Squid Rigging
Sometimes it can be difficult to catch fish using lures, minnows and poppers!This is often because of the concentration of natural bait in the area.All game fish feed on squid, which leads to the question,"Why not rig a dead squid for trolling or drifting"If you decide to try, and why not, then here is a very easyand successful way to do the rigging.All it takes is a freshly caught or quick frozen squid, a suitable hook,a length of leader (mono or multi–strand), about 1 meter of wire,a knife and a pair of scissors.
Switch & Bait Fishing
- The Switch and Bait trolling technique offers the advantage of coveringa larger area while fishing with live bait or fly casting.The idea is to troll a pattern of hookless teasers at normal lure trolling speedto attract the targeted fish, which usually is Marlin or Sailfish.When the target fish appears or strikes a teaser, the anglershould take a pre–rigged live bait from the live bait tankand feed it back to the fish. At the same time the crew should wind inthe teasers to avoid crossed lines when the fish strikes the bait.If soft lures or teasers are used in the teaser pattern, the striking fishtends to stay interested for a longer period, often allowing the anglerto decide the most suitable equipment for the fish.Several line class world records have been set using this technique witha wide range of equipment rigged and ready to be fed to the showing fish.The downside to the technique is that it requires an experiencedand skillful captain and crew, plus a bit of getting used to by the angler.
Tag Line
- A tag line is a line which is attached to the halyardnear the release clip on the outrigger.Tag lines are usually of the same material as the outrigger halyardwith a short trace of braided line at the free end. The maximum lengthshould not be more than the distance between the outrigger tipand the corner of the transom when hanging free.A rubber band is twisted around the trolling lineand then attached to the free end of the tag line.
- On strike, the rubber band snaps and the trolling line straightensbetween the rod tip and the hooked fish.
Because of the greatly changed angle between the boat and the release clip(now the rubber band), this technique minimizes the drop back, and therefore doesn´tgive the fish much time to spit the hook out before the drag on the reel sets it tight. - For easy retrieval of the tag line after a strike, many boats now usea metal ring or short tube on the outrigger halyard.The weight from the ring makes it slide down the halyardto the side of the boat, then there is no tension on the tag line.When the trolling line again is attached with the rubber band to the tag line,the pull from the lure will lift the ring to the tip of the outrigger and spread the lures.
Fishing Techniques
Techniques All
Blood Worm
-Using the Blood Worm technique when fishing, has surprisingly
Bounce Balling
-Bounce balling is a highly effective, yet very simple, fishing methodwhen fishing over sand or mud bottom for various bottom dwellers.The technique is essentially a slow trolling technique designed to drag a baitalong the bottom, causing a commotion and thereby provoking a strike.The rig is made with a three–way swivel tied to the main line.At the bottom of the three–way swivel, a 25–35 cm. monofilament linewith a 1 to 2 pound cannonball sinker is attached.Note that the sinker should be attached with a line of slightly lower breaking strengththen the main line, so this line will break off if the sinker becomes snagged.From the center connection of the swivel, a 1,2 – 1,5 metermonofilament line with a chrome dodger is attached.Trailing 25–35 cm. behind this dodger, the lure is attached.
-As you drift or slow troll over an area of sand or mud bottom,you bounce the sinker on the bottom by lifting and dropping the rod tip.This way the sinker will create a sound, vibrations and clouds of siltthat attracts bottomfeeding predators. As they get closer,the reflections of the metal dodger also helps trigger the strike.As you are fishing with such a heavy sinker, it is very difficult to judgejust how hard to strike, so therefore do not try to set the hook.Wind in the line until you feel the fish and the hook has set itself.A heavy rod is required to stay in control of the large sinker,and braided line is also a huge benifit as the low stretchand increased sensitivity, makes it easier to feel the sinkerbouncing along the bottom..
Blood Worm
-Using the Blood Worm technique when fishing, has surprisingly
Bounce Balling
-Bounce balling is a highly effective, yet very simple, fishing methodwhen fishing over sand or mud bottom for various bottom dwellers.The technique is essentially a slow trolling technique designed to drag a baitalong the bottom, causing a commotion and thereby provoking a strike.The rig is made with a three–way swivel tied to the main line.At the bottom of the three–way swivel, a 25–35 cm. monofilament linewith a 1 to 2 pound cannonball sinker is attached.Note that the sinker should be attached with a line of slightly lower breaking strengththen the main line, so this line will break off if the sinker becomes snagged.From the center connection of the swivel, a 1,2 – 1,5 metermonofilament line with a chrome dodger is attached.Trailing 25–35 cm. behind this dodger, the lure is attached.
-As you drift or slow troll over an area of sand or mud bottom,you bounce the sinker on the bottom by lifting and dropping the rod tip.This way the sinker will create a sound, vibrations and clouds of siltthat attracts bottomfeeding predators. As they get closer,the reflections of the metal dodger also helps trigger the strike.As you are fishing with such a heavy sinker, it is very difficult to judgejust how hard to strike, so therefore do not try to set the hook.Wind in the line until you feel the fish and the hook has set itself.A heavy rod is required to stay in control of the large sinker,and braided line is also a huge benifit as the low stretchand increased sensitivity, makes it easier to feel the sinkerbouncing along the bottom..
Fly Fishing Rigs Tips
Fly Fishing Rigs
Cheow Lan Fly Fishing Rig.Below is an illustration of a simple,
but sufficient fly fishing rig we usewhen fly fishing at Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok.This rig may not be the most common rig, but based on our experiencewith the water, species and size of the various fish at Cheow Lan Lake,this rig has been tested hundreds of times, and never let us Up!
At the end of the "Fly Line" we tie a loop using the best suitable knot,for the chosen "Fly Line".
We then tie a loop at the end of the "Leader", using a Surgeons End Loop.These two loops are then joined using a Loop to Loop Connection.
At the other end of the "Leader" (approximately 150 cm long),it is jointed with the "Class Tippet" using a Double Uni knot.
The "Class Tippet" (approximately 40 cm long) we use in Cheow Lan Lakeis 20 lbs, which is plenty for the species found here.
The "Class Tippet" is then joined with the "Shock Tippet"with yet another Double Uni knot.We use an approximately 20 cm long "Shock Tippet" of 30 lbs fluorocarbon mono line.The 30 lbs breaking strength is needed when targeting the toothyGiant Snakehead in Cheow Lan Lake,.
Finally we tie on the chosen fly, using a Uni knot.
We then tie a loop at the end of the "Leader", using a Surgeons End Loop.These two loops are then joined using a Loop to Loop Connection.
At the other end of the "Leader" (approximately 150 cm long),it is jointed with the "Class Tippet" using a Double Uni knot.
The "Class Tippet" (approximately 40 cm long) we use in Cheow Lan Lakeis 20 lbs, which is plenty for the species found here.
The "Class Tippet" is then joined with the "Shock Tippet"with yet another Double Uni knot.We use an approximately 20 cm long "Shock Tippet" of 30 lbs fluorocarbon mono line.The 30 lbs breaking strength is needed when targeting the toothyGiant Snakehead in Cheow Lan Lake,.
Finally we tie on the chosen fly, using a Uni knot.
Bait Gallery
Bait Fishing Gallery
Bait Gallery
Bait Gallery
Bait Fishing Gallery
Bait Gallery
Bait Fishing Gallery
Bait Fishing Gallery
Bait Fishing Gallery
Bait Gallery
Bait Gallery
Bait Fishing Gallery
Bait Gallery
Bait Fishing Gallery
Bait Fishing Gallery
Bait Fishing Gallery
Bait Gallery
Bait Fishing Gallery
Bait Gallery
Shrimp Rigging Tips
Shrimp Rigging
- Fishing with live or dead shrimps can be extremely successfulespecially if the target fish is Barramundi.The shrimp should be rigged so it swims as close to normal as possibleand stays on the hook when casting.This is done by passing the hook throughfrom the underside of the tail and pointing it backwards..
- Fishing with live or dead shrimps can be extremely successfulespecially if the target fish is Barramundi.The shrimp should be rigged so it swims as close to normal as possibleand stays on the hook when casting.This is done by passing the hook throughfrom the underside of the tail and pointing it backwards..
Frog Rigging Tips
Frog Rigging
- A live frog is one of the absolute best baits for several freshwater species.Hopefully you are one of the many anglers who would preferto use this bait as humanely as possible.Rigging is easily done by simply putting a rubber band around"Kermit's" belly and securing your hook under it.That way the frog can and will swim freely around for several days,not feeling any pain – if you should be unlucky enough not to get any strikes!In that case you still have the option of letting "Kermit" goat the end of your fishing session.No harm done.
- A live frog is one of the absolute best baits for several freshwater species.Hopefully you are one of the many anglers who would preferto use this bait as humanely as possible.Rigging is easily done by simply putting a rubber band around"Kermit's" belly and securing your hook under it.That way the frog can and will swim freely around for several days,not feeling any pain – if you should be unlucky enough not to get any strikes!In that case you still have the option of letting "Kermit" goat the end of your fishing session.No harm done.
Bait Rigging Tips
Fish Pellet Rigging
- In lakes and ponds where the use of fish pellets is common practice,the fish might be so used to this kind of food that it is difficultto catch them on any other type of bait.In this case it is important to find out if the target fish eatsthe pellets at the surface or as they slowly sink.The easiest way to make the often very hard fish pellets soft enoughto put on your hook is to quickly scald them with boiling water.Just after this they should be put in a plastic bag, sealed,and left in the fridge over night!If the target fish eats from the surface, the pellets have to be dry and hard.This makes it difficult to attach them to your hook, but not impossible.The quickest and by far the easiest way to attach a pellet to the hookis by using small (1 – 3 mm) slices of common valve rubber(used in bicycle tyre valves). These small rubber bands are thenput on the fish pellet with the hook under it.One way to get the band over the pellet is by first putting the bandon the closed jaws of a "Leatherman" or similar tool. Open the jawsand insert the fish pellet, then slide/roll the pellet and band off the jaws of the tool.
- In lakes and ponds where the use of fish pellets is common practice,the fish might be so used to this kind of food that it is difficultto catch them on any other type of bait.In this case it is important to find out if the target fish eatsthe pellets at the surface or as they slowly sink.The easiest way to make the often very hard fish pellets soft enoughto put on your hook is to quickly scald them with boiling water.Just after this they should be put in a plastic bag, sealed,and left in the fridge over night!If the target fish eats from the surface, the pellets have to be dry and hard.This makes it difficult to attach them to your hook, but not impossible.The quickest and by far the easiest way to attach a pellet to the hookis by using small (1 – 3 mm) slices of common valve rubber(used in bicycle tyre valves). These small rubber bands are thenput on the fish pellet with the hook under it.One way to get the band over the pellet is by first putting the bandon the closed jaws of a "Leatherman" or similar tool. Open the jawsand insert the fish pellet, then slide/roll the pellet and band off the jaws of the tool.
Phuket fishing
Phuket Maps fishing
- Located in the sparkling blue waters of the Andaman Sea just 60 minutes Flying time south of Bangkok, Thailand's most popular beach destination has everything you cold possibly want on a holiday: beautiful beaches, some of the finest resort hotels, water sports, word class golf courses, exquisite seafood, international and Thai Cuisine, mountains, Rain forests, temples, coral reefs, turquoise seas and tropical sunshine - all in plentiful proportions. Whether you are looking for a quiet corner to enjoy a romantic retreat or an action packed time with plenty of colorful nightlife, Phuket has it all.
- Phuket offers good fishing all year round. The months of July to October, during the south west monsoon, are especially good for Sailfish and Wahoo. November - March is a good time to go after Black Marlin, and the drop-of west of Phuket and Similan island are the hot spots. The best fishing is usually around the full moon and the new moon. Read our updated catch reports for more information. All the usual tropical sportfishing species are available around Phuket. There are Billfish; Black Marlin and Sailfish, often in huge numbers. Tuna are common and there are several varieties; Yellowfin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna, Skipjack Tuna, Mackerel Tuna, Eastern little tuna and Longfin Tuna. Wahoo are plentiful during the monsoon season, Narrow Barred Mackerel (Tenggiri) and Barracuda are other members from the "razor gang" we regulary use to catch.
- Giant Trevally are huge and plentiful and can produce fantastic action on popper casting near Racha islands. Other species include Dorado, Rainbow Runner, Blue Finned Trevally, Cobia and a variety of bottom fish. Techniques for catching these fish are as wide ranging as trolling with artificials, dead baits and live baits, trolling with the downrigger, casting poppers, jigging and spinning, drift fishing with live and dead baits and bottom fishing.
- Our boats departs from Ao Chalong bay at the south east side of the island, the distance to the sailfish grounds at Racha Yai island is just 12 miles, 6 miles further south at Racha Noi island the popper casting for GTs can be spectacular. Racha Noi can also produce big marlins, sailfish and wahoo. 20 miles west of Ao Chalong there is a 195 meter drop off that produce Black marlin, wahoo, dorado and different kinds of tunas. If the billfish are not cooperating then the light tackle action here for tuna, dorado and wahoo are a good alternative all year round.
- Located in the sparkling blue waters of the Andaman Sea just 60 minutes Flying time south of Bangkok, Thailand's most popular beach destination has everything you cold possibly want on a holiday: beautiful beaches, some of the finest resort hotels, water sports, word class golf courses, exquisite seafood, international and Thai Cuisine, mountains, Rain forests, temples, coral reefs, turquoise seas and tropical sunshine - all in plentiful proportions. Whether you are looking for a quiet corner to enjoy a romantic retreat or an action packed time with plenty of colorful nightlife, Phuket has it all.
- Phuket offers good fishing all year round. The months of July to October, during the south west monsoon, are especially good for Sailfish and Wahoo. November - March is a good time to go after Black Marlin, and the drop-of west of Phuket and Similan island are the hot spots. The best fishing is usually around the full moon and the new moon. Read our updated catch reports for more information. All the usual tropical sportfishing species are available around Phuket. There are Billfish; Black Marlin and Sailfish, often in huge numbers. Tuna are common and there are several varieties; Yellowfin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna, Skipjack Tuna, Mackerel Tuna, Eastern little tuna and Longfin Tuna. Wahoo are plentiful during the monsoon season, Narrow Barred Mackerel (Tenggiri) and Barracuda are other members from the "razor gang" we regulary use to catch.
- Giant Trevally are huge and plentiful and can produce fantastic action on popper casting near Racha islands. Other species include Dorado, Rainbow Runner, Blue Finned Trevally, Cobia and a variety of bottom fish. Techniques for catching these fish are as wide ranging as trolling with artificials, dead baits and live baits, trolling with the downrigger, casting poppers, jigging and spinning, drift fishing with live and dead baits and bottom fishing.
- Our boats departs from Ao Chalong bay at the south east side of the island, the distance to the sailfish grounds at Racha Yai island is just 12 miles, 6 miles further south at Racha Noi island the popper casting for GTs can be spectacular. Racha Noi can also produce big marlins, sailfish and wahoo. 20 miles west of Ao Chalong there is a 195 meter drop off that produce Black marlin, wahoo, dorado and different kinds of tunas. If the billfish are not cooperating then the light tackle action here for tuna, dorado and wahoo are a good alternative all year round.