Talk tigers and most locals automatically think of the Zambezi River and its impoundments such as Kariba and Cabora Bassa. It's not as widely known that South Africa has its own tigerfish populations in the Incomati River System at Komatipoort and in the Pongola system in Kwa-Zulu Natal. These tigerfish populations are however limited in size and as such are in urgent need of protection. Recognizing this FOSAF (The Federation of Southern African Flyfishers) has launched a Tigerfish Working Group whose aim is to boost the awareness of tigerfish and the importance of wisely managed conservation practices. Based on the successes of its Yellowfish Working Group, the new FOSAF Tigerfish Working Group will provide guidelines and initiate projects for the protection and conservation of this legendary African gamefish.

The Komati River offers exciting opportunities for taking tigers on Fly

Tigerfish are not only one of the fastest and most aggressive freshwater fish on earth but also one of the most challenging to catch on fly. Exciting opportunities for taking tigers on fly exist in the Komati River in the vicinity of Komatipoort. Local fisherman occasionally report landing tigers of over 6kg. According to local Komatipoort fly fishing expert, Domien van Buynder, tigerfish are probably one of the most challenging fish to catch on a fly. His personal best for the Komati River is a whopping 5.5kg.

The relatively small size of the tigerfish population in the Incomati River System means that it enjoys a high conservation status. Tiger fishing in the Komati River is therefore strongly promoted on CAR (Catch and Release) basis to ensure a future for this magnificent fish and hence the flow of sustainable niche market tourism to the region. A Komati River tigerfish is far too valuable to catch only once and fishermen should banish the thought of keeping one as a trophy.

“A Tiger on A Mount Doesn’t Count” - quotation by Mark Eardley, author of “Fly-fishing for Tigers in Southern Africa” published in the Nedbank Guide To Flyfishing Venues In Southern Africa, 3rd Edition.

Tigers are often associated with Hippos

Adding to the excitement of landing a Komati River tiger is the need to be ever mindful of the presence of crocodiles and hippos in the river.

Wading and standing still while fly-fishing in the Komati River is asking for a Darwin Award

Other game such as elephants may be encountered in the reed beds along the lower stretch of the Komati near its confluence with the Crocodile River.

Increasing awareness for Komati River Tigers
NECCTA CAR Conservation Days.

The year 2000 not only gave rise to the new millennium, it also saw the launch of the first Nkomazi Tigerfish Catch, Tag and Release (CTAR) day organized by the Nkomazi East Combined Commerce and Tourism Association (NECCTA). The event was such a resounding success it was repeated as a CAR day in October 2001 and promises to become an annual activity in the Komatipoort tourism calendar. On both occasions the tigerfish conservation days were held on the farm Hippo Sands owned by Nico Engels who holds at least two S.A. fishing records.

Set on the banks of the Komati River just outside Komatipoort Hippo Sands provided excellent launching facilities and an outstanding setting for a day of fishing fun.

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The NECCTA catch and release conservation days have attracted national media coverage and have generated widespread awareness for one of Komatipoort’s best kept secrets - the opportunity of wrestling with a legendary Komati River tiger.

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Information gathered on this famous African game fish by Mpumalanga Parks Board officials is being used to ensure a sustainable future for tiger fishing in the Komati River system along with its associated benefits for tourism to this historic border town.

2001 Catch and Release Conservation Day - a lot of fun

Activities kicked off at first light with registration, the launching of boats and fly-fishermen making their way to various stretches of the river.

Efforts by Coral Palm saw a significant increase in the number of fly-fishermen participating in the 2001 event. A week before the CAR day an inspiring talk on “Wrestling with Tigers” was given at Winchester House in Johannesburg by Oom Frik Viljoen and Gavin Courage who own The Flyfishing Company shop in Bryanston. If you’re based in Gauteng and need expert advice on fly-fishing for tigers and the associated gear, these are the chaps to talk to. Be sure to visit Oom Frik or Gavin at their shop or give them a shout on 011-46342810 – you won’t be disappointed.

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During the course of the day a fly-casting competition adjudicated by Arno Laubscher and Johan Strydom from Flyfishing Outfitters (Nelspruit) was held on the banks of the Komati River. The winner was Bart van Buynder of Komatipoort who walked away with a Pentz Predator reel, Airflo fly line and a Stealth X-treme fly-rod valued at close on R4000. The day’s activities were followed by an evening of fun which kicked off with a conservation talk by Dr. Lou Taylor of Uplands College in White River. Generous sponsorships of prizes for the lucky draw ensured that most participants went home with something.

So how did the tiger fishing go?

The 6th October dawned gusty and cool - not the best conditions for tiger fishing. However, a number of tigers were caught with the majority being taken on fly and weighing in at the 1 to 2 kg range.

Giants do exist. The most impressive catch of the day was a 71cm fish (estimated to weigh in at around 5.5 to 6kg) taken on a Black Deceiver fly by Arno Laubscher. If fly fishing is your passion then be sure to pop into Arno’s shop, Flyfishing Outfitters, for expert local advice and to stock up with all the necessary gear whilst en route to Ngwenya Lodge. Flyfishing Outfitters is situated in the Hall’s Gateway to the Lowveld Complex on the N4 just outside Nelspruit. Tel: 013-7556115 or email arno@flyfishingoutfitters.co.za for details.

Conserving the Circle of Life in the Komati River.
Arno releasing his tigerfish back to the wild.

Register your interest in fly-fishing for Komati River tigers today by emailing your contact details to corpmoti@mweb.co.za We’ll also keep you informed of our regular fly-fishing talks, workshops, open days and events such as the next Komatipoort Tigerfish CAR Conservation Day.

Birding Big Day

This fun event for Twitchers usually takes place over the last weekend of November each year. Call Birdlife S.A. on 011-7891122 or visit their website at www.birdlife.org.za for all the latest details. The bird list for Ngwenya Lodge has topped the 300 mark which makes it a superb setting from which to do your birding.

Make a lifestyle connection by registering your interest in Birding at Ngwenya Lodge. Email your details to coralpalm@mweb.co.za We’ll keep you posted.

VERLORENKLOOF ESTATE

2001 Kwena Basin Fly-fishing Challenge in The River of Rainbows.

This prestigious event with a Grand Prize of R50 000 sponsored by Mitsubishi Motors of Randburg was held at Verlorenkloof Estate on the Upper Crocodile River on the 11^th, 12^th & 13^th May 2001. A total of 34 fishermen enrolled in the challenge to pit their skills against a River of Rainbows. A total of 50 tagged trout were released into the river. By the close of the day a total of 63 trout had been caught. While most were in the 750g to 1.2kg, bracket some weighed in at around 2.5kg. Of the tagged trout that had been released into the river only 4 were caught. What happened to the other 46? Four wild Rainbows were also landed. Is this a trout-rich river or what? Check out some of the pictures of the 2001 event.

Diarise the following: The 2002 Kwena Basin Fly-fishing Challenge is scheduled for the 13^th April. Once again it will be held on the scenically wonderful Verlorenkloof Estate. Make sure you're there.

Make a lifestyle connection by registering your interest in fly-fishing for Rainbows on this superb stretch of the Upper Crocodile. Also, if you would like to receive more information on the 2002 Kwena Basin Fly-fishing Challenge, email your details to corpmoti@mweb.co.za. We'll keep you posted.

Development program.

Fishing facilities at Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve are progressing well. With the incorporation of neighbouring properties into the Conservancy the stretch of Upper Komati River available for fly-fishing will be expanded to close on 12km. The equipment hire shop (canoes, float tubes, rods etc) has been opened.

• Two hectare Dam for Float tubing. The 2 ha dam specifically designed for float tubing is full. This facility has added a new dimension to the stillwater fly fishing opportunities at Doornkop.
• Recreational facilities completed recently include the all weather tennis court, children's playground, hot water plunge pool and equipment hire shop (Canoes, Float Tubes and Bikes).

Birding Big Day

This fun event for Twitchers usually takes place over the last weekend of November each week end. Call Birdlife S.A. on 011-7891122 or visit their website at www.birdlife.org.za for the latest details. Your interest in birding could help expand the Doornkop Bird List. Make this superb setting your base for 2002.

Make a lifestyle connection. Register your interest in discovering Doornkop’s rich bird and animal life or fly-fishing for yellows and rainbows in the waterways of this superb eco-reserve. Email your details to corpmoti@mweb.co.za We’ll keep you posted.

PLACE ON THE BAY

It’s a fact. Cape Town is the country’s most popular tourist destination. Interest in real estate along the Atlantic seaboard continues to rise with prices rocketing beyond that justifiable for a 2 or 3 week per annum leisure break. The Place On The Bay enjoys one of the best positions relative to Camps Bay’s ever popular beach. International interest in this five star development is reflected by the recent sale of 85 weeks to an overseas group. Two previously unreleased units (and the last two in the complex) were recently opened for sale on a timesharing basis. Now’s the time to grab those high return weeks.