Congo – Chinko River – Goliath Tiger Fishing Expedition 

Goliath Tiger Fish are the last of the great game fish that the world of fly-fishing has to offer.

Our story begins

In 2008, an intrepid South African fly fisher lead an expedition to the Congo Black River. After two weeks of intensive fishing, Dirk Reiche caught the first GTF on the fly.  That triggered the realisation that when the conditions are right, fly caught GTF’s are a reality. 

And so began a 7 year search. A search that wound its way further North eventually to Chinko in Central African Republic (CAR). Here the Chinko and Voodoo Rivers run clear. In a wild expanse of jungle and savannah, it twists and turns through an area untoucched by any human settlement, the Chinko and Vovoda rivers form a unique habitat for Goliath tiger Fish  and large Nlle Perch – two of Africa’s biggest freshwater fish in two of its last totally unspoilt rivers.

Exclusive camp

We run an exclusive camp and fly fishing operation in the heart of the Chinko, giving daring adventures, access to the worlds greatest freshwater fly fishing for the first time.

The catch of a lifetime is what this Goliath Tiger Fishing Expedition is all about. Only a few guests will be invited each season to this unique fishery! The Chinko and Voodoo rivers have ever changing characteristics that require a thoughtful approach in order to deceive this elusive game fish.

The guiding set up on your expedition will be one guide per 2 guests, fishing from aluminium /inflatable boats or from the banks and sandbars. 

It is strictly fly fishing only. 

Catch and release is mandatory and barbless hooks a must. It is also essential that guests are able to handle casting bigger flies and heavier rods with consistency

(a visit to a qualified instructor prior coming on the trip to learn to double haul will be an advantage with big flies). 

Fishing 

Fish can be located as near as five feet away, where accuracy and nerves are key, or it could be 80 feet away, smashing a bait ball for a few seconds before disappearing again. The GTF in these two rivers are found in clear water, often found hunting on the surface attacking large schools of bait fish. The visual affect of this style of fishing experience is akin to bone fishing techniques and found no where else in the African continent for such large predators accept perhaps Aswan for Nile Perch. You will get chances targeting rolling fish and even casting at resting fish in stronger currents. 

Environment

A clear running river in the middle of one of Africa’s greatest wilderness areas. Sandwiched between the Sahara to the north and the rainforest to the south and draining into the Congo.

Goliath Expeditions

Nile Perch can be found in both river systems and offer tremendous sport. From deep oyster covered rock pools to bulging through the shallows after bait fish to laying up on sandbars. These fish grow to staggering sizes and their numbers are flourishing. There presence offers the opportunity of catching both of Africas ‘iconic’ great freshwater fish on one expedition.

Wildlife

The Chinko winds through forests and woodlands teaming with rare birds and animals

Goliath Expeditions

Species

Other Species that you will encounter on this Goliath Tiger Fishing Expedition include common tiger fish , which are terrific fighters and are prevalent in the Chinko river system. Fishing for common tigerfish often uncovers the locations of the Goliath, There is also an abundance of species such as Labeobarbus that grow to huge sizes African Pachu, Alestes macrophthalmus, Brycinus,  as well as Vundu and sharp tooth Catfish and the mighty Kamba, and many other species may yet to be recorded, If your looking for a place to catch new species, then Chinko is that fishing paradise. 

The only place on the whole continent indeed the world, where you can stand on the banks of a clear rivere, fly rod in hand, with the real chance of casting at a goliath!

Goliath Expeditions

There are many undiscovered species so don’t be surprised if you personally catch a new species anything is possible in this stunning fishery. 

Goliath Expeditions

Equipment List 

Rods

• 7wt 9ft multi – piece rods fast action fly rod 
• 10wt 9ft multi piece fast action fly rod 
• 12 wt 9ft multi-piece fast action fly rod

–  We recommend bringing 2 x complete sets of each.

Reels 

– Large arbor fly reels with reliable disc drag system. The reels must be loaded with at least 100 meter gel spun backing

Fly-Lines 

• WF floating 7wt tropical /warm water line
• WF Intermediate 7wt tropical /warm water line
• 200-300 gram fast sinking tropical/warm water line

• WF floating 10-12 wt tropical /warm water line 
• WF intermediate 10-12 wt fast sinking tropical /warm water line

Leaders 

• 60lb, 40lb, 30lb, 15lb Mono-filament/fluorocarbon 
• 30lb, 50lb, Wire  Mono or  knot-able braided  

Flies 

Selection of flies in Fly Packs available from ourselves in camp 

Clothing and Accessories 

• Polarised sunglasses bring 2 pairs  (critical) 

• Hat’s Cap’s

• Buff/Necker chief 

• Sun-gloves

• Stripping /finger guard

• Lightweight wet wading shoes 

• Warm jacket or fleece

• Light Rain Jacket

• 3 x technical long sleeve shirts with SPF factor rating

• 3 x technical Long/short trousers with SPF factor rating 

• headlamp/torch

• Small Boat bag for easy access to your tackle.

• Long nosed pliers 

• Boga-grip 50lb Optional 

• Sunscreen SPF  30,40,50 

• Lens cleaning cloth and cleaner

• Insect repellant sufficient for 10 days 

• Bring enough aspirin and paracetamol (TCP for cuts) for personal use

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