E D I T O R S C O M M E N T B y A n t W i l l i a m s
E D I T O R S C O M M E N T B y A n t W i l l i a m s
Kariba is looking magnificent at the moment . The rising water has begun pushing back into the grass , re-flooding bays and gullies , creating park-like scenes , which while not always productive when fishing , are picturesque . It has a clean , new feel about it , and all life seems to sense the regeneration taking place .
A recent houseboat trip to the area found me parked off idly drowning worms . Across the bay from where we sat , I watched the dappled shade reflected off the mirror calm morning water , the odd glint of sunlight dancing like scattered diamonds on the surface . Movement drew my gaze , as a secretive little bushbuck emerged from the undergrowth , stiff legged and timid as it bowed to drink from the lake . I half expected the water to erupt with the explosion of one of the many crocs we had seen cruising the area . So too , did the bushbuck I suspect , but her caution paid off , and with her quick drink over she melted back into the shadows . I could think of little which could have made the scene more complete .
I have always been fortunate when fishing in the Gache Gache river area of Kariba . Over the years , it has been my “ go to ” place , especially on those occasions when I have novices with me , or friends and family on the boat , whose wont it is to simply catch fish . At these times , I play the role of guide , and while most times I would not win any awards for filling the boat with huge fish , I am pretty sure I can keep my guests entertained . Pinkies in the grass , bigger bream along the banks , tigerfish over the weed beds and in the river proper , or the occasional catfish and vundu during those lazy lunchtime boat picnics we use to break the day . The game , like my little bushbuck or a group of ele ’ s , round off what is an amazing experience which I savour and enjoy sharing with others .
In 2010 , the cooperative fishermen within the Gache Gache area , and the management of Gache Gache Lodge came together to form the Gache Gache Anti Poaching Unit ( GGAPU ) under the umbrella of the Gache Gache Wilderness Area Trust ( GGWA ). Supported by National Parks and police , the group set about raising funds to properly equip scouts , provide transport ( boats , motors , vehicles and fuel ), and bring the illegal fishing ( estimated at 10 tonnes of fish a week !) and animal poaching under control . While the initiative is ongoing and hundreds of poachers have been brought to book , their task is not an easy one . Aside from the continuing logistical problems with deploying anti poaching teams and supporting them in the field , some scouts have even been harassed and attacked for their part in the operations . The legal commercial fishermen in the area report vastly improved catches acknowledging those who safeguard their resources . Sportfishing in the Gache Gache basin has improved significantly as well to the point where the river and its environs can quite literally be overcrowded at times . But how many realise the costs involved in keeping these operations going , and how little it would take from visitors to make a worthy contribution .
Ray Townsend - owner and manager at Gache Gache Lodge - has an exclusive concession around his lodge entitling him to privacy which if enforced would limit access to fishermen other than those staying at Gache Gache Lodge . This however is not the case . Ray sees the value in allowing casual visitors and fishermen into his concession ,
though this can and does sometimes impact on the privacy of his guests . Gache Gache Lodge is situated right on the lake shore at a point where the river begins to narrow before meandering off into the mountains , and speedboats plying the river are not only noisy , but their wakes can impact on the shoreline in general and boats parked at the lodge .
To assist with the community ’ s anti-poaching efforts , Ray asks that all visitors to the immediate area contribute $ 20 per boat towards this worthy cause . A quick visit to the lodge reception , and one will receive a wrist band in thanks ( pictured on the cover ) which is branded “ I support anti poaching in Gache Gache ” - this regardless of how many days you may be in the area . Given the kind of fishing which has flourished in the river since the anti poaching began , it is a small price to pay . The system is honour based though and does rely on visitor ’ s integrity , something which seems to be lacking in some who enjoy the spoils of the anti poaching unit ’ s efforts . An example of this was the recently concluded Test of the Best tiger tournament held in March . The big tigerfish were up the river spawning , and good catches were to be had by those who got to the juicy spots first - an area which was mostly far up the river , past the lodge . No less than 17 boats screamed past the lodge before 7am , leaving lodge residents wondering if they were under siege . Sadly , not one of the teams offered to contribute to Ray ’ s Trust , even though many significant tournament winning fish were hauled from his river concession . They are not unique , and during an interview with Ray , he told me that many acquaintances of his will fish close-by , carefully staying out of sight so as not to have to pay the fee .
Kariba is a huge eco-system , and while it cannot be micromanaged for fish production , safeguarding spawning fish and the delicate habitats they use is entirely possible with huge and noticeable results . Few of us want the headache and responsibility of organising and managing this , or even being in the line of fire , but it should be within all our means to make a donation of $ 20 or more , to someone who is willing to do the work and take the risks . Ray and the community of Gache Gache are not alone , and other initiatives such as KAWFT ( Kariba Animal Welfare Trust ) and the Bumi Hills Anti Poaching Unit - to name some - ensure the wilderness that is Kariba , and which so many of us benefit from and enjoy , remains so .
If you have visited Gache Gache recently , but were too busy either competing , or just catching the big fish while enjoying the safety Ray provides in this protected area , he would be pleased to receive your donations via their offices in Harare - simply mailto : bernie @ chapungusafaris . co . zw for more details .
Gache Gache bay
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