Catch the world's biggest fish at Bungsamran, Thailand

Anyone who thinks there's no great Bangkok fishing hasn't been to Bungsamran, a tin quarry turned 40-acre fishing lake on the outskirts of the city stocked with 50 species of enormous fish.

These fish are big and photo-worthy. They're easy to hook, but not easy to reel in. Battles of half an hour or longer between man and fish-monster are common on Bungsamran's docks. (For real fishermen stocked ponds constitute cheating, but we'll look the other way.)

Among Bungsamran's stocks are some of the largest freshwater fish species in the world -- 20 international fishing records have been set here -- including the Picu and Arapeima from the Amazon and carp and catfish from waters closer to home. Species heavyweights can weigh as much as 500 pounds.

Not all of Bungsamran's creatures are massive beasts, but fish weighing less than 25 pounds are hard to find in the lake's ten-meter waters. The fishing will more likely wear out your back before it wears down your patience.  

Rental gear is available. Bungsamran is a bait-only lake. The bait is a mixture of bread crusts, coconut milk and flavoring additives that you pack into baseball-sized bait balls yourself.

Don't expect to bring home your dinner. Bungsamran is strictly a catch-and-release lake, so pictures are all you can take home of these Bangkok fishing leviathans. 

Bungsamran's central community pier is usually hopping with social activity -- it's a good place to hang out to watch slimy, heaving beasts being reeled in every few minutes. Post-fishing diversions include a cappuccino bar, restaurant stocked with fine wine, massage parlor, pool tables, video arcade, two large tackle stores and a mini-mart.

Bungalows are for rent on the edge of the lake.

Non-Thais working in the country can bring a copy of their work permit to Bungsamran to get the Thai rate on daily fishing fees (400 baht vs. 1,000 baht).

21/596 Soi Nawamin, 42 Nawamin Road, Bangkok. Tel: +66 (0)2 734 9272