OK, Wade, here goes re South African freshwater fish sizes (approximate poundages) caught on rod and line ...
Our largest Florida strain Bass in South Africa (so far) was just over 13 lbs, largest sharptooth Catfish around 108 lbs, Carp about 60lbs, Bream 6lbs, Yellowfish 40lbs.
In Zimbabwe and further north, Tigerfish can reach 20lb plus, not to mention the Goliath tigerfish of which I once saw a photo of one of about 75lbs! The Vundu (another species of catfish found in Zimbabwe) outdoes even the sharptooth Catfish mentioned above for size.
The best fighters pound for pound are Tigerfish (this must really be experienced to believe it), Yellowfish and Bream. Most Bream pose more of a challenge than Bass of similar size. Catfish make long dogged runs close to bottom and their sheer size makes them a real challenge to land - they also take almost any artificial lure and live baits such as the platanna frog and fish (and deadbaits such as carp or mudfish of up to 3 or 4lb). Carp are generally not regarded as good fighters unless caught in rivers such as the Breede River in the Western Cape where one could almost imagine you are dealing with a different species!
In Zimbabwe and further north one also has to deal with hippos and crocodiles in the water. Crocs have been known to take large lures and baits. There are also rumours of Zambezi Sharks in the Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambique. Zambezi sharks are known to swim far upstream into fresh water and some may have been trapped when the Dam wall was completed. Some anglers fishing (trolling) for Tigerfish there have reported vicious strikes with large Tigerfish lures and wire traces being bitten clean off. Judging from the marks left on certain of the lure hardware which was retrieved, indications are that sharks could have been responsible!
Hope you find the info interesting!
Tight Lines!