South African Carp Fishing Safaris

Re-capture alert! A few hours ago my cousin, Devin Hansma, caught this beauty in a lake that is 1200 hectares (2965 acres) in size.

Last year November my friend Danie Erasmus caught the same fish. Incredible to witness this in such a big lake. Almost unimaginable!

Today that fish weighed 640 grams more, tilting the scale to just over the magical 40Lb mark. This is why we catch and release! It is special to see them grow bigger and stronger. And even more special to see others catching these wild beauties!

They don’t always have to be 40Lbs+…. When they are build like this with a big tail, strong shoulders and an appetite, they are worth catching. This was a train and kept the rod bended for a while!

That was a great poll. With over 100 000 views in 2 days, these are the South African gentlemen that got mentioned most. This post made it to multiple groups, pages and other platforms.
I know some of them personally and under correction I’ve put their years of monster carping in brackets.

In no specific order:
1. Gilbert Foxcroft (30 years +)
2. Neville Barnard (30 years +)
3. Erik Potgieter (Thats me 😂, 25 years +)
4. Afrikanbanks Jan Lubbe (20 years +)
5. Henro Badenhorst (No Data, I guess 20 years +)
6. Martin Louw (25 years +) ?
7. Derrick Nel (20 years +) ?
8. Marcel Nel (20 years +) ?
9. Martin Davidson (30 years +)

These were the most mentioned names across all platforms. What I have noticed is that most praised them not for only catching a big fish, or just big fish at a specific venue, but CONSISTENTLY catching big fish over the years at multiple venues.

What strikes me most is that all of these guys are always willing to help and share tips with anyone. Thats what is keeping the sport healthy.
There is enough big fish for everyone to catch!

Ah wow! Can’t wait for this brand to hit the market next week! I’m sure this jacket will become their flagstaff piece!
South Africa needed an in depended Carp Clothing brand. Not just bulk clothing that is branded, but real clothes made for the angler with no affiliation to any bait or product companies.

I’ve seen and tested some of their demo products, and Oh Man! I’m excited.

We will launch next week! This mixed fabric puffer will be a hit for next to the water or as every day wear…

Here’s a good question for discussion, and a way to give a shoutout to someone who might not even know you’re a fan.

Who is your role-model, mentor, icon or inspiration in the Big Carp Fishing world? Feel free to share one of their photos and tell us about him/her.

I have about 3 guys I always learn from. Attached is a photo of one of them with a proper South African Carp.

Just had to share this post again from last December. A true, never been caught before, wild African MONSTER Carp…

Pure African Gold… 1st time ever this fish was out of the water. It’s a spoil to catch never been caught before wild Carp.

TUESDAY TIPS
By Erik Potgieter

With new rigs, gadgets, and terminal tackle hitting the market every season, it’s easy to think the latest innovation is the secret to catching more carp.

But sometimes the best approach is the one that’s already proven itself over decades.

The humble blowback rig has accounted for countless big fish around the world. It’s simple, reliable, easy to tie, and most importantly—it works. While there’s always room for innovation, many anglers spend more time changing rigs than improving presentation, location, and baiting strategy.

A well-tied blowback rig presented in the right spot will often outfish the fanciest new setup every day of the week.

Too often anglers look to change rigs when the real answer lies elsewhere. Watercraft, location, bait placement, accurate casting, feeding strategy, and understanding fish behaviour will catch far more carp than constantly swapping terminal tackle.

A carp can’t pick up a rig it never finds. Put your bait where the fish want to feed, present it well, and keep confidence in your setup. More often than not, those factors will make a bigger difference than the latest rig trend.

Don’t forget the fundamentals. The classics became classics for a reason.

Sometimes, old school is still king.

Did you know that carp aren’t native to South Africa? They were first introduced by settlers in the 1700s and later stocked into dams across the country in the late 1800s. Today, they are found in almost every major water system in South Africa.

What makes South African carp so special is how big they grow. Our large, nutrient-rich dams, long warm summers, and relatively mild winters allow carp to feed for much longer each year than many of their European counterparts. Some fish live for over 25 years and can exceed 30kg, with a few true giants pushing even higher.

While carp are often labelled as invasive, they’ve become an important part of many South African freshwater ecosystems. They provide a valuable food source for fish-eating birds, otters, and crocodiles, while also supporting a thriving recreational angling industry enjoyed by thousands of anglers.

A carp can survive in conditions that would challenge many other fish species, which is one reason they’ve thrived for centuries in South African waters. Love them or hate them, there’s no denying that the common carp has become one of the most successful freshwater fish in the country—and one of the hardest-fighting fish you’ll ever hook.

They have created countless opportunities for anglers to connect with nature, contribute to local economies, and enjoy world-class specimen fishing right here in South Africa.