Asia – the largest continent on our planet has seacoasts in all directions — the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Indian Ocean to the south — and not least a part of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean to the west of the continent. Asia also has an impressive freshwater fishery in its rivers and lakes — from the world’s largest freshwater rays in the Mekong to the fearsome Goonch in the Himalayan Mountains, there is certainly something for every angler.
Whether popping or jigging on the Andaman Islands, marlin fishing on the Burma Banks, spinning or fly fishing for mahseer in the rivers of the Himalayas — the possibilities are pretty much unlimited.
Fish species:
Dogtooth Tuna
The dogtooth tuna, native to the Indian Ocean, is without question one of the most interesting sport fish. Fish exceeding 100 kg are possible. The fearsome teeth often cut through monofilament lines. “Doggies are caught both when jigging and with natural bait and are both diurnal and nocturnal predators. The first escape during the fight is brutal – once you have survived this, the chances of catching the fish are good.
Black Marlin
The second largest marlin species – although if you were to go by the still valid IGFA world record (black marlin: 1560 pounds, blue marlin: 1402 pounds), the black marlin would even be ahead. However, professional fishermen have already caught much bigger “blues”. In any case, it is a gigantic swordtail that can only be distinguished at first glance by experts due to its similarity to its blue relative.
Good stocks of black marlin can be found on the Burma Banks off the coast of Myanmar. Fishing is done with artificial lures.
Goonch
This fish, also known as the “devil catfish”, does not bear its name without good reason. Its appearance alone reveals that it is a rather nasty contemporary. The goonch is anything but easy to catch – only natural bait is used. It is found in a few rivers in the Himalayan mountains in the border region between India and Nepal. Many horror stories surround this fish – not least its reputation as a “man-eater”, which probably originates from the fact that Indians traditionally burn their dead on the rivers and the Goonch is said to have adapted its diet accordingly. However, this has not been proven….
