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Something Fishy
Winter it seems is
upon us once more : the Valley nights and early mornings have a
definite chill in the air. Half way thro the year!! So many fishing
spots and not enough time!
It has been a busy
year so far and successful on the fishing side. To date, three of
the major fishing Competitions have taken place, with some excellent
results.
The Zambian
Nationals, held at Lake Tanganyika in March had a record entry of 30
odd teams. This event with 3 separate line classes (the Hyper Light,
Ultra Light and Open line) is a great challenge which tests not only
the skill and knowledge of the angler, but also the quality of
tackle and equipment. The main species targeted are the giant Nile
Perch and then the smaller “Nkupi” which are both great fighting
fish.
Trolling the deep
dark depths of this Lake can and does produce some very large fish.
Stories of locals being towed around bays for hours whilst trying to
tire a huge Perch are common and a tour of the fish markets will
certainly give one a boost to get out on the water in search of
these monster fish.
The Hyper Light
section was won by the Frank McCulley. The Ultra Light, 2kg line
class trophy was awarded to the Henry Van Blerk team. In the Open
Class with over a 100kgs of fish, the Martin Broom team took top
honors. The final result
of the combined three line classes gave Brian Vermaak’s team a
comfortable lead and overall victory in the 2007 Zambian
Nationals.
 The first event on
the junior calendar was hosted by Kalimba Reptile Park and sponsored
by Seed Co. This annual event is always a great success and was no
different this year. To watch a bunch of youngsters (Moms & Dads
included) getting wet, dirty, slimy whilst catching fish and having
fun is what this is all about. Basic fundamentals of fishing are the
name of the game here: get a stick rod, some line, a float and hook,
put a worm on and catch a fish … lots of them.
This Event is
truly a kids fun day in the sun and after a few tears, hooks in
fingers, lots of fun, many a fish caught, lots of worms drowned, the
overall winners, with their home grown worms, were the Snakes 2 who
caught (amazingly) over 400 fish between the four of them !! The
2008 Kalimba Junior is going to be the 10th birthday of
the event and promises to be a BIG occasion.
The Zambezi
Classic, hosted by Gwabi, organised by the always efficient LSCC
committee, sponsored by Top Gear and a host of other Company’s, is
one of the finest family orientated Comps on the calendar (my
opinion) This year saw 45 teams of moms, dads, kids and friends, pit
their skills and patience against the Zambezi River. The rules of
the event are such that even us skilled “squeaker catchers of note”
stand a chance of “Glory and Fame”
The end result was
a great weekend away with friends and family, mission accomplished!!
As we speak
another great event is taking place, the River Lure. Held on the
Kafue River, the River Lure attracts a great number of entries from
all over the Country. The River Lure Committee is proud to announce
the start of the “River Lure Junior Competition” which will be held
at the end of June. This inaugural event is a great achievement by
the organisers and if anything like it’s Big Brother, the event will
be a great success and opportunity for the Juniors to tackle the
Kafue River.
The end of June
will also see the Senanga Fishing Comp taking place. Another
personal favourite, that is very well organised, supported and
sponsored.
 I would like to
personally mention a free word here, for the sponsors. For any sport
to grow there is a need for sponsorship, either from individuals in
the form of time, commitment and effort or from Company’s, big and
small, in the form of donations, discounts, promotional apparel and
support. To all those who continually support the growth of Angling
in Zambia, a very BIG thank you! To those who wish to get involved
please do not hesitate to get in touch with the ZSFA. To the
Anglers, support those who support the sport.
Tight lines,
practice “Catch & Release”, travel safe and have fun!
The River Rat. |
June
2007