Traditionally fishing has been the main blood-stream of the economy and the islanders' principal source of income. Even today it still employs half the Maldivian workforce. The fishing dhoani(locally built boat) are privately owned and usually keep a crew of eight or so, although in the north they tend to carry more. With over 99 percent of the total area of the Maldives consisting of water, the country boasts some of the best fishing grounds in the world. The fish stock of the Maldives include over a thousand species, some of which are indigenous to the Maldives.

Sport fishing

Fishing in the Maldives waters can be an adventure of a lifetime. Not only is there a lot of fish , there is a lot of huge fish. Maldivian seas are blue and deep and the fish numerous and varied. Sailfish, giant trevally, grouber, marlin, shark, kingfish, bonefish, huge tuna, wahoo, barracuda and jackfish are common and will propably be the fish you will be fihgting in the Maldives.

One of the main fish you will want to hook on a fly is Giant Trevally. Our skippers will take you right on the schools of 30 - 80 pound GTs. Quietly and peacefully swimming above and around the reefs, these fierce fighters won't miss your fly as soon as it hits the surface. They will get to the end of the backing in no time.

Fishing methods

The methods of fishing vary depending on the type of fish that you want to catch and the time of the day that you prefer. Trolling is a method used for big-game fishing. You wil be trolling for sailfish, marlin, dogtooth tune and dorado.

Other propular method is reef casting but 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.

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. There you will be looking for thropy bonefish and smaller giant trevally. There are tons of GT ont the flats and you will be waiting for the on the rising tide.

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 season

The Maldives can be fished all year around as most fish species are resident. However even if the fishing remains good, it is not recommended to take a trip between May and July as these months correspond with the rainy season.

Fishing spots

Most of the sport fishing done in the Maldives usually happens around the main tourist resorts located around the capital city Male. During your trip, Male will only be the point of departure of your fishing cruise. Aboard the most lucurious family sice crise ship currently operating in Maldives. GP's crew will take you ont he cruise towards explored territories, away from any sort of fishing pressure possible, either south or north of the country, depending on the fishing conditions.