Do you love sports fishing? Here are the reasons why you should go on a fishing charter in the Maldives!
The Maldives is a country in the Indian Ocean comprising 26 atolls, many of them uninhabited and dotted with cliffs, sandbars, coral flats, and lagoons renowned as one of the best places to look for relaxation.
However, this beautiful tropical paradise is also one of the best places in the world for sports fishing.
BOOK NOW A YACHT IN THE MALDIVES
The local population is made up of skilled fishermen, descendants of people who earn their living from fishing or who still practice it as their main source of income. Therefore, the offer of daily or weekly fishing charters is really wide and almost all resorts offer the possibility of organizing a fishing trip by boat in the Maldives.
With waters teeming with marine life rich in all sorts of fish species, immersed in a fantastic and ideal setting for all sorts of holidays, sport fishing becomes a unique experience to live with your partner or friends.
Related: How much does a Maldives yacht charter vacation cost?
What makes the Maldives a country of excellence for sport fishing?
The answer to this question is perhaps the most obvious, but also the most important: a huge abundance of fish, of every type and size and suitable for every type of fisherman, from novice to expert.
The presence of coral reefs, as well as the lagoon plains, offers the perfect habitat for hundreds of different species but also an optimal “hunting ground” where you can also practice different styles of fishing.
Last but not least, the local authorities’ ban on commercial fishing with nets and longlines, supports and strengthens the abundance of fish in the Maldives. Commercial fishermen can in fact use traditional line and rod fishing which prevents the mass catch of fish and the accidental collection of species other than their target, which in these areas consists mostly of tuna.
Recommended: Whale and Dolphin watching charter Maldives
What fishes can be caught in the Maldives?
With such abundance, it is difficult to make an exhaustive list of the species that you may encounter during your experience which also largely depends on the place where you decide to cast the hook.
In general, marlin, sailfish, wahoo, tuna, dorado, caranx, and barracuda can be found quite often in the waters of the archipelago.
The prey changes if you find yourself fishing close to coral reefs or in mangrove forests. These places are rich in fish, some of which are also dangerous and poisonous, so it is important to make use of the experience of qualified personnel. Usually fishing in these areas includes reef sharks, moray eels, or the famous impeller. In these areas, fishermen mostly catch groupers, of which there are more than 10 types or up to four different species of snapper.
What are the main types of fishing practiced?
In recent years, let’s say since the late nineties, the Maldives has become world-famous spots for those who practice two fishing techniques that originate in the country of the “rising sun”, commonly called Popping and Jigging. These are two methods of fishing from a boat with artificial lures maneuvered by the fisherman and not towed by the boat, which is aimed at reef predators and in particular at Giant Trevally and Dogtooth Tuna, two opponents that can sometimes exceed 70 kg in weight and that, unlike deep-sea pelagic fish, they live in close contact with the coral reef.
Another classic of the Maldives is deep sea fishing. Born as an excursion activity, with the growth of tourism it quickly spread to the attention of professional fishermen. The Maldives is one of the best destinations for this type of activity as it is practicable almost all year round and guarantees an abundance of suitable species to targets such as Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Yellowfin tuna, and Mahi Mahi.
Finally, the vast expanses of shallow water and the sandbanks that are home to an exaggerated variety of species and easily accessible, guarantee perfect conditions for fly fishing. Over the years the Maldives have slowly become popular with fly fishermen. Favorite prey items include Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally, Barracudas, Permits, Bonefishes, Titan Triggerfish, and Yellow Margin Triggerfish.
Not to be missed: 8 days / 7 nights itinerary around Felidhe (Vaavu) Atoll, Maldives
What is the best period for a fishing charter in the Maldives?
Like any other destination in the world, there is a better and a worse time for a fishing trip. But in the Maldives, this largely depends on the prey you want to hunt: tuna, caranx, and barracuda are actively caught all year round while for sailfish the best time is from November to March. For marlin, dorado, and wahoo, the period between January and February is cheaper.
Generally, there are two seasons in the Maldives and each offers a different variety of fishing due to changes in currents, water visibility and temperature, and the movement of plankton.
From December the currents begin to flow from east to west through the atolls. The clarity of the water improves to a depth of more than 30 meters on the eastern side of the atolls and here a great variety of fish gathers. The water temperature rises up to 30 degrees and these conditions remain unchanged until March / April, that is, until the beginning of the monsoon season in May. Underwater visibility in the west of the atolls during this period is usually between 10 and 15 meters.
In the following season, which runs from May to November, there is a good chance for yellowfin tuna fishing on the western side of the atolls. The flow is generally less intense and the visibility is good. The water temperatures drop slightly, which means that the fish are closer to the drop-off of the atoll. However, the general weather conditions can be unpredictable, and often strong winds and heavy rains can occur for a period of up to 3 or 4 days.
Instead, it is fair to say that the fish that live in coral reefs and mangrove forests such as groupers, snappers, barracudas can be caught all year round.
What rules govern fishing in the Maldives?
The Maldives impose strict rules and regulations regarding fishing, even if sporting.
The main rules include a ban on fishing on inhabited islands without a special permit from the administration. Fishing is in fact allowed on cliffs, sandbanks, and uninhabited islands. Underwater fishing is prohibited and the killing of sharks is a criminal offense. Finally, the use of nets or poisonous and explosive substances is prohibited.
Contact now YBH Charter Brokers:
You can contact us by sending an email at ask@yourboatholiday.com or by phone, calling +39 33436 00997, available also on WhatsApp for both calls and texting.
Dinner at “On the rock” at the hotel Eden Rock, St Barts
February 13, 2022Fishing Charter in the Maldives
February 12, 2022The best secluded beaches of the Balearics
February 11, 2022The top coves of Greece to discover by yacht
February 10, 2022Share this Post
The post Fishing Charter in the Maldives appeared first on YBH.