Fishing South Africa

The Pongolapoort Lake which covers 16000 hectares is the only lake in South Africa which is home to tiger fish, scientifically known as Hydrocynus vittatus, or commonly known as the "striped water dog". It is the third largest lake in South Africa - 30km long and up to 7km wide, not counting the 10km gorge leading to the dam wall, with a depth in the gorge of 60 meters.

The largest tiger fish recorded to date is 8,3kgs caught by angler Franz Grey of Pongola in 1997. Tigerfish are everywhere at Pongolapoort, from shoals of fish no bigger than your thumb to trophy specimens.

The best bait is live talapia which is available on request from us at a cost of R3 per fish. However anglers also find a variety of lures and spinners effective. Fly fishing for tiger fish seems to be a real challenge!

Certainly Pongolapoort Lake has a greater variety of species than any other body of fresh water in the country. This is not only because floods dumped exotics such as bass and carp into the lake, but also because the lake lies in a sub-tropical area and is thus home to species normally found only in Central Africa - hence the the tiger fish.

As well as tiger and blue kurper (Oreochromis mossambicus), there are also red-breasted kurper (Tilapia rendalli), huge catfish and a species of large yellowfish, red-nosed mudfish, silver and butter barbel, a dozen species of barbs and minnows including th silver robber or dwarf tigerfish (Micralested acutidens), and even tiny fresh water gobies which have adapted from a marine lifestyle. There is certainly no shortage of food for the predators!

Fishing usually takes place from boats as the shore is crowded with semi-submerged trees. We hire out a 16ft hustler ski boat at R700 per full day, taking lunch packs or R450 per half day, returning to the lodge for lunch. And this includes a skipper. Also for hire is a variety of fishing rods and reels at a daily charge of R60. Fishing tackle is to be replaced if lost or damaged

As a change to your experience, try your luck on the ranch dam which is fully stocked with Bass and Tiger fish.

While fishing, enjoy the profilic bird life and multitude of game around the lake. Recently, elephants and buffalo were re-introduced into the area surrounding the lake, with hippo's keeping a watchful eye on the day's fishing. The Pongolapoort is referred to as a mini-Kariba with all the wildlife action on the edges.

Fishing South Africa - Our Chalets are built entirely from natural materials and blends deliciously into its wild surroundings. There are ten thatch and wood chalets here, decorated in a simple African style (wooden furniture, washstands with ceramic basins and cute little hippo plugs) and each with outdoor showers and a private wooden deck. There's also a pool and an outdoor boma for starlit evening meals.

Along with a deeply sexy lake, you've also got over 10 000 hectares of unspoilt bush on your doorstep, which means a variety of activities are offered - tiger fishing, river safaris, game drives, elephanting, canoeing adventures, guided walking trails, bass fishing and of course, gentle saunters to the bar. Experience a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where the Blevin family, who own and manage the lodge, look forward to welcoming you to their bush paradise.

Enjoy private moments in your own Kingdom, where the view is endless. There are 2 Premium Honeymoon Chalets decorated with thought and style, or relax in one of the 8 luxury chalets, each with a viewing deck to appreciate the breathtaking view.

The chalets are appointed with simple elegance, enhanced by the utmost attention to detail. They are furnished with superior quality beds, ceiling fans, tea and coffee making facilities, ensuite bathrooms leading to secluded outdoor showers.

The best months for catching tigerfish? All year round although best in warmer months from March to May, and September to the end of November. The water is clear in these months - before and after the heavy rains. Many think that they stop biting in winter however large size tiger have been landed this last winter although the frenzy is more subdued.

Standard Chalet: R1135 per person per night sharing
Premium Chalet: R1300 per person per night sharing
R150 Single Supplement

Rate includes:
Luxury accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, all teas and coffees, and one activity: either a boat cruise or a game drive

Tiger Fishing: 16ft Hustler ski boat hire/ Fly fishing boat hire
@ R900 per full day
or @ R600 per a.m. / p.m.
Fishing rod hire  @ R60 per rod
(Lost or damaged tackle to be replaced)
Live bait  @ R3 p/fish
(Live bait is dependent on availability and Shayamoya does not guarantee to keep the bait alive)
Bass fishing  Free unless guide and transport provided @ R200 per a.m./ p.m.
Game Drives  @ R225 p/p (min 4)
Guided Rhino Walks  @ R250 p/p (min 4)  
River canoeing trips  @ R180 p/p
Cultural Half Day trip @ R300 p/p (min 4)  
Horse Riding  @ R400 p/p
River Safaris  @ R225 p/p (min 4)
Elephant monitoring  @ R350 p/p (min 4)
Mountain bike hire  @ R65 per bike
Tembe Elephant Park day trip  @ R500 p/p (min 4)