Sabai Sabai Fishing Park - Udon Thani

All,

I was thinking about holding a Felang and family only Competition maximum 15 huts, tickets 500 baht each, Would like comments or suggestions. This could be a great evening or afternoon out with the family and a chance to meet other families, have some food and drink and relax!!

Up to now are baby "Jaws" is alive and kicking and hasnt been hooked to date, We have now found out she (yes shes a lady) is 23 years old.

We received more fish yesterday so the Park is full

Regards P and P

Sorry for those who don't already know our baby is a Giiant Mekong Catfish, very rare and very expensive to buy

P

The family & friends outing sounds like it would be great fun. The 500 baht would be the fee per hut and not per person, right?

Wondering about the change to using single hooks only. Any alternative baits being sold there? Seems it would be difficult to keep a glob of wet bread dough on a single hook. Selling worms or fish eggs (roe)? Can guess that the caged contraption with 5 or 6 hooks was wiping out your fish population too quickly but what about using the cage with a single hook then?

I would like to see the 23 year old Mekong catfish in a pond or aquarium setting maybe but wouldn't want to catch it even if it is released immediately. One so majestic belongs back in the Mekong. Only my opinion, of course.

Will visit again soon. Tight lines.

Polehawk

The 500 baht would be per person (1 per hut ) to fish in the Competition with the money being split into prizes for the first and second. I get many westerners who would like to have a fun competition but dont want the hassle of crossed lines etc etc. This way everyone can have a fun day out! The big cat I dont think (or hope) will be stupid enough to be caught. She has never actually been in the Mekong but one day I may have her returned.

It may be worth noting that the Mekong Giant Catfish is on the endangered species list - Why? - because the River Mekong has been so heavily fished, the fish eaten, regardless of size - damage to the natural habitat from pollution - need I go on? Leave ' Ms. Jaws ' where she is - she has a far better chance of survival than in the wild! Catfish of this size are rarely caught on rod and line,(only 7 fish above 80 kgs have been caught at the world famous Bung Sam Lan fishery in Bangkok in the past ten years, to my knowledge) but can be quite spectacular if their tail breaks the surface of the water - just like the fluke of a whale!! Keep your eyes open when you visit Sabai Sabai!!!

Polehawk - Paul noted in an earlier post the reasoning behind the one hook rule - it is not to do with a quick reduction of the fish population. It is, in fact ,to ensure the well-being of the fish! I have long been an advocate of using one hook only (and barbless too), having seen fish hauled in with one hook in their lip, one in each eye and the other three in and around the gill covers - not a pleasant sight and certainly no good for the fish! Sabai Sabai's main pond is now becoming a specialist hunters dream - there are over 20 species of fish, many of which are large and virtually irreplaceable. It seems common sense to take care of these 'living jewels' by having some basic rules.
Just want to catch some fish to take home for the barbeque - have a word with Paul - there are other ponds at Sabai Sabai where you can catch pla nin and pla duk to your hearts content - good size ones too!
I'm sure Paul and P have no problem with anyone using the 'cage contraption' as a groundbait holder, so long as only one hook is used.

Cueball and Pongpong, thanks for the feedback. I guess Miss Jaws has lasted these past 23 years by outsmarting and resisting the offerings and allures of a lot of anglers in the ponds and lakes of Thailand and long may the old gal's reign continue.

I must have missed the earlier post about the reason for going to single hooks only but it does make sense, at least to me. Can recall reeling in some pla nin and jeramid out there that actually were hooked in more than one place besides the lip. Maybe will try using a piece of pineapple on a single hook for jeramid as suggested by Paul or dig up and bring along a few worms. Most of the fish we catch are given to the village relatives so, if they come along, we might try one of the smaller ponds for the pla nin and pla duk. Anyway, my idea of a great time fishing is to watch my rod tip or bobber while I sip a Leo and enjoy some good food straight from the kitchen.

Fisherman's creed: "A bad day of fishing beats a good day at work any day!"

Bob, hands free is good but be nimble and quick! Almost lost a rod/reel out there to a large catfish.

Another good one is if you don't like to clean fish the staff will gladly do it for you for a small donation.

will be in udon visiting a friend in august,really looking forward to spending a few relaxing days at sabai sabai fishing park,is all rods,reels and tackle available for hire ?

ps do you sell san mig light at the bar,can't beat a few of theses in the sun,beats work anyday

tight lines

Yes, No Problem stocking San Migel Light, (Before I retired from drinking that was my favourite beer!! Yes, We can supply all the equipment you will require. Out last competition was completely Thai but they managed to land a 8.1 Kilo Pacu (Jeramid) and the runners up had a 7.5 kilo Siamese Carp. I wish I could learn their secrets!!!. We have cut down the competitions to 4 hours only on Theday and Thurdsday night but to be honest the majority of people we get now knw how to fish an handle the fish and if not are quickly shown.

Please remember that we also seve a lot of food and our local customers advise its very very good, So even if you dont feel like fishing come eat and watch, it can be enjoyable and very relaxing.

Our latest promotions with the help of Coke are buy 2 bottles (small or large and receive the 3rd on FREE) - No strings attached.

Our Chef is now preparing a Western style menu to temp the people who just wont or cant eat Thai food. I am going to add to this list various sandwiches such as Tuna, bacon, egg etc.

Finally With the weather changes we have experienced the fish can be a bit sluggish to catch but try different baits you will eventually work out the dish of the day. I will upload the photos of the Last competion winners shortly to wet you pallets

Regards Paul and P

pongpong wrote:Our Chef is now preparing a Western style menu to temp the people who just wont or cant eat Thai food. I am going to add to this list various sandwiches such as Tuna, bacon, egg etc.

I wouldn't bother with doing that. You will be buying fresh bread everyday for that monster in the main pond.
I've been too sabai sabai fishing park more than a 100 times, and the thai food as well as the san migs and leos are delicious.

OT..

To all our customers

Please be advised that the fishing park will continue to operate as normal even though we are up for the sale nothing has changed as far as re-stocking, service, food etc.

Regards P