KARIBA, Aug. 27 (NewsDay Live) — Preparations for the 65th edition of the Zambezi Lager Kariba International Tiger Fish Tournament (KITFT) are in full swing ahead of the event scheduled for October 7 to 9 at the National Angling Union of Zimbabwe in Kariba.
Now in its 65th year, the tournament remains one of Zimbabwe’s premier angling events and continues to attract local and international anglers to the shores of Lake Kariba.
First introduced in 2022, KITFT operates under a strict 100% catch-and-release format aimed at promoting conservation.
Using the Keepnet app, anglers place each catch on a measuring mat, record its length digitally and immediately release the fish unharmed back into Lake Kariba.
Scoring is based on length rather than weight. A scientific formula developed from years of tournament and species data converts each fish’s length in centimetres into points. The formula is applied uniformly to all participants through the app.
Tournament organisers said the catch-and-release model helps protect tiger fish populations by allowing more fish to breed and remain in the ecosystem, ensuring that the sport can be enjoyed for generations to come. When done correctly, the method also results in high fish survival rates.
KITFT administrator Gideon Benade said this year’s event would be the most technologically advanced yet.
“Preparations for the 65th Zambezi Lager KITFT are well underway, and the committee is planning for it to be one of the most memorable tournaments to date,” Benade said.
He added that Frampol had come on board as the digital transformation partner. The company is developing a new digital entry form for the tournament website, http://kitft.co.zw, which will also be updated to include the full history of KITFT.
“In partnership with Rhino Creative, Keepnet, Davies Events and Ryan Moss, we will be going live on selected features. Anglers and spectators can expect the most modern and digitalised fishing event Zimbabwe has ever hosted,” he said.
Benade also confirmed prizes donated by Stellar Solar.
The angler who lands the biggest fish measuring 70 centimetres or more will win a Deye 50kW inverter and a 60kWh battery bank.
Should no fish reach the 70cm mark, a consolation prize comprising a Sunova eFox LH 3.5kW inverter and a 5.1kWh lithium battery all-in-one off-grid energy storage system will be awarded.
The post Preparations in full swing for 65th Zambezi Lager Kariba International Tiger Fish Tournament appeared first on newsday.
