Fishing

Fishing Fishing in the Lower Zambezi National Park - Catch & Release, is the only option!

The Zambezi River is host to some of the most spectacular fresh water sport fishing in the world. There are three types of fish that Sausage Tree Camp focuses on catching:

Tigerfish - Hydrocynus vittatus; which is Latin for "striped river dog"
Vundu -Heterobranchus longifilis similar to a "catfish" or barbell
Banded Tilapia - Tilapia sparrmanii

Sausage Tree Camp - Fly Fishing Lower Zambezi Sm

The most sporting and certainly the most fun to catch is the famous "tiger fish". Renowned for their strength and spectacular "leaping out of the water" fighting performance, there is little question why both experts and novices get excited from the moment it strikes and to the time it is held in hand for that classic photo album shot.

A relative of the infamous piranha, tigers have large carnivorous teeth and can grow to 15kg (33lb).

Though much larger, the "Vundu" is the largest fish in the Zambezi River and grow well over 50kg (110lb). A little like catching a crocodile!

Sausage Tree Camp supplies both regular and fly-fishing equipment, which is ideal for all three mentioned species, plus the boats, fuel and guide, all of which is fully supplied at no extra cost. Our guides are trained and know the best places to lure them onto the hook. The camp has two large and very stable aluminium speed boats, plus one smaller fibreglass speed boat, which is more like a typical bass fishing boat and perfect for the real enthusiast.

Camp Record:

04tiger Last season’s camp record for tiger fish is held by young Scotty Purves, who landed an 8kg tiger in mid July. However the overall camp record is held by a thirteen year old English lass who bagged an 11.3kg tiger! Talk about showing up the oldies.... Will you be the holder of this years record??

Best time of the year:

September through to December: The warmer (hot) months of the year are definitely the best time of the year to catch the tiger fish. This is also the breeding season, when the fish are much more active, feeding more regularly and far more aggressively. The water level is typically lower and the visibility at its very best.

Pictured here is Barnaby Griffiths
with his Tiger in August 2004.

Bringing your own equipment:

As previously mentioned, the camp does supply all of the necessary equipment; however for the enthusiast who prefers his own equipment, the following will give you a very good guideline as to what you should bring:

Spinning and Bait Casting Tackle

Medium - heavy action 15 - 20 lb spinning and bait casting rods (6-7ft) and reels with 110 yd (100m.) line capacity.
Wire leaders (30lb) are essential for Tiger fish, usually about 12 inches (30cm) long.
Good quality sharp hooks (1/0 up to 6/0 - Bream to Tiger fish to Vundu...)
15-20lb good quality line, preferably abrasion resistant (bring extra).
Small - medium sized lead sinkers.
Snap swivels and swivels (120 - 130 lb)
Repala Magnums (4-6 inches long): Colours change daily depending on the time, conditions, visibility, so bring a range to choose from.
Spinners: Good for both bream and tiger, so bring a mix of small, medium and large spinners, with a variety of colour reflectors.
Spoons (7-8 ounce): Good for tiger

Fly-Fishing:

Fishing Sunset This is definitely the most challenging way to land a Tiger and just as much fun can be had chasing the bream. The tackle and technique has been described as very similar to that of "Bone-fishing".

Sausage Tree Camp uses 8-10wt fly rods with fast sinking line. We use 15-20lb tippets with 20-30lb short (4-6 inches) wire leaders. Tapered leaders are preferred, but not necessary.

The most commonly used flies are the streamer type with epoxy or weighted heads. Favourite colours are: silver, silver and red, black and silver, orange, white, chartreuse, yellow and blue. Length of flies range from 2-5 inches on either a 2/0 or 3/0 hook.

Tips:

04catch If bringing your own tackle, it is recommended that you bring 2 piece bait/spinning rods and 4 piece fly rods. They are much easier to travel with and you can quite often travel with them as "carry on" luggage.

It is also recommended that you bring sufficient back-up tackle, as the nearest fishing tackle shop is a flight away... Long nose pliers, a leatherman tool (pocket knife) and Polaroid's are also worth their weight in gold. And remember the camera, as all fishing is catch & release in the National Park.