The Maldivian atolls are surrounded with aquatic life and varied species of fish. While fishing is an economically important activity it is also a popular recreational activity among tourists and locals.
The best fishing grounds in the Maldives appear to be the wholly or partially enclosed coral lagoons that teem with reef fish and the deep ocean just off the coral shelf that is part of the 900,000 sq km regarded as part of the exclusive Maldivian fishing zone. This area is inhabited with pelagic fish, bait fish and predators such as shark and tuna. The greatest volumes of fish in the Maldives come from this area.
Maldives has long been on international radar as a fishing destination especially for recreational fishing given the accessibility of its abundant marine and aquatic life and the sports fishing facilities offered by many resorts. Fishing grounds are practically on the doorstep of the resorts and fish caught according to local methods with line and weights or using modern equipment. Taking a fishing trip on a live aboard from which the best fishing sites can be identified while cruising around is certainly one of the best ways to fish in Maldivian waters. Big game fishing can also be done as a day trip from the resorts. However the types of fish that can be caught depend on the weather. Although the country experiences fair weather through most parts of the year, changing ocean temperatures can affect underwater currents and thereby the movement of fish. Marlin, sail fish, wahoo and yellow fin tuna are plentiful during the early months of the year. All big game fishing is based on a tag and release policy and whatever is caught has to be released. Spear fishing is prohibited.
Traditionally Maldivians were not interested in reef fish. Catching of reef fish was limited to bait fish for their pole and line fishing method. With the explosion of the tourism industry and socio-economic changes the reef fishing industry has expanded exponentially. Reef fishing can be carried out anywhere, from boats, from shore in the daytime and even at night. There are few restrictions for this activity and these apply to fishing in restricted areas such as Marine Protected Areas.
Every holiday maker looks for that perfect spot for a once in a life time holiday experience. Naladhu Maldives one of idyllic Maldives Island resorts is able offer just the place for a dream holiday. Spacious pool villas with modern comforts, dining venues with excellent choices of cuisines, gorgeous views, privacy and serenity, relaxing and rejuvenating spa therapies and a stream of in house leisure activities are among the excellent facilities and services that come together to provide that once in a lifetime experience at this popular Maldives hotel.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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