who hooked them.We caught a lot of fish that brought with them many memorable moments as well.

While there were many highlights, double delight was expressed by well-known flyfisher Louis van der Westhuizen and Max and Trudi van Os who in three days landed 94 tigers out of 115 hooked (82% success rate using the 'wireless' technique) with three double figure in amongst the captures. One fly was lost to a fish.

.Biggest fish of 17 lb was landed by Gerrie Venter towards the end of the season and Malcolm himself had a surprise when he landed a 12 lb. and 13+lb tiger on an October afternoon - before and after the Currie Cup semi-finals.

Earlier in the season there were some excellent days off the floodplains with tigers and nembwe (Olive bream) also coming to the fore, but a surprise package was the number of Pink Happies that took hold as well as a specimen Threespot tilapia. Naturally Sharptooth catfish were not uncommon especially during their "congregations" in July and August. Some monster 'tigers' were lost during this time when the fish headed for the fosia grass instead of open water.

Most of the Quests took place over four days but some were scheduled for a while longer. No matter how long one went for the opinion was always expressed " we should have stayed a day longer."

Thank you to all that participated. it was great to experience the friendship as well as the fishing.

There has been an increase in the number of aspirant anglers prepared to put their imaginations on the line. I refer, of course, to the gentle and time-consuming art of fly tying.There is an enjoyable way to learn about this by joining a fly tying Guild. One such resource is the Transvaal Fly Tyers Guild

SOUTHERN AFRICAN FLYFISHING REGIONS

We've received many e-mails about Southern African flyfishing. To take you into the provinces, have a look at this link

LEARN MORE ABOUT FLYFISHING AFRICA

This exciting site reveals more of this continent's jewels, and offers insight into many popular fly-taking species such as tiger fish, Nile perch, tilapia as well as bass and trout. VISIT OUR AFRICAN FLYFISHING SITE

Flyfishing for Visitors

Not sure of what you'd like to experience on your trip to Southern Africa. Here's a summary of some special flyfishing.

MORE ABOUT TIGER QUESTS FOR FLYFISHERS

So far in 2009, all indications are that the season is going to be a good one. Already some outsize tigers have been taken on the Zambezi and coming to grips with a lifetime fish this year is a distinct possibility. The reason being that this is the third year of good floods and an ample flood season allows for good breeding of the minnow species. When the water drops and the minnows come off the floodplains, the tigers feed heavily.

This increase in condition and weight means some hefty specimens are wating for us later in the season as well.

Tiger Quests are ideal for small groups of flyfishers wishing to accelerate their success on the Zambezi - a pretty formidable Southern African river. Malcolm hosts the group, offers insight into where to go and techniques to use, but otherwise it's really informal and no different to any outing with friends.

This year the Quests have been held at lovely, comfortable Impalila Island Lodge, which is about 70 kms upriver of the Victoria Falls. it is easily accessed from Livingstone, Kasane and Vic Falls itself.

The lodge is situated in the middle of some excellent water. Not only 30 - 40 kilometres of the Zambezi beckons, but also unrestricted access to the Kasai channel, the Chobe river and the Mambova rapids.

It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or not. In 2008 the biggest fish was landed by an angler who only picked up a fly rod at the beginning of the trip and a good proportion of the bigger tigers were landed by newcomer flyfishers. While every angler hopes to tangle with a monster, the 2 - 4 pounders deserve a great deal of respect as the tiger is one of the - if not the - hardest freshwater fighter around.

Catching a tiger fish on fly is a flyfishing dream for many anglers! And then , of course, there is the nembwe - the olive bream - anda number of other ang,ing species inclduing the Sharptooth catfish.

The minimum requirements to achieve the special package rates are simply for 4 anglers to stay for a period of 3 nights or more. That means, if time is an issue, a Friday to a Monday trip can be a plan to consider.

If you're keen to know more about this season's Quests for your friends, clients or family, please email me or click here for more information on the Tiger Quests

More Flyfishing Links for you to check out

Trout fishing and accommodation at Waterval Boven in Mpumalanga

More wild rainbow and brown trout fishing near Underberg in the beautiful waters of Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve

Tiger fishing on the Zambezi

Flyfishing throughout Africa

It's rather a big continent and with a lot to offer, just north of our borders.

International Links

For outbound flyfishers there's a world of flyfishing to be experienced. See if anything here catches your fancy.

It's great to have a fishing venue that one can call "home water" - a special place that holds you in its grip year after year. On the other hand, one of the attractions of flyfishing is that it can lure you to places far and wide; places that provide a challenge whether it is in the conditions that they pose or the type of fish they offer.

FLYFISHING BOOKS by Malcolm Meintjes

Complete your personal flyfishing library with one or all of these titles. Request Malcolm (the author) to sign them, if you so wish. All prices with packaging and postage (domestic)

REMARKABLE FLYFISHING DESTINATIONS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA - R160 (includes local packaging and postage)

This is the latest in the flyfishing titles by Malcolm Meintjes. Read up on wonderful flyfishing destinations within Southern Africa that will capture your imagination, both in freshwater and the salt. An A3 size book with superb photographs to illustrate each chapter. Also includes relevant techniques for trout, yellowfish and tiger fish amongst others.

Published by Struik

ZAMBEZI TIGER

THE TROUT AND THE KINGFISHER R100 (Includes local postage and packaging)

How did they flyfish South African waters 100 years ago? This book takes you back through the eyes of anglers through the years to provide a fascinating historical perspective.