On 10 September 2025, Yianni Pantazis etched his name into Mutemwa history with a record breaking Tiger that has now become a hot topic of conversation around the Mutemwa Boma.

What makes this catch even more remarkable is the timing.

For 30 years, anglers from across the world have traveled to the Upper Zambezi River in search of the ultimate prize—the legendary African Tigerfish. Known for their razor-sharp teeth, ferocious strikes, and relentless fight, tigerfish are often called the fiercest freshwater gamefish in Africa. But this past week, at Mutemwa Lodge, history was made.

On the very last day of his fishing safari, after a memorable trip to the Ngonye Falls, Yianni Pantazis returned downriver toward Mutemwa with one final cast in mind. Just a few hundred meters from the lodge, Yianni hooked into the battle of a lifetime.

The reel screamed, the water exploded, and the unmistakable silver flash of a river dog broke the surface. What followed was an intense fight—minutes of raw power, blistering runs, and heart-stopping tail walks.

When the fish was finally landed, it was clear that this was no ordinary catch. Yianni had landed a 20lb (9.1kg) Tigerfish—the largest tiger ever caught at Mutemwa Lodge in our 30 years of operation.

The reel screamed, the water exploded, and the unmistakable silver flash of a river dog broke the surface.

What makes this catch so special:

Tigerfish over 10lb are generally considered trophies by most standards. Landing anything above 15lb puts you among an elite group of anglers. But breaking the 20lb mark—especially on this wild, untamed stretch of the Upper Zambezi River—is an achievement of a lifetime.

For three decades, countless anglers have tested their skill along our exclusive 90km stretch of river, where Mutemwa has proudly hosted fishermen from all over the globe. Many have landed trophies, some have come close—but until Yianni’s historic catch, the 20lb barrier had never been broken at Mutemwa.

This record-breaking moment captures what makes Mutemwa Lodge so special. We’re more than just a fishing lodge—we’re a family-run destination where guests are hosted personally from the moment they arrive.

Here, the fishing is authentic, the river is uncrowded, and the experience is unlike anywhere else. Every cast carries the chance of hooking into a fish that will stay with you forever. Whether it’s your first tigerfish or a lifelong dream of a 20lb river dog, Mutemwa is where legends are made.

As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2026, Yianni’s incredible record proves that the Zambezi still has giants waiting to be caught.

So the question is—will you be the next angler to write your name into Mutemwa’s history?