The Tigerfish are highly predatory freshwater fish native to and distributed throughout Africa, inhabiting the lakes, rivers and streams of the Congo River Basin. The fish is often described best by its scientific name, Hydrocynus Vittatus. ‘Hydrocynus’ means ‘Water Dog’ and ‘Vittatus’ means striped, and indeed, the Tigerfish looks like a striped water dog. It’s Africa’s equivalent of the South American Piranha, though it belongs to a completely different zoological family. Like the piranha, individual tigerfish have interlocking, razor-sharp teeth, along with streamlined, muscular bodies, and are incredibly aggressive.
The Tigerfish are fierce hunters; the smaller fish will hunt in large schools, while the larger specimens will hunt alone. They tend to feed on whatever is most available, but their favoured food is other fish, like Gobies, Carp and Clariid Catfish. They were the first freshwater fish recorded and confirmed attacking birds, leaping from the water to catch Barn Swallows in flight. The Goliath Tigerfish is the biggest of the species. Fish to over 100lb have been recorded; however, the more common species average around 8lb, with fish to double figures not uncommon.
Although such ravenous-looking fish might be the stuff of nightmares, they play an essential role in the freshwater ecosystem; they are a source of protein and revenue as tourism for the local people, as thousands of travelling anglers venture to catch these fish every year. They have become one of the bucket list species, especially for the freshwater fly fishing angler.
Below are the top destinations in the world for Tigerfish Fishing.
Challenge your fishing ability in the wilds and experience the African bushveld at its best. Gassa Camp in Cameroon isn't about catching fish after fish, but it will present you with the opportunity to cast giant flies in the hope of catching a monster Nile Perch, and there's an excellent chance you'll achieve this and more.
With our partners, Tourette Fishing, we have put together the best Tigerfish fly fishing to be found on this planet, where fisherman have a real opportunity of landing Tigerfish of over 20lb’s. A destination that provides shots at multiple trophy fish on a daily basis, normally in fresh water this is almost unheard of.
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