Africa has many superb angling areas from which we the fishermen can choose from... Whether they are the pristine rivers of the Western and Eastern Cape, the large dams of the Highveld or the lake systems around Knysna, not to mention the weirs and streams of Machadadorp and Dullstroom. We are blessed, lets face it... And we are lucky too to have such a variety of water in which to wet our lines.
Whether you are a carp angler, a fly fisherman, an artlure specialist or just a freshwater fisherman in general Africa's pristine bodies of water offer the angler so much variety and choice, with so many species of freshwater fish to choose from, who could complain?
DID YOU KNOW: Numerous carp weighing more than 20kg have been pulled out of South African dams.
Freshwater fishing in Africa is diverse, locating you in some of the most dramatic settings on the continent. Fishing is, after all, about where you are. And in Africa, you're in glorious mountains, down in golden grasslands and at the side of a pond far away from civilisation.
Then consider the 150-odd species of common freshwater fish in South Africa. They bear names like lungfish, oxeye tarpon, river sardine, mouthbrooder, chubbyhead barb, papermouth, climbing perch, short-tail pipefish, moggel, pennant-tailed suckermouth, spotted killfish and guppy.
You also get your various types of bass, eels, minnows, yellowfish and the legendary catfish, known in these parts simply as barbel.
Formerly much-maligned as a 'slow, muddy, bottom-dweller', the catfish is now a popular South African resident. It has spread all over the country and fishermen like to go after them because they say it's a very smart fish.
Catfish central in the freshwater fishing world remains the Orange River. The best catfish tour you can do is to drift down the Orange River through the moonscapes of the barren Richtersveld. This is where the big catfish live, where the real big fight is.
The South African catfish can live for 10 years, eats just about anything and is preyed on by humans, leopards, crocodiles, storks and fish eagles with strong necks. Fishermen in the know swear by something called a Mrs Simpson Fly for the catching of a catfish.
The sharp-toothed catfish, in particular, is said to be the dinner preference of about half the fishermen you speak to. The other half? They'd rather put him back in the water for the next time.
WHAT TO PACK: Fishing equipment can be bought and hired throughout South Africa, but bring you own if you prefer.
Please contact us for more details about you unforgettable Africa Expectation Fresh Water Fishing Safari!
