Tiger Fishing in Southern Africa
Tiger fishing in some of the wildest locations in Southern Africa
For both skilled and novice anglers there is nothing like the take from an African Tiger Fish. Often referred to as Africa’s Big 6. They inspire both fear and respect and get the adrenaline going like no other fish. On the strike, tiger fish attack your bait laterally with such force that they can sever monofilament leaders, hence the frequent use of steel traces and durable tackle including a stiff rod for a hard strike.
The tiger fish has a streamlined silver body with black stripes running from head to tail. The tail and fins are an unmistakable bright reddish orange colour. The jaws are very bony and have interlocking, dagger-like teeth. It is this bony jaw that leads to many a fish getting away. The mistake anglers often make after the initial attack on the bait is to forget to strike to really set the hook in the bony jaw, thinking that the violent attack was enough to hook any fish. This can be the case with many other fresh or saltwater fish species, but not this one?
Tiger Fish
Tiger fish are found in many rivers and lakes on the continent of Africa. The Hydrocynus Vittatus species is the most widespread and is commonly found in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and the Zambezi River and also in the two largest lakes along the Zambezi River, Lake Kariba which borders Zimbabwe and Zambia, Cabora Bassa in Mozambique, and finally down to Jozini Dam in South Africa.
The Goliath Tiger Fish
There is one last twist to the tale of this magnificent freshwater game fish and that is there is a larger member of the family; Hydrocynus goliath. Believe it or not, this is a beast of a fish found in the Congo River Systems and Lake Tanganyika. The largest one on record is said to have weighed 70kgs (154lbs). Horrifying stories from locals living in these regions talk about injuries sustained from this massive fish that can often be found in very shallow water searching for its prey. And even stories of disappearing children can be heard. But, exaggerations can be granted if you are ever lucky enough to witness 70kgs of brute force and gnashing teeth. Fishing the Congo River would have its challenges too and best left to the intrepid likes of Jeremy Wade and his series; River Monsters.
Where and When to Go Tiger Fishing in Africa
Anglers in pursuit of this fish will soon learn that finding the right fishing spots in Africa often takes one to some of the most amazing places on earth. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its seasonal flooding that turns arid plains into a lush oasis. This inland delta is so large that it can be seen clearly from space. It features the Big 5 of Africa’s wildlife and over 500 species of birds. Truly a remarkable destination just to visit let alone gliding along a clear lagoon with a fishing rod in hand.
The great Zambezi River is Africa’s fourth largest river flowing approximately 2,700km from north-western Zambia through six countries (Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique). The river flows eastwards across the continent. The Zambezi runs over the Victoria Falls, located on the Zimbabwe-Zambia border and is the world’s largest curtain of falling water, plunging over 100 meters.
These incredible locations almost make the fishing of secondary importance, with many well run and equipped lodges and camps dotted all over these regions to choose from.
Of course, there are many more smaller rivers and water ways where one can catch tiger fish but, these regions given above are broad strokes of the brush and probably the most decent to target the species.
The Chobe River in northern Botswana is another good location. With many great camps and lodges along its banks as well as fantastic game parks to visit too like Chobe National Park and the most magnificent but lesser-known Chobe Forest Reserve.
I am talking from my own personal experience when I caught my largest tiger fish in this river when I was ten years old – which weighed in at 5kgs. In those days the spoons or lures were silver, about the size of a shoehorn, with a hook that must have measured 14/0. Or maybe that was what I thought the size of the lure was at that young age!
The best time of the year for tiger fish is August. But, September to April is also good fishing season in the southern hemisphere.
At NOMARA Africa Travel, our deep knowledge of these areas allows us to assist any traveller from any location in the world to craft a tiger fishing trip to these amazing places in Africa. It should also be noted that many camps have closed seasons during these good fishing months, so the necessary knowledge of open camp windows can be navigated with us at NOMARA Africa Travel.
What Equipment to take?
There are two ways to target tiger fish. Either conventional fishing rods and lures/hooks for bait or fly fishing.
Most lodges in tiger fishing areas carry the equipment necessary to catch tiger fish. Eliminating the need for a traveller to bring loads of equipment along.
However, for the professional fisherman, you are most welcome to bring you own kit along. If you know what you are doing or wish to receive concise advice on what to bring, NOMARA Africa Travel, in conjunction with our Lodge and Camp partners will work out a list that will not be difficult to bring along. Most of us as professional anglers will travel with 3 or 4-piece rods carried in a tube and a small kit bag of lures and hooks. Nothing too onerous.
Let’s split this into the two types of fishing, conventional and fly fishing and then tackle some of the lures required.
Conventional Fishing:
Key features of a good tiger fishing casting rod
Action: Fast action is crucial to handle the hard-hitting strikes and the bony mouth of the fish.
Power: Medium-heavy to Extra Heavy (MH-XH) is required to fight the fish in fast currents or around structure like rocks or sunken trees.
Construction: High-quality graphite or carbon composites (24-30 ton) are used for strength and sensitivity.
Length: 7ft to 7’4” is standard for a good balance between casting distance and control.
Components: Braid-ready, high-quality guides (like Fuji) are essential for withstanding the pressure.
Considerations: Portability: 3 or 4-piece rods usually break down into sections around 70-85cm, often supplied with a protective travel case.
Boat rods can or should be slightly shorter, between 6-7ft, medium-heavy action (spinning or bait caster), (24-30 ton) and capable of handling 30-50lb braid, matched with a 30-50lb fluorocarbon leader and steel wire traces to prevent bite-offs.
Reel pairing should be 3000 to 5000 size reels for spinning, or strong bait casting reels. A bait caster reel is a good asset to allow for free spooling of bait before striking.
What lures/bait to use for conventional gear:
Spoons: Copper or silver spoons, like the Effzett are highly effective; adding a fillet or replacing treble hooks with single hooks improves performance.
Spinners: Mepps (Aglia or Black Fury) in sizes 3 – 5 are classic choices. (Also enjoyed by other fish such Bream)
Particularly in darker colours for murky waters.
Jigs: Afri Jigs (Heavy flies cast with spinning gear) in black/purple or other dark colours; are extremely popular and versatile.
Surface lures: Heddon Zara Spooks, Super Spooks and other poppers/walkers create explosive top-water action, ideal for early mornings or overcast days.
Soft Plastics: Plastic frogs like Keitech Noisy Flappers or jigheads can be effective but, can get torn up quite quickly.
And don’t forget the wire trace. 25lb should do.
Fly Fishing for Tiger Fish
To fly fish for tiger fish, you need a robust 8 – 9 weight rod, a quality reel with a strong drag, and wire-trace-equipped streamers (size no. 1 – 2/0) – tip: go for even more rod weight – like 9 to11 weight.
A floating line or dry line can be used for the shallows or surface-level fishing. Great for using poppers early and late afternoon. An intermediate line is also good for all-around use.
A fast-sinking line is good for deep or fast flowing water.
For wire streamers, Clouser Minnows or Brush Flies are very effective. The best colours for streamers are purple, black, orange, red and silver.
Adventure always awaits in Africa
In more recent years, during my trip across Africa (2012/13), we put our 2-man inflatable into the Chobe River and set off on a fishing expedition with a guide. We trolled up and down the river without much success save for many small fish which were in abundance. So, our guide said, let us cross the border into Namibia and try their rivers. He told us to bring our passports, and we originally thought this may be for fishing inspector reasons.
He took us to a “water border post” between Botswana and Namibia. We stepped ashore on what looked like a small island, walked a few meters to the border post office, had our passports stamped and launched our small boat again and headed into Namibian waters. Like every fisherman, the waters on the other side, in another country, a different river; are always going to be where the big fish lurk.
In this case, the fisherman’s “greener grass” philosophy was indeed correct. We caught some really decent tiger fish in nice deep channels. However, the channels were overgrown with giant papyrus and reeds, and one couldn’t help expecting a hippo or huge crocodile to erupt from these dense islands in the channel. It was great fishing, but we did realise that we were in dangerous waters.
Ready to plan your tiger fishing trip? Tell us your dates and where you want to fish — we'll match you to the right camps and build the itinerary around it.
Best Tiger Fishing Camps in Southern Africa recommended by NOMARA
In conclusion, not only is the tiger fish an incredible freshwater game fish to catch, but to find the waters it lives in is an adventure in itself.
The tiger fishing options are immense. At NOMARA Africa Travel, have examined the options and have selected several camps that offer catch-and-release fishing in beautiful places in Africa with experienced boatmen and guides to assist in your fishing adventures.
Lower Zambezi – The stretch of river between Kariba and Cobora Bassa Dams
The lower Zambezi is especially good for tiger fishing. Chongwe Tented Camp in Zambia is an ideal location, and the camp provides fishing equipment, boats and guides. For the very avid fisherman, extended fishing expeditions can also be arranged from Chongwe.
Staying in the same lower Zambezi region in Zambia, other camps we are confident in their tiger fishing are Chiawa Camp and Lolebezi. This is a strictly catch-and-release zone.
Still on the same stretch of river but, on the south bank of the Zambezi in Zimbabwe, you have Ruchomechi Camp and Little Ruchomechi in Mana Pools National Park. This is one of the most spectacular game parks in Zimbabwe. I personally caught and released some decent tiger fish here as well as bream directly from the banks of the Zambezi, using fish fillets for bait.
Chikwenya Tented Camp, located on a private concession on the eastern boundary of Mana Pools National Park offers exceptional tiger fishing in the most incredible African bush setting. Both private and exclusive.
Above Victoria Falls
We started in the centre of the tiger fishing zone on the Zambezi River. Now we head west to the section of the river above the mighty Victoria Falls. This is a great location, as a trip to the falls is a short distance away from some of our tried and tested camps on the Zambezi.
On the Zambia side there are two special camps in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park; Thorntree River Lodge and Toka Leya. These two options cannot be emphasised enough as this is truly a case of location, location, location; right next door to one of the seven wonders of the world.
Lake Kariba
Tiger fishing can be enjoyed from one end of Lake Kariba to the other. NOMARA Africa Travel’s favourite camp and lodge on the lake are; Bumi Hills Safari Lodge and Changa Safari Camp.
These are places that the whole family can enjoy as the settings on the shores of the lake are incredibly beautiful and boating cruises are for all to enjoy.
NOMARA Africa Travel will also be happy to recommend several House Boating options. Also, great fun for the whole family.
Lake Kariba is such a popular tiger fishing destination that annual fishing competitions are held to see who can catch the biggest tiger in the lake.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta simply cannot be ignored for some fun tiger fishing from almost any camp on the water. The area is also one of the most spectacular on the African continent.
Here fishing can be done from the jetty of a camp, from a boat or from the shores of a channel.
Which camp to choose to go fishing from can be challenging. At NOMARA Africa Travel we have several preferred destinations for a variety of experiences, and these are just a sprinkling; Atzaró Okavango, Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, Mombo Camp, Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp and Xigera Safari Lodge. Why these camps in particular? We chose them on the basis that they offer a spread of locations throughout the Okavango Delta. The camps are vetted and approved by us, and we know that our guests will be treated with exceptional care, with safety in mind.
Fishing further afield
Another wild and exciting fishing adventure can be found in Rubondo Island National Park in Lake Victoria. NOMARA Africa Travel can craft the most amazing itinerary flying visitors to Serengeti National Park and on to Rubondo Island Camp to finish off with some amazing fishing.
From NOMARA Africa Travel, we wish you tight lines! Let us help you craft your next monster fish adventure. Get in contact with us to craft an incredible Southern Africa Fishing Safari!
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Quick FAQs
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Southern Africa is a standout, especially the Zambezi system, the Chobe River, parts of the Okavango Delta, and Lake Kariba, with many excellent lodge bases and experienced boatmen.
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August is often the top month, with September through April also delivering strong fishing in many regions, depending on water levels and local conditions.
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Yes. Their teeth can slice mono and lighter leaders, so wire trace is widely used to reduce bite-offs and lost lures.
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Spinners and spoons are classic producers, especially in river current. Surface lures can be excellent early morning or on overcast days, and jigs can be very effective in deeper channels.
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It can be, especially with the right setup and guidance. A sturdy rod, a reel with strong drag, and wire-trace streamers help, and lodges can coach casting and retrieval techniques.
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Absolutely. The best itineraries mix early fishing sessions with game drives, river cruising, and lodge downtime, so non-anglers still have an amazing experience.
