A passionate adventure fisherman, filmmaker and photographer, I love travelling the world to fish for exotic species in fresh or saltwater. It’s not just about the fishing for me, it’s the whole package, the country, wildlife, and people you meet when travelling. I am most at home while trotting a float down an English river for Chub, Barbel or even throwing a giant 200G popper for GT’s in the Andamans. I am a big fan of surface fishing and just love the sight of a big fish hitting the lure.
How long have you been fishing? When did you start?
I started when I was 8 years old, that means I have been fishing 38 years! It was my Dad who took me fishing to an old clay pit where I had an 8lbs Pike attack my lure right next to my feet! I have been a passionate fisherman ever since that day.
What do you like the best about fishing in the Andaman Islands?
I love the variety of fishing in the Andamans; one minute you can be throwing poppers over a shallow reef for big GT’s, the next, micro jigging for every colourful reef fish you can imagine. The scale of the Andamans is great too, and with fast boats you can reach plenty of marks that have not been hammered on a daily basis. The jigging opportunities are great, and you are never too far away from a stunning reef or drop off. I really rate the Dogtooth tuna fish in the Andamans, as a very prolific fish in this area. Along with fishing, the wildlife and stunning Island scenery makes it a very special place.
What are your tackle recommendations for large fish in general?
If you are travelling regularly for various fishing experiences, it’s worth investing in quality fishing gear, especially while fishing for the big tropical predators. Brands such as Daiwa and Shimano are well known for their quality fishing reels and are a must for larger fish. There are a lot of well-known and good quality brands for fishing rods which are available. As big fish don’t come along all the time its best to fish with a balanced gear, so you fish effectively for at least an hour before a break.
Keeping the end rig simple is always best. A good quality braid and a strong leader tied with an FG knot is my standard go to rig. Also where possible, I favour strong singles on lures which give a better hook hold and cannot be levered out as easily as trebles.
What is your all-time favourite lure for GT fishing?
Craft Bait GT3!
What is the most interesting fishing experience you have had so far?
Fishing in remote lagoons in the Amazon Jungle, with indigenous tribal pointing bows and arrows at us! They were not happy. We had got prior permission to fish in the Lagoons from the local Chief, but he had forgotten to inform his villagers! That was exhilarating and scary at the same time.
What would be your message for the young generation of anglers?
Try all types of fishing – bait fishing, lure fishing and fly fishing. Don’t become obsessed with just big fish, even the smaller species can be great fun on the right tackle.
What did you enjoy during your fishing trip and why you are returning with us in the Andaman Islands. Would you revisit and how do you rate our service?
I highly recommend Game fishing Asia. Having fished with many operators around the world, I have found that GFA are one of the best. I have done six trips with GFA so far, and every one of them has been memorable.
Great service, enthusiastic guides and of course a fantastic fishing experience in a beautiful setting lures me back each time. GFA push the boundaries with their fast boats and are always looking for new areas to provide the best fishing experience. While planning a special trip to the Andamans for Popping & Jigging, GFA is the only outfit I would use.
Which is your must visit list / bucket list for fishing ?
Must visit list
India, Andaman Islands – GT, Dogtooth
Northern India – Mahseer,
Colombia – Peacock Bass
Zambia – Tigerfish,
Uganda Murchison Falls – Nile Perch
Bucket list – PNG, Panama Las Perlas Islands
What was the biggest fish you caught till date?
A 380lbs Sturgeon from the Fraiser River, in Canada British Colombia.
