Many of the world’s great river systems sit in Asia. What begins in a trickle high in the Himalayas grows to a delta by the time it reaches the ocean and becomes full of aquatic life. Elsewhere huge lakes and pristine streams in untouched regions of China and Mongolia are teaming with fish. As the population grows though, over fishing is a major concern, especially on the coasts, this is why the farthest and remote reaches of the land are some of the best places for angling.
- Ponoi River, Mongolia
At this untrammeled river in Mongolia you’ll find Taimen Salmon, an almonid that weighs in at more than 100 pounds and measures 70 plus inches.
- Mekong River, Thailand/Laos
Huge catfish, Siamese Carp, and Arapaima the size of trucks ply these waters and competitions each year try to remove them. Think Spain’s Rio Ebro but much more intense.
- Lake Baikal, Mongolia
More than 50 species of fish populate this huge lake that’s fed by several hundred rivers and streams in Russia, Siberia, and Mongolia. Bullhead, Sturgeon, and Omul are some of the most prized catches.
- Phuket, Thailand
The crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea are teaming with Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, and even Trevally.
- Andaman Islands, India
The rarely visited Andaman’s offer some of the most intense sport fishing in Asia. Black and Blue Marlin, Broadbill Swordfish, Sailfish, Yellowfin and Dogtooth Tuna, and Giant Trevally are all on the menu.
- Ceylon, Sri Lanka
The continental shelf sits just offshore of the Sri Lankan coast, making sport fishing here legendary. The sport is still in its infancy here, which is good news if you’re after Swordfish, Marlin, Skipjack, or Sailfish.
- Borneo, Malaysia
The South China Sea surrounding this Malaysian jungle clad island is prime deep sea fishing grounds with sufficient offerings of Marlin, Barracuda, Mahi-Mahi, and Sailfish.
- Maldives
Fishing off the reef for Bonefish or in the deep sea for tuna, jacks, groupers, snapper, or barracuda are a dram come true in the waters surrounding this tropical paradise.
- Hong Kong, China
Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Kwun Tong Bays are all fishing hot spots favored by the locals, while the seas a bit further out are prime for big catches like Marlin and Sailfish.
- Shurakuen Fishing Hole, Japan
Smack dab in the middle of Tokyo, this centuries old 756 square foot fishing hole stocked with wild Japanese Carp is one of the best retreats from the city within the city.