Fishing in Botswana

Botswana is situated right in the middle of southern Africa, north of South Africa, east of Namibia and west of Zimbabwe. It is a land-locked country, low in both topography and rainfall. Despite that, it is a wonderfully exciting, delightful and productive destination for the discerning sport angler. The country is smaller than Texas, but larger than California, and its human population of about 2.4 million makes it one of the most sparsely populated countries. The Kalahari desert accounts for about 70 % of its land and there are virtually no fish in the southern half, so why get excited about fishing there? The main answer is one word - “Okavango”. This largest inland delta in the world is home to an incredible diversity and biomass of exciting and interesting fish. By African standards, Botswana is relatively well-run, safe, organised and the road infrastructure is mostly very good. The people are known for being friendly and English is the official language and used almost everywhere.

Most recreational anglers In Botswana use bass-type equipment. For tiger fish, the tackle should be on the heavy side in order to hold the powerful species and set the hook in a bony mouth. Tiger fish teeth are lethal to nylon, but a strong rod with braid helps the angler hold the energetic bite and hook the fish. A short wire trace helps prevent losing the fish but a proportion of fish will escape with the help of spectacular and acrobatic leaps and jumps the species is famous for. Dead and live bait work for tiger fish, but spinning is the common choice. Bass-type spinning gear is also effective for bream and pike. For barble fishing, most anglers prefer baitcasting. Speaking of which, if you go to Botswana, you shouldn’t miss the “barble-run”. An annual event in the Kavango River, it occurs when rising water initiates mass movement of barble along the riverbanks where they chase and terrify small fish. This attracts tiger fish and can create a feeding frenzy with small fish leaping from the water and barble and tigerfish biting and snapping at anything that moves. Thousands of birds will scoop up small fish who, in their desire to escape the predators, ground themselves. Unpredictable and usually short-lived, this phenomenon will create life-long fishing memories. Fishing in Africa usually contains an element of risk, with crocodiles and hippos present in most big bodies of water, as well as other factors. A boat is essential for fishing in the Okavango, and hiring a reputable local guide is recommended for best and safest experience. BaitYourHook, the online marketplace for angling adventures, is the place where you can easily book your fishing trip directly from the best operators. Find your Botswana adventure today!