Big Game Fishing In Bangkok

[alohatiger]

I had the oppurtunity to do some REAL big-game freshwater fishing at a lake just outside Bangkok. For all you long-timers out here, the word is the place has only begun to be really popular for the last 12 months or so, that's why you may not have heard of it. It really is a contender vs. going to Burma or islands near India to catch really big fish.

First, let me preface my comments: I HAD A BLAST!!! Man, it's hard to be unbiased when you had so much fun! There were fun stories of large fish swimming backwards (a tail-hooked monster being reeled in!), rods lost and found (yes, the fish ARE THAT BIG and will yank your pole into the lake in less than a second!) and massages at the bungalow in between hits. It was amazing, and a hammock was there to boot!

The LAKE: BUNG SAM RAN, about 40 minutes out from any place in Bangkok. I didn't have my GPS with me at the time, so I can't really place it. But you can find it, but if not, you can speak to...

The GUIDE: Marc with KiwiFishingBangok.com. This guy is a true fisherman's hero. No fish is too big to tackle and he dove in that chilly lake water to swim around the dock's foundations to untangle two BIG fish (to me, that is - that's 20 kilograms, yes, 20 kilograms just outside of Bangkok!) that dive in between the dock's foundations and get wrapped up. Solution: let loose the drag all the way and Marc or his guide will dive in for you. More about that story, later! Rest assured, Marc will do anything humanly possible to make sure you land that impossible fish!

He runs a very reasonable and INCREDIBLY honest outfit for big-game fishing. Keep in mind, this kind of fishing is normally reserved for the big boys. When I was younger, I always DREAMED of this kind of fishing, and recently became financially capable of catching some BIG ONES. So, I'd definitely consider getting serious with him for the first few trips to the lake, because landing and handling these big fish does require extra skill. You'll see!

One note: Marc's family has some good New Zealand big game lineage: lots of experience in big game fishing and he tells me he has the FIRST and ONLY set of certified IGFA (International Game Fishing Association - this is for SERIOUS BRAGGING RIGHTS WORLDWIDE of who caught the biggest fish) weigh scales in Thailand. This bodes of good things to come, and it seems his aim is to bring Western standards and quality to the sport-fishing industry in Thailand. But, can you imagine catching a world record fish? It can happen here!

Onto the experience: MAN, we had fun! We started out with three poles, and they mixed their bait concoction in a large plastic bin. That's where experience comes in, too. It's a bread and powder mix, with lake water and coconut milk for sweetness. Don't ask me, but it works! I did notice the Frenchman on the French fishing show "Chasse et Peche(?)" (Game and Fish) use the same technique, just with bigger pieces of bread for the fish at Bung Sam Ran. I think the bait is cheap, but the little extras start to add up (coconut milk, rice powder, etc.) I suggest going in a group at first if money is an issue and hiring a guide the first few times.

You wrap all that stuff up into a giant bread ball with a hook embedded. If you're good, you can lob that breadball maybe 20 meters with a good rod. Actually, their are 20 kilogram fish just about 5-10 meters away, so it's no big deal.

The reason why you need a guide is because most people don't have real experience landing big fish. Even if you did have the tackle (heavy poles with good lever reels that can handle 50 lb. mono), you may not have the skill or ability to make the event trouble-free. And handling these endangered fish (which they really are, but don't seem so at this lake) requires extra care because killing these magnificent species is a terrible waste.

So, us guests order some bottles of whisky, mixers, and platters of Thai food (at Thai prices, too, I might add.) An hour later, we're in full swing in this rented bungalow (I believe they have a wide range of bungalows (some have 2nd floor gazebos!) but ours was nice in new lacquered pinewood for 1000 baht for something like 12 hours or something.)

The bungalows are nice: we had a raised "sleeping area" we used for naps and massages later (the guy only charged us 100 baht per hour per person! He got the whole party, we all took turns!) and a large dining table with like six chairs and two extra large "hammock-chairs".

It's got full-on lighting, a t.v. in a pivotable frame (hanging from the ceiling, can watch TV while getting a massage: my favorite: animal documentaries with sound turned down.)

I think ESPN came out here and filmed here. That means it's a must if you live around here and fish. The word is going to get out!

So you got the hammock, massages, full-on dining setup: HOW ARE THE FISH?

Real monsters. I mean real reel-burners. Care must be taken or expensive gear WILL BE lost or broken. REALLY.

It's so like Thailand: what happens when you get what you ask for? You ask for some bruisers, you're going to get some BRUISERS!

The ones we caught were juveniles. 20 kilograms. That's about 45 lbs. THAT'S sizeable ANYWHERE you go. And we caught about a dozen of them in one night. Pretty darn cool, if you ask me.

The real monsters at the lake are at 60-100 kgs. THOSE guys will kill a man! It's like arm-wrestling a small marlin, except he's using his whole body! These bruisers ARE THERE and the folks at Bung Sam Lan stock that lake with big ones!

I don't want to hear anything about fishing in a pond etc. with catch-and-release fish. These once-in-a-lifetime catches are so awesome, and the species so magnificent, we have to maintain this fishing resource. Killing them would be a giant shame. We are not like some short-sighted Thais, are we? And as far as being some tame fish pond, man, these fish are BIG! They'll burn up reels, take whole rigs, and in general ruin your line. It's NOT A WALK IN THE PARK!

I'll continue the story in a follow-up to keep the length down.

HELPFUL NOTES:

Things to bring:

- your own music / speakers (mp3 player, portable speakers, etc.) Maybe batteries, maybe you can plug in somewhere (didn't look)

- mosquitoe repellant. Take care not to get ANYWHERE NEAR the bait, rods, lines, etc. Wash hands thoroughly, but you will need it if you're not covered up.

- Long pants and long sleeve shirt. You can always roll them up in the heat.

- Shorts in case you have to go swimming. I'd be careful though! Or get a guide. Sometimes you just don't want to let go of your world-class fish.

- Suntan lotion, sunglasses, etc. But they do have All-Night fishing ...

BIG BONUSES:

- ALL NIGHT FISHING: That means a full night out on the town, and you can STILL catch some big ones in the wee hours, and eat and drink and be merry! It's so close!

- 40 minutes from BANGKOK by taxi.

- No one gets seasick. Bring the kids! And Marc at kiwifishingbangkok.com is family-friendly!

- Can have full dinner and drinks

- Friends can come out and meet you later after work or whatever (not like that on a charter boat)

- It's much cheaper, easier, and less time-consuming than going to Burma to catch the same-size fish.

[chuchok]

I have fished there...if you can call it that.Can't miss at all.I was told that the biggest caught in this "lake" was 80kg.We caught many fish,from 5 to 25kgs.Great fun.

[alohatiger]

Here's some background pics, some gear and how they mixed the bait. I've also got some live video of some catches, so if you want I can email large attachments to you. Send me a PM if you want them.

Note: when you need a wheelbarrow to carry your stuff, you know you're in for it! Last time I had a wheel-barrow fishing (in saltwater!) I filled up three of those with 15-25 kg. yellowfin tuna.

[Nikkijah]

Sounds great but B11,000 for two people is a lot of money - the whole point of going fishing is to take it all in, relax(sometimes) enjoy the surroundings, but this place sounds like it is overstocked for pure profit and although it must be a great day/night on the lake it just doesn't sound like fishing to me...

Nikkijah

[BambinA]

Big Game Fishing In Bangkok

The LAKE: BUNG SAM RAN

Try The Chao Phraya River ..

anyhow... I did like fishing in the past ..(when i was 12-15 yo tomboy )

Kanchanaburi was the kosher one ..@ Pae Num Jone , Sri nukkharin dam

This one is the real game fish .. you need the leader line(iron thread)

Scientific name - Channa micropeltes

common name - Gian snacke-head fish

Thai name -Pla Chadow

[Nikkijah]

BambinA I'm surprised! A Vet who is trained to take care of beasts yet goes fishing!

[chuchok]

Her is a pic of one of my mates fish....not too shabby.

[BambinA]

BambinA I'm surprised! A Vet who is trained to take care of beasts yet goes fishing!

lol .. i was a kiddy championship 20 years ago

I have a Daiwa rod / spool (red one) Jupiter

I did one Plug aswell (a fake fish prey made from from wood .. not a spoon(iron))

Anyhow ...

Thai name - Pla Grasoob

English name - Eye - spot barb , Tranverse - bar'barb

Sc name - Hampala dispar [smith] , Hampala macralepidota [Van Hasselt]

this fish is also the game(fresh fish)

[Nikkijah]

Her is a pic of one of my mates fish....not too shabby.

That guy needs a shave

[chuchok]

Her is a pic of one of my mates fish....not too shabby.

That guy needs a shave

Yes,he has become a hairy fcuker...

[alohatiger]

Sounds great but B11,000 for two people is a lot of money - the whole point of going fishing is to take it all in, relax(sometimes) enjoy the surroundings, but this place sounds like it is overstocked for pure profit and although it must be a great day/night on the lake it just doesn't sound like fishing to me...

Nikkijah

True on some parts, but consider the whole situation: If you spend that much money, you BETTER catch some big fish! And with a guide, you WILL! Sometimes I've spents hundreds of dollars and hadn't hooked a single f*ricking fish! This way, you'll always have an adventure, pretty much guaranteed. It's kind of like an amusement park: you pay to jump off a cliff (like a rollercoaster ride, pardon the analogy), you always get some thrills but you always make it out safely. If you really go rock-climbing by yourself, you may have some tough moments ...

Anyways, I suggest it for the first few times. You can lose a rod and reel rig in less than second flat, and then you're out at least $200-$250 USD. Then where's your fun? Anyways, you don't have to buy any gear at first!

It's happened many a time at Bung Sam Lan. Just a word of warning, ask people who have gone.

I wouldn't say the lake is overstocked. It's still a challenge to hook and land the fish. I lost two due to my inexperience.

It is definitely a smartly run business, but the lake's not out to gouge you. And Marc isn't either, but try to remember, this is a BIG GAME fishing experience. I guess I can tell you haven't tried fishing there yet. I suggest you get a gang of buddies to go and share the costs. It'll be a memorable experience.

If you don't know some of the costs of BIG GAME FISHING in general:

- whole reels have to respooled even after one hard day of fishing. Fishing it more than three times is considered risky and cheap. The respooling of a large reel is about 1,000 baht, at least, for quality line. (Don't quote me, but it can get pricey.)

- whole rigs get lost or broken due to human error or just one big, mean fish. That's about 10,000 baht or so.

- wet reels have to be maintained more often. reels follow a maintenance schedule much like your motor vehicle. Often reels can be "burned out" or have their insides overheated and cooked and they have to be specially replaced. Not cheap for good reels.

- fishing tackle gets lost all the time. Figure at least 500-1000 baht in one night. That's the glow-in-the-dark bobber, the batteries with it, etc.

- The lake have their own fees, including bait and whatnot. Keep in mind these fees are to maintain world-class fish (I mean, WORLD-CLASS). It may be that you would be in a Champagne or Burgundy vinyard, but one might think one is just in somebody's backyard. Not the case. These are quality fish, they require machine-driven aeration, pH levels have to be maintained, and it's gets real bio-chemistry Ph.D from there. Fairly complicated to maintain the habitat for super large predators.

In fact, my 2 cents would be to call that lake the equivalent of a "Big Cat Safari" - a well-maintained habitat for big predators.

Anyways, it's just a suggestion and you are free to try to tackle Bung Sam Lan yourself! Let us know how it all went down!

[Nikkijah]

I see a lot of Thais fishing off bridges around BKK, 40ft above the waters surface - what happens when they hook a biggie???

Has anybody ever caught a biggie from the Chao Praya?

I live on a canal just off of the Chao Praya and all day long I see big cats surfacing but I've not been able to catch one yet, I've tried bread, corn, worms and all sorts - any tips? I'm not supposed to fish there as our landlady considers it 'pbarp' - sacred water

Nikkijah

[Nikkijah]

Sounds great but B11,000 for two people is a lot of money - the whole point of going fishing is to take it all in, relax(sometimes) enjoy the surroundings, but this place sounds like it is overstocked for pure profit and although it must be a great day/night on the lake it just doesn't sound like fishing to me...

Nikkijah

True on some parts, but consider the whole situation: If you spend that much money, you BETTER catch some big fish! And with a guide, you WILL! Sometimes I've spents hundreds of dollars and hadn't hooked a single f*ricking fish! This way, you'll always have an adventure, pretty much guaranteed. It's kind of like an amusement park: you pay to jump off a cliff (like a rollercoaster ride, pardon the analogy), you always get some thrills but you always make it out safely. If you really go rock-climbing by yourself, you may have some tough moments ...

Anyways, I suggest it for the first few times. You can lose a rod and reel rig in less than second flat, and then you're out at least $200-$250 USD. Then where's your fun? Anyways, you don't have to buy any gear at first!

It's happened many a time at Bung Sam Lan. Just a word of warning, ask people who have gone.

I wouldn't say the lake is overstocked. It's still a challenge to hook and land the fish. I lost two due to my inexperience.

It is definitely a smartly run business, but the lake's not out to gouge you. And Marc isn't either, but try to remember, this is a BIG GAME fishing experience. I guess I can tell you haven't tried fishing there yet. I suggest you get a gang of buddies to go and share the costs. It'll be a memorable experience.

If you don't know some of the costs of BIG GAME FISHING in general:

- whole reels have to respooled even after one hard day of fishing. Fishing it more than three times is considered risky and cheap. The respooling of a large reel is about 1,000 baht, at least, for quality line. (Don't quote me, but it can get pricey.)

- whole rigs get lost or broken due to human error or just one big, mean fish. That's about 10,000 baht or so.

- wet reels have to be maintained more often. reels follow a maintenance schedule much like your motor vehicle. Often reels can be "burned out" or have their insides overheated and cooked and they have to be specially replaced. Not cheap for good reels.

- fishing tackle gets lost all the time. Figure at least 500-1000 baht in one night. That's the glow-in-the-dark bobber, the batteries with it, etc.

- The lake have their own fees, including bait and whatnot. Keep in mind these fees are to maintain world-class fish (I mean, WORLD-CLASS). It may be that you would be in a Champagne or Burgundy vinyard, but one might think one is just in somebody's backyard. Not the case. These are quality fish, they require machine-driven aeration, pH levels have to be maintained, and it's gets real bio-chemistry Ph.D from there. Fairly complicated to maintain the habitat for super large predators.

In fact, my 2 cents would be to call that lake the equivalent of a "Big Cat Safari" - a well-maintained habitat for big predators.

Anyways, it's just a suggestion and you are free to try to tackle Bung Sam Lan yourself! Let us know how it all went down!

I do see your point alohatiger, I started fishing when I was young, I was started on fly fishing for trout so my idea of fishing is a much less aggressive approach than this, however, I've always longed to catch really big fish and this does sound like a laugh...

I see the prices are B6,500 for one, B11,000 for two, do you know the prices for 5 or 6 people? You said that if we get a group together then it would become more affordable but what about if all 5 or 6 of you take turns on one rod, is that just tight-fisted or is it a reasonable request?

Nikkijah

[Nikkijah]

Anyways, it's just a suggestion and you are free to try to tackle Bung Sam Lan yourself! Let us know how it all went down!

What do you mean by this? Is the money you pay only for the guide?

Nikkijah

[alohatiger]

BambinA I'm surprised! A Vet who is trained to take care of beasts yet goes fishing!

lol .. i was a kiddy championship 20 years ago

I have a Daiwa rod / spool (red one) Jupiter

I did one Plug aswell (a fake fish prey made from from wood .. not a spoon(iron))

Anyhow ...

Thai name - Pla Grasoob

English name - Eye - spot barb , Tranverse - bar'barb

Sc name - Hampala dispar [smith] , Hampala macralepidota [Van Hasselt]

this fish is also the game(fresh fish)

Wow, I really like those fish! I'm gonna make it a priority to catch each species of fish in Thailand. Shouldn't be too hard?

What a pretty fish! Pla Grasoob. I'll ask around. Got any more?

I'll have to try the Chao Praya ... but where? And when? And with who?

One day I'll do the Mekong ... hmm, where would I go in Thailand on the Mekong to fish for big ones?

And is the dam still a hot spot?

Didn't know you knew so much about fishing! Surprise after surprise ..

[BambinA]

I live on a canal just off of the Chao Praya and all day long I see big cats surfacing but I've not been able to catch one yet, I've tried bread, corn, worms and all sorts - any tips?

Try this nasty thing(always works for the cat fish as Pla Sawai ,Pla Dook..etc)

Sai Gai Mhuk

Chicken's gut

coconut milk

egg

cotton

mixed all and make it ferment for few days( smelly likes dead body)

๊Dont forget your rubber gloves ..(im serious)

[Nikkijah]

I live on a canal just off of the Chao Praya and all day long I see big cats surfacing but I've not been able to catch one yet, I've tried bread, corn, worms and all sorts - any tips?

Try this nasty thing(always works for the cat fish as Pla Sawai ,Pla Dook..etc)

Sai Gai Mhuk

Chicken's gut

coconut milk

egg

cotton

mixed all and make it ferment for few days( smelly likes dead body)

๊Dont forget your rubber gloves ..(im serious)

Then what BambinA??

Do I use PVC bags with the hook inside or is it a substance that sticks to the hook? My canal is quite fast moving so bait may not stay on the hook for long...

p.s. sounds like Puh-laah(fermented fish aka. - to me anyway - dirty water)

[BambinA]

Then what BambinA??

Do I use PVC bags with the hook inside or is it a substance that sticks to the hook? My canal is quite fast moving so bait may not stay on the hook for long...

p.s. sounds like Puh-laah(fermented fish aka. - to me anyway - dirty water)

then put that nasty prey(cotton) on your hook ...it has strong smell ..and skinned fish love it loads

Because it has strong smell, so fast moving water has no effect on it for 15-30 mins

p.s. sounds like Puh-laah(fermented fish aka. - to me anyway - dirty water)

being an oraganic fermented thing ... natural will digest it pretty fast

[Nikkijah]

Then what BambinA??

Do I use PVC bags with the hook inside or is it a substance that sticks to the hook? My canal is quite fast moving so bait may not stay on the hook for long...

p.s. sounds like Puh-laah(fermented fish aka. - to me anyway - dirty water)

then put that nasty prey(cotton) on your hook ...it has strong smell ..and skinned fish love it loads

Because it has strong smell, so fast moving water has no effect on it for 15-30 mins

p.s. sounds like Puh-laah(fermented fish aka. - to me anyway - dirty water)

being an oraganic fermented thing ... natural will digest it pretty fast

Oh ok, I think I get it, do you mean cotton wool or small squares of cut-up cotton?

p.s. I was only joking about the dirty water thing, I meant that I used to call Pu-laa 'dirty water' or 'nam sokabrock' to my Thai friends

[alohatiger]

I do see your point alohatiger, I started fishing when I was young, I was started on fly fishing for trout so my idea of fishing is a much less aggressive approach than this, however, I've always longed to catch really big fish and this does sound like a laugh...

I see the prices are B6,500 for one, B11,000 for two, do you know the prices for 5 or 6 people? You said that if we get a group together then it would become more affordable but what about if all 5 or 6 of you take turns on one rod, is that just tight-fisted or is it a reasonable request?

Nikkijah

Oh, it's a REAL BLAST! There is no sound like the sound of a BIG FISH reeling off line and making it smoke! It really streches the boundaries of what you think fishing is. Trust me, you'll say, "I spent a whole lot, but it was ALL worth it." It's one of those experiences. Once-in-a-lifetime, you gotta try it!

Don't know how he does that with large groups. It's probably better to have maybe 3-4 to a bungalow, because lines get crossed, etc.

As far a prices go, I believe that's all-inclusive. Should cover all except for drinks and Thai food. But I think he does have free softdrinks (I think!)

We were talking about how he likes to do business and how others do. His outfit is pretty much a no-brainer - you get quality fishing and everything is there for you.

But other places he tells me charges for soft drinks, etc. That's kind of a pain. If I'm gonna pay that much, I expect a few soft drinks! Well, anyways, that's up to them. But I'm sure that Marc will do his best to make your experience much better.

He DID go into the the economics of a good trip, and said in Thailand it's not much more to have some real nice touches for a really good trip. People spend so much to come out here, yet look for the lowest rate on these fun trips. But to get that lowest-rate, one has to sacrifice some things, like plastic plates, cheap accomodations (sometimes dangerous!), and whatnot. His bottomline: pay a little bit more and know you're gonna walk away happy. Pay cut-rate, and you may have fun or have a few challenges.

I'm not in the business, but he REALLY is a great guy and I think he's got a definite positive spin. He's got good rapport with the Thais (a good sign, meaning the locals will be friendly and helpful) and is dead-honest as far as I've known him. Good bloke, I guess they'd say.

[BambinA]

Oh ok, I think I get it, do you mean cotton wool or small squares of cut-up cotton?

u can use both (sorry i mean kapok)

cotton is same same but different (i think u can use it as compensate thing)

anyway .. u can also use only chicken's gut (not cleaned one ...(digestive thing inside)

[Nikkijah]

So, alohatiger, if I just turn up at this lake with my own gear what am I going to pay?

I take it the website address you gave is just for the guide right?

[Nikkijah]

Oh ok, I think I get it, do you mean cotton wool or small squares of cut-up cotton?

u can use both (sorry i mean kapok)

cotton is same same but different (i think u can use it as compensate thing)

anyway .. u can also use only chicken's gut (not cleaned one ...(digestive thing inside)

I'm confused BaminA, I either use coton to soak up the mix or use chicken intestines and fill them with the mix?

[BambinA]

I'm confused BaminA, I either use coton to soak up the mix or use chicken intestines and fill them with the mix?

well .. i mean if u have time for making fermented prey .. use the cotton thing

if u dont have a time.. use the chick's gut (unclean ..with digestive thing inside)

[Nikkijah]

I'm confused BaminA, I either use coton to soak up the mix or use chicken intestines and fill them with the mix?

well .. i mean if u have time for making fermented prey .. use the cotton thing

if u dont have a time.. use the chick's gut (unclean ..with digestive thing inside)

Lovely, thanks BambinA, my partner will love it! we've caught lots of the little ones in our own little canals on our land but haven't been able to catch the big ones in the river, now we can feast(or at least she can as I don't eat fish!)

Nikkijah

[chuchok]

Oh, it's a REAL BLAST! There is no sound like the sound of a BIG FISH reeling off line and making it smoke! It really streches the boundaries of what you think fishing is. Trust me, you'll say, "I spent a whole lot, but it was ALL worth it." It's one of those experiences. Once-in-a-lifetime, you gotta try it!

Still not as good as salt water fishing though.

[alohatiger]

Oh, it's a REAL BLAST! There is no sound like the sound of a BIG FISH reeling off line and making it smoke! It really streches the boundaries of what you think fishing is. Trust me, you'll say, "I spent a whole lot, but it was ALL worth it." It's one of those experiences. Once-in-a-lifetime, you gotta try it!

Still not as good as salt water fishing though.

Ah, but if you live in Bangkok or are flying through with a day to spare, where else can you get a big-game day's fishing?

You can bring your pals for cheap. No flying, no long trips. No seasickness. And full restaurant setup. Oh, I didn't mention, at Lake Bung Sam Ran, the bathrooms are IMPECCABLY CLEAN! Honest! I was very surprised. And I think they are building showers now too.

[alohatiger]

So, alohatiger, if I just turn up at this lake with my own gear what am I going to pay?

I take it the website address you gave is just for the guide right?

I honestly don't know the normal prices. But you could look up the number and speak to them about it, if you speak Thai. If not, of course you can have a friend or g.f. or wife ask for you!

Be sure to ask about the cost of bait. That's included too. Once you're there, you really want to stay. It's a beautiful spot, and yes, you can chill out and relax and enjoy the scenery. Just be mindful you get a good bungalow (some are new, some are not!) and bring the mozzie repellant!

[Nikkijah]

You wouldn't have something to do with this business would you alohatiger...

Is that you in the pics?

You look of Asian descent

[chuchok]

Oh, it's a REAL BLAST! There is no sound like the sound of a BIG FISH reeling off line and making it smoke! It really streches the boundaries of what you think fishing is. Trust me, you'll say, "I spent a whole lot, but it was ALL worth it." It's one of those experiences. Once-in-a-lifetime, you gotta try it!

Still not as good as salt water fishing though.

Ah, but if you live in Bangkok or are flying through with a day to spare, where else can you get a big-game day's fishing?

You can bring your pals for cheap. No flying, no long trips. No seasickness. And full restaurant setup. Oh, I didn't mention, at Lake Bung Sam Ran, the bathrooms are IMPECCABLY CLEAN! Honest! I was very surprised. And I think they are building showers now too.

You can catch Sail Fish off Pattaya.

Now you are sounding like a commercial for the place.....