Fishing

Hi all,
Still trying to finalise my plans for my next trip. i don't want to plan everything down to the smallest detail but just trying to get a handle on a few things i really want to do while i'm there. So, does anyone have any info on fishing in the area? Is this a recreational past time for anyone or is it only done commercially. If this sort of thing is available, are there any groups who would take you on a trip and/or is there anywhere to buy/hire fishing gear? Anywhere between Khon Kaen and Nong Kai would be fine but the closer to UT the better.
Thanks in advance,
Warren

Im not into fishing myself, but I did see a fishing tackle shop in the night market. They seem to have an ample supply of rods.



Brian

There is also a tackle shop on Prajak road half way between the train station and shopping complex. I'm sure the staff there will know the best fishing spots.

If the Tackle shop is in P12 on the map it's probably the same place that I saw.

Brian

Hello seesibet, there is a resavoir near Ban Phu on the road to nong kai you can get to it by the 2021 road off of the main highway to nong kai, it does,nt show on the maps,but its there and the fishing is great but seasonal, had some great fish from this place the place is massive,there are 3 routes to the place one of them go's right past my front door unfortunatly(exccesive disturbance) so i won't give directions to that way sorry , it's approx 15mins off high-way,get to the area and some-one will point you in right direction.But don,t tell everyone.
never seen another farang there or many other anglers,so it,s ideal. If i was in the area you could join me for fishing and beer no problem.
Tackle is available to buy in udon as already mentioned at reasonable cost maybe for hire to. Or buy cheap and sell back to shop better still give it to some-one who would use it all the time,a lot of thais like a bit of fishing not for the sport but to eat the catch and some could may-be not afford to buy the gear.

The second place i know is on the way to nong bua lumphu,again another resavour more fisherman,and is on the map easier to get to on the 210 road then turn off on the 2314 you may have to pay a small fee for this one. only 20mins from udon. been there but not fished it.
Hope thats some help to you. BM

Thanks for the info Brian, Lee, BM
I understand you not giving directions that go right past you front door BM, i would be the same. Hope you are around when i am there, a days fishing and a few beers sounds great. I will be in the South in April but don't think i will get a chance to get up to UT but i will definately be there in October so i will send you a mail closer to the day and see if you're around. You mentioned the fishing is seasonal, any idea what it's like around October? Great idea regards giving the gear to a Thai who would appreciate it. Thanks again guys, i appreciate your help.
Warren

Hi seesibet

If you are really into fishing (good size fish 5 to 10 kg with a reasonable chance to catch with a master thai fisherman) then I would suggest you change your schedule and go to a place called Sangklaburi. This town is in Kanchanaburi province with Kanchanaburi City about 3 hour drive north west west of Bangkok airport. Sangklaburi is on the road to and just short of the 3 pagoda's pass into Mynamar. The whole area here consists of large dams that feed the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai (or River Kwai for lazy falang) Rivers. As you turn into Sangklaburi township hold to the eastern flank of the lake (Khao Laem) and you will see a long foot bridge (see photos attached) contecting both flanks of the town. On the lake you will see large numbers of river pontoon houses that are very familiar to this area.
Stroll down onto and around (some of them serve meats and coffee so you are quite welcome - in fact you will be considered strange if you not come aboard once they shout out welcome to you) - these pontoon houses and you will come across who is considered the master of fishing in Thailand. And I agree and coming from Kiwiland (NZ) with our river and lake fishing, that is worthy praise. You will know you have the right pontoon house/resturant from the photos of the big fish, and rods and reels for sale all around the place. If not sure just ask for he who is master fisherman. In thai ask for "jab phra". With this thai master you will pretty well be gaureented some good fish and a great time.
One word of wisdom. These are very thai people but have beauty in them that they take extreme pride in what they do. You will offend them if you even suggest giving them a tip. When you are with a master you pay his rate and no more.
You will also find Kancahanburi is one of the most beautiful provinces in Thailand. For pure relaxation I suggest you go to Erewhon falls. Take your swimming gear with you and no, you are not allowed to 'tickle' catch the fish swimming with you.

Wow, great info Roadman. I am committed to my trip to UT as i have to visit some friends in Khon Kaen and Nong Kai so time probably won't permit a visit to Sangklaburi but i'll be sure to add it to my itinerary for the trip after that. If a trout tickler from NZ recommends it, that is good enough for me.

Warren

PS: Hope to find may way across the Tasman one day and throw a few fly's at your trout

During the last wet I quite often saw an elderly Thai gentleman with a bamboo pole and 2 metres of line catching fish about 50mm (2 inch) long in one of the Soi Jintakam canals. He had heaps of them. Grind them up for Nam Pla I suppose.

Now that they have concreted the banks and dredged some of the rubbish out of the said canal maybe we can expect a good salmon run this year.


John ( piscatorially handicapped)

wokkawombat wrote:During the last wet I quite often saw an elderly Thai gentleman with a bamboo pole and 2 metres of line catching fish about 50mm (2 inch) long in one of the Soi Jintakam canals. He had heaps of them. Grind them up for Nam Pla I suppose.

Now that they have concreted the banks and dredged some of the rubbish out of the said canal maybe we can expect a good salmon run this year.


John ( piscatorially handicapped)

The houses and buildings nearby dumb black water into the khlong. Not sure of the health impact. Food for thought. Hope his nam pla isn't ending up at a place I eat. LOL

We regularly feed live crickets to a pair of white rump shama birds that visit our yard each day.......the live crickets also make excellent fishing bait. I used some in the past week to catch talapia and catfish. I'd guess they'd be good for many other types as well.
The photo shows about 50 baht worth that I bought in the weekly market (ตลาดนัด) at kilo 16 this past Sunday. The cricket vendor and his family are there each Sunday. Keep them in a clean 5 gallon paint bucket with a few pieces of cardboard egg containers and the crickets will stay alive for several days.