Sport Fishing Species Ratings

Giant Trevally

Local: Kokari

The Giant Trevally is an aggressive predator known for explosive surface strikes and powerful runs. These fish are apex predators in their environment and provide an exhilarating fight. They are best caught with poppers and stickbaits, often putting on spectacular aerial displays when hooked. GT fishing is considered one of the most exciting forms of saltwater angling.

Dogtooth Tuna

Local: Surmai Bangdi

The Dogtooth Tuna is an extremely powerful deepwater species that tests both angler and tackle to their limits. Known for their deep, powerful runs and incredible stamina, these fish are prized by sport fishermen. They are typically caught with jigs and deep diving lures near underwater structures. Their sharp teeth and brute strength make them a challenging and rewarding catch.

Bluefin Trevally

The Bluefin Trevally is a beautiful fish with electric blue fins that puts up a strong fight. Often found near reef edges, these fish are aggressive strikers and provide excellent sport on light to medium tackle. Their stunning coloration makes them a favorite among anglers and photographers alike. They respond well to both live bait and artificial lures.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna are fast and powerful pelagic species that make long, blistering runs when hooked. These fish are highly prized for both their fighting ability and their culinary value. They are typically caught trolling or with live bait, often near floating objects or temperature breaks. Yellowfin are known for their endurance and speed, providing an exciting challenge for anglers.

Bonito

Bonito are smaller tuna species that provide good sport on light tackle. While not as large as their tuna cousins, they make up for it with speed and aggression. They are often used as live bait for larger predators like marlin and tuna. Bonito are typically caught casting small lures or trolling at moderate speeds, and they put up a spirited fight for their size.

Groupers

Groupers are bottom-dwelling fish known for their brute strength rather than speed. These powerful fish inhabit reefs and wrecks, using their massive bodies to bulldog back to cover when hooked. They are caught with bottom fishing techniques using live or cut bait. Larger specimens can provide an incredible test of strength, often requiring heavy tackle to pull them from their rocky habitats.

Snappers

Snappers are reef-dwelling fish that provide good sport on light tackle. While not known for long runs, they offer strong resistance when pulled from cover. Many species are prized as excellent table fare. They are typically caught using small live baits or cut bait fished near structure. Some larger species can provide surprisingly strong fights on appropriate tackle.

Amberjacks

Amberjacks are strong fighters that make deep, powerful runs when hooked. These fish are often found near wrecks and other underwater structures. They are known for their endurance and ability to test an angler's stamina. Larger specimens require heavy tackle to bring up from deep water. They are typically caught using live bait or jigs fished near structure.

Green Jobfish

The Green Jobfish is a reef-associated species that provides good sport on light tackle. These fish are typically found in small schools near coral reefs and drop-offs. They are aggressive feeders and will take both live baits and artificial lures. While not the strongest fighters, they make up for it with their beautiful coloration and willingness to bite.

Rusty Jobfish

Similar to the green jobfish but with distinct rusty coloration, the Rusty Jobfish is another reef-dwelling species that provides enjoyable light tackle fishing. They are typically found near coral reefs and underwater structures. These fish are aggressive feeders and will take a variety of baits and lures. Their striking coloration makes them a favorite among anglers looking for both sport and beauty.

Rainbow Runner

The Rainbow Runner is a beautifully colored fish that makes fast, powerful runs when hooked. These pelagic fish are often found near floating debris or temperature breaks. They are known for their speed and agility, providing an exciting challenge on light tackle. Rainbow Runners are typically caught trolling or casting small lures, and their vibrant colors make them a photogenic catch.

Mahi-Mahi

Mahi-Mahi (also known as Dorado or Dolphin Fish) are spectacularly colored fish known for their aerial acrobatics when hooked. These pelagic predators are among the most colorful fish in the ocean, with vibrant blues, greens, and yellows. They are typically caught trolling or casting small lures near floating debris. Mahi-Mahi are strong fighters and excellent table fare, making them a favorite among sport fishermen.

Great Barracuda

The Great Barracuda is an aggressive predator with razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. These fish are known for their explosive attacks on lures and baits, often hitting with incredible force. While not known for long runs, they make powerful short bursts and are capable of leaping clear of the water. Caution should be exercised when handling these fish due to their sharp teeth and unpredictable nature.

Gar Fish

Gar Fish are small surface-dwelling fish often used as bait for larger predators. While not a primary target for most anglers, they can provide fun light tackle fishing and are excellent for introducing beginners to the sport. They are typically caught with small lures or flies fished near the surface. Their long, slender bodies and needle-like teeth make them easily identifiable.

Wahoo

Wahoo are extremely fast pelagic species that make blistering runs when hooked, earning them the nickname "the fastest fish in the sea." These torpedo-shaped predators are known for their incredible speed and powerful strikes. They are typically caught trolling high-speed lures or rigged baits. Wahoo are prized both for their exciting fight and their excellent table quality, with firm, white flesh.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel (often called Kingfish) are fast and aggressive predators that make long, powerful runs when hooked. These fish are known for their speed and aerial displays, often leaping clear of the water when hooked. They are typically caught trolling or with live bait, often near reefs or wrecks. King Mackerel are excellent fighters and provide exciting action on medium tackle.

Sailfish

Sailfish are spectacular billfish known for their incredible aerial displays and acrobatic fights. These fish are the ultimate light tackle challenge, capable of making blistering runs and multiple leaps when hooked. They are typically caught trolling or drifting with live bait. Sailfish are highly prized for their beauty and sporting qualities, with their enormous dorsal sail and vibrant colors making them one of the ocean's most photogenic species.

Blue Marlin

The Blue Marlin is the ultimate big game fish, combining massive size and power with spectacular jumps. These apex predators are the stuff of angling legends, capable of testing both tackle and angler to their limits. Blue Marlin are typically caught trolling large lures or live baits in deep offshore waters. Their incredible strength, speed, and aerial displays make them the most sought-after game fish in the ocean.

Black Marlin

The Black Marlin is considered the strongest of all billfish, known for its raw power and deep, unstoppable dives rather than aerial acrobatics. These massive fish are typically found near continental shelves and are caught trolling large lures or live baits. Black Marlin are the heaviest of the billfish species, with some specimens exceeding 1,000 pounds. Their incredible strength makes them the ultimate challenge for big game anglers.

Sharks

Various shark species are available in Andaman waters, all offering brute strength and endurance rather than speed or acrobatics. Sharks are typically caught using heavy tackle with large baits fished near the bottom or suspended at depth. Depending on the species, sharks can provide incredibly powerful fights lasting hours. Common species include reef sharks, blacktips, and occasionally larger specimens like tiger sharks. Proper handling and release techniques are essential for shark fishing.