Michiel Van Kets asked:


Big-game fishing, offshore sport fishing or offshore game fishing are all one and the same, catching lean fish such as tuna and marlin in the open sea. Popular both as a sport and for recreation, there are regular annual tournaments arranged or offshore fishing charters to experience this exciting thrilling sport. International anglers book well in advance to enter competitions in big game fishing travelling all over the world to destinations as far ranging as Florida, California and Hawaii, the eastern coastline of Australia, Thailand, Tobago, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. The idea of big game fishing is to reel the fish in once it is properly hooked on the line. This can be pretty intimidating, as the fish, especially if it is a big one, will be pulling away from the boat and you need to keep the line steady, using all your strength to keep your grip. The appeal to many is not only the thrill of fighting these huge fish, but the difference between the tranquillity of being out in the ocean, surrounded by the seas and then the sudden adrenaline rush kicking in as you experience a catch.

Boats used for offshore game fishing have to have sufficient power, seaworthiness, speed, strength and scope to convey crew and equipment some distance out to sea. There is a large quantity of essential equipment in big game fishing and the boat has to have the capability to stay steady when fighting fish, in extreme cases these fish can weigh anything up to 400-500 kilograms. Boats also have to be able to safely carry crew and others back to land in what can be adverse weather and sea conditions. Depending on where and when you decide to go big game fishing will be reflected in the size and power of the boat used. Organised fishing trips can last anything from a morning’s fishing close to the coastline to a week’s deep sea fishing trip. Most captains and native fishing crews will have spent most of their lives on fishing boats and made their livings from it and so have obtained a vast knowledge of the local seas, including where to find the big fish, and all the know-how of the fishing gear.

If you are interested in big game fishing, experience is not necessary. The captain and crew should have years of experience, explain everything to you and provide all the equipment needed. Many people catch large fish their first time big game fishing so it is never too late to learn and can be great fun! Imagine the thrill the very first time you experience reeling in a huge blue shark or some other remarkable fish. Reputable game fishing charters operate a catch and release programme, the most popular is the Billfish Foundation where billfish are tagged and set free again, rather than gaffed and killed, in order to protect the species. This also creates a bond between groups of anglers and fishers worldwide who have a common goal, and lessons can be learnt with regard to migration patterns and the rate at which these fish grow.

If you fancy having a battle with some of the world’s most exciting game fish check out the Internet for details on destinations and plan your trip today.

Solomon Okila asked:


Some of the most exhilarating and challenging deep-sea fishing is available in the blue waters of Shimoni. But you have a better chance of catching a Striped Marlin from the Pemba Channel than anywhere else in the world. Traditionally when the Kaskazi (north east monsoon) blows, the billfish arrive in great numbers. There are two very definite seasons, the Yellowfin Tuna season, which runs from August through to the end of October, and the Marlin season, which runs from December to mid March.

The different types of fish and their seasons throughout the year.

Billfish

The Pemba channel provides us with six species of billfish including Black, Blue and Striped Marlin, Sailfish, Broadbill Swordfish and the elusive Shortbill Spearfish, so your chances of catching a grand slam (1 each of any 3 billfish in one day) are very high and real.

Striped Marlin:

Striped Marlins are the most prolific of the Marlin and they seasonally migrate through the natural corridor that lies between Pemba Island and the mainland. The Striped Marlin is well known for its fighting ability and is renowned for its speed and acrobatic displays. It has a reputation for spending more time in the air than in the water just after it is hooked. In addition to long runs and tail walks, it will ‘greyhound’ across the surface, making a dozen or more long, graceful leaps. Compared to a Blue or a Black it is considerably more slender and is the most colourful of all Marlin. Just before striking or when the Striped Marlin is annoyed, fourteen iridescent blue lines spark up the Marlin’s body. It is one of those must see moments – a Striped Marlin lighting up to strike one of your baits.

The Striped Marlin fishing Season: – The prime Marlin season runs from mid November to end of March. In March it would seem that the fish are much larger than average.

Black Marlin:

A highly rated game fish, the Black Marlin has the power, size and persistence of which anglers dream! This Marlin has tremendous power, and is known for its long runs and tail walking. Black Marlins in Kenyan waters are generally larger than the other Marlin and have short, heavy bodies with the fins virtually locked in position. The Black Marlin is noted as a violent feeder at the top of the food chain and feeds on other game fish and small baitfish.

The Black Marlin fishing Season: – During August to the end of October, large Blacks can be found amongst the Tuna. The prime Marlin season runs from mid November to end of March.

Blue Marlin:

The Blue Marlin is the largest of the Marlin family. It is a more streamlined version of the Black Marlin. It has along slender bill extending up to a virtual point on the top of the head where the dorsal fin slants, resulting in a huge speed take off compared to other Marlin. The Blue is a powerful aggressive fighter, known for its impressive athletic abilities on the surface, clearing the water time and time again. They run hard and long, and leap high into the air in a seemingly inexhaustible display of strength, although they are prone to going deep to conserve their energy.

The Blue Marlin Fishing Season: – During August to end October large Blue Marlins can be found amongst the Tuna. Blues and Blacks follow, and gorge on, the shoals of Yellow fin Tuna at this time of the year and are usually fatter than later in the season.

Broadbill:

Broadbill (Xiphias gladius) is known as the ‘Gladiator of the Sea’ due to its reputation of being the toughest of all the billfish with a violent mood, and is considered by many to be the toughest of all billfish to catch – the ultimate challenge in big game fishing. Characteristically, it has a smooth, very broad, flattened sword (broadbill) that is significantly longer and wider than the bill of any other billfish. It has considerable big blue eyes, and is a ferocious night feeder. They are deep-water predators and are known to go to depths of at least 550m. They are finicky, easily frightened and rarely strike blindly. The Pemba Channel is perhaps one of the premier destinations for Broadbill fishing. Broadbill fishing is conducted at night.

Broadbill Fishing Season:: – All year but best in October, November and March when the seas are very calm. December before the wind goes round to the northeast can also be an excellent time for Broadbill fishing.

Sailfish:

The Sailfish is one of the most colourful game fish of all – its outstanding feature is the long, high first dorsal which is slate or cobalt blue with a scattering of black spots. Its body is dark blue and silver and lights up with white dots and lines of electric blue. It is a very acrobatic fish and will dive quicker than the marlin because of its size and surrounds. They are a migratory species usually traveling alone or in small groups. It’s fighting ability and spectacular aerial acrobatics endear the Sailfish to the saltwater angler, but it tires quickly and is considered a light tackle species.

Sailfish Fishing Season: – Are seen and caught throughout the fishing season but most prolific during December and January.

Shortbill Spearfish:

This elusive game fish does exist in the waters of the Pemba Channel, but is infrequently encountered and rarely seen and caught. It is a highly migratory deep-water species feeding at or near the surface on medium-sized fish, including Dorado, Flying Fish and Pilot Fish, Squid and Crustaceans. They appear to be available all year in small numbers.

Shortbill Spearfish Fishing Season: – Mid November to end of March with December being the best month.

Tuna:

From August we start to see large numbers of migrating Yellowfin Tuna, which are, one of the strongest fish that swim and can put up a challenging fight. They make transoceanic journeys on a regular basis. Tuna school primarily by size and 12 – 20lb outfits are ideal for schools of small Tuna that run in the season, providing really good sport for the light tackle enthusiast. August to October provides excellent sport for Tuna. Multiple hook ups are normal when the ocean can come alive with huge schools in pursuit of smaller fish creating plenty of excitement

Tuna Fishing season: – Typically from August to end October. This is an excellent time for Tuna. Blue and Black Marlins follow and gorge on the shoals of Yellowfin Tuna at this time of year and are usually fatter than later in the season.

Tiger Shark:

Born at a size of 50 – 75 centimetres long with a beautiful silvery pattern of leopard-like spots, which change to bars as they grow and fade as they mature. The head is large and blocky with big soulful eyes. Mature Tiger Sharks become very stout. They may be resident in certain areas, but in general they are wanderers. They tend to stay in deeper water by day and enter shallow waters at night.

Mako Shark:

Mako Shark are torpedo shaped and are the speed kings of the cartilaginous fish and possibly the fastest fish in the ocean – measurements as high as 100kph (60mph) have been reported. When hooked they may jump to a height of several body lengths out of the water. They are able to chase down and consume fast moving pelagic, such as Tuna and Broadbill. Their ability to reach such phenomenal speeds may be attributed to a blood vessel heat exchange system, which enables them to maintain a body temperature

All sharks are an endangered species and their tag and release is actively promoted.

simon ramsden asked:


Interview with Wahoo’s John Pearce on fishing around Phuket

Article written by Simon Ramsden in Thailand

 

Simon: What changes have you noticed since you started sport-fishing in Phuket?

 

John: Over the past two decades Phuket has earned the right to be classed as a true big game fishing destination, offering boats, an infrastructure and hotels of the standard well-heeled anglers expect. Over the last eighteen years that I have lived and fished the waters around Phuket as a fishing-charter captain I have seen many changes, some for the better, some for the worse – and also some things that have not changed at all.

 

Simon: Has the fishing got worse ?

 

John: It hasn’t got worse, it’s got different as the fish have changed from always being at one island to suddenly appearing at one island or another in greater numbers. My own personal observation on what is happening is that we have seen a massive increase in the number of commercial boats chasing what I call ‘baitfish’, not only for human consumption, as in fish sauce, but also for making animal feeds for chickens. Fish are creatures of habit and if suddenly the food that they have been used to getting in a particular spot is not there any more they will move and find another source.

 

Simon: So, with all that happening, is Phuket a good fishing destination?

 

John: Absolutely, yes it is! Many of our anglers have had the best battles of their lives, especially with the large numbers of sailfish around the Islands of Racha Yai and Racha Noi, even in the low-tourist season of May- September. Some lucky anglers have even gone home having had the thrill of catching one of the decent-sized black marlin that appear between October and April.

 

Simon: Why come to Phuket?

 

John: I have been lucky enough to have visited some of the great fishing capitals of the world, so I am confident in giving you these main reasons why you should put Phuket on your map of destinations if you are a fishing enthusiast. Let’s start with the international airport, which is very close to most of our two-star to five-star and above hotels and which is linked to most countries, either directly or through Bangkok. Thai people are the friendliest and smiliest folk on the planet. They serve superb, mouth-wateringly delicious and varied food. The island is blessed with lovely beaches and offers excellent and extremely varied alternative activities for non-angling companions. Phuket offers some of the best fishing to be found in Asia, on good boats which are reasonably priced and which have friendly crews, many of whom can speak reasonable English. So if you are on holiday and fancy a day or a week’s fishing, get in touch with one of the local operators and have yourself a ball. And I almost forgot: we have award-winning cold beer as well!

 

After you visit Phuket, why not check out these other Thai beach destinations:

 

Koh Lao Liang: http://www.andamanadventures.com/kohlaoliang.shtml

Ao Nang: http://www.andamanadventures.com/ao_nang.shtml

 

Railay/Tonsai: http://www.andamanadventures.com/railay-tonsai.shtml

 

Robert Feuring asked:


Saltwater fishing is not just a means of livelihood. There are some individuals who fish large games such as tuna and marlin for commercial purposes. On the other hand, there are also some individuals who make saltwater fishing a sport. These people try to seek to make or break world records by attempting to catch the biggest fish of all. Since big game fishing requires a very powerful drag, you have to make sure that your fishing reel is capable of this power. There are many great performing reels in the market and one of these is Penn International. The reels from this maker are durable and effective.

The Different Types of Reels from Penn International

When you want superior saltwater fishing reels, opt for Penn International reels. They have been proven to stand the most powerful dragging fishes in the blue. What is more, their durability has been tested over time. If you want a strong reek to take during your offshore fishing sport, why not choose Penn International. Its reels are not known to let serious anglers and seekers or world records down. When you want to shop for Penn reels, you can choose from:

o International Reels

o Conventional Reels

o Spinning Reels

o Baitcast Reels

Penn International also has a wide selection of rods for you to choose from. Aside from this, you can find a combination of Penn reels and rods. You can find this from several online stores of fishing rods and reels.

Trust in the Established Reputation of Penn International

Penn International is a reel manufacturer that you can trust. One of its fierce competitors is Shimano. Since the year 1932, Penn has been leading the industry of fishing reels. The official name of this maker is Penn Fishing Tackle Company. The company is run by Otto Henze, who has mastered the art of creating the finest and most powerful Penn reels for more than seventy years. Fishers and anglers from all over the globe who have used several brands of reels have sworn that Penn is the greatest. If you want to make sure that you reel in the biggest catch of all, opt for a powerful and durable reel from this company.

Choose Penn International Reels for Its Superior Quality

With all the brands of fishing reels in the market, it is hard to find the best one. But if you want a fishing reel with superior performance and made from high-quality materials, choose Penn International. There are plenty of expert fishermen who choose Penn reels rather than its competitors. This is due to the high quality and great performance of the reels. What is more, these can be bought at really reasonable costs. Penn International reels lead the other brands of fishing reels. These are created and tested, in order for it to perform in the world’s four oceans. The reels from Penn are proven to be very powerful reels. The company boasts of advanced construction, with ball bearings that are made from stainless steel. Their single-piece aluminum frames are machine forged, which makes the reels very durable.

When you want to shop for reels from Penn International, you can visit Sea Isle Tackle, which offers a broad selection of reels and rods from the company.

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


Unlike an angler who does his fishing as a past time or hobby, and an activity to relax with, the sports fisherman has a goal in his mind which is to get the biggest trophy catch that he can bait. The sports fisherman goes out to sea to get the big game catch. The sport fishing is also called big game fishing. These anglers usually want to catch the big game to show off and not for putting on the table. Those who are out to catch big game as a sport and for a competition are given a certain amount of time in which to catch their trophy fish and also the spot of water where they can make their catch. They are rated according to the weight of the fish that they catch. The one who scores the most points is the winner. This sport can be exhilarating and bring you great acclaim especially if you have the right kind of equipment.

Choose the correct equipment

To participate in big game fishing anglers still use the bare bones tactics, which is the use of hook, reel and rod. You should get to know what equipment is required for the different variety of big game fishing. For this you should first get to know the basics of fishing and then get the appropriate fishing tackle for the kind of fish you plan to bait.

What is best is equipment that is strong and durable and that does not give way when you finally do get a big catch on the hook.

Most fishing rods are made of tough material like fiberglass and the sturdiness and length of the pole is established with the species of fish you are planning to catch. You would need a large and thick rod for the bigger fish like marlin, and smaller rods for the fish that are small. The correct kind of rod will make all the difference to your fishing expedition, so if you want a good catch get the correct gear too.

The same kind of reel is needed for salt water fishing and sports fishing too. The reels are normally open faced, and have smooth flowing reel in. These reels are made of metal alloys that are resilient and do not rust even over a long period of time. To keep your fishing gear in good condition you should clean it regularly and make sure that it is in the best condition always.

You have to get the right lures to catch the kind of fish you have in mind. There is enough choice in the market for you to decide from. The angler who is doing it for a sport will prefer to use the spoon variety to bait his fish. Some use scented beads and spinning blades made of metal which are quite effectual in luring big game fish. So basically you should get to know what bait or lure to use for a particular kind of fish and you will definitely get the fish you have set your mind on. Angling is a very satisfying hobby and sport and the better and more appropriate your equipment the better your catch.