Fresh Water Fish
Banded Tilapia (Tilapia sparrmanii)
The Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper - Tilapia sparrmanii) The Banded Tilapia is one of many species of Kurper that occur in our freshwater systems. The Banded Tilapia is commonly referred to as the Vlei Kurper in South Africa. Before I tell you about the Vlei Kurper, let me tell you how to differentiate between this fish species and the Blue Kurper or Mozambique Tilapia.
The Banded Tilapia or Vlei Kurper is widely distributed in South Africa and is tolerant of a lot of different types of habitat. However the Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper) does prefer still water (Such as dams, lakes) with submerged aquatic plants and vegetation. These Kurper can attain 25 centimeters and reach a weight of almost 600 grams. Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper) are omnivorous fish and feed on algae, plants, insects and small fish or fry. The Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper) guard their eggs very closely and are very protective of their young. They have been relocated to dams all over the country as a food for Bass. I find the Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper) to be a great angling target that can provide hours of fun while you are waiting for that Carp or Barbel bite! Banded Tilapia can also be used as a live bait for Barbel...
How To Catch The South African Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper): The Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper), like many other species of Tilapia can be caught on almost any bait or small lure (Plastics and feathers work best). I have even caught a Banded Tilapia on a scented camo (Dropshot) worm to see if this theory works! They do favor bread, plain mealies and earthworms. Those would be, in my opinion, the best baits for the Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper)!
The Banded Tilapia or Vlei Kurper is widely distributed in South Africa and is tolerant of a lot of different types of habitat. However the Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper) does prefer still water (Such as dams, lakes) with submerged aquatic plants and vegetation. These Kurper can attain 25 centimeters and reach a weight of almost 600 grams. Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper) are omnivorous fish and feed on algae, plants, insects and small fish or fry. The Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper) guard their eggs very closely and are very protective of their young. They have been relocated to dams all over the country as a food for Bass. I find the Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper) to be a great angling target that can provide hours of fun while you are waiting for that Carp or Barbel bite! Banded Tilapia can also be used as a live bait for Barbel...
How To Catch The South African Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper): The Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper), like many other species of Tilapia can be caught on almost any bait or small lure (Plastics and feathers work best). I have even caught a Banded Tilapia on a scented camo (Dropshot) worm to see if this theory works! They do favor bread, plain mealies and earthworms. Those would be, in my opinion, the best baits for the Banded Tilapia (Vlei Kurper)!
Blue Kurper(Oreochromis mossambicus)
South Africa's Most Common Tilapia Species: The Blue Kurper
As the heading indicates the Blue Kurper is one of South Africa's most common inland freshwater fish species. It thrives in South African freshwater systems, although currently the numbers of these fish are dwindling as a result of competition from the Nile Kurper (Tilapia), which is not originally indigenous to the South African sub-region.
The Mozambique Tilapia is a beautiful fish that rarely grows over 3 kilograms in South African waters. However the South African record for this fish is close to 4 kilograms. Loskop Dam is one of the best places in South Africa to fish for trophy size Blue Kurper. An annual fishing event is held here every year to see who can catch the biggest Kurper in the dam and I think this is where South Africa's fishing record originates from.
The Blue Kurper is quite well distributed in South Africa and can be found from the Kosi Bay region all the way to the Bushman's River system in the Eastern Cape. They are scattered all the way down the coast past cape town and into the west coast region. The Mozambique Tilapia is farmed extensively and many dams, streams, rivers and freshwater lakes serve as a home for this fish species.
The favoured habitat of the Blue Kurper includes standing waters; they thrive and bread heavily in all water types except very fast moving streams and rivers. The Mozambique Tilapia can be found in brackish, fresh and salt waters and can tolerate water temperatures from 13 degrees Celsius to about 43 degrees Celsius. They feed on algae and other plant material, however large specimens will feed on insects and invertebrates.
How To Catch The South African Blue Kurper Or Mozambique Tilapia: The Mozambique Tilapia is an often easily over looked fish and can provide hours of fun for all anglers on light tackle. Without a doubt worms are the best bait you can use for Mozambique Tilapia. More in particular earthworm. Mealies, small insect and small feathered lures (The ones from fly fishing) also produce very good catches of this fish.
Blue Kurper love shallow and still water with plenty of cover. You will see all sorts of sizes of these Tilapia in the same area. I once saw about a 2 kilogram Kurper lying up under some weed with about a 25 gram Kurper so if you do see smaller fish and you think to yourself there will not be any big ones here, think again! Very small hooks should be used for catching the amazingly beautiful Blue Kurper (Mozambique Tilapia).
Other General Blue Kurper Information Common Name: Mozambique Tilapia...
Other Names: Mud Bream, Blue Kurper...
Scientific Name: Oreochromis Mossambicus...
Length: Average 20 - 45 cm...
Weight: Average weight 1 kg...
Habitat: This species can be found in estuaries with saltwater and freshwater mixed...
Distribution: Widely distributed fish, can be found in most river systems...
Bait: Fish will take any bait that is offered, eg: worms, lure, frogs, mealies, small fish etc...
Description: Dark grey to black to dark and even light green coloured fish, has a lightly coloured underside of the mouth. As the males prepare for breeding they become dark...
Fishing Strategy: The Mozambique Tilapia is a hardy species and this can make it a hard fish to catch. This fish can be targeted by casting near weeds and vegetation growth...
Eating Quality: Excellent, but only with larger specimens...
As the heading indicates the Blue Kurper is one of South Africa's most common inland freshwater fish species. It thrives in South African freshwater systems, although currently the numbers of these fish are dwindling as a result of competition from the Nile Kurper (Tilapia), which is not originally indigenous to the South African sub-region.
The Mozambique Tilapia is a beautiful fish that rarely grows over 3 kilograms in South African waters. However the South African record for this fish is close to 4 kilograms. Loskop Dam is one of the best places in South Africa to fish for trophy size Blue Kurper. An annual fishing event is held here every year to see who can catch the biggest Kurper in the dam and I think this is where South Africa's fishing record originates from.
The Blue Kurper is quite well distributed in South Africa and can be found from the Kosi Bay region all the way to the Bushman's River system in the Eastern Cape. They are scattered all the way down the coast past cape town and into the west coast region. The Mozambique Tilapia is farmed extensively and many dams, streams, rivers and freshwater lakes serve as a home for this fish species.
The favoured habitat of the Blue Kurper includes standing waters; they thrive and bread heavily in all water types except very fast moving streams and rivers. The Mozambique Tilapia can be found in brackish, fresh and salt waters and can tolerate water temperatures from 13 degrees Celsius to about 43 degrees Celsius. They feed on algae and other plant material, however large specimens will feed on insects and invertebrates.
How To Catch The South African Blue Kurper Or Mozambique Tilapia: The Mozambique Tilapia is an often easily over looked fish and can provide hours of fun for all anglers on light tackle. Without a doubt worms are the best bait you can use for Mozambique Tilapia. More in particular earthworm. Mealies, small insect and small feathered lures (The ones from fly fishing) also produce very good catches of this fish.
Blue Kurper love shallow and still water with plenty of cover. You will see all sorts of sizes of these Tilapia in the same area. I once saw about a 2 kilogram Kurper lying up under some weed with about a 25 gram Kurper so if you do see smaller fish and you think to yourself there will not be any big ones here, think again! Very small hooks should be used for catching the amazingly beautiful Blue Kurper (Mozambique Tilapia).
Other General Blue Kurper Information Common Name: Mozambique Tilapia...
Other Names: Mud Bream, Blue Kurper...
Scientific Name: Oreochromis Mossambicus...
Length: Average 20 - 45 cm...
Weight: Average weight 1 kg...
Habitat: This species can be found in estuaries with saltwater and freshwater mixed...
Distribution: Widely distributed fish, can be found in most river systems...
Bait: Fish will take any bait that is offered, eg: worms, lure, frogs, mealies, small fish etc...
Description: Dark grey to black to dark and even light green coloured fish, has a lightly coloured underside of the mouth. As the males prepare for breeding they become dark...
Fishing Strategy: The Mozambique Tilapia is a hardy species and this can make it a hard fish to catch. This fish can be targeted by casting near weeds and vegetation growth...
Eating Quality: Excellent, but only with larger specimens...
The Mirror Carp (Cyprinus Carpio)
The Mirror Carp are species of Carp that are normally associated with being found in European rivers and lakes but these fish were introduced into South Africa a long time a go. The Mirror Carp are also referred to as King Carp because of their shining mirror like scales that occur on the fishes body. The Mirror Carp are strong fighting fish that occur in similar habitats to the Common Carp. Biologically the Mirror or King Carp and the Common Carp are identical, they do differ in visual and genetic terms. The Mirror Carp is one of the first mutations of Common Carp. There is a theory that the Mirror Carp was bred in order to make the fish easier to prepare for eating as they have irregular and patchy scales. The King Carp is am prized angling target and can grow to very large sizes... The current world record for a Mirror Carp is just under 43 kilograms which was caught in France in 2010. The Mirror Carp is a delight to catch and can be fished for with the same baits you would target Common Carp, Yellowfish or Mudfish with.
How To Catch The Mirror Carp In South Africa: The Mirror (King Carp) is a well sought after angling fish species and there are numerous ways and techniques of catching these fish. The two best baits to use to catch the Mirror Carp are mealies (Corn) and earthworms. If there are Carp in the area where you are fishing you will know about it. Flavoured mealies are also very good baits to use as these fish can't resist them. Boilies, Dough, floaties and bread are also good baits. Good areas to fish for Carp are in steep drop offs and deeper areas close to shore with lots of cover. It is advisable, when you are fishing for Mirror Carp in South Africa, to set up a trace with two hooks, a feeder and a ball sinker - similar to that of a Common Carp trace. This is the preferred method and increasing your chance of catching these fish as the Carp will be attracted to whatever is on your feeder and then hopefully take your bait that is on a hook. It is also advisable to purchase some bait dips and put them on whatever is on your feeder (Mealie bomb is a great feeder) and your bait. The best dips in my opinion are honey, almond and banana, although other dips will also work.
How To Catch The Mirror Carp In South Africa: The Mirror (King Carp) is a well sought after angling fish species and there are numerous ways and techniques of catching these fish. The two best baits to use to catch the Mirror Carp are mealies (Corn) and earthworms. If there are Carp in the area where you are fishing you will know about it. Flavoured mealies are also very good baits to use as these fish can't resist them. Boilies, Dough, floaties and bread are also good baits. Good areas to fish for Carp are in steep drop offs and deeper areas close to shore with lots of cover. It is advisable, when you are fishing for Mirror Carp in South Africa, to set up a trace with two hooks, a feeder and a ball sinker - similar to that of a Common Carp trace. This is the preferred method and increasing your chance of catching these fish as the Carp will be attracted to whatever is on your feeder and then hopefully take your bait that is on a hook. It is also advisable to purchase some bait dips and put them on whatever is on your feeder (Mealie bomb is a great feeder) and your bait. The best dips in my opinion are honey, almond and banana, although other dips will also work.
Sharptooth Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus)
All You Need To Know About South Africa's Infamous Barbel
The South African Sharptooth Catfish, which is also known as the Barbel, is a common fish in South African waters. This interesting looking fish is commonly found in a lot of rivers, dams, weirs, lakes and other bodies of water in the country. They are a well sort after angling fish species and they are farmed for private fishing too.
The Barbel can grow into a huge fish specie. These Catfish can attain 1,4 metres in length and can way up to 60 kilograms... This is amazing and hard to comprehend. The South African angling record is about 35 kilograms. The Sharptooth Catfish is found in many various colours of the spectrum, depending on the condition of it's required habitat. They can come in shades of olive green, brown and even almost completely black! This aquatic creature is a common source of food for the local people and can survive out of water for a long time. The Sharptooth Catfish also has the ability to bury itself in the waters bottom when a decrease in water or drought is occurring. They will re-emerge at the first sign of water.
The Barbel can also move over land when damp conditions are present. They can live for about 10 years and can survive in the harshest of conditions. They eat almost anything that presents itself... Frogs, birds, mammals, invertebrates and even seeds and fruit. This South African fish is mainly preyed upon by the Southern Leopard, Nile Crocodile, Marabou Stork and African Fish Eagle. They breed in large schools during and after the rainy and wet season. To see what the largest Sharptooth Catfish that I have caught is, please visit the fishing logbook page. Pictured below is a drawing of South Africa's amazing Barbel...
How To Catch The South African Sharptooth Catfish (Southern Barbel): There are many fishing techniques that can be utilized when aiming for a barbel at the end of your line. The Barbel is a very common South African freshwater fish species. The type of fishing I favour when catching the Sharptooth Catfish is Fly Fishing, using a Walkers or Hamill's Killer fly or, my favourite, a Mrs. Simpson fly. Many other methods are available when catching these hungry Catfish.
When looking for the larger members of the Barbel family I recommend fishing with live bait; like Tilapia, Carp or Papermouth... Please try and stay away from using Yellowfish as bait as they are endemic to Southern Africa and are highly endangered... Live or dead these 'bait fish' are often picked up quickly by large Barbel. Blue Kurper and Red Breast Tilapia may also be used but are not very good bait fish. Also don't forget about fishing with worms, insects, mealies or bread: these all work. Remember South Africa's Sharp Tooth Catfish will eat almost any bait and other baits like braai meat, chicken livers, frogs (Common Platanna) and day old chickens work extremely well. So good luck, and be prepared, the Barbel (Sharptooth Catfish) are extremely strong fighters.
Other General Sharptooth Catfish Information
Common Name: Sharptooth Catfish...
Other Names: Barbel, Skerptand Barber...
Scientific Name: Clarias Gariepinus...
Length: Has been known to grow up to 2 metres...
Weight: Average weight of about 8 KG...
Habitat: Sharptooth catfish can be found in slow rivers, swamps, muddy waters, lakes and floodplains...
Distribution: A widespread species, can be found throughout Africa. Located in a number of rivers such as in Southern, Eastern and Western Cape. Internationally they can be found in Israel, Turkey & Lebanon...
Bait: This species as with other catfish will eat a number of bait variants such as rats, lures, worms, dead or alive fish...
Description: This fish has a physical appearance of a large, heavy boned, flat headed species. They have pointed teeth and long barbs on their heads. Colour varies from black to a light brown with a light, white coloured underside...
Fishing Strategy: This species is extremely aggressive and is very strong. Sharptooth catfish have a reputation of pushing anglers and tackle to their limits. Sharptooth catfish can be regarded as freshwater sport fish...
Eating Quality: Excellent eating... Although I have tried it myself and not too fond of the taste of the South African Sharptooth catfish.
The South African Sharptooth Catfish, which is also known as the Barbel, is a common fish in South African waters. This interesting looking fish is commonly found in a lot of rivers, dams, weirs, lakes and other bodies of water in the country. They are a well sort after angling fish species and they are farmed for private fishing too.
The Barbel can grow into a huge fish specie. These Catfish can attain 1,4 metres in length and can way up to 60 kilograms... This is amazing and hard to comprehend. The South African angling record is about 35 kilograms. The Sharptooth Catfish is found in many various colours of the spectrum, depending on the condition of it's required habitat. They can come in shades of olive green, brown and even almost completely black! This aquatic creature is a common source of food for the local people and can survive out of water for a long time. The Sharptooth Catfish also has the ability to bury itself in the waters bottom when a decrease in water or drought is occurring. They will re-emerge at the first sign of water.
The Barbel can also move over land when damp conditions are present. They can live for about 10 years and can survive in the harshest of conditions. They eat almost anything that presents itself... Frogs, birds, mammals, invertebrates and even seeds and fruit. This South African fish is mainly preyed upon by the Southern Leopard, Nile Crocodile, Marabou Stork and African Fish Eagle. They breed in large schools during and after the rainy and wet season. To see what the largest Sharptooth Catfish that I have caught is, please visit the fishing logbook page. Pictured below is a drawing of South Africa's amazing Barbel...
How To Catch The South African Sharptooth Catfish (Southern Barbel): There are many fishing techniques that can be utilized when aiming for a barbel at the end of your line. The Barbel is a very common South African freshwater fish species. The type of fishing I favour when catching the Sharptooth Catfish is Fly Fishing, using a Walkers or Hamill's Killer fly or, my favourite, a Mrs. Simpson fly. Many other methods are available when catching these hungry Catfish.
When looking for the larger members of the Barbel family I recommend fishing with live bait; like Tilapia, Carp or Papermouth... Please try and stay away from using Yellowfish as bait as they are endemic to Southern Africa and are highly endangered... Live or dead these 'bait fish' are often picked up quickly by large Barbel. Blue Kurper and Red Breast Tilapia may also be used but are not very good bait fish. Also don't forget about fishing with worms, insects, mealies or bread: these all work. Remember South Africa's Sharp Tooth Catfish will eat almost any bait and other baits like braai meat, chicken livers, frogs (Common Platanna) and day old chickens work extremely well. So good luck, and be prepared, the Barbel (Sharptooth Catfish) are extremely strong fighters.
Other General Sharptooth Catfish Information
Common Name: Sharptooth Catfish...
Other Names: Barbel, Skerptand Barber...
Scientific Name: Clarias Gariepinus...
Length: Has been known to grow up to 2 metres...
Weight: Average weight of about 8 KG...
Habitat: Sharptooth catfish can be found in slow rivers, swamps, muddy waters, lakes and floodplains...
Distribution: A widespread species, can be found throughout Africa. Located in a number of rivers such as in Southern, Eastern and Western Cape. Internationally they can be found in Israel, Turkey & Lebanon...
Bait: This species as with other catfish will eat a number of bait variants such as rats, lures, worms, dead or alive fish...
Description: This fish has a physical appearance of a large, heavy boned, flat headed species. They have pointed teeth and long barbs on their heads. Colour varies from black to a light brown with a light, white coloured underside...
Fishing Strategy: This species is extremely aggressive and is very strong. Sharptooth catfish have a reputation of pushing anglers and tackle to their limits. Sharptooth catfish can be regarded as freshwater sport fish...
Eating Quality: Excellent eating... Although I have tried it myself and not too fond of the taste of the South African Sharptooth catfish.
Lowveld Largescale Yellowfish (Labeobarbus marequensis)
The Lowveld Large Scale Yellowfish (Labeobarbus marequensis)is normally referred to as just the Largescale Yellowfish in South Africa. This South African freshwater fish is 1 of 6 different species of Yellowfish found in South African inland waters. All 6 species of Yellowfish are all potentially endangered and we need to take care in keeping these fish around for a very long time. So please ensure you don't take too many of these fish out of the water and when you release them please take extra care.
The Largescale Yellowfish is an exciting fish to target and various techniques can be used to catch this type of Yellowfish. The South African record for the Largescale Yellowfish is 5.8 kilograms. These fish can attain 6 kilograms.
As it's full name suggests, the Lowveld Largescale Yellowfish occurs in the Lowveld regions of Southern Africa and favours flowing waters and perennial rivers. The Largescale Yellowfish is uncommon in dams but they do occur in large dams, such as Loskop. They feed on various food items such as, insects, algae, small fish, snails, freshwater mussels and dead organisms drifting on the surface. They breed in Summer and Spring. The female Largescale Yellowfish grows to a larger size than the male does.
How To Catch The South African Largescale Yellowfish: The Largescale Yellowfish has a big appetite, as mentioned earlier and therefore can be targeted by numerous ways. Fly fishing is a good way to target these fish, good flies to use would be nymphs, walkers killer, caddis', worms and various dry flies, imitating ants and grasshoppers. Plastic lures are also good and I have had a lot of success catching Largescale Yellowfish during the day and night on grub or worm imitations. The Largescale Yellowfish will also pick up various Common Carp baits such as dough, mealies and Boilies. Earthworms are also taken readily by the Largescale Yellowfish!
The Largescale Yellowfish is an exciting fish to target and various techniques can be used to catch this type of Yellowfish. The South African record for the Largescale Yellowfish is 5.8 kilograms. These fish can attain 6 kilograms.
As it's full name suggests, the Lowveld Largescale Yellowfish occurs in the Lowveld regions of Southern Africa and favours flowing waters and perennial rivers. The Largescale Yellowfish is uncommon in dams but they do occur in large dams, such as Loskop. They feed on various food items such as, insects, algae, small fish, snails, freshwater mussels and dead organisms drifting on the surface. They breed in Summer and Spring. The female Largescale Yellowfish grows to a larger size than the male does.
How To Catch The South African Largescale Yellowfish: The Largescale Yellowfish has a big appetite, as mentioned earlier and therefore can be targeted by numerous ways. Fly fishing is a good way to target these fish, good flies to use would be nymphs, walkers killer, caddis', worms and various dry flies, imitating ants and grasshoppers. Plastic lures are also good and I have had a lot of success catching Largescale Yellowfish during the day and night on grub or worm imitations. The Largescale Yellowfish will also pick up various Common Carp baits such as dough, mealies and Boilies. Earthworms are also taken readily by the Largescale Yellowfish!
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus)
The Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus) was first described in writing by fishing enthusiasts in the year 1758. This South African freshwater fish species is not indigenous to the rivers and dams of the country. The Common Carp originates from Europe and Asia and is closely related to the Goldfish and Koi fish species. The most well know and widely introduced fish in Southern Africa is arguably the Common Carp. It is a very popular angling species and puts up a very good fight. These fish can grow up to about 30 kilograms but the angling records are a lot bigger for the Common Carp; which are close to 40 kilograms. The Common Carp often lives in proximity with Barbel, Yellowfish and Kurper in large dams and slow moving rivers, which is this fishes preferable habitat.
Common Carp are reported to of been introduced into South Africa in the 1700's. The Common Carp is an omnivorous fish and breeds in Spring and Summer. It is a very well valued aquaculture species whereas it is considered a pest by conservation authorities due to it's destructive feeding habits.
How To Catch The Common Carp In South Africa: The Common Carp is a well sought after angling fish species and there are numerous ways and techniques of catching these beautiful fish. The two best baits to use to catch the Common Carp are mealies (Corn) and earthworms. If there are Carp in the area where you are fishing you will know about it. Flavoured mealies are also very good baits to use as these fish can't resist them. Boilies, Dough, floaties and bread are also good baits. Good areas to fish for Carp are in steep drop offs and deeper areas close to shore with lots of cover. It is advisable, when you are fishing for Common Carp in South Africa, to set up a trace with two hooks, a feeder and a ball sinker. This is the preferred method and increasing your chance of catching these fish as the Carp will be attracted to whatever is on your feeder and then hopefully take your bait that is on a hook. It is also advisable to purchase some bait dips and put them on whatever is on your feeder (Mealie bomb is a great feeder) and your bait. The best dips in my opinion are honey, almond and banana, although other dips will also work.
Common Carp are reported to of been introduced into South Africa in the 1700's. The Common Carp is an omnivorous fish and breeds in Spring and Summer. It is a very well valued aquaculture species whereas it is considered a pest by conservation authorities due to it's destructive feeding habits.
How To Catch The Common Carp In South Africa: The Common Carp is a well sought after angling fish species and there are numerous ways and techniques of catching these beautiful fish. The two best baits to use to catch the Common Carp are mealies (Corn) and earthworms. If there are Carp in the area where you are fishing you will know about it. Flavoured mealies are also very good baits to use as these fish can't resist them. Boilies, Dough, floaties and bread are also good baits. Good areas to fish for Carp are in steep drop offs and deeper areas close to shore with lots of cover. It is advisable, when you are fishing for Common Carp in South Africa, to set up a trace with two hooks, a feeder and a ball sinker. This is the preferred method and increasing your chance of catching these fish as the Carp will be attracted to whatever is on your feeder and then hopefully take your bait that is on a hook. It is also advisable to purchase some bait dips and put them on whatever is on your feeder (Mealie bomb is a great feeder) and your bait. The best dips in my opinion are honey, almond and banana, although other dips will also work.