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 Fishermen spend virtually the whole day at sea starting at dawn in the morning, catching baitfish with nets, which are kept alive in water inside the boat's hull. After catching baitfish they travel for a few hours, or for how long it takes to detect a school of fish, usually indicated by birds circling in the sky. Earlier fishermen never lost sight of their island to ensure a safe return, now modern navigational aids allow them to go far beyond. The bait is squeezed and thrown into the water by hand; pumps spray water towards the wriggling baitfish thus tricking the tuna into a feeding frenzy. Poles and lines with a smooth hook resembling a baitfish are quickly cast into the sea and with a strong pull and twist the fish is thrown into the dhoni . It is not rare to see keyolhus (dhoni captains), juggling three fish at the same time with his pole. The methods of fishing for pleasure 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, yellow fin 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 and the safaris 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. Fishing is not only the most important industry of Maldives ; it is also one of the major sports in this country. That is why Maldives has one of the most excellent fishing sites in the world! It can be an amazing experience going big game fishing in the Maldivian waters for eager fishermen and adventurous first-timers alike. A trip to the Maldives is never complete without a fishing excursion and a barbecue dinner of your day's efforts on the beach. The idea of big game fishing will definitely vary according to the individuals, but it will surely be an extraordinary experience with the right kind of boat and during the right weather!

FANCY CATCHING

Fancy catching a 245 kg blue marlin or a 120 kg yellow fin tuna. You might just get luck in the Maldives , because there are a lot of fish waiting to be caught. Big Game fishing in the Maldivian waters is a truly unforgettable experience. The islands of the Maldives form a ridge which shelves steeply to the depths of the Indian Ocean , making it one of the richest marine eco-system in the world, with plenty of sea life. Fishing is dictated by the two main monsoons - the South West Monsoon and the North East Monsoon. The varying temperature affects underwater currents and consequently the movements of fish. But we will make sure that you will always catch one, and if you don't there will be plenty of tales to tell about the one that got away.