Hooked in Paradise

The Maldives is a 26-atoll wonderland, with almost 1200 coral islets scattered like gems. The islanders have been all about the fishing life. The Indian Ocean's generosity is no joke, with over 1,100 fish species callin' it home, from tiny reef fish to massive tuna.

Fishin' near the shore can snag you some epic, colorful catches, while deep-sea excursions promise some serious trophies.

Our amateur anglers can land themselves some epic yellowfin tuna, barracuda, sea bass, wahoo, sailfish, sharks, blue and black marlin, swordfish, and more!

You can fish in the Maldives all year round, depending on what you're lookin' to catch in your nets.

January through April is peak dry season, and the perfect time to hunt down some yellowfin tuna. March is ideal for barracuda and sailfish, while April marks the end of dry season and the start of rain. May's perfect for snaggin' barracuda, but baggin' big fish is tougher.

In June, reef fishin' for giant trevally is where it's at, using poppers and jig baits. July's all about chillin' out, as heavy storms hit, but reef fishin's still safe. August and September's your chance to score mahi-mahi, tuna, and wahoo if you're lucky. October wraps up the rainy season, and it's prime time for mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, and barracuda. And November and December are perfect for snaggin' a marlin and snappin' a sweet pic with it.

Castin' with poppers and sliders is the way to snag some giant trevally, which can weigh over 40 kg but average at 20 kg. And when it comes to vertical jig fishin', be ready to brawl with some yellowfin tuna, with an average weight of 10-40 kg. These predators love to hang by the reef edge, chillin' with the small fish that call it home. You might even snag yourself some sailfish, marlin, barracuda, or tuna - and they'll weigh in at a hefty 30-50 kg each! Get ready for the fight of your life!

The Maldivian fishin' game is all about the unique bait. Marlin's all about wooden spoons that mimic fish flight, and for a real predator-magnet, you gotta use the towing technique. Multi-colored, super-realistic baits shaped like small fish or shellfish are super popular too. Artificial bait's the way to go when the fish aren't visible, but if they're out and about, live bait's where it's at. Mackerel or horse mackerel are the best natural bait, but first, ya gotta find the fish and entice 'em with a tasty treat. Luckily, loads of boats come equipped with echo sounders, so locatin' fishing spots is a breeze. Just toss some edibles in the water, and you're already halfway to a catch. When it comes to sailfish, marlin, and swordfish, squid's your go-to bait.

Rentin' fishin' gear in the Maldives is easy-peasy. No need to lug your own unless you've got some exclusive gear you can't leave home without. But trust us - sea spinnin' beats trollin' any day, and the key is tossin' the bait right in front of the fish.

Speed boats are the way to go for fishin' in the Maldives. They come with powerful motors that can get ya up to speed and slow ya down real quick. Plus, they're all equipped with echo sounders so ya know when a marlin, sailfish, swordfish, or other sweet catch is nearby. The boats feature 5-7 rods set up on central racks and sides, pointed in different directions to cover the entire movement area of the vessel. And don't worry - safety belts for the rods are all aboard. This gear's perfect for snaggin' fish up to 150 kg!

Fishing near corals and in nature reserves is a no-go. Don't use harmful hooks, harpoons, or tackle. The fish ya catch are mostly for sport and trophies, so release 'em unless ya plan to eat 'em for dinner. No spearfishin' or use of power grids, explosives, or poisonous substances. Dolphins and whale sharks are off limits. Fry nets and reef fish in local island lagoons are a no-no. Lagoon fishin' is only allowed with permission from the hotel, and fishin' on uninhabited reefs is permitted as long as ya stay 200 m away from the coral. Remember, the fine's a whopping $5,000 if ya don't follow these rules.