Koh Phi Phi

Simon: What changes have you noticed since you started sport-fishing in Phuket?

John: Over the past two decades Phuket has earned the right to be classed as a true big game fishing destination, gift boats, an infrastructure and hotels of the proper well-heeled anglers expect. Over the last eighteen years that I have lived and fished the waters nearby Phuket as a fishing-charter captain I have seen many changes, some for the better, some for the worse - and also some things that have not changed at all.

Koh Phi Phi

Simon: Has the fishing got worse?

John: It hasn't got worse, it's got distinct as the fish have changed from all the time being at one island to suddenly appearing at one island or other in greater numbers. My own personal notice on what is happening is that we have seen a weighty growth in the estimate of commercial boats chasing what I call 'baitfish', not only for human consumption, as in fish sauce, but also for development animal feeds for chickens. Fish are creatures of habit and if suddenly the food that they have been used to getting in a single spot is not there any more they will move and find other source.

Simon: So, with all that happening, is Phuket a good fishing destination?

John: Absolutely, yes it is! Many of our anglers have had the best battles of their lives, especially with the large numbers of sailfish nearby the Islands of Racha Yai and Racha Noi, even in the low-tourist season of May- September. Some lucky anglers have even gone home having had the thrill of catching one of the decent-sized black marlin that appear in the middle of October and April.

Simon: Why come to Phuket?

John: I have been lucky adequate to have visited some of the great fishing capitals of the world, so I am clear in giving you these main reasons why you should put Phuket on your map of destinations if you are a fishing enthusiast. Let's start with the international airport, which is very close to most of our two-star to five-star and above hotels and which is linked to most countries, either directly or straight through Bangkok. Thai habitancy are the friendliest and smiliest folk on the planet. They serve superb, mouth-wateringly tasty and assorted food. The island is blessed with lovely beaches and offers perfect and extremely assorted alternative activities for non-angling companions. Phuket offers some of the best fishing to be found in Asia, on good boats which are reasonably priced and which have friendly crews, many of whom can speak cheap English. So if you are on holiday and fancy a day or a week's fishing, get in touch with one of the local operators and have yourself a ball. And I practically forgot: we have award-winning cold beer as well!

Interview on Fishing in Phuket, Thailand With Wahoo's John Pearce