Pongola River - Tiger Fishing

[Tyrone ter bruggen]

Eish... The kinda thing dreams are made of!
Well done for the effort... Awesome report!

[Herman Jooste]

Brilliant report.    Thank you.
 
A small group of us have been trying to organise a trip there for a while, but time seems to be eluding us.
 
Did you get the 10 lb'r on the 5# ? If so, VERY VERY WELL DONE.

[Ziggy]

A small group of us have been trying to organise a trip there for a while, but time seems to be eluding us.
 

Herman - I am planning to go  with some mates sometime - and am deciding when is the best time.


Mark (who runs the place) says: "Mid Winter is usually slow fishing and Late Sept/Nov  has a week or two where conditions are not good due to the Dam Release and flooding of the Pans. The Dept of Water affairs normally gives us a clear indication when this is planned. Prime Time is,as you will know also weather related, but  Dec - through May is good,as is Sept to the flooding ( winds are prevalent at this time )  Mid Summer is very hot so for couples I recommend March April May."


What do you think is the best time?. 

Mark also says: "We are a fly only destination but do have sections of river  where we allow spinning with suitable (barbless, non trebble, hooks). There are  often shoals of very big carp around but to date no one has targeted them on  fly or bait. Whoever cracks this code is in for some dramatic river fishing.  Barbel and bream are occasionally caught by flyfishermen using tiger flys. I  have caught well on Yellowfish flies and once again , if you are prepared to  leave the Tigers there is an array of other species available. The Pongola has  the largest species diversity of any river in South Africa - some 35 species of  fish have been recorded in our area and up to 50 species in total in the river and  Pans. Pan fishing is a still to be explored fishing experience"

[Herman Jooste]

Thanks for that Ziggy.
 
We were looking at May, but work pressure blows that one out of the water.
 
Maybe the trick is to set a date "in stone" for April/May next year, and the go the whole hog.
 
I have noticed when organising other trips that this is the best route. Date first, booked and confirmed. Those who wish to join have to pay their deposits on time, or you are out, as is the case with the final payment, not on time you loose your deposit.
 
There are far too many variables in day to day living. Put the cash in up front and most people will make the effort to be there.

[super_daav]

Herman, I did get that fish on my 5wt. Awesome fight and even better that she swam off strongly!
Ziggy, I haven't heard of or met a Mark as I dealt with Peter Calverly and Menzi. Menzi mentioned that winter fishing is definitely tougher due to water clarity and the temp. but generally the bigger fish are around. But that said summer is generally always good for tigers! I would anywhere from Dec to June is probably good fishing?

[Ziggy]

Mark's surname is also Calverly - must be brothers???


My experience on the Zambezi is that end of October (just before the rain and the hottest time of year) has always been the best time for good tiger fishing.

[super_daav]

Ahh thanks Ziggy. He is probably the father of Peter. Fair point on the time of year. I have also had great fishing in later September on the Zambezi.

[Ziggy]

I have also had great fishing in later September on the Zambezi.

I am planning for a trip to the Zambezi in October - but my mates are a bit reluctant because it has become so expensive - fuel to middle Zambezi is now about R5800 return to Durban - plus the daily camp site fee of $100, and daily fishing fee of $20 per person. Thats why I am considering the Pongola. However, nothing compares to the Zambezi in terms of catch rates, size and, of course, remoteness and quality of wilderness etc.


But, I suppose,  you take what you can afford....and its only about 4 hours drive away from Durban as opposed to 22 hours non-stop to the Zambezi! I will try it, but will miss catching Zambezi species such as Chessa, Nkupe, Bottlenose, Vundu, Cornish Jack and the huge abundance of bream! Not to mention avoiding hippos trying to attack my canoe, being chased by elephants, stalked by lions etc etc

[WalkersKiller]

Superb Dave!!!!