Fishing in Maldives

The waters of the Maldives have a great diversity and variety of aquatic life. Apart from tourism, Fishing in the Maldives is one of the main economic industries of the country. The lagoons, coral reefs and ocean around the archipelago are home to many interesting fish Species.

Reef Fishing

Fishing the reefs of the Maldives with cut bait can produce all kinds of tropical bottom fish. Around the atolls and coral reefs you can target grouper, snapper, jacks, shark and bream, for example.

Deep Sea Fishing in the Maldives

The archipelago lies on a volcanic mountain range that is oriented roughly north-south. Sailing west and east, the seabed slopes down to deep areas, home to pelagic fish. Big game species such as blue marlin, black marlin, sailfish, wahoo, yellowfin tuna and skipjack troll forage fish in the open ocean. Trolling is the most common deep sea fishing technique in the Maldives.

Jigging and popping

Jigging and popping in the Maldives are probably the most spectacular techniques. Giant jacks, bluefin trevally, queenfish and rainbow runners will take poppers over the reefs. Large jigs are also used to target them in deeper areas, for example, near drop-offs. Here, you can also fish for dogtooth tuna, yellowfin tuna, various tropical grouper and humphead wrasse, for example.

Fly Fishing and Inshore Fishing

The Maldives is a unique fly fishing destination. There is nothing more exciting than wading the flats in search of a fish that is in casting range. Depending on the species you are targeting, you will need an 8 or 9 wt rig for smaller fish, larger fish such as GT require a 10 or 12 wt rig. Make sure your reel has enough backing (200-250 yards).

Inshore fly fishing in the Maldives will produce tropical species such as Indo-Pacific permit, giant jacks, bonefish, bonefish, triggerfish and bluefin mackerel.

Maldives has two distinct seasons, the dry season with the northeast monsoon (January to April) and the wet season with the southwest monsoon (May to November). Each season has different fishing conditions due to changes in currents, different visibility in the water, other water temperatures and changes in the amount of plankton.

The dry season (January - April)

In the dry season, the northeast monsoon causes northeast currents and water visibility improves on the east side of the islands. During the dry season, water temperature rises to 30°C and billfish prefer to pray on forage fish in deeper water.

The Rainy Season (May - November)

Towards the end of April, beginning of May, the southwest monsoon begins to bring relatively cooler waters from the south. Underwater visibility in the western atolls during the southwest monsoon is usually 10 to 15 meters.

This is a good time to fish for yellowfin tuna and other pelagic fish approaching the landing.

Fishing on reefs is fairly stable all year round. Grouper, snapper, barracuda, jacks and pompano can be caught all year round in the Maldives.

Apart from fishing in the Maldives, you can also enjoy the area by biking, snorkeling, diving, sailing, hiking, and much more.

Discover the local customs and food in the bars and restaurants on each island.

Visit a sandbank in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

Fishing in the Maldives in principle, either from shore or from a Boat, does not require a fishing license.

When renting a Fishing boat, the boat license is included in the Price of the Trip.

Depending on the Boat and the Duration of your Fishing trip, you will pay more or less for the trip. The Price for a 4 hours Fishing trip in Maldives is 423€. An 8 hours Fishing trip will cost you between 1200€.

What is included in the price?

The Price usually includes the Captain, fishing equipment, fuel, bait and lures and licenses. In each ad we indicate if drinks and food are Included.

Once the Booking is made, the Captain will contact you to arrange the meeting point and the time of departure. We also recommend that you contact the Captain a couple of days before the trip to confirm the weather forecast.