As temperatures start to climb up to the high 30s with the onset of the Thai summer, the fishing really does step up a gear. All of the catfish species become more active and the Siamese Carp catch rates increase, with mid morning and late afternoon being the most productive hours.
Fishing during the summer months in Thailand can be tiring for the visiting angler. It is important to keep well covered up from the intense heat of the sun and take on plenty of fluids when going head to head with the most powerful fish in the world.
Fishing aside, another reason to visit during this period is Songkran, the most important festival in Thailand. It is a celebration of the traditional Thai New Year according to the Thai lunar calender. The festival is celebrated from 3 to 10 days, depending on region. For most of the country the festival dates for 2013 are 12th April through to the 16th.
If you have never been to Songkran before, it is definitely is a must do event!

Fishing Thailand – put quite simply, the best freshwater fishing in the World!
Over recent years there has been a massive increase in the amount of anglers visiting Thailand, lured by the prospect of going head to head with the biggest, hardest fighting freshwater fish on the planet. Most of the world’s mega fish species can now be found in this wonderfully exotic country. Indigenous species, such as Siamese Carp and Mekong Giant Catfish, imported species such as Arapaima and Alligator Gar inhabit the many lakes, rivers and fishing parks. These monsters reach truly immense proportions and will test the angler and equipment to the limit. Thailand’s all year round warm climate provides ideal growing conditions for big fish and many World records have been held here over the years, including largest catfish, carp and arapaima.
Recent television series, such as Zeb Hogan’s Mega Fish, Jeremy Wade’s River Monsters and Robson Green’s Extreme Fishing have all included features on fish and fishing in Thailand, bringing it to the attention of a worldwide audience.

The beauty of fishing Thailand is there is no need to paddle a thousand miles up a mosquito infested river system or camp out in the jungle to get near the fish as is the case in the Amazon, (although this may well appeal to some of the more adventurous anglers). There are numerous, well stocked fishing parks throughout Thailand, many of which contain record breaking fish and provide guaranteed sport. For the angler who prefers to venture out into wilds there are many specialised tour companies that provide guides to some of the rivers and large dams. For those seeking this type of fishing trip, it should be realised that many fish species are declining in the wild due to over fishing and loss of habitat. The chances of catching a specimen fish on rod and line in the wilds is very low indeed. Many of the rivers, lakes and dams are fished with nets to provide food and income which leaves little left for the pleasure angler.

So, you’ve seen the television series, you’ve trawled the internet. What is the best way to fish Thailand?
Firstly, is it an out and out fishing holiday you are planning or just fancy a couple of days angling while you are there. If it is the latter, Bangkok is probably the best venue choice. You can combine the fishing with some conventional tourism. Bangkok is one of the top “most visited” capitals with many amazing must see tourist sites including the Grand Palace and Wat Prakaew, the floating river market, Chatuchak weekend market and many more and of course the world’s most prolific big fish venue, Bungsamran Fishing Park. Here you will find some of the world’s biggest catfish, carp and arapaima. 
If predator fishing is your thing, then IT Lake Monsters is definitely the place to go. It is situated in Ratchaburi province, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Bangkok, if you get an early start and beat the notorious Bangkok traffic. IT Lake Monsters is very well stocked with numerous predatory species and they are always willing to take dead and live baits with lures working well also.
If you are planning a full blown fishing holiday, visiting multiple venues, it is possible to fish your way through Thailand, from Gillhams Fishing Resort in the south of the country, up to Dreamlake Fishing in Chiang Mai in the north.
There is no need to use up your baggage allowance with rods, reels and nets. Generally speaking, they probably would not be suitable anyway. Most of the better fishing parks have tackle for hire at reasonable rates and you can be sure that it is up to the task. Many favourite rods have come to grief in Thailand as they just cannot cope with the immense power of the fish.
It is a good idea to consider a specialised fishing guide service to ensure that you get the best possible chance of hooking and landing big fish. Tackle, bait, transport and most importantly expertise and local knowledge are supplied by the better providers. Thailand Fishing Guide is a good example of companies offering this type of service. The need for local knowledge should not be underestimated. Many good foreign anglers try the “ go it alone” route only to end up disappointed with a less than productive days fishing or the loss of a once in a lifetime specimen.
There has never been a better time to fish Thailand. New venues are opening, big fish are being stocked. Get on a plane and give it a try, FISHING just doesn’t get any better than this!

Posted by Tim Norton