IGFA Member

March 2008

Going fishing always evokes a deep rooted sense of excitement in me. From the initial idea of exploring a new area of a river or dam, then doing some back ground work on what, were and how, talking to some of the “Old Timers” who are a walking, talking digest of old “Haunts”, till the final day arrives when at sparrow fart U are on the road and hoping that U have packed enough goodies, just in case.

 Zambia is a Fisherman’s paradise, blessed with a diverse river system and numerous dams and lakes. The BIG question I am often asked is where to start!!

 The main fishing body is the Zambian Sports Fishing Association; the association is run by a group of dedicated anglers. Being a member of the association ensures that U as an angler are kept up to date with fun day fishing events, family events, local & international events, ZAWA fee’s & rule’s, boating rules & regulations and Fisheries rules & regulations.

An annual Single (ZMK 80,000.00) or Family (ZMK 100,000.00) membership fee, also gives us the opportunity to get discounted prices at supporting Lodges, Camp Sites and Tackle Shops.

A pre-requisite for entering any of the well organized and sponsored Local fishing competitions, is being a ZSFA member.

The best part of becoming a ZSFA Member is, wait for it….U get to meet those “Old Timers” and learn were the best fishing “Honey Holes” are in Zambia!!!

 A great way to get involved is by coming to any of the fishing competitions that are run by various executive members of the ZSFA. These events have been created with everyone in the whole family unit in mind.

We have junior events, on the Upper Kafue, Kalimba and Nsobe; there are great family events on the Zambezi, Kafue National Park, Kafue Marine and Itezhi Tezhi Dam, for the big boys there are events held on the Upper Zambezi and Upper Kafue. All these events are well organized and attract wonderful sponsorship, ensuring the growth of angling in Zambia.

 If still in doubt, then by all means call in at your local fishing retail out-let and demand info on were and how to catch a fish!!!

 The idea of this monthly column is to enlighten our anglers of the many exciting fishing venues, the various spices of fish one can target in the diverse waterways we can fish. What tackle and methods used to catch those elusive giants we all seem to miss. Conservation issues, catch and release methods, tagging fish as well as “Selective harvesting” And let’s not forget some of those wonderful recipes for the fish that are for the table.

 I will also like some feedback from our readers on some of their wonderful fishing adventures, including some pictures of the ones that did not get away.

 As we come out of the “Closed Season” and start the 2007 season, I would just like to remind our readers, that with all the wonderful rains that have fallen, all the rivers are flowing and some in flood, so please be careful and ensure that if boating U have lifejackets and check that ur bilge pumps are all working 100%.

 Tight Lines

The River Rat

 Contact Details for the ZSFA; mckenzie@zamnet.zm, benbar@genesis.com.zm,gvanwyk@taurisk.com , sazam@zamnet.zm