The rich underwater world of the Maldives is amazing by the varieties of its inhabitants. The Azure Indian Ocean conceals in its depths more than 1000 species of fish of unusual shapes and colorings. Fishing in these waters is interesting for tourists, especially for large fish. Here you can catch barracuda, yellow tuna, black and blue marlin, Mako shark, tiger or blue. Travel to the Maldives gives tourists from all over the world an unforgettable, excellent fishing.
Types of fishing in the Maldives
There are several ways to fish:
- Night fishing is the most popular. It begins with the advent of dusk and passes between corals and atolls . Here there is an important nuance - at night, without the help of crew members, it is quite difficult to pull out a large prey.
- Daytime fishing - traditionally begins with the first rays of the sun.
- Fishing safari on a luxury yacht in boundless ocean waters is an excellent option for lovers of a beautiful holiday .
- Trolling - the best option for fans of adrenaline. This fishing from a moving boat, here this method is called Big Game Fishing. Trolling fishing depends on the weather and the place of fishing.
Where and when to fish in the Maldives?
The best season for fishing in the Maldives is from September to May.
Since fishing is the main fishery for local residents, almost every resort can take part in this occupation. The standard variant of catching is carried out with dhoni - it is a small wooden boat, accommodating not more than 10 people. From it you can fish only with coral reefs, the ocean for such boats is not safe even in good weather.
For fishermen there are good conditions on some atolls:
- On the island of Feranafushi (North Male) there is a resort Sheraton Maldives full moon resort & spa, which on a grand scale approached all questions about fishing in the Maldives. At the Universal Big Fishing Center, there is a ship equipped with the latest technology, thanks to which you can get a rich catch. On it there is a sonar-radar, allowing to carry out commercial reconnaissance. The very process of catching fish is done by trawling and spinning. The rental price is $ 350 for 4 hours for 4 fishermen.
- Atoll Raa recently entered the tourism zone. The waters around him are just full of fish. Raa offers a wide range of routes for fishing and marine safaris. The catch of even novice fishermen can be tuna, perch and reef cakes;
- Bandos (North Male Atoll) is famous for its night fishing. After sunset, the schools of fish sail to the reef in search of complementary food, the fishermen do not even have to work hard to catch the catch. There is all the fishing in wooden boats for 3 hours, the cost is about $ 40 per person.
Equipment for fishing in the Maldives
All necessary equipment can be rented at special points at hotels or on a leased ship (as an option - bring with them). For successful fishing you will need:
- sea spinning - it catches swordfish, marlin, sailfish and other large species;
- poppers - they are caught by reef sharks;
- jig - will help to win in the battles with tuna and grupers for vertical fishing;
- baits in combination with trolling - used to catch barracuda, tuna and marlin;
- fly fishing - is used where there are albuls and various types of caravans.
How much does fishing cost in the Maldives?
For 5 hours of fishing the tourist will have to pay about $ 500, because often practiced group fishing, where the cost is divided into all participants. Catching fish with a half-day dhoni for $ 35 is possible if there are 4 people in the fishermen's company. Night fishing in the Maldives will cost $ 25. Boat with equipment for catching large fish for 4 hours of rent will come out in $ 300, longer - from $ 500 to $ 1000.
The rules of fishing in the Maldives
Caught in the Maldives fish is the property of fishermen. The catch will be cooked free of charge in the kitchen of the hotel where the tourist resides. Also there is an interesting opportunity to arrange a barbecue party right on the beach .
However, there are several rules and laws that must be adhered to:
- fish-sailfish or marlin must be let go back into the water, before marking it;
- it is always customary to release "tagged" fish, after having examined for wounds, therefore often not traumatic hooks are used;
- It is forbidden to use tools that injure fish, also under the prohibition of harpoons and sharp hooks;
- in the Maldives catching dolphins and some species of sharks is prohibited;
- if you do not intend to consume the caught fish, then it must be let go;
- another ban - less than 200 m from the coral reef fishing in the Maldives is prohibited, a fine of $ 500.
Hotels for fishing
Rest in the Maldives is designed for tourists, so it's absolutely not surprising having on the islands hotels in which even the most inveterate fisherman will find everything for fishing.
Hotels and resorts in the Maldives, providing services to fishermen:
- island Baros, hotel «Baros Maldives»;
- atoll Baa , island Kihavah Huravalhi, hotel "Anantara Kihavah Resort & Spa";
- island Rangali, complex «Conrad Maldives Rangali Island»;
- atoll Baa, island Kuda Huraa, hotel «Four Seasons Resort Maldives»;
- atoll Baa, island Landaa Giravaru, hotel «Four Seasons Resort Maldives»;
- South Male Atoll , Bolifushi Island, Jumeirah Vittaveli Hotel;
- North Male Atoll , Reethirah Island, One & Only Reethi Rah Hotel.