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Something Fishy
Going fishing
always evokes a deep rooted sense of excitement in me. From the
initial idea of exploring a new river or dam, then doing some
background work on what, where and how, talking to some of the “Old
Timers” who are a walking, talking digest of old “haunts”, till the
final day arrives when at SF you are on the road and hoping that you
have packed enough goodies; just in case.
Zambia is a
fisherman’s paradise, blessed with a diverse river system and
numerous dams and lakes. The BIG question I am often asked is where
to start!!
The main fishing
body is the Zambian Sports Fishing Association and is run by a group
of dedicated anglers. Being a member of the association ensures that
you, as an angler, are kept up to date with fun day fishing events,
family events, local and international events, ZAWA fees and rules,
boating rules and regulations and Fisheries rules and regulations.
An annual Single
(K 80,000) or Family (K 100,000) membership fee, also gives the
opportunity to get discounted prices at supporting Lodges, Camp
Sites and Tackle Shops. A pre-requisite for entering any of the well
organized and sponsored Local fishing competitions, is being a ZSFA
member and the best part of becoming a ZSFA Member is, wait for it
... you get to meet those “Old Timers” and learn were the best
fishing “Honey Holes” are in Zambia!!!
A great way to
get involved is by coming to any of the fishing competitions that
are run by various executive members of the ZSFA. These events have
been created with everyone in the family unit in mind. We have
junior events, on the Upper Kafue, Kalimba and Nsobe; there are
great family events on the Zambezi, Kafue National Park, Kafue
Marina and Itezhi Tezhi Dam, for the big boys there are events held
on the Upper Zambezi and Upper Kafue. All these events are well
organized and attract wonderful sponsorship, ensuring the growth of
angling in Zambia.
And if still in
doubt, then by all means call in at your local fishing retail outlet
and demand info on were and how to catch a fish!!!
The idea of this
monthly column is to enlighten our anglers and any would-be anglers
of the many exciting fishing venues, the various species of fish one
can target in the diverse waterways we can fish; what tackle and
methods can be used to catch those elusive giants that we all seem
to miss. It will also cover conservation issues, catch and release
methods, tagging fish as well as “selective harvesting” and let’s
not forget some of those wonderful recipes for the fish that are for
the table.
We would also
like some feedback from our readers on some of their wonderful
fishing adventures, including some pictures of the ones that did not
get away.
As we come out of
the “Closed Season” and start the 2007 angling season, I would just
like to remind our readers, that with all the wonderful rains that
have fallen, all the rivers are flowing and some in flood, so please
be careful and ensure that if boating, that you have lifejackets and
check that your bilge pumps are all working 100%.
Tight Lines
The River Rat |
March
2007