Fishing in Botswana early July

[Ziggy]

Anubody know what fishing is like in Botswana in early July? The wife has work to do there (Maun area) at that time and maybe I will go, depending on the fishing of course!

We can take a side trip anywhere in Botswana during that period to satisfy my fishing lusts - any ideas where?

[Tommo]

Hi Ziggy, your best bet will be to do a trip to the Kasane area and fish the Chobe river at the bottom of the Kasai and the Kasai channel itself. That area is good in July. I got a 15lb tiger there last july. The pool above the rapids at the bottom of the Kasai channel is excellent, as are the rapids themselves. There is plenty of reasonably priced accommodation in Kasane, including camping if you want to. There are also operators there who will charter out boats for the day. The Okavango delta itself doesn't fish that well in July, it is better towards sept Oct when the catfish runs start.

[loligo]

We are planning a trip to Kasane the same time.
 
What lures would you recommend ?
 
Thanks,
 
Jan

[Tommo]

The number 1 lure for that area is without doubt a 30g copper spoon, (either an original Effzett or a good copy) rigged with two single hooks, one on the top and one on the bottom. Replace the split rings as well with stronger ones. Use 6/0 singles, a short shank, wide gape one on the bottom and a longer shank hook on the top split ring. Use a piece of #5 piano wire of around 20 - 30cm long between the spoon and the line.
Allow the spoon to sink after casting and retrieve it slowly, keeping it deep. A faster retrieve will get you smaller fish, but the big ones will hit it moving slowly deep down. Even a very slow retrieve will work, as this spoon flutters with very little movement. Keep the rod tip pointed straight down the line, ready for the hit.

[Ziggy]

thanks Tommo - I am looking at itinerary now to see if I can swing Kasane. Do you have any names of places for reasonably priced accomodation that will be OK for my wife?

[Tommo]

Unfortunately I am a bit out of touch, but if you google Kasane accommodation, you will get the whole range of what is available and rates etc. I stayed on a houseboat in the river last year, which was amazing, but very expensive I think. (Was on a shoot, so don't know the rates). I do know that Kasane is the gateway to Chobe National Park, and has plenty of accommodation at all levels of luxury/price. There are also daily land rover trips into the park and game cruises by boat to keep your good lady happy while you are out tussling the tigers....

[Ziggy]

Tommo - I am checking now (or should I say the Government/Commander in Chief/Minister of Everything/ She who must be obeyed etc. is checking and vetting!