As discussed previously, fishing for tigerfish in Tanzania poses its unique challenges. The tiger fish, renowned for its ability to shake off hooks through powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, presents anglers with numerous hurdles. Despite navigating through these maneuvers and bringing the tigerfish tantalizingly close to the boat, ready for the net, they can cleverly slip away. This week, Mike’s encounter exemplified the resilience of these Tanzanian tigerfish. He successfully hooked a sizable tiger, skillfully navigating through its series of runs and jumps, almost securing it within reach before it cunningly evaded the net. With a lazy roll, a sudden change in direction, and impressive agility, the tigerfish expertly dislodged the hook, slipping away into the depths once more.
Zak, a seasoned tiger fisherman, arrived with aspirations of surpassing his personal best (PB) catch. In anticipation of this moment, he had brought along a special cigar. Serendipity favored him one day while angling in the rapids of the Mnyera River. Using a pole dancer (a surface fly) in a secluded inlet, Zak succeeded in enticing a vigorously feeding tiger fish. After a brief tussle, he managed to secure an exceptional 15lb fish, a significant achievement worthy of celebrating with the ceremonial cigar he had prepared. The idyllic scene—nestled amidst palm trees and riverine forest on a natural lawn, observing the braided rapids gracefully flow by—added an extra layer of enchantment to this unforgettable moment.
During his entire stay, Mike had repeatedly spotted numerous sizable fish but encountered difficulties in securing a catch, as they skillfully evaded capture each time. However, fortune favored him on the concluding day of his expedition. While focusing on a group of smaller fish, an abrupt strike from a substantial tiger fish plunged him into an exhilarating confrontation. Manoeuvring through cartwheeling jumps and a lightning-fast run, Mike adeptly managed the situation, culminating in the successful landing of a stunning 17lb specimen
The Clouser, revered for its effectiveness, holds boundless utility in the diverse waters of the Kilombero Valley. Its adaptability shines whether fished slowly along the riverbed or retrieved with rapid strips. My personal preference lies in crafting them on a 2/0 hook with a minimalist approach—featuring 3mm dumbbell eyes positioned at the forefront and incorporating two shades of SF fiber just preceding the hook. For an exceptional color blend, a hint of olive over a white base has proven to be particularly enticing for these flies.
Across the entire week, the trials and triumphs experienced while fishing echoed the unpredictable nature of these elusive tiger fish. Each catch, whether successfully landed or narrowly escaped, added to the tapestry of stories that render angling in these waters an enduring and captivating adventure. The combination of victories and near-misses woven into the fabric of each angler’s journey contributes to the allure and excitement that define the pursuit of these remarkable fish.
Till next week,
Kyle
CONTACT US
If you fancy doing battle with the hard-fighting Tigerfish of Tanzania, then our camp is the perfect destination for you. If you’d also like any further information, you can contact our fly fishing specialist Peter Collingsworth on 01603 407596 or email at peter@sportquestholidays.com.
