Fishing In Thailand

Fishing in Thailand

Fishing

"If your bringing your own tackle, you might want consider Rods similar to Daiwa's Powermesh 5lb test catrod. "

To land fish like these...

The largest Carp ever caught on a Rod & Line

...you need strong reels...

...and the best line money can buy.

Forged, and toughened hooks are best.

Fishing Tackle for Thailand

Thinking of bringing your own tackle? Please Read carefully.

Rods for fishing in Thailand

If you intend fishing mostly for cats and carp at Bung Sam Lan, it is absolutely essential that you select a suitable rod. Many a UK angler has visited Bungsam Lan under misguided advice or information, consequently bringing their 2LB to 4LB test curve rods, not only to be disappointed in losing fish because they cannot control them, but also because they have snapped their prized carp rod! There are a couple of options you can consider if you possess any of the following, and would like to use one. The first is if you have a purpose made heavy duty Cat Rod, but only if it has been designed for the heaviest fish to be caught anywhere in Europe.

Ron Thompson Uptider, as being used in the picture above on a 50LB Mekong Cat

One such example would be the heaviest of Daiwa's Powermesh Range, which has a 5LB test curve and is 9'2" in length. Another low cost rod (not so heartbreaking if it cracks up!) that we have used with some success although at times its pushed to the limit is a Ron Thompson Uptider (In the picture above, and it's struggling!). However this rod approaching 10ft Long has advantages and disadvantages. It's great in assisting getting your baits where you need them because of the extra length, its also up for handling just about any of the Carp that are in the lake, but if a really big Mekong takes your bait, the extra length could be a hindrance. Our third suggestion is to take a leaf out of the locals book and if you have one, bring a much shorter "boat class" rod such as a 30LB Test Ugly stick. These type of rods, will provide you a great deal more control over your fish, they can also aid in casting when space is limited by bungalow structures etc, but if you are a UK coarse angler, and used to fishing with much longer rods, we realise this may detract from some of the enjoyment, but you will not have any concerns about your tackle cracking up under the strain of the bigger Cats

Reels for fishing in Thailand

You need a robust, strong reel for Mekong catfish. Lower end reels are just not up to the job. It must also be a reel that will hold a capacity of 150 metres minimum 25lb main line. Mekong Catfish runs are usually very dogged and often downright unstoppable! And you need to fish with an open bail or free-running spool, (bait-runner, is preferred) otherwise your rod runs the risk of disappearing. I don't like open-bale fishing as it is possible for the bale to not close correctly or for line to unravel and fall behind the spool - especially in the excitement of a run - with potentially disastrous consequences. I find the bait-runner facility and general performance of the Shimano Long Cast, to be a good Fixed Spool Option, although the majority of Anglers on Bungsam Lan use Multipliers, ABU7000 or equivalents would be my suggestion if you want to go down this path. Once again generally speaking low grade/low quality products are not likely to last well at Bungsam Lan. Your gonna' be into big hard fighting fish most of the time, and after a few days fishing, your tackle would have been tested to the limit. Bent spindles, wrenched bail arms, and a host of other problems will likely occur if you have a low cost reel.

Lines for fishing in Thailand

Main line for Mekong catfish needs to be very strong. As with all types of fishing there are numerous debates about what's best for the job, whilst in reality there are pro's and cons to every decision made. If you are using a very stiff rod, then mono (in 25LB to 30LB range) might be the best bet, since there is no give in braid, and when the large cats take you can find yourself snapping out on the strike since nothing gives, not the rod, not the fish, and not you! Crack! I have watched anglers nearly pulled in numerous times (myself being one of them!) on the initial strike, these fish are strong! However if you are using a longer slightly softer rod, then braid is a good choice too, although you may require a mono shock leader. I like to use 80LB Power Pro

Hooks for fishing in Thailand

These should be the very the strongest forged hooks you can find. Purchase hooks recommended for catfish, or hooks used for sea fishing are also worth looking at. I generally use hooks in sizes 1/0 and 2/0 for most fishing.

*Terminal tackle is not included in your all-inclusive package, however it can be purchased cheaply at Bungsam Lan.