African sharptooth catfish Fishing

The night predator of the Nile and Lake Nasser, called 'karmout' in Egypt, and it feeds even in turbid, low-oxygen water. Strong-smelling baits work: fresh fish chunks, liver, chicken offal. Cast a single-hook rig with a heavy lead into the still pockets along the channel edge and at the mouths of irrigation canals, and leave the rod on a bite alarm. It moves off after the take, so lift when the rod fully loads. Its pectoral spines are very sharp, so grip the fish with a cloth or a lip grip.

Clarias gariepinus

African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Photo: Unknown · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
MarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
March–November
Water temperature
20–33 °C
Spawning
June–August
Behaviour
Nocturnal predator

Techniques

  • Night bottom fishing
  • heavy float

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch african sharptooth catfish?
The productive window for african sharptooth catfish runs March–November. June–August is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does african sharptooth catfish feed in?
African sharptooth catfish is most active between 20 and 33 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for african sharptooth catfish?
Common methods: Night bottom fishing, heavy float.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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