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Best fishing destinations in Asia

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Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
9.2
Fisheries led the national economy until tourism overtook them in 1985. About 22,000 people work in full time fishing. Pole and line accounts for about 65 percent of the skipjack tuna catch. The traditional dhoni carries eight to twelve people and was built from coconut wood. Tourists often join fishermen for big game.
Highlights:
  • 🌌 Watch a glowing beach at night on Vaadhoo Island
  • 🦈 Snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay
  • 🏝️ Stay in an overwater villa surrounded by turquoise lagoon
Okinawa Island
Reef beaches and Ryukyu Kingdom heritage
8.4
Yonaguni anglers land the largest marlin catches in Japan. The marlin season runs from February to November. Anglers first catch bonito or tuna for live bait and then troll. A marlin statue stands at Cape Irizaki. Off the main island, charters mostly catch mahi mahi and yellowfin tuna.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on white sands of Emerald and Zanpa Beaches
  • 🏯 Explore historic Shuri Castle, former Ryukyu Kingdom palace
  • 🐋 Visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, home to whale sharks
Japan
Bullet trains, temples, onsen and neon cities
10.0
Lake Akan in eastern Hokkaido holds whitespotted char, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and Sakhalin taimen. Seasons run from mid May to late June and from mid October to late November. A two week mayfly hatch in June draws feeding char. Tenkara, a rod only style with no reel, dates to the samurai era.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Admire Kyoto’s golden Kinkaku-ji Pavilion shimmering in sunlight
  • 🚶🏻 Walk the iconic Shibuya Crossing and feel Tokyo’s pulse
  • 🏔️ See Mount Fuji reflect on Lake Kawaguchi at sunrise
Mongolia
Land of endless steppes
7.7
The taimen appears to be the largest salmonid in the world. Most mature fish weigh 15 to 30 kilograms. The IGFA world record stands at 45.8 kilograms. Fish can live at least 55 years and the IUCN lists the species as Vulnerable. Anglers practice catch and release with barbless hooks to conserve dwindling populations.
Highlights:
  • 🛕 Visit the Gandan Monastery and observe morning prayers
  • 🌌 Stay overnight in a traditional ger under starry skies
  • 🐎 Ride a horse across the vast Mongolian steppe
Thailand
Land of smiles and contrasts
8.0
Ko Racha Yai and Ko Racha Noi off Phuket offer billfish, wahoo, mahi mahi and giant trevally. Billfish season peaks from October to April. A license is generally not required for rod fishing. A record 293 kilogram giant Mekong catfish was caught in northern Thailand. Fish in purpose built ponds are strictly catch and release.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Experience the lantern festival during Yi Peng in Chiang Mai
  • 🌃 Explore Chiang Mai’s night markets and street food
  • 🏯 Visit the ornate Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha
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