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Bangkok Fishing Guide - Fishing in Thailand


Alligator Gar

Alligator gar is a species of freshwater fish that is native to North America, specifically the Mississippi River basin and its surrounding tributaries. It is the largest gar species and one of the largest freshwater fish found in North America, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 10 feet (3 meters) and weights of over 300 pounds (140 kilograms).


Alligator gar are known for their unique appearance, with long, cylindrical bodies, a broad snout, and a double row of sharp teeth. They have thick, armor-like scales that protect them from predators and allow them to survive in a variety of freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, and swamps.

Alligator gar are apex predators, feeding on a variety of fish, including carp, catfish, and other gar species. They are also known to consume small mammals and birds that venture too close to the water's edge. Their feeding behavior is unique in that they are known to breach the water's surface to ambush prey, earning them the nickname "flying fish."


Alligator gar are popular game fish, sought after by anglers for their size and fighting ability. However, they are also threatened by overfishing, habitat loss, and habitat degradation, leading to their decline in some areas. As a result, some states have put regulations in place to protect alligator gar populations, including catch-and-release policies and size limits.


At Bangkok Fishing Guide Service, we offer anglers an opportunity to land an Alligator Gar with methods that they prefer. Artificial lure or fly casting in the middle of the water column can produce a Gar or bait fishing is also available. 

Arapaima

Arapaima is a large, freshwater fish that is native to the Amazon River Basin in South America. It is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world and is also known as the pirarucu. The fish has a unique appearance, with a long, slender body and large scales that are often colored in shades of green or gray tapering off to the bright red that captivates every angler.


Arapaima was introduced to Thailand in the 1990s, where it has become a popular game fish among anglers. Today, there are several fishing parks in Thailand that offer arapaima fishing and productivity depends on the stocking density of each lake.


Arapaima is known for its size and strength, making it a challenging fish to catch. The fish can grow up to 3 meters in length and weigh over 200 kg, which is why it is often referred to as the "river monster." Arapaima has a strong, bony mouth that is used to crush prey, and its powerful tail can create a powerful splash when it jumps out of the water.


Fishing for arapaima is often done using live bait or lures, with the most popular bait being dead fish or live frogs. Anglers can use a variety of techniques to catch arapaima, including bottom fishing, float fishing, and casting. The fish is known for its ability to put up a strong fight, which makes it a thrilling experience for anglers.


When fishing for arapaima in Thailand, catch-and-release policies are in place to ensure the sustainability of the species. This means that anglers must release the fish back into the water unharmed after catching it. The parks have strict guidelines in place to ensure the well-being of the fish, including handling the fish with care and minimizing the time the fish is out of the water.

Amazon Redtail Catfish

The Amazon redtail catfish, also known as the South American redtail catfish, is a large freshwater fish that is native to the Amazon River basin in South America. It is one of the largest species of catfish, with individuals known to grow up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length and weigh over 100 pounds (45 kilograms).


The Amazon redtail catfish gets its name from its distinctive bright red tail fin, which makes it easy to identify. The rest of its body is usually a grayish-brown color, with a pattern of spots and stripes on the sides. The Amazon redtail catfish is a popular game fish among anglers due to its large size and strong fighting ability. It is also a popular food fish in South America, where it is considered a delicacy.


The Amazon redtail catfish is an opportunistic predator, feeding on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and insects. It is known for its voracious appetite and can be an aggressive feeder. In the wild, they are typically found in slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and lagoons, although they can also adapt to living in reservoirs and other artificial water bodies.


Allow Bangkok Fishing Guide Service to take you on Amazonian trip in Thailand.

Asian Redtail Catfish

The Asian redtail catfish, also known as the iridescent shark or Siamese shark, is a freshwater fish that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a popular species among aquarists and is also an important food fish in some parts of the region.


The Asian redtail catfish gets its name from its distinctive reddish tail fin, which contrasts with its shiny, silver-colored body. It has a long, slender body, and can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in length in the wild. However, in captivity, they are often smaller due to the constraints of the tank environment.

As juveniles, the Asian redtail catfish are popular aquarium fish due to their attractive appearance and active swimming behavior. However, as they grow, they require large tanks or ponds to accommodate their size. They are known to be hardy and adaptable fish, and can tolerate a range of water conditions.


In the wild, the Asian redtail catfish is a migratory species that lives in large rivers and floodplains. It is an omnivorous fish, feeding on a variety of prey, including small fish, crustaceans, and insects. In aquaculture, they are often fed with commercial feeds.

Barramundi

Barramundi, also known as Asian sea bass, is a popular species of fish that is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from Southeast Asia to Northern Australia. It is a popular food fish due to its mild, buttery flavor and flaky texture, and is also a popular game fish among anglers. Barramundi are a large, predatory fish that can grow up to 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters) in length and weigh over 100 pounds (45 kilograms). They have a silver, streamlined body with a large mouth, and are capable of quick bursts of speed.


In the wild, barramundi are found in a variety of freshwater and saltwater habitats, including rivers, estuaries, and mangrove swamps. They are known for their ability to tolerate a wide range of salinity and water temperatures, and are capable of moving between freshwater and saltwater environments during different stages of their life cycle.


Barramundi are opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and insects. They are also known to eat small mammals and birds that may fall into the water.


Bangkok Fishing Guide Service has various options for your Barramundi experience depending on level of difficulty and size of fish. Start talking to us to experience Barramundi fishing! 

Chaopraya Catfish (Dog Eating Catfish)

The Chaopraya catfish, also known as the dog-eating catfish, is a large freshwater fish that is native to the Chao Phraya River and other rivers in Southeast Asia. It is one of the largest species of catfish in the world, with individuals known to grow up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) in length and weigh over 600 pounds (272 kilograms).


The Chaopraya catfish gets its name from its dog-like teeth, which it uses to feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and small mammals. It is known for its voracious appetite and aggressive feeding behavior.


In addition to its large size and strong fighting ability, the Chaopraya catfish is also popular among anglers due to its reputation as a formidable predator. However, it is also considered an endangered species, and is protected in some parts of its range. Habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing have all contributed to the decline of wild populations of this species.

Hampala Barb aka Jungle Perch

Hampala macrolepidota, also known as the Hampala barb, is a species of freshwater fish that is found in Southeast Asia. It is a popular game fish among anglers and is also raised in aquaculture.


The Hampala macrolepidota has a long, slender body and is characterized by a series of black stripes along its sides, giving it a distinct appearance. It is a fast-swimming fish that can grow up to 60 cm (24 inches) in length and weigh up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs).


In the wild, the Hampala macrolepidota is found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. It is an omnivorous fish, feeding on a variety of prey, including insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

Giant Mekong Catfish

The giant Mekong catfish, also known as the Pangasianodon gigas, is a species of freshwater catfish that is native to the Mekong River and its tributaries in Southeast Asia. It is one of the largest freshwater fish species in the world and is highly valued as a food fish.

The giant Mekong catfish can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length and weigh over 600 pounds (270 kilograms), although individuals of this size are rare. It has a long, cylindrical body that is covered in large, rough scales and a wide head with a protruding mouth that is used to feed on small fish, crustaceans, and insects.


In the wild, the giant Mekong catfish is found in deep, fast-moving rivers and is known for its long-distance migrations. It is an important species in the Mekong River ecosystem and is considered a flagship species for conservation efforts in the region.


The giant Mekong catfish is also a popular target among sport fishers, although most fishing for this species is catch-and-release. Due to overfishing and habitat loss, the wild populations of this species have declined in recent years, and it is now considered a critically endangered species.


Efforts are being made to conserve the giant Mekong catfish through habitat protection, regulation of fishing practices, and breeding programs to raise fish in captivity for release into the wild. The conservation of this species is important to help maintain the health of the Mekong River ecosystem and to ensure the continued availability of this important food fish for local communities.

Giant Siamese Carp

The giant Siamese carp, also known as the Siamese giant carp or the Thai giant carp, is a species of freshwater fish that is native to Southeast Asia. It is highly valued as a food fish and is also a popular target among sport fishers.


The giant Siamese carp can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length and weigh over 600 pounds (270 kilograms), although individuals of this size are rare. It has a sleek, elongated body that is covered in large, mirror-like scales and a wide head with a large, protruding mouth.


In the wild, the giant Siamese carp is found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. It is an omnivorous fish, feeding on a variety of prey, including insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

Giant Snakehead

The giant snakehead, also known as the channa micropeltes, is a species of freshwater fish that is native to Southeast Asia. It is one of the largest members of the snakehead family and is highly valued as a food fish, as well as a sport fish among anglers.


The giant snakehead can grow up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) in length and weigh over 66 pounds (30 kilograms). It has a long, cylindrical body that is covered in greenish-brown scales and a wide, flat head with a large mouth filled with sharp teeth.


In the wild, the giant snakehead is found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, and swamps. It is a predatory fish that feeds on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and amphibians.


The giant snakehead is also a popular target among sport fishers, as it is known for its strong fighting ability and aggressive behavior when caught on a fishing line. However, in some areas, the species is considered an invasive species due to its ability to outcompete and prey upon native fish species.

Pacu

Pacu is a species of freshwater fish that is native to South America. It is a close relative of the piranha and is known for its powerful jaws and sharp teeth. While the pacu is a popular food fish in South America, it is also kept as an aquarium fish in other parts of the world.


The pacu can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) in length and weigh up to 88 pounds (40 kilograms). It has a silver-gray body that is laterally compressed and covered in large, round scales. It has a distinct red patch on the lower jaw, which is the source of its nickname, "the vegetarian piranha."


Pacu are omnivores and feed on a variety of prey, including insects, crustaceans, and small fish. They are also known to feed on fruits and nuts that fall into the water, which has led to them being dubbed "fruit-eating fish."


In some areas, the pacu has been introduced as a game fish, as it is known for its strong fighting ability when caught on a fishing line. However, in other areas, the species is considered an invasive species due to its ability to outcompete and prey upon native fish species.

Striped Snakehead

The striped snakehead, also known as Channa striata, is a freshwater fish species that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a member of the snakehead family, which includes several species that are known for their aggressive behavior and sharp teeth.


The striped snakehead can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) in length and weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms). It has a long, cylindrical body that is covered in brownish-green scales with dark, vertical stripes along its sides. It has a large mouth filled with sharp teeth, which it uses to feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and other small aquatic animals.


The striped snakehead is considered an important food fish in many parts of Southeast Asia, where it is farmed or caught in the wild for consumption. It is also a popular target among sport fishers, as it is known for its strong fighting ability and aggressive behavior when caught on a fishing line.


However, the striped snakehead is also considered an invasive species in some areas outside its native range, where it can outcompete and prey upon native fish species. As a result, there are regulations in place in some regions to prevent the introduction or spread of the species.

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