With over 99 percent of the total area of the Maldives consisting
of water, the country boasts some of the best fishing grounds
in the world. The fish stock of the Maldives include over a thousand
species, some of which are indigenous to the Maldives.
The
methods of fishing vary depending on the type of fish that you want
to catch and the time of the day that you prefer. The most popular
fishing with visitors is night fishing for groupers, snappers, emperors,
jacks, squirrel fish, barracuda and other reef fish. The catch normally
ends on the barbecue grill on the beach and guests are able to enjoy
their own catch with great savor.
Morning
fishing begins by dawn. These fishing trips, in the early hours
of the morning by dhoni inside the atoll or just outside the atoll
are for little tuna, dolphin fish, rainbow runner, jack, trevally
and barracuda. These too sometimes become as engaging as big game
fishing.
Traditionally
Maldivians, as masters of the sea, used small dhonis and trawled
outside the atoll enclosure reef for big game such as sailfish,
swordfish, marlin, wahoo, barracuda, yellowfin tuna and other game.
However modern speedboats equipped for western style big game fishing
are also available now for hire in many resorts.
Since
the Maldives practices a strong conservation policy, the use of
harpoon guns and hunting of marine mammals such as whales and dolphins
and large fishes like the whale shark is strictly prohibited.
All
resorts provide facilities for big game fishing. You don’t
have to be expert in fishing, the crew of the boats are very adapt
at the art of fishing and will advice you on all aspects of making
a good and fun catch. |