Africa’s short spring is over, and the shrill chirping-call
of the cicada beetles have heralded the official start of
summer. With some 3000 species described, it is one of
the most widely distributed insects across the globe, and a
favored meal for many creatures, not least of all, fish. It is
not surprising then that anglers have sought to replicate this
morsel with an array of flies and lures being developed to
entice our quarry. For some, it is a prime bait on the Zambezi
claiming victims like bottlenose, Cornish jack and even
yellowfish. There is some discussion on the purpose of the
cicada’s high pitch chirp - a sound generated not by rubbing
of body parts, but rather by membranes on the abdomen
vibrating when the chest cavity is contracted and released
with the resulting sound being amplified within the beetle’s
abdomen which is mostly hollow - and while many believe
it is a mating call, some aver it is designed to encourage other
young hatchlings from their eggs. For some species, this
event only occurs once every 17 years. Also known as the
Christmas Beetle, their appearance marks the end of every
year in Africa, and the promise of new beginnings... even if
for some, that will only happen 17 years hence.
Special Feature
Casa Msika - Chacamba Dam,
Mozambique......................................... 12
Fish Science
Largemouth Bass Research in Lake
Chicamba, Mozambique....................... 16
Conservation
Conservation Aided by more Sporting
Sport Fishing?....................................... 18
Species Fact File
Dogtooth Tuna...................................... 20
Regular Columns
Editor’s Comment.................................... 3
Mail Bag................................................... 7
Junior Anglers’ Letters............................. 9
Gallery .................................................. 10
Lunar Guide.......................................... 38
Diary of Forthcoming Events................ 38
Competition
Comment
Toyota All-Species
Tournament 2013.................................. 21
KITFT 2013 - Lake Kariba................... 28
New Nillie Record Mystery Cleared Up.............................. 24
Sail With The Elephants........................ 26
New A-Frames Complete at Hippo
Pools - Mazowe River........................... 30
Kariba Anti-Poaching
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