AN INSIGHT INTO
GAME FISHING IN ANDAMAN
Game fishing has been an expensive hobby due to the cost involved in chartering the boat and the costly fishing equipment. We at Andaman Aquaholics have made it affordable for all with our luxury speed boats and fishing equipment rentals.
India is popular for its tigers, elephants and exceptionally tasty food. It is certainly a land of surprises and one of them is the fact that it has one of the world's best game fishing spots.
The waters that surround a little known island called Andaman lie home to some of the best game fish species in the world. Sport or game fishing is practised by locals on this island going back several centuries, and its secluded location has kept it free from the claws of commercial enterprise. This is certainly good news for the enthusiastic game fisher.
ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS
The island of Andaman together with Nicobar forms an extension group of islands, located almost 2000 kilometres off the coast of India and 750 kilometres off the coast of Thailand, in the Bay of Bengal. The capital of the territory is Port Blair. There are no direct international flights to the island — it is accessed by catching a flight to Port Blair from either Chennai or Kolkata, just over 2 hours. Expert game fishers will reveal that the key to a great expedition is finding a secluded spot; Andaman definitely meets that criteria.
FISH SPECIES FOUND IN ANDAMAN
Andaman and Nicobar Islands fishing is home to 280 edible fish species, and the area is also famous for dolphins and the rare green turtle. The mean weight of fish recorded is about 20 to 45 kg. Spanish mackerel, barracuda, bluefin, coral trout, pilot trevally, sailfish and Wahoo all inhabit these waters. Of the world's ten favourite game fish, the Andaman Sea has four: Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish and Wahoo — and you only need under 30 minutes from the island to find the perfect spot.
FISHING PACKAGES IN ANDAMAN
TACKLY, TECHNIQUE AND PREPARATION
Extreme popping and jigging, popping jigging and trolling, live baiting and bottom, light and micro
fishing packages are all offered.
Giant Trevally is arguably the most popular game fish in Andaman. A new type of tackle used as bait has made fishing for this species much easier and rewarding. Braided line with 80lb capacity is standard while one may consider a 100lb line to ensure definite success.
Popping and jigging rods have improved dramatically over the years — they are robust and perform very well in tightly contested battles between man and fish. It is essential to have very high quality equipment; a reel with drag pressure upwards of 30lb should be able to do the trick. We encourage anglers to carry their own gear, though rentals are available.
FOR GAME FISHING ENTHUSIASTS
ANGLING PACKAGES
THE ANDAMAN TANTRA
4 DAY FISHING TRIP
Start early morning from Havelock jetty to witness the mesmerizing sunrise view from the boat with some hot coffee. Fishing at this time is best near Havelock Island since the low light allows sight-feeding predators to see and attack prey before they are seen by the baitfish.
SEASONS FOR GAME FISHING IN ANDAMAN
WEATHER AND SEASONS
Unlike other fishing destinations whose weather does not permit fishing in certain times of the year, the weather in Andaman is conducive all year round depending on the species of fish. The main fishing season begins in October and winds down in about April. Species like Giant Trevally and Doggies can be caught through the entire fishing season.
Weather patterns are not always easy to predict. Wind speeds of 20 knots are common in the tropics and winds alternate direction without warning. The optimum fishing window is about two to three months in a year, especially when trying to reach inaccessible and remote spots. For perfect results, proper planning and consultation yield good results.
FROM THE WATER
CATCH OF THE DAY
