Nile Perch - The Great Hunt

I havent been very good with blogging of late and will give this one the best shot i can in 20minutes remaining! Last week, when we arrived back from the rapids, we were faced with two tough choices: Murchenson Falls or Lake Victoria. But we had a common mission - to catch some of the last 50+kg Nile Perch!

We chatted to the very cool guy who owns NRE, John, and he highly recommended the Lake, especially as a budget option. We went down to the old sailing club and met Emmanuel, who is a captain of what we call a 'banana boat'. We agreed a very reasonable rate per day and set out to go shopping for a 5-7day Lake trip, living inbetween islands completely untouched by tourism. We were going to be freshwater pirates for a good few days. So after we stocked up and got 100l of fuel and 3 crates of beer (and food...), we got going.

Day1: We are heading out far beyond Buvuma Island and hoping to circle it by midmorning. After doing so we launched our divers and trauled the waters of the lookout for the fresh water beasts! After a 2 hour session we decided to call it a day and seeked island refuge, a storm brewing often over these waters. After scouting, we found a nice pebbler beach, met the 'Chairman of the Beach' (who was very inquisitive of how modern fishing works - yeah i'm an expert - NOT!) and set camp.

Day 2: We woke up with an awesome sunrise and the waterleft claiming one of Neill's slops! So we got trauling again... but nothing. We decide to head deeper. By now frustrations are high - and Emmanuel is doing his best to comfort us saying that everyone is complaining that the locals and fishing the Lake empty. Day two ends and we end up buying fish from the kids, great for the confidence!

Day 3: Again a traul session and we stopped for luch this time. After lunch we decided to cast the line for a bite. The big fish rods now placed to one side and we are hoping to salvage our reputation (or Iak and Neill's for that matter) by opting for Talapia. We then a tug, and a pull and Neill pulls in a nice 1.5kg Talapia... we are very happy.

Day 4: Jubilant at the fish we caught, we decide its time to get back to the shore.

We are still men! yeah, fresh water pirates with a 1.5kg Talapia to show for our great ambitions! But to be fair, Emmanuel did say that everyone is complaning...

written by

afrikawasbeer on December 9, 2009 from Jinja, Uganda

from the travel blog: Traveling Africa Overland

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tsk tsk tsk...... fortunately you dont have to make your living from fishing!!! love dad

written by Patrick Fieuw on December 16, 2009

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