bluebottle18

There are no official Tour Guides in Thailand to take you to the inland rivers. You need to be careful if you choose a local around BKK to help you. Everyone knows the best spot/place and expert. There are a number of rivers you can fish but you face a drive of at least 6 hours to get to the upper reaches where your chances of catching decent fish. There are also some large dams and lakes that these rivers flow into. Fishing is not all that popular in this country. Fishing can be hot and cold. Fish are plentiful and extremely hard fighting for their size. A 2/3 kilo fish will stretch your arms. I will simply call them BASS. Fish upto 10kg are plentiful but you need to search for them. There are very little comforts as you stay in fishing villages. Tinnies are a luxury and dug out canoes are your main option. Village people are very friendly and helpful. No English is spoken. It is odd that the fish don`t always bite considering the amount of fish there is. # It is extremely hot and unless you are in good health do not go. The heat will drain you. If you have seen the fishing stories on Thailand by a NZ guy + Robson you will remember them talking about the heat. IT IS HOT. WHAT TO DO. Hire a car with GPS. Get some good maps and pick a place. And off you go. Take plenty of water. You will need it. Ice is plentiful along the way. Have a very good esky. TACKLE > Leave your spaghetty rods behind. 5kg Rods minimum with 25+ pound braid. IMO any lure will do. Once you get where you are going village people will be happy to help you. It is learn as you go first time. IMO no other way. INSECTS OF ALL KINDS WILL EAT YOU ALIVE SO GO WELL PROTECTED. Night time bad. The tackle I mention is not an over kill. There are some huge fish and that is what you are looking for. I have just returned from my second visit. I can not recommend any river. IMO they are all as good as each other. I believe you need to go into the upper reaches. If you do know someone in Thailand it would help a great deal. I have only given you a brief discription/report on the place. I don`t think it is possible to accurately put in words.. As said before it is learn as you go. You will understand what i mean if you go. Put it in a thing to do while on holidays in Thailand. I stopped at a dumpy looking tackle shop and he was selling Ian Miller Rods for 950 Baht. I live in Nong Chok a suburb about 45 mins out of BKK when I visit . I have been there 5 times in 18 months. It is along way from the tourist spots. Other members maybe able to help you more.

I have heard of issues about cars being broken into due to its quietness and location. It has in the past had some issues at low tide but I believe that has been sorted out. I used it several years ago and had no issues. But yes things have changed since then. I have a friend that uses it and he has had no problems. But his boat is around 4.5mtr He has not had any issues about break-ins either. He travels from Penrith. Just remember to be aware of the wash from the hydrofoyle. It will pick up your boat and bounce it quite alarmingly. Enjoy the scenery on your trip down.

I am currently using th 5-8kg at the moment in the upper reaches of Thailand. great rod and it is holding its own against the hard fighting bass + talapia in the river. If you want to test your gear out this is a great place. But bring plenty of water. It so so hot you can boil water without a fire.

Like all things organisation is the key to a hassle free boat wash. The local car wash is the go for starters. Really gets into those hidden places and removes the salt and grime. What needed to be kept dry was put in a 50ltr storage container and any electricals had a cover. Fish were always cleaned on boat and stored in esky for the purpose. Knives had their own plastic storage box and cleaned before stored Pliers etc were given a light rub with baby oil and stored in container. Back home boat dry and out came the lubricants and a flush of the motor, Springs given liberal coating of parafin oil. My Rods and reals were never hosed but washed with soapy water and tooth brush. Reals dried with soft cloth. Boat garaged and Rods etc stored inside house. I had a 15ft tinny for 18 years and had a trouble free time with boat and motor for most part of that time. Regular maintenance of motor after each use with wipe downs and regular flushing when not in use helped. I did a maintenance course at Manly Tafe that helped my knowledge. Members of my fishing club also played an important role.

Yes I love when the police visit a certain area around Meadow Bank. They have cleaned up that spot and the regular Europeans/Middle East that frequent this spot have moved on. None have had a Fishing licence and we now have less pollution left behind. I gave the police another spot to check out and that is now pollution free. Even the wharf is a little cleaner with the reduction of fisho`s. I am not being racial with my comments but it was a known spot and factual. If you visit the spot now you will notice a big difference. Unfortunately it is now a dumping ground for well known takeaway litter. You can not win. I have also found that most inspectors are polite and friendly. They are also very thorough. But I do object to such scrutiny of your tackle. I was warned about having a tailor chopped up as bait fillets by on zealous inspector and another one that was butterflied. Interpretation of the rules can sometimes be elastic.

KOOKAS. I lived in Kempsy for a few years on some acreage. When I came back from a fishing trip the Kookas ( 4-5 of them ) would fly down and sit in my boat and wait for a feed of fish. I wasn`t game to not feed them something. Always had a pilchard or two . They also kept the property free of snakes.

GOLDEN RULE. Do not let anyone else but yourself hitch or unhitch your boat. >>>> If you have not done it yourself >>> It is not done. Do not ask your deckie have you done ????? Also talk to your deckie about what you do at a ramp. What you want him to do until he knows your system. >>>>>>> COMMUNICATION.

Ripper catch. How was the heart beat after you landed it. We know where the young lad will be on the weekend now. Congratulations DAD on helping him land the fish.

I just love taking a keen female partner out with me. You are guaranteed of a feed of fish. They have the knack of catching fish. Even newbies go great first time. They also pack a great feed to take out and look after you. I am always happy when they out fish you. A happy partner makes for a great relationship.

Great effort for your quick session. You must have been glad you made the time. You are keen to wade where you did. A good idea.

A4 loose leaf folder if you have the room Reason is there is plenty of room. I also don`t put hooks on them Bigger loops and unwind easier.

After my recent adventure/spare of the moment fishing trip in Thailand I am of the opinion this place has huge potential. As do`s other Asian countires. The upper reaches of thai rivers in central northern provinces are relatively untouched except by local village people who catch a feed to eat for themselves. I was astounded at how easy my mate and I were able to hook a fish at almost every cast. The fighting strength of these Bass was astonishing and great sport. Fishing out of dug outs was also inspiring. We did not have any special tackle. They were 6ft bottom bashing rods with cheap penn overheads. We were actually crazy to do what we did. All over a couple of Long Necks of LEO. ( beer ) Not a bad drop. It was a long drive but again we did not know where we were going. Just got on the road and drove. The fish reminded me of the Black Bass of New Guinea30 years ago. To set up a camp site for tours would be very cheap. If permitted by land owners and government. But it would be primitive and your toilet could be a problem. Was told mossies are as big as butterflies and pack a bite. To anyone who is going to Thailand, give a thought to one of these types of trips but better organised than what we did. You could quite easily have a great time and decide to forget about the tourist spots of Phuket and Pattaya. The heat was incredible as such it ruinesd a camera we took that sat in the sun. Reason for no pictures. AS I hope to live there in future. I am paying off house there now in Nong Chok. ( I support a mother and daughter there. ) it has given me a big encentive to explore the opportunity to conduct a few tours. I need to earn an income if I live there. As you may know Thailand was built on water in a way. There is fishing locally where I stay but have no idea how good it is. There are locals who use a large net like a super size crab net or yabby net that is dropped in the water from the land supported by a motor and a long pole. It scoops out the fish and bingo live fresh bass/perch. There was one fishing tackle shop but did not stop and look at it in Nong Chok. This is only a brief report. I think it better you go and see for yourself. I do not speak any Thai so I was not able to ask questions. Fishing is not that popular from what I can tell which surprised me. Happy days and enjoy what you do best.

Recently returned from Thailand. Took a trip into centre of Thailand in a spur of the moment fishing trip. Met another Aussie in a Big C supermarket., Nong Chok. After hitting the road at 4am we arrive somewhere in the middle of Thailand after 8 hours driving. A track off the main road to the Little Kwai river. Phattana Nikhorn District. A village on the side of the river. After some hand language and showing of our fishing tackle, ( made the natives laugh ) we were on the water in dug out canoes. In short mate and I never stopped catching these hard fighting Bass around 40.45 cm`s. We lasted a little more than an hour as the heat was unbearable. In all we caught 25 bass between us using chicken for bait.They were all kept for the village. After some hand shaking and thank you`s we left around 6pm. The village was primitive so we did not stay. No pictures were taken as our camera got cooked in this unbelieveable heat. It was left in the sun. This place has huge potential for guided tours. There seemed to be an abundance of bass. It was non stop fishing. Anyone looking for something to do take trip inland to this river. But be warned about the heat. Take plenty of bottled water. The river was quite clean as there is no mining there. There are little tributaries to the river. This is a bucket list destination.

If your game fish there during the night. It will freeze your ........... off so dress in ski gear. It is a great bream spot. Use a little burley.. I do not fish there anymore due to my mature age and respect for the body. I mainly used nippers but any number of baits will do. If it is crowded you know they are expected to be on the bite. Trevally and whiting will also make an appearance. If you can run a sounder over the area during the day to get an idea of the bottom and sus out a likely honey hole.

Try chewing gum. I found juicy fruit to be the best flavour. I also used those Python snakes. I thread it up my line about 3 inches and have one inch off the hook. Also have a Glow bead attached. Very good at night.

If you can handle the freezing cold conditions those tiddlers turn into monsters at night. That little paddle will produce some dream fish. Great part of the world you live in.

Great catch. Hope the better half enjoys the breakfast she will wake up to.. Very good size fish.

I used toilet cleaner. Sprayed it on and allowed to sit for five minutes. A good scrub and washed off with warm water. Took most of the dirt off. Gumption the bits left with a tooth brush. Also used the hose to remove grime. JUST BE CAREFUL you do not weaken the stitching of the vinyl. If that appears to be happening fix it quickly. Ditto Fab but make sure you thoroughly remove all residue/ The hose is a good way. Synthetic chamoise is a good item to use in the cleaning. A wipe with Pine o clean to freshen the boat.

Stock up on Fishing DVD`s. Perhaps you can practice tying some knots. Jazzing up some lures. Yeah totally agree with what you say. I always hope SBS has something interesting. If you are into soccer you are made.

I was told they intend to leave them open. Reason people are cutting holes in the fence or doing damage to the gate. But as other posters have said, Russian Roulette. Please remember to keep it clean. That has been an issue in the past as well. Good Luck to those that fish the spot.

The best way to reduce your cost of going fishing is to send the wife in to buy your fishing gear. With her credit card etc. IMO i think you should try and get the wife interested and go together fishing. They do make very good fishers and make good lunches etc for the day. Be patient and caring.

Spiral Hose. I found if I wrapped tape around the hose that it lasted longer. Did not like the quality of the plastic used. The sun and other elements quickly deteriated the plastic. Hose from a washing machine was much stronger and lasted longer. Fitting bits and pieces. > Would installing a bracket to the transom reduce the number of holes drilled. By using that bracket to attach your bits and pieces. Just some thoughts and thinking outside the square. I had an old 15ft tinny cut a heavy piece of ply to fit the transom. Bolted it on and Plenty of silastic etc. I know two different types of boats but just a thought. I oile/ sealed it with linsead oil Perhaps when you take the boat to the repairer ask him about what you can do. Could come up with a good idea.

Why not take the battery and charger to a battery dealer and ask for his opinion. They have all the testing equipment to see if the battery is able to be charged and what condition it is in. Hopefully they are understanding to your situation and give some good customer service and hopefully you may return to buy your next battery. Peace of mind first hand will go along way in preventing a good day turning bad.

Next time I am down there I will say good evening. I wear a yellow jacket with some reflector on it. ?????????? There have been a few jew caught there lately at the places you mention. Kissing point is often crowded.

It is extremely easy to ID your gear. You can on many reels remove a plate and inscribe your initials. As they did put the name of their boat. All my gear has a mark or two to identify my tackle including tackle box and knives. Very easy to do. Best time to do it is on a rainy day.