Sportfishing is just beginning as an adventure tourism activity in the Maldives. Enthusiasts seeking a new fishing experience can do a fishing safari on a liveaboard boat, visit several atolls, and fish for a wide variety of catches.
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Fishing Safaris
A live-aboard boat lets you try different styles of fishing at a choice of sites in several Maldivian atolls. Groups of eight to twelve people can charter their own boat for a minimum seven days and set their own itinerary. Up to five people can fish from the boat at the same time.
Safari Boats «
For fishing safaris, we use modern, air-conditioned vessels with private cabins, comfortable bar/dining area and spacious sun deck. There are three to five crewmembers - a skipper, chef and a couple of boat hands. Indoor board games, TV, DVD and video player are available for entertainment. A fully stocked bar is on board, with drinks available at bar prices. All meals are included in the package, and the fish you catch can be prepared on board for your evening meal.
The charter price includes the boat, crew, fuel, three meals a day, government tax, and assistance on arrival and at departure. Fishing is generally from 6am to 5pm, with a break when the boat anchors for lunch. The boat provides rod holders, a tail gaff and outriggers. Anglers should bring their own rods, reels, tackle and lures. Very little sportfishing equipment is sold in the Maldives, and virtually none is available for rental.
Fishing in the Maldives «
Anglers visiting the Maldives now are pioneering sportfishing in the country and they are unlikely to come across other tourists fishing. Most Maldivian fishing boats go after tuna using a time-honoured hook-and-line technique - net fishing is banned in Maldivian waters. If you have the chance to go tuna fishing in the traditional Maldivian way, don't miss it. The Maldivian government has strict regulations to conserve the country's marine resources, and visitors should observe these carefully, especially the tag-and-release policy that applies to all big game billfish.

The types of fish caught include wahoo, barracuda, sail-fish, yellow-fin tuna, dogtooth tuna, red snapper, grouper, giant trevally, jack, marlin, dorado and very small numbers of bonefish.

Three main types of fishing are possible:

    * Trolling
    You don't need a fast big-game fishing boat. A typical liveaboard is suitable for trolling for sailfish, marlin, dogtooth tuna and dorado using lures or flies. (Note that billfish are subject to a tag-and-release policy.) Skill and care are needed to avoid snagging the line in coral reefs. The best lures for trolling are islanders (in various colours and types), rapala and manz.

    * Reef Casting
    This technique is especially suited to Maldives reef fishing. The angler casts towards a coral reef over distances of at least 60m with poppers of 3oz or more, then reels in fast using a sturdy high-speed fixed spool reel. The main catch is the giant trevally, an extremely strong reef fish up to 80lbs. The trevally strike dramatically at the lure, then dive and run, and the angler has to work hard to bring the fish in. Bluefin jack, rainbow runner, barracuda and grouper are also caught.

    The most suitable gear is a stiff rod, no longer than 10ft, with top action and 30-50lbs braided lines. Giant trevally have a powerful bite - 5x strong 2/0 and 3/0 treble hooks will often get bent, squashed or straightened.

    * Fly Fishing
    The best places for fly fishing are the shallow sand flats adjacent to many Maldivian islands. These can be very extensive - several km long and 500m to 1000m wide. Note that fishing from resort islands is not permitted so you'll need a boat to access suitable areas. Local people have little experience or knowledge of fly fishing, so you rely on your own judgement to find the best places.

    The best lures for bonefish and trevally resemble the sea-worms that live in Maldivian waters. An imitation bait-fish fly can work well at high tides. Stick to natural colors with a little sparkle - olive greens, tan, beige, and off-white. At low tide try small Crazy Charlies.

Fishing Seasons «
Fishing is good throughout the year, but the months of September through to April have the most suitable weather for a liveaboard boat cruise. January to April are excellent months for cruising, with clear weather and low humidity.
The temperatures are very consistent all year round, with daily maximums averaging about 30-32°C (85-89°F).
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