Thailand - as seen on TV

Catch Thailand's “cats” The mystic of Thailand (once called “Siam”) includes its ancient history, fascinating culture and unique fishing. The primary target of interest is the Giant Mekong Catfish (huge cats with no “whiskers”, eyes on their chins and mouths where a nose should be) and found only in an isolated portion of the Mekong River system. As this monster is recognised as one of the hardest fighting fish to inhabit freshwater there is no wonder anglers will fly half way around the globe to boast a catch. Add exhilarating species such as the giant snakehead (a ferocious lure-crunching predator), the giant Siamese carp (topping 300 lbs) and sheatfish resembling a cross between a conger eel and a whiskered lizard, and you have an irresistible bait to magnetise any angler. It's not just fishing in a different country - it's fishing a different world!!

Bung Sam Lan Lake Fish Species

Mekong giant catfish
The world's biggest catfish species - pound for pound must be the hardest-fighting freshwater fish on earth, given its power, stamina and defence. Max. published wt: 300 kgs.

Chao Phraya giant catfish
This rare predatory catfish is the world's second biggest catfish to be found only in a few waters around the country. Max. published wt: 300 kgs

Siamese giant carp, aka giant barb
This rare and elusive carp is the world's largest; catching one is the ultimate dream of any dedicated carp enthusiast visiting Thailand. Max. published wt: 300 kgs.

Arapaima aka pirarucu
Though a non-native fish, the Amazonian arapaima - the world's biggest freshwater predator - is found in a few Thai waters where it was introduced 23 years ago. Max. published wt: 200 kgs.

Striped catfish, aka sutchi catfish
This cat closely resembles the Mekong species and looks very similar. Max. published wt: 17 kgs.

Rohu aka Indian carp
This lovely, hard-fighting species is highly sought for the tug of war it offers. Max. published wt: 25 kgs.

Pacu
Another non-native fish, this large piranha relative was introduced in a few Thai waters at the beginning of the '80s. Max. published wt: 25 kgs.

Itinerary - Bung Sam Lan Lake - fishing for the world's 3 biggest freshwater species

Day 1: Fly UK / Bangkok

Day 2: Arrive Bangkok where you will be met. Private transfer to the Manhattan Hotel (Bangkok city centre)

Day 3 - Day 8: 1 day fishing at Bung Sam Lan Lake (2 rods per angler) for Mekong Giant Catfish - Siamese Giant Carp - Arapaima. Overnight Hotel

Day 9: Pick-up from the hotel private transfer to the airport. Return flight to the UK

Breakfast is served from 0600. Anglers are collected from the hotel at 7.15 for a 7.30 am sharp departure to the lake a journey of only 40-45 mins. Fishing until 6.00 pm and back at your hotel by 7.00 pm.

Cost
1 angler £928.00 + flights/taxes (daily transfer by car)
2 anglers £860.00 + flights/taxes per person (daily transfer by van)
3 anglers £875.00 + flights/taxes (2 anglers on 1 fishing hut + 1 angler on 1 hut, both huts next to each other - daily transfer by van only).
4 anglers £825.00 + flights/taxes (2 anglers per hut - daily transfer by van only).
5 anglers £884.00 + flights/taxes (2 anglers on 2 fishing huts + 1 angler on 1 hut, all huts next to each other - daily transfer by van only).
6 anglers £810.00 + flights/taxes (2 anglers per hut - daily transfer by van only).

Cost includes: Insurance covering the angler at the fishing destination, return airport transfers, 7 nights B/B accommodation at the Hotel Manhattan, daily, return transfers to the lake.

Fishing at the Lake includes:
Daytime accommodation in 1 private Thai style hut with large fishing pontoon (2 anglers per hut), full daily professional guiding assistance at the lake, all fishing permits (2 rods per angler), tackle, baits and rigs, ice, mineral water, coffee & tea and fruits of the season.

Although all tackle is provided - this is a suggested tackle list for those wanting to take their own: 2x 11- 12 foot 3lbs test curve carp-pike rods with either bigpit fixed spool reels or 7000-10,000 sized multipliers, loaded with 30-40lbs mono or 50lbs braid. Strong (Owner-type) hooks in sizes 4 through to 6/0.

Flights not included - we will source the best deal at the time of making a reservation.

Please call Christine to discuss other exciting options including: jungle fishing, special expeditions to catch rare species or “tailor made” itineraries to suit your specific requirements.