We waited for the rain to clear and only launched at around 08h30, it was overcast and there was a light SW wind blowing, the water temperature was still averaging around 23 deg. C. The conditions were mild and it was a really pleasant day. We had thought that the Lake Jozini (Pongolapoort Dam) water might be dirty as the Pongola River was a mud colour, but the water was still crystal clear.
We started fishing in the river section and I set the guys up with surface lures which always work well in overcast conditions and with a perfect demonstration cast got the first tiger for the day. It was fantastic there and we had the pleasure of watching a herd of black Rhino whilst fishing. There were a number of boats around all fishing with sardine baits, and so we decided to anchor the boat at one of my favourite spots and work it well.
This was a good decision and we started getting some good Tiger Fish all in the 1Kg (2.2lbs) to 1.5Kg (3.3lbs) range regularly whilst the sardines on the other boats were producing very little. We then became the envy of all the boats around when we landed three big tiger fish in succession over a period of around 30 minutes, which all gave spectacular aerial displays and got the reels screaming. Two of the Tiger fish in the 2.5Kg (5.5lbs) and the prize of the day weighing in at 3.2Kg (7lbs). After the excitement settled down we got a few smaller tigers and then had to move out from our spot as the hippos were getting to close for comfort. All our fish were released.
When at the launch site we spoke to several guys around that had been fishing, all with sardine baits and it seemed that most only got a few smaller fish, and then a boat came in and showed us a magnificent 3.7Kg (8.15lbs) that they had caught in the main dam. It was a super fish, but I was very disappointed that they had killed it. The guys that target Tiger Fish really need to start learning about catch and release, in the long run it will pay off and the Tiger Fishing will improve and our children's children will also have a chance at targeting these magnificent fish.
We decided to call it a day, and by the time we got back to Tamboti Ridge it was raining and we rushed to cover the boat, and made a "Pootjie Kos" on the veranda. It did not storm but it was a good rain for the area which fell all night.
