Arapaima are considered to be one of the oldest freshwater fish on the planet and are considered living fossils by many. Once only found in the Amazon River, Arapaima have now found themselves being introduced into many freshwater lakes around Thailand. These Arapaima are incredible leapers and can propel themselves above the water once hooked. Capable of growing to a length of 10 feet, as you can imagine, these fish are a very prized and delicate catch in many freshwater lakes across the world.
The beautiful Gillhams fishing lake resort is located in the stunning area of Krabi Southern Thailand and is surrounded by limescale Karsts which are covered in a protected tropical rain forest. The resort can cater for single anglers, pairs, groups and we can also arrange full lake exclusivity... Read more
Join us an a amazing Amazon adventure where just 6 lucky guests each week will have the daily opportunity to catch Arapaima all exclusively on the fly. With 6.5 days of pure magic ahead of each group this will be an adventure you will remember for a very longtime... Read more
Exclusive to Sportquest Holidays, we have teamed up with our guides in Thailand and we are very pleased to be able to offer you this very unique chance of fishing for lots of different species from different lakes around the magnificent city of Bangkok. One day you could be fishing for 140kg Arapaima, the next Alligator Gar to 30kg... Read more
Thailand is an amazing place and with all the different species of fish that live there, we thought it was time to offer them to you. We have access to the one and only Predator Lake, which offers anglers the chance to do battle with such fish as Arapaima and the famous Redtail Catfish that grow to gigantic sizes... Read more
Visit the best destination in the world to catch Arapaima all exclusively on the fly. Enjoy 6.5 days fishing at Pirarucu Lodge, which is the largest Arapaima fishing reserve on this planet, all set in the stunning Amazon rainforest. Also how about on average catching 3.5 Arapaima EACH day, plus many other species all on your fly rod... Read more
Name: Arapaima
Scientific name: Sudis gigas
Description: The Arapaima is torpedo-shaped with large blackish-green scales and red markings. It is streamlined and sleek, with its dorsal and anal fin set near its tail. The Arapaima has a fundamental dependence on surface air to breathe. In addition to gills, it has a modified and enlarged swim bladder, composed of lung-like tissue, which enables it to extract oxygen from the air.
Average size: The Arapaima can reach sizes of over 3 meters long and 400lb in weight but the average you will catch is around 50lb.
Where to catch: This hard-hitting monster can be found in many man-made lakes in Asia, Gilham Fishing Resort being the most famous one that has many monsters in its lakes. Alternatively if you fancy trying to tame a natural monster from its habitat then the Amazonian rainforest of Brazil is the place to head to.
Fishing methods: Fishing on the fly is a favoured method of targeting these fish, using heavy rods, lines and big flies to tame the monsters that live there. Alternatively, when fishing the lakes a nice dead fish bait suspended under a float accounts for many fish. Just make sure that your tackle is up to the job as these fish can really pull hard.
