Tiger on ultra-light tackle

[Jovis]

Like to share an unusual/special fight with you. I came back from the Lower Zambezi on 15 November and then took my wife to her parents in Komatipoort for her surprize baby shower the next day.. Left my not yet unpacked tiger tackle at home. I played around with a cheap ultra-light outfit : Shakespeare Senergy 5ft rod, 1000 Crossfire spinning reel and 6lb line whilst the girls had their party.
Caught some good size red breasts on earthworm and decided to change to a small lure (D.A.M/Effzett) to try and catch some more of the kurpers.
On my second cast I thought I got stuck but suddenly a huge tiger leaped out of the water. I knew that it was a matter of seconds before he would either bite the line off or the small trebles would pull.. But Lady luck smiled on me and one of the small hooks caught him nicely in the lip just before his teeth. Cause of the rod and 6lb line I couldn’t apply much pressure which allowed the hook to stay put and not pull open. The fish kept the fight clean and avoided the nearby structures. One of the most exciting fights I’ve had. Unfortunately no one with me to share the moment or take a photo with me holding the fish. I did manage to take these with my cell and returned her safely for another day.

 

[Jovis]

lucky..

 

[Vades]

Great catch on that tackle, well done!

 

[aquadementia]

awesome catch!!! congrats what a catch on the ultra light rig

 

[jonnyp]

great story and pics thanks
shows it can be done sometimes

 

[jonnyp]

great story and pics thanks
shows it can be done sometimes

 

[jonnyp]

great story and pics thanks
shows it can be done sometimes

 

[jonnyp]

great story and pics thanks
shows it can be done sometimes

 

[Droomvanger]

Nice catch!

 

[jonnyp]

as I said 'great story and pics thanks
shows it can be done sometimes'!!

dunno how that happened, sorry

 

[jenn]

Mooi vangs

 

[Northwards]

onf))) on fire!

 

[Tiger JP]

Well done chum, just shows that u dont need 80 pound braid and a Titanium rod to have fun I estimate it to be in the 4 Kg range. Did you get to weigh it? Well done anyway.

 

[Jovis]

Thanks everyone! Still smiles when I think about that fight.

@ Tiger JP: Did not weigh the fish but tend to agree with your estimation.

 

[ripplefisher]

Great catch Jovis - mut have been a big suprise when it took, and an even bigger one when it stayed attached..!

As you say, it can be don - it just requires a bit of 'lady luck' to help the process..lol..!

 

[Kona]

Nice catch and a lot to learn from this. I think a lot of the time we try bully the fish and tend to loose a lot in the process

 

[BFC]

Nice Catch ,

We lived in Komatipoort for 5 years in the 90's on a farm bordering the Krugerpark on the Crocodile river.

One of the perks were we had access to the river and every weekend would make the most of it , from Marloth park up to where the Town Starts we had 31 Hippo pools, Pump station intakes, weirs , rapids and litterally in Tiger heaven , I am of the Opinion that stretch of river does not stand back for the Lower Zambezi in terms of Quality and frequency of fish , only upside is the overall Size of fish is a bit bigger on the Zambezi.

Initially we would use heavy 7ft Rods with Shimano Calcutta's, 4000 size grinders but in time it got a little boring, and also swithed to fly rods , 2000 series grinders and to see how light we could go - we lost many lures, broke many lines , but the reward landing a tiger on 6lb line was all worth it.

That Stretch of river is the best kept secret in SA , if you have access to it you will understand if not you will have to go to the Zambezi. With all the new laws and farms under land claims it is all forbidden now.

Below is some old pics of the size fish that Came out of the lower Crocodile river.

 

[BFC]

.

 

[Enigma]

Beautiful catch.......when your name is on a fish it's tattooed in and will give you a moment to remember for a lifetime

 

[nobbles]

Well said enigma