It's a long story but I am going to an 8 day retirement party in Zambia staying at a Game Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River. From what I have read Tiger Fish seem to be the thing to catch. Does anybody have any experiences they wish to share or can tell me what else I might hope to catch.

Thanks

Graham

You lucky ******
Grew up in Zimbabwe, and yes the Tigerfish is the fish to catch, check with the lodge you are staying at they may have boats and drivers with them who will know the river well, the channel moves about a fair bit (sandy sediment bottom). early starts and evenings are the norm, the middle of the day will be bloody hot! sometimes very little breeze! Drink loads, more than is comfortable really, good sun hats, sun cream, long sleeved shirts, the salt water flats shirts are good, with vents to keep you cool!
Drifting with live baits, or fillets of bait fish sometimes work well, spinning can work well too, the Tigerfish have a very very bony mouth, so be prepared to loose lots of fish, they scream off on runs and jump and shake their heads and often throw the hooks! Watch out for the crocs, hippos, elies, mosquitos, tsetse flies and keep your fingers out the Tigerfishes mouths......... and you will be fine!
The Zambezi is a fantastic river mate! drop me a PM if you need details, cheers ZT

Lucky Lucky Guy!!!

Haven't fished it for 30 years.Used to fish it and Kariba.

It was all spinning and live bait then. Although I hear alot of guys now Fly fish with wire trace and pike type flies.

Lots of different types of bream (and Vundu Catfish below Vic Falls)

Don't know of any trout fishing in lakes in Zambia. the only place I've heard of trout is in Inyanga, Zimbabwe which is to far for you and they may be wiped out now

Enjoy, you are in for a treat,

Take lots of pics to show us when you come back.

Check out some of the videos on youtube of Tiger fishing on the River.

Thanks for your experiences and advice guys.

I will be staying at Waterberry Lodge in Livingstone. It is a short distance to Victoria Falls so I am hoping for some spectacular scenery as well as the fishing.

I have never been to Africa in my life so it will be an experience. I think I have pretty much settled on spinning / deadbait set up. My fly rods would not be anywhere near suitable. I enjoy plugging and spinning for Bass down dorset way and I think the set up I use for that would be fine.

ZT I'll drop you a pm when I get a little more time.

G

It will be hot like you're not going to believe.

And make sure you get anti-malarials ahead of time...

Don't be too quick to discount the fly rod, or, if you can, see if you can hire fly equipment when out there. Here is some more info on catching tigers on the fly:

Tourette Fishing - Try fight it in Africa!