Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia - Sausage Tree Safari Camp

The Zambezi River is host to some of the most spectacular fresh water sport fishing in the world with plentiful Tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus, Latin for "striped river dog") and Tilapia amongst others. Sausage Tree Camp offers both spinning and fly fishing, both strictly catch and release in accordance with the principles of the National Park.

The most sporting and certainly the most fun fish to catch is the famous Tigerfish. A relative of the infamous piranha, Tigerfish have large carnivorous teeth, can grow to 15kg/33lb (the camp record 11.3kg) and are renowned for their strength and spectacular "leaping out of the water" fighting performance.

Fishing is succesful all year round, however the warmer months (September - December) are definitely the best time to catch Tigerfish. This is the breeding season when the fish are more active, feeding more regularly and are far more aggressive. The water level is typically lower and the visibility at its very best.

Sausage Tree Camp has expert fishing guides and  two large and very stable aluminium speed boats, plus one smaller fibreglass speed boat perfect for the real fishing enthusiast. Sausage Tree Camp supplies all fishing euipment, but for enthusiasts who prefer their own equipment, the following is a guideline as to what to bring:

Spinning Tackle

• Medium - heavy action 15 - 20 lb spinning rods (6-7ft) and reels with 110 yd (100m) line capacity (2 piece rods are easier to travel with) 
• Wire leaders (30lb) are essential for Tiger fish, usually about 12 inches (30cm) long
• Good quality sharp hooks (1/0 up to 6/0)
• 15-20lb good quality line, preferably abrasion resistant (bring extra)
• 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 Tilapia 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

The tackle and technique for Tigerfish has been described as very similar to that of "Bone-fishing".

• 8-10wt fly rods with fast sinking line (4 piece rods are easier to travel with)
• 15-20lb tippets with 20-30lb short (4-6 inches) wire leaders
• Tapered leaders are preferred, but not necessary
• Flies: most commonly used 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.