| | | | | lures (as recommended by the guide). Barramundi |
| Firstly, I have to admit my ignorance, when I was | | | | have a sharp gill plate and the larger fish can cut |
| told that there were Barramundi in Thailand I was | | | | through 40lb Fluorocarbon shock leader in one |
| very surprised. Thinking they were only native to | | | | swipe. We used bait casting rods 6 feet in length |
| Australia, it was pointed out to me that these fish | | | | and bait casting reels which are used specifically |
| in fact populate many freshwater lakes | | | | for lure fishing (they look very much like |
| throughout Asia. So I went along to Bor Num | | | | multiplying reels). |
| Lake with a friend of mine (John); who is also a | | | | |
| keen angler and has been living in Bangkok for | | | | The lake is not a fish farm and it is quite easy to |
| over thirteen years. | | | | blank here if the wrong methods are used, but if |
| | | | | you get it right a fantastic day will be had. The |
| The lake is actually called Bor Num Barramundi | | | | fish do vary in size form 1kg (2.2lb) up to and |
| fishing park, and the ticket for the day cost 100 | | | | beyond 10kg (22lbs). |
| Thai baht (approx 2 British pounds or 3 US | | | | |
| dollars), excellent value for money. It is possible to | | | | Unbelievably the first cast of the day resulted in |
| hire spinning rods and tackle for an additional 100 | | | | John hitting into a monster, with in seconds this |
| baht per person. Bor Num Lake also offers the | | | | Barramundi leapt clear of the water creating much |
| chance to try your hand at fly fishing; the price is | | | | excitement in the camp (the guide pointing out |
| the same which ever code of fishing is chosen. It | | | | that when the fish breaches the water, it is best |
| was suggested to us that we use lures when | | | | to lower the tip of the rod, so as not to give the |
| fishing for the barramundi, we were in total | | | | fish too much chance of shedding the hook) John |
| agreement -lure fishing always appeals- as the | | | | then proceeded to wrestle for a further five |
| action and excitement is second to none when | | | | minutes with his quarry, again the magnificent |
| fishing for predators using this system. | | | | barramundi cleared the water several more times |
| | | | | before finally subduing to the net. A 4.8kg fish on |
| It turns out that fishing for barramundi is | | | | the first cast and about twenty more in total, not |
| extremely popular amongst Thais, especially at | | | | bad at all for a couple of beginners. |
| the weekends where many come to enjoy the | | | | |
| fishing activities. Though catching and eating your | | | | A few tips:- |
| quarry is something that has never appealed to | | | | |
| me, many anglers here, Thais and foreigners alike | | | | It is debatable whether to use a tour company or |
| do. You can enjoy these fish in the restaurant for | | | | not. If you are confident of finding your way and |
| -an additional cost- if you so wish, the fish is | | | | have your own transport then it is not essential |
| prepared by the local chefs to your taste (the | | | | to pay the extra for a tour company. The staff |
| lake is frequently stocked, to counter the fish | | | | at Born Num is very experienced and probably |
| taken for the pot).You can always put the fish | | | | knows more about their water than the guides |
| back if this is not your bag. | | | | from agencies. |
| | | | | |
| There is not much protection from the sun here, | | | | If live bait fishing you must buy out the fish, you |
| so one must stay well covered up as the sun will | | | | can not catch and release when live baiting due to |
| easily nuke the skin, even sun block struggles to | | | | the almost guaranteed take. |
| keep the rays at bay. So a good hat and a long | | | | |
| sleeved shirt are the order of the day. | | | | A small tip is appreciated but not compulsory for |
| | | | | the guides at Bor Num – we gave B100 tip |
| The staff were very friendly giving us plenty of | | | | for good service all day |
| tips and advice, without which I feel we may | | | | |
| have struggle to catch; when fishing here one | | | | The guides are kept very bust usually looking |
| needs to use different techniques than when at | | | | after 5 or 6 anglers at a time. |
| home fishing. | | | | |
| | | | | Food and drinks are ordered via the guide, so you |
| The Barramundi have been farmed commercially | | | | do not have to leave the waters edge. |
| in lakes here in Thailand for over twenty years, | | | | |
| they are extremely aggressive hunters and when | | | | Toilets are not European Style, but clean. |
| hooked give one serious fight. Usually clearing the | | | | |
| water with energetically charged leaps, which | | | | There is a very friendly atmosphere and the local |
| causes large splashes as they land again, bringing | | | | fishermen are only too willing to help, giving |
| the angler much approved applause and cheer | | | | friendly advice and tips without being too intrusive. |
| from the local observers. | | | | |
| | | | | So all in all a fantastic day was had by all and we |
| We found that poppers with a fly attached to a | | | | became hooked ourselves and will certainly be |
| 30lb leader proved to be the most successful | | | | returning to Bor Num very soon. |