Barotse Tiger Camp News: Early season report.

Barotse 2011: Early Season Pandemonium

Our 2011 season has certainly kicked off with a bang! Starting in mid April, the flood waters began receding off the floodplains and subsequently produced some exceptional fishing, most notably some visual feeding frenzies.  The large Tigerfish tore into the shoals of bait fish entering the main channels with guests having plenty of surface action, the Crease Fly in particular being these surface caught Tigers undoing. 

Between mid April and early June we have landed 164 Tigerfish which weighed over 10lbs, the largest a magnificent fish of 18½lbs and the heaviest fish to date on fly being one of 17lbs.  As is the nature of the beast, many trophy Tigers are being lost on fly due to incorrect fishing techniques.  In our experience the double haul stripping technique produces the best results for trophy Tigers, enabling the angler to effectively strip strike the eager fish and always having a hand on the line increases their chance of solid hook up.

The most memorable fish so far this season was hooked right in front of Barotse Tiger Camp, late in the afternoon. After a phenomenally aggressive take, the fish which the guide estimated at +/- 19lbs, stripped the angler well into his backing. Following a great aerobatic display (around seven jumps), the slab of a fish was brought closer to the boat only to take to the air in a last desperate bid for escape. With this, it careered straight into the side of the boat, effectively dislodging the fly. With the fish lying motionless next to the boat (obviously slightly stunned), both the guide and client leaned over the gunwale attempting to net the magnificent fish. The moment the net touched the water, the magnificent fish came to life and with one powerful kick of its tail, disappeared safely back into the safe depths of the mighty Zambezi. Welcome to the land of the Barotse Tigers!
Until next time
Gerard Simpson