THAILAND REPORT FOR NOV 20-27

Had the pleasure to revisit Thailand during November 20th to 27th for a shot at more monster fish. I travelled many miles along with friends Steve Ryan and Cole Lundquist for a shot at Monster Mekong Catfish, Giant Siamese Carp, Giant Snakeheads, big redtail catfish, plus many more monster fish.

After flying to Seoul Korea from Chicago we then boarded for a flight to Bangkok where our adventure would begin. After a much needed rest, we met up with guide/outfitter Eddie Mounce of http://www.fishthailand.co.uk/ for a day at the famous Bungsamran for Monster Mekong Catfish. These brutes are tremendous battlers and are easily caught. Our largest was about 70lbs.

The following day we rested our arms and took a city tour. We did not see any of the recent flooding which has dampered most of Thailand recently.

Our next fishing adventure led us to Pilot 111 fishing pool for a chance at Giant Snakeheads. Snakeheads are very mean and put up a great fight. They were readily landed on minnow type lures.

My favorite destination in Thailand, IT Monsters was up next. Here you can catch giant redtail catfish until your arms give up. This again was the fact plus Steve landed a big arapaima around 70lbs. We catch numerous alligator gar and pacu. I land a big 55lbs Chao-Praya Catfish which is a tremendous battler and a 20lbs barramundi. Numerous doubles are hooked especially near dark.

We then headed to Greenfield Valley Fishing Resort which is near the seaside town of Hua Hin. Check out http://www.siamfishingtours.com/ We were targeting the monster arapaima which is the world largest scaled fish on this planet. All of us landed a few arapaima but no giants. We later headed to Cha Am for a chance at a really monsterous arapaima.

Steve landed the largest at around 85lbs but we saw numerous giants exceeding 200lbs.

Boon Mar was next on our list for barramundi fishing. Barramundi are similar to our snook. The fishing was unbelievable with over 200 barras up to 18lbs landed in only 6 hours. Steve had his new reel gears burned up by these battlers.

Our final day was spent again at Bungsamran but this time we targeted the Giant Siamese Carp which are extremely difficult to catch. Steve and I both land monster Siamese Carp of around 65lbs under Eddie Mounce's watchful eye.

Thailand is definately the "HOME OF MONSTER FISH". These fisheries are practically untapped by Americans. Thailand is a very friendly crime free country waiting for fishermen to come visit and catch some monsters.

I already dream of more big arapaima, Giant Siamese Carp, Giant Mekong Catfish, Redtail Catfish, Pacu, Chao-Praya Catfish, Alligator Gar, Giant Snakeheads, plus more than I can list.

THAILAND "HOME OF THE MONSTERS"

Most all have heard in the news about the terrible flooding taking place in Thailand. The flooding took place mostly in the northern Thailand. The government did a great job to stop the Savarnabhumi Airport from flooding and to have the tourist areas around Bangkok to remain dry.

Now would be a great time to take advantage of the numerous cancellations by fishermen due to the reported flooding which allowed the majority of the fisheries to remain unfished for some time.

Thailand is a very long flight from the United States. The majority of flights go through Seoul, Korea or Tokyo, Japan to Bangkok Thailand where you will be met by your fishing guides.

The majority of fishing in Thailand is in private ponds where many monsterous fish live. Numerous species such as Arapaima, arawana, alligator gar, amazon red tail catfish, black pacu, giant snakehead, giant stingray, Julian's golden prize carp, Mekong catfish, Siamese carp, sorubim, barramundi, plus numerous others reach monsterous sizes and are waiting to be caught.

The majority of fishermen, veteran or first timers, will likely catch the largest fish of their lives in Thailand. The majority of fishing is done from the bank unless you venture into the wild jungles.

Thailand is a very friendly, crime free country. The food and hotels are outstanding. Bangkok also is world know for it's nightlife which I can attest to!

So, if your looking to catch the fish of your dreams, look no further than Thaland for your next International fishing destination.

The top outfitter I have found is Francois Helias who can be reached at fishasia@ksc.th.com Make sure to check out his informative website at http://www.anglingthailand.com/

I am making a return trip shortyly so watch for updates on this blog and facebook!

TACKLE FOR MONSTER TIGERFISH

Giant tigerfish, especially those of the Mnyera and Ruhuji Rivers, are one of the toughest freshwater fighters I have experienced. These tigerfish jump often to toss hooks, have a very bony mouth preventing good hook sets, and are as fast as lighting.

On the Mnyera and Ruhuji Rivers, which are located in Tanzania, the tigerfish can exceed a whopping 25lbs.

Casting to structure is a key to land these monsters. Log jams and rocks are excellent spots to make multiple casts.

Since these rivers enforce the use of single barbless hooks finding the right hook is a key. The hooks must be strong as steel and razor sharp. I had excellent results using the Owner AKI hook. Numerous hook sets are necessary to drive the point into the tigers mouth.

Double split rings are necessary to have the single hook ride true. Those made by OWNER or SPRO are excellent as the eye of the AKI hook is too small for the triple coiled spilt rings by Wolvernine tackle.

Minnow baits such as saltwater Rapala X-Raps in gold were excellent along with OWNER Cultiva Minnows and Savoy Rads. Large spinnerbaits such as the extra strong models made by SOB caught numerous tigers.

If you are planning on heading to Africa for the amazing tigerfish, be prepared to battle one of the most ferocious beasts that swims!