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ZAMBEZI SPECTACULAR FISHING

The Zambezi River is wild and savage and provides some of the most diverse fishing conditions known to fishermen. It originates in the North-West region of Zambia and runs through Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique before it finally empties into the Indian Ocean. Along its route it passes through Southern Africa's most impressive countryside. It is abundant with wildlife as it passes through several National Game Parks. The river is extremely lush and incredibly fertile, the continuous changes to the rivers course create rocky rapids and awesome waterfalls.

There are a wide variety of wild colours and oddly shaped fish, but the main species to catch have to be Tigerfish, Vundu / Catfish, and Bream. Together they form a formidable trio and are without doubt the undisputed heavy weight champions of Southern African fresh water fishing. Each catch has its own techniques and experience and hopefully this article will provide a insight into an adrenaline pumping Zambezi spectacular.

Tigerfish are armed with the most formidable jaws of any fresh water species. They laden with 18 razor sharp large triangular-shaped interlocking teeth. The fully extendable mouth has ten teeth set in the upper jaw and eight in the lower jaw. The tigerfish is arguably the fiercest fish swimming anywhere on this planet. Strikes are incredibly hard and one would expect that by the sheer strike that the hook would be set deep into the fishes mouth, however with a ratio of six to one the hook is more often ejected on one of the many acrobatic leaps and tail walks. Tigerfish are caught in most water conditions, but provide the most sport when hooked out of the many deep swirling pools and back eddies. Hot spots are gravel bottoms where shallow, faster moving water meet deeper, slower moving pools. Tigers vary in size, 2-20lb, with the larger fish preferring the faster moving water. A variety of methods provide good catches, these range from dead and live baits, artificial lures, spoons, spinner baits and fly. The use of a steel trace goes without question. Trolling baits at a speed of 4-5 knots is very productive, tigerfish like to shoal and when a hit occurs it often pays to stop the boat and fish the surrounding area. Once you find a "Hot spot", just about everything you can throw is greedily snapped up by these aggressive fish. The best time to visit the Zambezi is between August and November with September being the most consistent month. June and July sometimes become the jewels as often the receding waters following the winter rains induce large shoals of juveniles to go into vast feeding frenzies.   

African Sharp-tooth Catfish are formidable fighters and are found mainly in the many deep and slow back eddies and pools along the river. Although they can reach weights in excess of 60lb they have never breached the 100lb mark. Fish average between 10-30lb and are easily taken on bottom fished live or dead baits and worms. Fantastic sport can be had by tempting the flat headed, whiskered catfish into striking a variety of lures and fly. The light tackle ensures a tremendous battle as the catfish stays as close to the bottom for as long as possible. Fishing for Catfish often results in a strike from one of the many exotic species found along this waterway.

Vundu, the much bigger cousin of the Catfish is ironically only found below the Victoria Falls. There is no scientific explanation for this phenomenon and there has been no recorded catch above the falls. Lake Kariba is the largest man made water way, it is 175 miles long and up to 30 miles wide, this vast lake is home to Africa's largest Catfish. Vundu have typical catfish dimensions, they have a large flat head equipped with several sensory whiskers or barbules. They are primarily scavengers, but have been known to strike live baits and artificial lures. They have small ineffective eyes and attack more by feel than by sight. They have a large bucket like mouth which reacts to movement sensed by two larger barbules which are angled to the front as the fish moves along the bottom waters. They are common in all depth of water but prefer depth between 10 - 30 feet. Although they are active during the day they become more active by night. Vundu will take on a wide variety of baits, the bigger the better, luncheon meat, balls of trout pellets, kapenta (fresh water sardine), dead fish baits and fillets. Local fishermen are partial to using a local soap, this lard based blue soap is kneaded into a fist size ball and then moulded around a 6/0 hook. When looking for the ideal spot try to choose deep river gorges and areas around river mouths and drainage entrances. Slightly colored water often produces the best results and don't be afraid to fish in and around hippos, as often the Vundu are not far behind as they vacuum up potential meals disturbed by the Hippos. Drift fishing often allows your bait to bounce along the bottom, this method seems deadly and most often results in a blistering reel run. Set the hook by tightening your clutch and pulling the rod back hard through the bait and setting the hook deep into the Vundu's mouth. As common weights average between 30-80lb expect a fight lasting anywhere between 30min - 1 hour. This is arguably the fastest, most powerful battle you will ever experience with a heavyweight fresh water predator anywhere on this planet.      

Catching these premium freshwater fish is a must for any serious fresh water fisherman. A number of highly professional fishing lodges operate both venues. A vast array of additional activities including, game viewing, birding and nature walks can be included. Experienced guides will provide crucial fishing and general safety information ensuring the ultimate Southern African Fishing Tour. First class accommodation and catering will ensure that your African experience will etch life long memories.

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