Hello guys! This time we’d like to tell you the most sizable Tournament of the year - the Christmas Giant’s Tour! This event isn’t about any particular kind of fish, the key rule here is: the bigger the better...and not just big...but GIGANTIC! Yep, we’re talking super-huge Trophy-sized monsters: Trout, Pike, Salmon, Burbot, Catfish, Muskies, Bass, Gar, Snook, Dolly Varden...the list can go on and on! It’s not the name, it's the size that matters. Yep, this is the big league, boys and girls and we’re doing some heavyweight fishing! Tight lines!
Christmas Giant’s Tour will be held December 14th through December 19th, with the Registration starting on December 13th, 24 hours prior to the First Qualifier. The CGT Tournament’s timetable is as follows:

• 13th of December - Registration for the Tournament begins.
  
• 14th of December - Qualifier 1 on on the snowy White Moose Lake way out in Canada.
  
• 15th of December - Qualifier 2 on on Michigan’s Saint-Croix Lake.
  
• 16th of December - Qualifier 3 on Florida’s Everglades.
  
• 18th of December - Semifinal Round on the mesmerizingly beautiful Kaniq Creek in Alaska.
  
• 19th of December - the Grand Finale on California’s San Joaquin Delta.

Enjoy your chance to get Christmas Giant's Pack with all the terminal tackle, equipment and licenses you need!

Hey, anglers!
This patch includes:
- The ability to adjust the sound of rodstands and bells in sound settings added;
- Some chat improvements;
- Incorrect change of rods on the stand fixed;
- Gamepad improvements;
- Improvement of displaying information about groundbait;
- Improvement of the reeling speed after pressing Shift before taking rod from the rod stand;
- Zoom improvement;
- Some minor fixes.

Hey, anglers!
Here we have some fixes.
This patch includes:

• Night darkness level is lowered
  
• Minimum system requirements window removed
  
• An issue with taking out the rod at the end of competition fixed
  
• Draco boat roll issue fixed
  
• Sunglasses enable POST FX effect issue fixed
  
• Minor improvements

Hey, anglers!
We hope you enjoy our new location. Here we have some fixes.

This patch includes:

Bugfix:
- POST FX button added - use this button to turn on and off new graphics improvements.



- Animation of spod rod fixed;
- Some fishing line fixes;
- Fix for automatic replacement of the fishing rod when taking it from the rodstand;
- Improvements for the soft baits settings;
- Name display improvement;
- Minor fixes for Weeping Willow;
- Improvement of the Garry Scott ™ Dráco ™ Boat icon in the store;
- KEY MAPPING issues - fixed;
- White noise glitch on AMD graphics card fixed;
- Minor fixes.

Hey, anglers!
We are happy to present to you the update we have been working on for the last 6 months.

This Patch includes:

• New location: Congo River, Africa.
  
• New level cap
  
• 17 unique African fish
  
• New tackles
  
• New competitions and achievements
  
• Graphics optimization and Graphics improvements
  
• Bugfix.

New maximum level increased up to 80.
Congo river access level - 75


We are happy to announce that now you can enjoy fishing in the heart of Africa - Congo River! Welcome 7 unique locations with 17 species of unique African fish, which can’t be found anywhere else in the world, a bunch of new tackles and baits, unique African flora, and fauna, that will bring your fishing experience to a new level!

More information about the new waterway in our Dev's Diaries!

You can explore the variety of the Congo River on 7 locations

• Cable Ferry

The north of the reservoir houses a small boat dock. Local anglers are just about the only people you would meet here, as they use it to secure their distinctive long boats. Although this place might seem unremarkable at first, it’s quiet and calm, and everything allows for a leisurely fishing experience.

• Waterfall Roar

Island Mabanga, situated in the southern central part of the water body, owes its name to the fact that it’s made up of stone slabs and boulders. Local anglers know it as a great place to hunt for Tigerfish, because these predators are attracted by the fast current just before the waterfalls. Make sure your tackle is sturdy enough to hold the feisty fish, and enjoy the exciting fight as you listen to the waterfall’s roar and tropical bird calls.

• Local School

Situated among palm trees on the east bank of the river is a small local school, attended by children from nearby villages. A neat stone church is located nearby, where parishioners from the surrounding area come every Sunday to listen to the sermon and discuss the latest news. This well-tended place puts you in the mood for pleasant contemplation of nature and peaceful fishing.

• Wild Islands

If you want to leave behind the frantic turmoil of civilization just for a day, welcome to the Wild Islands, located in the western part of the river. Local fish enjoy hiding in thickets of underwater grass and among numerous stumps, snags and tree roots growing right in the waters.

• Bomuna Settlement

The village of Bomuna is located on the eastern bank of the Congo. Early in the morning, local anglers leave their ramshackle clay houses, set off from an old wooden dock in their dugout canoes, and fish using methods that haven’t changed since ancient times.

• Forgotten Village

This abandoned fishing settlement is situated on the western bank directly opposite the local village. It’s not possible to fish from the shore, since it’s too swampy to land. If you decide to go around the village using the wooden pier, be careful: it regularly suffers from the river pushing against it, and only rare anglers walk on its decaying planks.

• Hanging Bridges

This multi-level intricate network of suspended bridges has transformed a group of islands in the center of the pool into a real labyrinth. Only locals know which bridges lead to which islands. But on the other hand, this amazing place makes it possible to feel like a real discoverer, since each path can take you to a secluded fishing nook that is so exciting to explore.


Please see the detailed Congo fish guide HERE.

• African Sedge

The African sedge is a common species of sedge in Central Africa. This sedge generally grows in the water along the banks of rivers, lakes and in marshy areas, often forming dense thickets. Although highly valued by farmers for its nutritious value as cattle food, African Sedge can be a disappointing catch for any angler.

• Unique African animals

Now you can see with your own eyes the amazing landscapes and pristine areas of wilderness, inhabited by buffaloes, hippos, and, of course, African crocodiles.

• Tackle boxes and outfit: Safe&Sound™ , Sturdy™, StrongBox™ and Safari Pro Vest

NileChasseur™ , EquatorMatch™, Mokonzi™




GiantSpin™, L'impulsion™, Fileur™

• African Giant Water Bug, Caddis LarvaBanana Bread

• Buffalo Kidneys, Small Tilapia, , Canned Meat

• Flat Spoon

• Minnow Grub

• Ribbed Shad

• Congo Nightly Hunt: Flat Spoon
  
• Congo River Exploration I
  
• Congo Trial
  
• Congo River Catfish
  
• Congo River Catfish Trophies

• Congo Vagabond
  
• Congo Chercheur
  
• Congo Vainqueur

So, you’ve decided to dive into the wondrous world of African bottom fishing! In order to make sure that you can deal with the Congo river dwellers, we’ve prepared all the necessary gear in Congo Discovery Pack.
It features:

• two powerful rods of different types complete with reels of excellent quality
  
• special baits for the greedy local predators
  
• extra durable and steadfast Garry Scott™ Dráco™ boat, equipped with special rod stands

And of course, the pack includes the Advanced License and a 30-day Congo River Pass.


Graphics optimization:

• Graphics performance accelerated with memory requirements reduced.
  
• Game stability has been improved on large waterways such as Alaska, Amazonian Maze, and Akhtuba River.

Graphics improvements include:

• New visual effects added,
  
• Sunset and sunrise graphics improved,
  
• Automatic tone compensation added,
  
• Automatic exposure compensation added.

• Casting mode and flashlight mode on controller сhanged
  
• Buoy functionality fixed
  
• Friends tab functionality fixed
  
• Messages delivery to chat from friends fixed
  
• Messages duplication in chat fixed
  
• Items display in the backpack on the local map fixed
  
• Mission task display fixed
  
• Flashlight usability on the location fixed
  
• Boat buy window fixed
  
• Character graphics while using reel fixed
  
• Items duplication in inventory fixed
  
• Display of the expiration date of pondpasses fixed
  
• Path to Fishing Planet log file for some operating systems fixed
  
• Photo mode improvements
  
• License expiration display fixed
  
• Improvement of the display of the "Buy" button
  
• Tooltips for gamepad fixed
  
• UGC window fixed
  
• Functionality of receiving rewards fixed
  
• Gamepad functionality in UGC fixed
  
• Achievements displaying fixed
  
• Switching game modes fixed
  
• Items display in the store fixed
  
• Licenses display in the store fixed

Hi, Anglers!
We are happy to present you with a detailed guide to all the unique fish that you can find on the Congo River!

Local fishing spots are astonishingly varied. Deep mainstream watercourses are as common as wide swampy shoals, while heavily wooded banks give place to barren and rocky ones. In these generous waters, one can hunt for the enormous Nile Perch, aggressive Tigerfish, large African catfish species, and other fish of the most bizarre shapes and colors.

At this colorful location, you will have a possibility to fish for the record amount of unique fish presented on one waterway!


Preferred Lures:
Jerkbaits, Minnnows, Flat Spoons

Preferred Baits:
Small Tilapia, Large Minnows


The Goliath Tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath) is the largest of Tigerfish species, all of which are vicious predators boasting prominent dagger-like teeth. It tends to wait in ambush behind underwater boulders in places with reverse flow near rapids and quickwaters. This fish enjoys excellent eyesight and can feel low-frequency vibrations emitted by its prey. It is strong enough to attack a 30-kg (66 lb) catfish and literally cut it in half.
The Goliath Tigerfish is also incredibly large: the largest recorded specimen was almost 2 m (6 feat) long and weighed more than 50 kg (110 lb)! It’s not easy to catch it, but it’s possible if you have reliable equipment, a sharp hook, and the ability to stay alert for a long time.


The African Tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) is a large, greedy, and aggressive predator, sporting razor-sharp teeth, muscular body, and characteristic tiger-stripes. This fish can hunt at all depths, usually in places with a strong current, keeping closer to the surface during the day and staying at the bottom at night. When being reeled in, the Tigerfish (one of the fastest fish species on the planet) is extremely feisty, often jumps out of the water, and can easily cut the leader! It feeds on most small fish species and can weigh over 25 kg (55 lb).


Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) is a powerful predator inhabiting the waters of Africa. These fish can dwell at a wide variety of depths, but adults stay mainly in deep places. It prefers streaming water and is most often found in places with a rocky bottom near waterfalls. It avoids shallow overgrown areas. The Nile Perch feeds both during the day and at night. When being reeled in, it tends to jump out of the water.
It feeds mainly on other fish, while small specimens also eat crustaceans and insects. As one of the largest freshwater fish, it can grow to be almost 2 m (6.5 feats) long and weigh up to 200 kg (441 lb)!


Preferred Lures:
Narrow Spoons, Flat Spoons, Grubs

Preferred Baits:
Small Minnows, Shiners


Cornish Jack (Mormyrops anguilloides) is a nocturnal schooling predator. Adults prefer deep and calm waters and tend to stay near boulders and other underwater barriers. A distinctive feature of this fish is its ability to generate a weak electrical discharge for the purpose of navigation, communication, and searching for prey. Its diet is predominantly fish and sometimes crustaceans. At night, these fish go hunting in small schools near rocky areas of the bottom about 20 m (65 feats) from their daytime dwelling spots. Although this is a nocturnal fish, you can successfully land one at sunrise and sunset. The Cornish Jack grows up to be 150 cm (60 inches) in length and weighs up to 15 kg (33 lb)!


African Pike (Hepsetus odoe) is a small predator that feeds mainly on small fish. This nimble hunter prefers clean and well-oxygenated water. These pikes choose shallow, calm places with dense underwater or floating vegetation, from the cover of which they wait patiently and imperceptibly for an opportunity to attack their prey. The African Pike is mostly diurnal. Although the fish rarely weighs more than 1 kg (2 lb), catching it can be quite fun.


Preferred Baits:
Small Tilapia, Large Minnows, Buffalo Kidney, Large Liver, Canned Meat, African Giant Water Bug


African Sharptooth Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is one of the largest representatives of its genus inhabiting this latitude. It prefers deep areas with a slow or medium current and a rocky or sandy bottom. Thanks to its large mouth this predator can swallow large prey whole. Its maximum length can reach 170 cm (67 inches), with its weight measuring up to 60 kg (132 lb)! What is particular about the African Sharptooth Catfish is its ability to breathe atmospheric air. It can also sometimes make sounds similar to loud croaking.
The African Sharptooth Catfish is omnivorous and most active at night. It feeds on water beetles, mollusks, fish, vegetation, and even organic waste.


Vundu Catfish (Heterobranchus longifilis) is a large catfish inhabiting the south of Africa. Its size makes it an impressive catch for sport fishing enthusiasts! Not many other catfish species have such large second dorsal fins or long barbels. This one prefers staying 3 to 9 m deep. Just like the African Sharptooth Catfish, this one is omnivorous and can breathe atmospheric air. Boasting significant strengths and endurance, it can reach up to 150 cm (60 includes) in length and weigh over 50 kg (110 lb), so make sure to use particularly sturdy tackle! The Vundu Catfish enjoys deep waters, but it tends to approach the shore during the night to feed on other fish, small vertebrae, and viscera.


Kamba Catfish (Chrysichthys cranchii) is the largest African catfish. It has a moderately oblong body and four pairs of barbels, and its dorsal and pectoral fins boast sharp barbs. This fish has a varied diet: it can feast on anything from aquatic vegetation and insects to snails, prawns, crawfish, and fish. To catch an adult Kamba Catfish, we recommend choosing powerful tackle, since its weight can reach about 130 kg (286 lb)!


Preferred Baits:
Freshwater Prawns, Night Crawlers, Bloodworms, Leeches, Caddis Larva


Giraffe Catfish (Auchenoglanis occidentalis) is a small catfish species inhabiting most areas in West and Central Africa. It prefers to stay in shallow and calm parts of rivers and lakes. It is active at night as well as during the day. Its body is covered with a characteristic pattern, lending it the name ‘Giraffe Catfish’. It can reach 70 cm (27 inches) in size and weigh up to 10 kg (22 lb).
These omnivorous catfish feed in small groups, usually on vegetation they find on the bottom, sifting through sand or mud with their large barbels. Their regular diet also includes seeds, larvae, worms, and small fish.


African Big Eye Catfish (Chrysichthys longipinnis) is a small representative of its genus that prefers to inhabit shallow stretches with a rocky and sandy bottom. That’s why it can seldom be seen in waters deeper than 4–5 m (13-16 feats). The African Big Eye Catfish is most active at night, choosing to spend the daytime under the bottom rocks. It mainly feeds on worms and other small invertebrates, while larger
specimens might also hunt for small fry.


Preferred Baits:
Bloodworms, Pinkies, Caddis Larva, Sweet Corn, Pea dough, Banana Bread


Rednose Labeo (Labeo altivelis) is a bottom-dwelling omnivorous fish of the carp family. It can be found in shallow areas, but mainly inhabits deep waters. It is active both during the day and at night. This fish feeds in schools across various types of bottom, from muddy to rocky. Rednose Lobeo eats algae, worms, small crustaceans, and mollusks, which it collects from the bottom.


Purple Labeo (Labeo congoro) is a relatively large bottom-dwelling omnivorous African fish of the carp family. It tends to stay in warm rocky areas of large rivers. It can also be found in fairly strong currents.
Purple Labeo can reach 42 cm (16 inches) in length and almost 5 kg (11 lb) in weight. It feeds on algae and other organisms, scrubbing them off boulders and other hard surfaces. A distinctive feature of this fish’s behavior is school feeding off the backs of hippos, where the Labeos pluck algae and peeled skin from the animals.


Banded Tilapia (Tilapia sparrmanii) is a small schooling diurnal fish. It can live in a wide variety of conditions, but prefers shallow, overgrown places with relatively cool water. The fish is omnivorous and not picky. It can feed on invertebrates, but the basis of its diet is plant food: algae, leaves and stems that have fallen into the water. It can reach over 20 cm (8 inches) in length and about 500 g (1 lb) in weight.


Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a large herbivorous schooling fish that can be found in a variety of conditions and reservoirs. Generally, it prefers shallow places and warm water. This fish can reach 60 cm (24 inches) in length and about 5 kg (11 lb) in weight. Nile Tilapia feeds mainly in the daytime, eating detritus, larvae, mollusks, and fish eggs in all layers of the water.


Preferred Baits:
Wax Worms, Caster Maggots, Bloodworms, Caddis Larva, Centipedes


Bulldog Fish (Marcusenius macrolepidotus) is a small bottom-dwelling schooling fish that inhabits overgrown, muddy areas of waterways. This peculiar fish got its name due to its extended lower jaw, which resembles that of a bulldog. It uses its own electric field generated by its muscles to orient itself in space, search for food, and detect predators. It is active both during the day and at night. It feeds mainly from the bottom, picking up various invertebrates, as well as larvae and pupae of small insects.


Elephant Fish (Campylomormyrus spp.) is a medium-sized bottom-dwelling schooling fish with a characteristic appearance. It got its name from its elongated mouth that looks like the trunk of an elephant. The fish can perceive movement and weak electric fields with its help, allowing it to detect prey. It can weigh more than 2 kg (4.5 lb). This fish prefers to keep close to rapids and sections of rivers with rocky bottom. This is mostly a nocturnal fish, also active at sunrise and sunset.

Preferred Lures:
Nano Spinners, Larvae, Worms, Slugs

Preferred Baits:
Night Crawlers, Dragonflies, Caddis Larva, Sweet Corn


Congo Yellowfish (Labeobarbus stappersii) is a large omnivorous schooling bottom-dwelling fish. It prefers deep places with a slow current and areas near the water edge bordering on coastal forests.
Apart from its impressive size, this fish is also exceptionally strong and very feisty when being reeled in, which makes it a desirable trophy. It eats everything from plankton to small fish, but the basis of its diet is insect larvae and other small invertebrates, which the Congo Yellowfish often digs out from under rocks. This fish is active both during the day and at night. Under favorable conditions, its weight can reach over 9 kg (2 lb).

This Patch includes:

• New location: Congo River, Africa.
  
• New level cap
  
• 17 unique African fish
  
• New tackles
  
• New competitions and achievements
  
• Graphics optimization and Graphics improvements
  
• Bugfix.

Hip Hip Hurray and hail the Champions of Grand Smallie's Cup, the ultimate Smallmouth Bass sportfishing Tournament! These fish put up quite a fight, and the same goes for the heated competition among the anglers… But that’s all behind us now, and it’s time to finally announce the Top-10 names officially belonging to the Smallmouth angling elite, and among them - the Three Grand Smallmouth Champions whose names are now forever etched into cyber-fishing History! Congrats to the winners and Tight Lines to all who bravely fought this fine fishing battle! Stay tuned for many more to come!

1 FergusStone
2 FU_Moreira-Dede
3 FU_BlackPlague
4 Dragon_KinorK
5 obi_xyz
6 Doom_Skull
7 Dragon_Foxiii
8 LTR8_CodyPro87
9 BismarcBK
10 Team.Ramuncho.Kikisuspect

Those vicious Smallmouth putting up quite a fight, eh? It’s almost like they knew it was the Semifinal and they had to give you a battle of your life As the thrilling Grand Smallie's Cup is entering it’s Final stage, we’d like to announce the much awaited Semifinal Results and give you the 20 names of anglers, who skillfully handled the Smallmouth onslaught every step of the way! These tough fellas will go on to the next and Final Round, taking place tomorrow on North Carolina’s Neherrin River… And so here’s our Top-20:

1 LTR8_ItsNo_Skillz
2 PatrickJane
3 FU_BlackPlague
4 obi_xyz
5 PicanTeam-Carlos
6 LTR8_wadey88
7 Dragon_KinorK
8 4yJIuHaDa
9 Sergiy5
10 Team.Ramuncho.Kikisuspect
11 PicanTeam-MendoGa
12 LTR8_CodyPro87
13 Dragon_Foxiii
14 Youtube_KrellicOG
15 FU_Moreira-Dede
16 LTR8_vonDriesen
17 BismarcBK
18 Doom_Skull
19 Mastoras75
20 FergusStone

Supercharge your Fishing Planet experience to Premium level with a limited-time Black Friday Deal:

• - 60% OFF on 360-Day Premium Accounts!
  
• - 50% OFF on 180-Day Premium Accounts!

Black Friday Sale is valid through 28 November! ! Don’t miss your chance to go Premium at over half the price!