Andaman Islands for Christmas

**mattharvey1** · 29-09-2008, 14:31

Hi all,

I don't post on here that often but I am going to the Andaman Islands for Christmas and the New year and I'm bursting with excitement already.

I know there's a few of you that have been but I was wondering of I could get some direct advice.

Where are the best places to be based to get some decent fishing from the shore and do you know who the best boat operators are (do they generally go from Port Blair?). I see that most of the shoreline looks fairly shallow so are there good fish to be had from here or do you have to wade out.
Also are there some deep water spots to fish from (Rocks, Jetties etc). I don't think I will be able to afford a full on Sport fishing boat for the whole time I am there so what are the chances of finding a friendly local who speaks English with a boat who I can hire on a cheaper basis ?

All advice gratefully received, thanks in advance.

Matt

**Alessandro** · 29-09-2008, 16:07

I say that you base yourself at Havelock and do excursions to Neil Island. I was there before boxing day tsunami, so I don´t know how much jetties are left?

**Patudo** · 01-10-2008, 00:19

Matt,

Akshay from http://www.gamefishingindia.com/ may be able to help. He's based in Port Blair right now but fishes out of Havelock I think. He runs two boats one of which is a smaller outboard vessel of 20 odd feet and may be able to point you towards locals who may take you fishing. Anyway try and get hold of him and tell him that the fellow from London recommended him to you. Good luck over there, look forward to your report when you get back.

Best regards

P.

**mattharvey1** · 01-10-2008, 16:37

Thanks guys,

Patudo, I have emailed Akshay and await his reply. [I did email the company a week or so ago but they must be out fishing eh ;o}

What gear would you fellas [or anyone] recommend taking with me ?

Cheers

Matt

**j0hnb0y** · 01-10-2008, 17:04

when i go, (soon hopefully, the Andaman's look awesome) i will take ym shimano beastmaster and greys popper. the greys is for throwing heavy lures, upwards of 2oz if distance is required and perhaps for GT's. The beastmaster is for plugging with UK-style bass plugs. 35lb braid mainline and another, heavier reel with 50 - 60lb braid. Mono is always good to have if plugging near snags and rocks. wire traces are always handy too. the greys popper will also be ok for livebaiting and ledgering so take some small hooks for catching sardines etc and some larger hooks to bait them with. livebait is usually the best kind of lure so you can cut back on plugs. not as much fun though!

let us know how you get on. i really want to go early next year. enjoy!

**EL INGLES** · 02-10-2008, 17:34

i am off to the Andamans this November and will be fishing there until April on a new boat there. The boss is only charging 300€ per day for the whole boat in Decmber to cover fuel cost while we explore. Anyone interested just drop me a mail. bocinegro@hotmail.com
cheers,
Jason.

**mattharvey1** · 13-12-2008, 13:02

Hi Guy's,

Just wanted to say thanks very much for all your help over the last few weeks/months in preparation for my trip to The Andaman Islands.
Unfortunately I couldn't raise the cash for the reel and rod combo and bits and pieces I wanted to get imported from Australia.

However I have found a UK based company that is a Bluewater specialist online/mail order outfit called RokMax www.rokmax.com and I can get the whole kit and caboodle, rod and reel including all the terminal bits and pieces, lures, etc for £500 and delivered to me next day.

Getting very excited now!

The reel I'm getting is a Quantam Cabo PT 80 http://www.rokmax.com/product.php?pr...+Spinning+Reel and I'm thinking of teaming that up with a Star Rods Plasma Offshore http://www.rokmax.com/product.php?pr...+Spinning+Rods

The question I now have is:

The rod I have in mind The heavy Plasma is a fast action rod so the top 15inches or so is soft and then it locks up.
The alternative is the Star Handcrafted rods which have a Parabolic curve or through action but are a bit stiffer overall. http://www.rokmax.com/product.php?pr...+Spinning+Rods

In both rod makes I would be going for the heaviest stick.

What is the best option for casting and making sure I can extract the fish away from danger quickly?

Cheers

Matt