The lure of the leviathans    Mike Bailey

The mysterious limestone karsts of Phang Nga Thailand surround the emerald waters of one of the world’s premier freshwater fishing lakes, Exotic Fishing Thailand.

Located just one hour north of Phuket International Airport E.F.T –as it is known to the global angling community – is the home to countless monster fish with some behemoths in excess of 400lbs.

This magical 10-acre lake is home to 100 specimens over a whopping 200lbs and over 1,500 other fish.

There are nine different types of fish over the magic 100lb mark with the most ferocious being the Chao Phraya Catfish, which is not only a member of the Catfish Shark family but also rumoured in Thai fishing folklore to be a dog eater. The toothy Alligator Gar takes second place with razor-like teeth that help it capture unsuspecting prey. Other predators include our world-famous Arapaima, giant freshwater Stingrays, Wallagoo Leeri and the recently added Salween River Catfish. The other three of nine are non-predators, including the Siamese carp, and two omnivorous catfish: the Salween Rita Catfish and Giant Mekong Catfish.

Fish care is a priority, with oxygen on hand to help quick recovery when fish are netted as well as antiseptic treatments to deal with any cuts and scrapes found on inspection. Fishing is 100% catch and release with no exceptions. Many of these fish are not only rare but in some cases one of a kind and irreplaceable.

Having so many special fish in one location draws species hunters and holiday anglers alike from around the planet to this piscatorial paradise. The anglers’ goals are varied from catching their first river monster to crossing another behemoth off their fishing bucket list. The fishing is not always easy but, with the help of one of the expert fishing guides and the use of custom equipment, landing a leviathan can easily become a reality rather than just a dream.

Unlike when chasing these fish in the wild, all the comforts of home are right here onsite. Beautiful 4-star bungalow suites with both mountain and lake views surround the lake in a truly breathtaking environment. For non-anglers there are cooking classes, a fish park with aquariums, a swimming pool and spa services. You won’t go hungry either, with lake side dining service delivered to your fishing sala from our mountain view restaurant which servees both Thai and international favourites.

The management and staff are welcoming and attentive and go out of their way to make your fishing holiday adventure a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience; although saying that, most customers do return.

Many serious anglers travel the world dedicated to catching each of these species in the wild when available but, for the rest of us with limited time and resources, it’s nice to have another option right here on Phuket’s doorstep…

By Mike Bailey per Exotic Fishing Thailand Co., Ltd.

Exotic Fishing Thailand

FB: Exotic Fishing Thailand

English 088 379 9377 or Thai 081 199 5922

[email protected]

www.exoticfishingthailand.com