'25 Season Leaderboard
1. Yianni Pantazis
On 10 September 2025, Yianni Pantazis etched his name into Mutemwa history with a 20lb (9.1kg) Tigerfish – not only the season leader, but also a new all-time lodge record!
What makes this catch even more remarkable is the timing. On the very last day of his trip, while making the journey back from the Ngonye Falls, Yianni landed this historic 20lb giant just upriver from the lodge.
This unforgettable moment crowned Yianni’s safari with the ultimate finale: a record-breaking trophy that will be spoken of at Mutemwa for years to come.
2. Adriaan Dercksen
On the 23rd of August 2025, Adriaan Dercksen landed the second biggest Tigerfish of the season so far – a stunning 18.5lb catch, about 3km downriver from the Ngonye Falls.
Earlier that day, they had passed the very spot where the fish would eventually be caught, hooking into a massive tiger that straightened one of their treble hooks and got away. Determined, they drifted past twice more in search of the monster. Third time lucky, the giant struck again – and this time Adriaan brought it to the boat, securing his place in the season leaderboard.
3. Gill Thomas
In 2025, Gill Thomas proudly holds the third spot on the leaderboard with a striking 15.5lb Tiger.
This powerful catch is a perfect reminder of why anglers return to the Upper Zambezi year after year – for the thrill of chasing one of Africa’s fiercest freshwater predators, and the reward of landing a true trophy.
Gill’s fish secures a strong place on the board for the season and stands as yet another highlight in an already unforgettable year at Mutemwa.