Gregor Röhrig

I rate Tiger fishing to be in the same league as skydiving or even shark diving. The latter sports do have more risks involved and sound way more enticing and daring than fishing – but this is as much an extreme sport than any other.

The Tiger fish is considered by many to be one of the finest game fish around and have flourished in the rich waters of lake Kariba. The speed, courage and strength of the Tiger fish make it a worthy opponent for the skillful angler.

This species is often referred to as the best freshwater sport angling fish in the world.

When Tiger fishing (using a spinner bait), you constantly cast out and reel in. This kind of fishing is very active, and also very strenuous, but most of all, it is very taxing, since a Tiger can snatch your line any second, during any cast – you just don’t know when. And it is even more enthralling when you know that you’re fishing in Tiger infested waters.

So over and above the uneasy sensation of not knowing when and how the Tiger is going to strike, if it does, you’re in for an exciting adventure.

Firstly, the Tiger has a very hard gum and you need to strike very hard to get the hook stuck in its mouth. The first reaction of the Tiger is to jump out of the water and spit the hook out.

When you see the Tiger jump out the water, that is when your nerves really kick in, because you can relate the sheer power and force that you are feeling through the rod, to the size of the actual fish! Most times, the Tiger gets away – but if you hook it, then you are guaranteed a fight of a lifetime.

Fighting a Tiger and reeling him towards the boat is tiring, you need to be 100% focused on not letting the line slack, reeling him as quick to the boat as possible, and praying that the hook will stick!

Once the Tiger is close enough to be hoisted into the boat, that anxious, nervous feeling dissipates, and a sense of victory prevails. It is just an overwhelming feeling to have succeeded hooking, fighting, and landing this respectable predator!

This experience has been one of the most exciting and rewarding I have encountered, I am definitely captivated by Tiger fishing!