Fishing...for something new?
Where's the Secret Place?
9th July 2013
We all have that secret place we love to go... sometimes there’s fish, sometimes not. And on occasion, we do not even have to leave the comfort of our home, but rather let our minds wander to those special places.
All-species flyfishing is a phenomenon which has swept the world, and the accompanying video will set your pulse racing. Whether popping for bass, or throwing large brush flies for tiger in one of those secret back eddies on the Zambezi, there is little to beat the moment your line snaps taught and a fish boils to engulf your fly.
At the Master Angler, we have a large assortment of tackle, rods and reels suited to our African conditions... and the experience and know-how to put it all together for you. We also know of a secret place or two, so do pop in and come have a chat.
Brush Tiger Flies
7th July 2013
Very successful BRUSH TIGER FLIES, tied with quality Gamakatsu hooks...
The best time for catching tigerfish on the fly on the Zambezi, above Victoria Falls is undoubtedly the winter months, so from May until September. This may seem strange for the quintessential warm-water predator but it is not the water temperature but water level that makes for such favourable conditions. Floodwater from the Angolan highlands moves down the river system like a wave. The river bursts its banks and the water spreads out for miles on to the surrounding plains. The shallow, warm water, nutrient-enriched by dung from elephant, buffalo and the local tribe's cattle, makes an ideal nursery environment for resident fish. Depending upon the extent of the floods, the waters subside and the juvenile fish from prolific breeding in the shallows are funnelled back into the main channel. At these inlets, flocks of birds mark the ensuing carnage, where tigerfish mercilessly smash the small baitfish re-entering the system. The water at this time of the year is very clear, making it ideal for the fly-fisherman, who is reliant on the tigers' keen eyesight and ability to home in on their prey. In recent times, fishermen have discovered a similar phenomenon throughout the Middle Zambezi. Though not triggered by floods, the Tigerfish move into the shallows close to banks, lay-downs and other structure where they aggressively take flies and even... surface lures. Heart-stopping action!
“I believe dough-type baits are best for niloticus in Kariba, what kind of hook and what size would you recommend for this type of bait and fishing?”
Question from the Public 21 March 2013
Treble Hooks are definitely better for any dough-type bait, as they hold the bait for a longer period of time when submerged under water. We recommend a Size No. 8, though you could go bigger if using larger bait balls. In our opinion, Gamakatsu are the sharpest, best hooks available.
Bass Popping Flies
7th July 2013
Ultimate BASS popping fly, can be thrown on a 7-8 wt. rod and line.
The Bass Popping Fly is a popular pattern amongst bass fly fishermen, perfect for largemouth bass in Southern Africa... Watch the video above "Where's the Secret Place?", as bass in African waters respond in much the same way. Interestingly, many indigenous species are attracted by the same flies and it is not uncommon to entice bream species when targeting bass. Aggressive, largemouth bream such as the Nembwe and prolific Niloticus as well as the delicate red-breast, or the elusive Yellowfish and even unlikely species such as the hard-fighting barbel or catfish will fall to a well-presented fly...
Wouldn't you like to strap your boat to your back... tie it to the roof-rack, or simply hitch it up and head into the African wilderness?
New in Store!!!
3rd July 2013
Scatter Rap®
The erratic Scatter Rap® perfectly mimics a spooked baitfish fleeing attack. But unlike in nature, this one doesn’t get away. We start with classic balsa body shapes, then add our new Scatter Lip™ to create the most evasive, erratic, aggressive sweeping action ever seen.
Published Articles
The African Fisherman 21 March 2013
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