Tigerfishing can be done in South Arica, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique in rivers flowing east ward to the Indian Ocean. The favourite rivers for tigerfishing though are definitely the Zambezi and the Chobe rivers. The Kariba dam and also the Cahora Bassa dam, both in the path of the Zambezi, are equally well-known for tigerfishing.
The Zambezi River runs for a distance of some 2700 kilometres from its source in Zambia, through 6 countries prior to running into the Indian Ocean in Mozambique. On its way its falls over the Victoria waterfalls and some two hundred and fifty kilometres further makes its way into the Kariba dam from where it inevitably flows into the Cahora Bassa dam in Mozambique, before it enters the Ocean some 600 kilometres further. The Chobe River originates in Angola, flows past the Caprivi in Namibia and flows toward the Okavango Delta, where it just about fades away, but keeps flowing south east where it confluences with the Zambezi. It also borders the famous Chobe National Park. The third river where tiger fish can be found is the Pongola River, a tributary of the Maputo River. It rises near Utrecht in Kwa Zulu Natal and passes into the Jozini dam and after that converts north toward Mozambique where it joins the Maputo River.
The tigerfish, commonly known as the stripped dog, is a stunning fish to catch on either spinner or on fly. The Tiger has an eager following of anglers, many of whom will journey to the remotest regions to try their fortune in landing a good specimen. The record is apparently in the region of fifteen Kg, but catches of between 5 and more kg in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana is not uncommon. Although the South African record is 8, 3 kg's the typical size caught in the Jozini dam region is about 1 Kg. The fish is a ferocious feeder with huge protruding conical teeth and a hard bony pallet. They are cannibalistic and will strike bait from the side and turn it around to be ingested head first. Tigers aren't actually open water fish and are typically found reasonably nearby the sides of the rivers and dams in depths from 4 - 10 meters, although sizeable specimens have been taken in open waters of Kariba.
Equipment needed for tigerfishing is not the normal mediocre freshwater tackle. Firstly its twenty conical and intensely sharp teeth ought to be respected! You'll need a steel trace to attach the spinner or hook onto the fishing line. A good reel is extremely important and it should take about 120 - 200 meters of line as the Tiger can run long hauls at a time, particularly, of course, the larger ones. Bait casters are the better choice and be sure it has a great drag system. The rod should really be firm and about a 6 footer. Bear in mind you aren't about to cast great distances, but will probably trawl a spinner. If you are employing a hook and bait, be sure you use a sizeable hook as it needs to withstand a significant strike to settle. Round hooks are widely used, particularly on catch and release outings. The fishing line should be good quality abrasive line and the article writer prefers 20 lb breaking strain when fishing the Zambezi.
Some advice on tigerfishing: Keep the tip of your rod DOWN - the tiger will take advantage of any slack line when it jumps and tail walks to spit out a spinner at the end of a slack line.
The Zambezi River runs for a distance of some 2700 kilometres from its source in Zambia, through 6 countries prior to running into the Indian Ocean in Mozambique. On its way its falls over the Victoria waterfalls and some two hundred and fifty kilometres further makes its way into the Kariba dam from where it inevitably flows into the Cahora Bassa dam in Mozambique, before it enters the Ocean some 600 kilometres further. The Chobe River originates in Angola, flows past the Caprivi in Namibia and flows toward the Okavango Delta, where it just about fades away, but keeps flowing south east where it confluences with the Zambezi. It also borders the famous Chobe National Park. The third river where tiger fish can be found is the Pongola River, a tributary of the Maputo River. It rises near Utrecht in Kwa Zulu Natal and passes into the Jozini dam and after that converts north toward Mozambique where it joins the Maputo River.
The tigerfish, commonly known as the stripped dog, is a stunning fish to catch on either spinner or on fly. The Tiger has an eager following of anglers, many of whom will journey to the remotest regions to try their fortune in landing a good specimen. The record is apparently in the region of fifteen Kg, but catches of between 5 and more kg in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana is not uncommon. Although the South African record is 8, 3 kg's the typical size caught in the Jozini dam region is about 1 Kg. The fish is a ferocious feeder with huge protruding conical teeth and a hard bony pallet. They are cannibalistic and will strike bait from the side and turn it around to be ingested head first. Tigers aren't actually open water fish and are typically found reasonably nearby the sides of the rivers and dams in depths from 4 - 10 meters, although sizeable specimens have been taken in open waters of Kariba.
Equipment needed for tigerfishing is not the normal mediocre freshwater tackle. Firstly its twenty conical and intensely sharp teeth ought to be respected! You'll need a steel trace to attach the spinner or hook onto the fishing line. A good reel is extremely important and it should take about 120 - 200 meters of line as the Tiger can run long hauls at a time, particularly, of course, the larger ones. Bait casters are the better choice and be sure it has a great drag system. The rod should really be firm and about a 6 footer. Bear in mind you aren't about to cast great distances, but will probably trawl a spinner. If you are employing a hook and bait, be sure you use a sizeable hook as it needs to withstand a significant strike to settle. Round hooks are widely used, particularly on catch and release outings. The fishing line should be good quality abrasive line and the article writer prefers 20 lb breaking strain when fishing the Zambezi.
Some advice on tigerfishing: Keep the tip of your rod DOWN - the tiger will take advantage of any slack line when it jumps and tail walks to spit out a spinner at the end of a slack line.