The Siamese Carp, also known as the Giant Barb, is the largest member of the Cyprinidae Carp family. Native only to Southeast Asia, these freshwater species are now considered critically endangered, with populations declining drastically due to habitat loss and overfishing. However, they have been stocked into a wide range of man-made lakes across Thailand, thriving in such environments.
The Siamese Carp are fast growers and can gain 15lb to 20lb per year in the correct environment; fully mature fish have been known to grow over 500lb in weight, but the biggest ever caught by an angler is a specimen on 232lbs. In many of the lakes in Thailand, anglers regularly catch fish between 75lb to 100lb. They are the juggernauts of the freshwater world, and a species on every self-respecting freshwater anglers hit list. With their size comes immense power that will leave the angler feeling battered and bruised but almost definitely wanting more and more.
Despite their rugged fighting qualities and extreme power, the Siamese Carp have an incredibly conservative nature and can be tricky to catch. Popular European fishing styles of method feeders, hair rigs and boilies are probably the most effective way of targeting them.
Below are the top destinations in the world for Siamese Carp Fishing.
Exclusive to Sportquest Holidays, we have teamed up with our guides in Thailand. We are very pleased to offer you this 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.
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.
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"What a great place, people so friendly. fishing guides the greates, pool to relax after(you will need it after you catch a mekong). beutiful setting, great for me and the wife who does not fish, every one so helpful.
Ended up the highlight of my 21 day Thailand trip, if you love to fish give it a go, i will return, the big one awaits me. caught fish up tp 300lb, so cool, listen to guides they help so much, words can not explain what you get. the addrenalin rush when your line takes off."
"Just stayed 10 nights at Gillham's and could not have been happier. Thank you Stuart, Sean, and the rest of the crew for all your help. Best place in the world for an opportunity to catch (and photograph) your favourite big fish. Arapaima, giant Siamese carp, Mekong catfish to name just a few. 48+ species, several over 100lbs, and a few world records all at one location.
Scenery, food, staff, and accommodation all excellent. Free wi-fi. And only a few kms to some of the most beautiful beaches in the planet. Spend a few minutes on the website to learn about the resort, amenities, fishing guidelines, species, etc. If you enjoy fishing, go to Gillhams!"
"This place is amazing!! This is a paradise for every angler!!
my boyfriend and i stayed the for 3 nights last week and we can't complain. He caught 13 fishes in 3 days including 80-85 kg Arapaima. People who work there are so friendly and they are always there for you. I'm not fishing but you can use infinity pool and free wifi plus you can enjoy watching your man fishing many different huge fishes. We definitely coming back next year. Thank you very much Sportquest!!
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