Since 2022, the Kariba International Tigerfish Tournament (KITFT) has been a one-hundred-percent catch-and-release event, a major step forward in sustainable angling. The annual competition, organized by the National Angling Union of Zimbabwe, continues to draw fishing enthusiasts to Lake Kariba every October.

Catch-and-release fishing is more than a sport, it is a conservation practice that protects aquatic biodiversity and promotes responsible tourism. By using barbless hooks and releasing Tigerfish back into their habitat, participants ensure that no marine life is harmed during the competition. This hands-on experience allows tourists to admire the beauty of the Tigerfish, often weighing over ten kilograms, before carefully returning it to the water.

Before each release, competitors measure, weigh, and photograph their catch, celebrating both the thrill of the sport and the importance of ecological preservation. Winners traditionally walk away with prizes such as cars or boats, but the real reward lies in helping maintain Lake Kariba’s delicate ecosystem.

The KITFT serves as a reminder that conservation and recreation can go hand in hand. As anglers cast their lines, they also cast a vote for sustainability, protecting wildlife for future generations while raising awareness about the need for proper fishing regulations across the region.

Lake Kariba’s annual Tigerfish tournament is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of life beneath the waves, and an enduring symbol of how tourism can help nature thrive.