What is catch and release fishing safaris in Uganda? Catch and release is the process of counting and release only the caught fish during your fishing safari and in Uganda rules on sport fishing depend on where you are fishing from.  3 fishing areas are currently operating catch and release, these areas include Nile River in Murchison falls national park, Jinja lagoons and Lake Victoria.      

Where to go for fishing safaris in Uganda?

Each fishing area has different rules and regulations. Our fishing guides know and are very well trained and conservation-minded when it comes to fishing safaris in Uganda. The following are some fishing destinations where tourists go for the activity.

Nile River in Murchison falls– The area is protected under the laws of the conserving for generation and fishing here is strict whereby anglers cannot keep any fish even if it dies during the Fight and this is very rare for a fish to die during the fight when you’re having a well-experienced fishing guide who will help you to revive the fish so you do not to be worried about this.

On Lake Victoria- On Lake Victoria,  anglers are allowed to take home any fish which is below 15kgs for BBQ at their reserved lodge since Lake Victoria is used for commercial fishing so the rules are relaxed.

Jinja Lagoons- Jinji lagoons are located on the source of the Nile around Lake Victoria and the Nile River. Commercial fishing is taking place in the Lagoons and anglers are also allowed to take any caught fish which is below 15kgs for BBQ at their hotel.

Rules and regulations for catch and release fishing safaris in Uganda

After hooking

After hooking your big fish you will start to fight the fish professionally and our fishing guide will be around providing you all the information like what to do when you get a run and upon fighting your fish and its getting closure to the boat you have to do the following.

Trim the boat engines up

The Nile perch, Sudan catfish and Vundu catfish are very aggressive fish and when they come closer to the boat, they can tangle around the propellers of the engines which may cut off your fishing line, therefore ensure that the boat engines are up.

Wear your hand glove

You should wear your hand gloves during fishing activity as the catfish and Nile perch have sharp teeth that can cause injuries to your hands, and you must have cotton gloves as the slippery one can make the fish slip from your hands mostly the Nile perch.

Hold the fish by the lower jaw

Ensure that you hold the fish with your stronger arm on the lower jaw and put your rod in a safe place then pull the fish and place it flat into the boat when you’re using two hands.

Revive the fish

Get anything and give it to the fish from 5-10 minutes then when the fish start swimming the tail again pull it into the boat and measure the width and the length and this table will help you to know the size of the catch if the chart is 90% accurate.

Release the fish

When the measuring fish is done then put the fish back into the water and give it like 5-10 minutes and when it starts swimming just let it go and splash water over the fish.

Take pictures

On your boat, get a good area with a background view of the River and take quick photos after taking back the fish into the water to revive.

When is the Best time for catch and release fishing safaris in Uganda?

Fishing is best done in Uganda in the dry months and this season is usually from June-August and December-February but since there are changes of weather, you can be keeping in contact with our experts for updating you on the fishing conditions before starting your journey but usually, fishing is best during the dry season.