This page is devoted to a roundup of the news
from Phuket and Chalong pier.
Week No. 14
Offshore Phuket:
Anglers fishing from Phuket's impressive gamefishing fleet
enjoyed a great start to 2003. January produced exceptional results
with plenty of Sailfish action off nearby island, Racha Noi.
There were several spectacular Black Marlin encounters
off the Similan Islands and closer to home at the “Drop Off”,
20-miles west of Phuket.
Throughout January, the weather was less friendly than usual
with moderate to strong North Easterlies kicking up a chop
outside the Phuket's sheltered leeside. This may have
put a few anglers off the idea of going fishing but it certainly
didn't put the fish off the bite. Marlin tend to prefer some wave action,
rather than flat calm conditions.
The billfish action slowed noticeably around the middle of February but
there was still plenty of sport to be had with Wahoo, Tuna, Barracuda
and Dorado. Racha Noi's Sailfish still showed up in fair numbers
but generally during the late afternoon and early evening
when many of the gameboats had returned to home base.
Those who stuck around were often rewarded with a Sailfish or two.
The Giant Trevallies regularly show up in huge numbers during the afternoons.
Phuket's “Top-End” boats have been experiencing dynamite action on poppers.
These mighty opponents only surface for brief periods - but when they do,
they are hungry and aggressive, giving popper-casters some arm
aching but highly rewarding sport.
Ko Don Mai - the seamount located about 15 miles West of the Similan Islands
produced incredible action early in the year with top-end boats
raising several Black Marlin virtually every trip.
Bottom Fishing:
The most productive bottom fishing off Phuket is generally experienced
during the hours of darkness. Boats offering multi-day, liveaboards
usually enjoy the best results. Anglers night fishing off Racha Noi
have been rewarded with some impressive Groupers and Trevallies
but shark fishing has been disappointingly slow.
It must be said that windy nights with strong currents are best spent onshore!
The currents and weather conditions are usually at their most accommodating
during the half-moon period. Throughout March and April,
sea and weather conditions should be more favourable for nocturnal sessions.
Long-Range Expeditions - The Andaman Islands:
Three boats of the Phuket fleet recently returned from India's Andaman Islands.
All 3-boats experienced totally different - but equally impressive - results.
The first boat to make the trip experienced outrageous results
with big Yellowfin Tuna and Black Marlin - although
they were “Spooled” so many times that they finally ran out of line!
The second boat spent more time concentrating on deep water jigging
and popper-casting - they did exceptionally well on massive GT's and Dogtooth Tuna.
The last boat to return had anglers on board who preferred bottom fishing
and their results were positively mind-blowing. Groupers of around 100lb
were commonplace and virtually every desirable bottom-dweller was caught during the trip.
Freshwater Fishing:
Par Lai Lake in Phuket Zoo is currently performing extremely well and fast action
is virtually guaranteed. Native and exotic species are devouring baits
and putting impressive bends in rods virtually every day.
You would have to be incredibly unlucky or a very poor angler
to get through a session without a significant catch in this unique venue.
Recently, anglers have captured Snakeheads, Giant Gourami,
Red-bellied Pacu, Massive striped catfish and even Asian Tarpon.
Thai Fishing Guide are planning to release some Amazonian Arapaima onto the lake.
They may be only a few kilos now but they are fast-growing fish
and can reach a ridiculous size within a few months.
The Zoo has a few 70-80-kilo monsters on show in a separate enclosure -
these brutes will show anglers just what they are in for shortly!
Bungsam Lan Lake - Bangkok:
Freshwater “Giant-Hunters” have been well rewarded
during Thai Fishing Guide's guided trips to this sensational fishery.
Massive fish - and plenty of them - have been caught on virtually every trip.
Giant Mekong Catfish represent the bulk of significant catches
but several other species have been captured. The results
in terms of numbers are actually hard to believe - but they are well documented.
Recently, on a single day session, an angler was virtually forced to quit
after only 3-hours of fishing. He fought and landed 14 “Giants”
during his brief session and although thoroughly delighted,
his arms had simply done enough work for one day!
The lake owners are currently stocking the fishery with more Arapaima
and - would-you believe - Alligator Gar Fish!
These critters are certainly going to be a major attraction.
New Fishing Publication:
“Catch” Asian Fishing News is a new fishing publication that is due to hit the streets in April.
Published in Singapore, it is a full colour, tabloid newspaper
devoted entirely to fishing in this region.
“Catch” will contain up-to-the-minute news, views and reviews
on fishing, boating, diving and numerous fishing related subjects.
It will be on sale in Singapore for S$1.50 and will be going regional
within the next few months.
Tight Lines!!
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