Angling Direct Holidays now has access to a brand new predator lake in Thailand.
For those of you who have not yet heard about this lake, it is located 2 hours drive from Bangkok. The water is around 5 acres with grass banks all round which offers awesome fishing for numerous Thai native and non-native predator species, either by lure or fly fishing. This lake is inhabited by a big population of Arapaima (lots of them) up to 180 kg, Amazonian Redtail Catfish up to 45kg, Asian Redtail Catfish (Pla Kot Kang) up to 20 kg, Sorubim or Tiger Shovelnose up to 10 kg, Redtail Tiger (Hybrid) up to 12 kg, Tambaqui up to 20 kg, Barramundi up to 10 kg, Alligator Gar up to 15 kg, Peacock Bass up to 3kg , Pacu up to 11 kg, Giant Pangasius up to 8 kg, Black Ear Catfish (Pla Tepo) up to 8 kg, Wallago attu up to 10 kg, Wallago leeri up to 7 kg, Arawana up to 3 kg, Mystus nemurus, etc.
On the complex there is a central covered area which provides a welcome break from the sun and is where you can purchase cold drinks and food. From here it's just a simple matter of picking up your rod and start to walk and fish around the lake, fishing both the lure and fly is fantastic. Walking around the lake you find opportunities to fish on both surface and along the bottom. But keep your eyes keen as there's nothing like spotting one of the lakes' large Arapaima inhabitants lurking in the margins hunting baitfish, carefully present either your fly or lure and one of the most explosive takes will erupt, proceeded with a fish over 8 feet long ripping off your line like a mad express train. (Good job the lake is only 5 acres otherwise we would never stop them). This lake is strictly open for lure and fly fishing only, as generally live or dead bait fishing is prohibited. However, we have made a special exclusive agreement with the lake's owner, so if you fancy a change, starting 2.00 pm to 7.30 pm, our clients are allowed to fish free lining or bottom fishing using live or dead bait.
As your holiday starts and ends in Bangkok we have included your first and last day fishing for Giant Catfish at Bung Sam Lan Lake which is a great way to start and end your stay. The Mekong Giant Catfish in Bung Sam Lan originates from The Mekong River, hence, the name. They are known as the real giants of the Catfish world, pound for pound these fish embarrass other Catfish species into submission. Once hooked into one of these giants you will just wonder when and if it will ever give up. But be warned, once you have landed your prize, weighed it, taken the catch photos, re-baited and cast out again you could be going through all that pain again, within five minutes.
Peter Collingsworth caught a beautiful Redtail Catfish using a Hardy Zane 10# Rod and Reel Outfit whilst fishing on a new predator lake in Bangkok, Thailand. Weighing in at 9.87 kilos the beauty is now an IGFA world record for the largest ever Redtail catfish caught on a 20lb tippet with a fly rod. Peter said: ‘The rod and reel handled like a dream, these fish are very, very powerful for their size, but with the10# power and suppleness under the tip, along with the best fighting reel drag we managed to land this fish in just over 1 hour.’
FISHING METHODS
Bait Fishing, Live Baiting and Freshwater Fly Fishing
SPECIES TO CATCH
Arapaima
Season: All Year
Weight: 40b to 300lb
Average Weight: 80lb
|
Alligator gar
Season: All year
Weight: 5lb to 32lb
Average Weight: 12lb
|
Arawana
Season: All year
Weight: 1lb to 9lb
Average Weight: 2.5lb
|
Red Tailed Catfish
Season: All year
Weight: 5lb to 85lb
Average Weight: 22lb
|
Barramundi
Season: All year
Weight: 9lb to 40lb
Average Weight: 15lb
|
Big Head Carp
Season: All year
Weight: 3lb to 40lb
Average Weight: 16lb
|
Black Pacu
Season: All year
Weight: 4lb to 55lb
Average Weight: 8lb
|
Chao Phraya Catfish
Season: All year
Weight: 10lb to 110lb
Average Weight: 25lb
|
Common Carp
Season: All year
Weight: 5lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 17lb
|
Red Tail Amazon Catfish
Season: All year
Weight: 10lb to 70lb
Average Weight: 22lb
|
Giant Snakehead
Season: All year
Weight: 5lb to 17lb
Average Weight: 9lb |
Tiger catfish
Season: All year
Weight: 4lb to 42lb
Average Weight: 9lb
|
Note: these figures are complied with catch reports over 5 years, however they can be affected by adverse weather conditions.
TOUR INCLUDES
Flights (WT), transfers, accommodation, guided fishing and tackle.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
Holiday insurance, personal items and local tips.
OPTIONS
Seat upgrades available with British Airways.
VISA
A machine-readable passport with at least 6 months before expiry. No visa for UK citizens required.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Seek medical advice as dependant on region visited
PLEASE NOTE
All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press. However, please check these requirements for changes.
DEPARTURE TAX
There is no additional airport departure tax when leaving Thailand, however this can change regularly. Please check before you travel.
FLIGHT ROUTE AND FLIGHT TIME
UK - Bangkok (approx 11 hrs).
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
(WT) 2 checked in items 23 kg (WTP) 2 checked in items 23 kg (C/F) 3 checked in items 23 kg.
TRANSFER TIME
Bangkok airport - Bangkok Central Hotels (approx 45 mins)
Bangkok - Bung Sam Lan (approx 1 hr)
Bangkok - Predator Lake (approx 2 hrs)
BANGKOK'S FLOATING MARKET
Take a boat trip through Bangkok's amazing floating market, allowing you to see the traditional Thailand way of life.
THAI KICKBOXING
A great opportunity to see a live kickboxing fight, which will keep you on the edge of your seat. A big part of the culture and fascinating to watch.
