How To Catch A Tigerfish In Africa

Have you started your fishing bucket list yet? If so, there’s a country and a species that you may want to add after reading this post. Although my own quest to catch a tigerfish required a great deal of patience because we were only able to bring one fish to the boat in a four hour period, it was worth the time invested in order to experience the fight and fearsome grin of a Zambezi tigerfish first-hand.

Wondering where you need to go to catch this toothy species and what time of year you should plan your trip? Keep on reading to learn about the 7 things you’ll need to do if you want to catch a tigerfish.

1. Check online traveler reviews for tigerfish charters in Africa on TripAdvisor. Read the feedback and reviews that have been provided by other anglers. These reviews will help you find an experienced and reputable guide.
2. Plan your trip between September and March. These months offer the best chance at catching a tigerfish on the Lower Zambezi or Lake Kariba due to the warmer water temperatures.
3. Book a flight to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport. This is the closest airport to the Zambezi River in Zambia, Africa. You’ll find the toothy tiger in the Okavango Delta and in the two largest lakes along the Zambezi, Lake Kariba in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Cabora Bassa in Mozambique.
4. Buy a Rapala Shadrap deep diving lure. This is one of the most common lures used by local guides when fishing for tigerfish on the Zambezi.
5. Fish deep channels with fast moving current. Tigerfish like to hide in these deep channels to ambush prey. These fish are intense predators, and have even been known to feed on juvenile fish of their own species.
6. Keep your rod tip down to minimize the chances of the fish throwing the hook. Tigerfish are a fantastic sport fish known for aerial leaps and strong runs. They won’t be easily landed.
7. Use a steel leader with 15 to 30 lb test line and be sure to have a landing net handy. Tigerfish have razor sharp teeth that you’ll want to avoid coming into contact with at all costs.

I want to hear about your fishing bucket list! If money and time were no object, where would you go? What would you fish for? Comment on the Shefishes2 Facebook page, and then create your own “fishing bucket list” that includes specific species.