We usually fish between 25 to 35 NM from Port Blair but it is possible to take one or two extra long expeditions during your stay (there will be a smaller fuel surcharge). These reefs don’t see much fishing pressure as the number of sport fishing boats in all of the Andamans is very low – it must be due to the complexity of getting the necessary permits to run these operations since the area has been known amongst poppings anglers and one of the world’s premier hunting grounds for GTs in all sizes, with lots of other surprises thrown in.
Both popping and jigging techniques are very effective in these waters. During the early months of the season popping is extremely effective and very productive; hence our trips during the early part of the season will normally be planned for maximum popping and few jigging sessions. As the season progresses our trips are planned mixing both popping and jigging more or less equally. The fish found in Andaman waters are very aggressive, making the perfect match for any saltwater angler who wants to target them on artificial lures: Lots of explosive top water strikes, heavy knee crushing runs while using popping and jigging techniques.
With numerous rocky shorelines and shallow and deep water near to shore drop offs, popping alongside rock cliffs of islands have produced substantial hook ups. Landing a monster from these shallow and rocky structures is another matter! We fish plenty of reefs and underwater pinnacles and structures; there are simply so any different opportunities in these waters.
The most predominant target species in these waters is giant trevally (GT); the big specimens with an average weight range of 20 to 35 kg but often tipping 45 kg. School size GTs ranging from 5-15 kg are plenty.
Other sought after species are dogtooth and yellowfin tuna, both are found in decent quantities and sizes ranging from 15-40 kg but often tipping 50-55 kg marks. Yellowfin tunas arrive in Andaman waters during later part of the season (April to May) and they are mainly targeted on poppers. Many other species that are caught throughout the season, including bluefin trevally, bigeye trevally, red snappers, coral trout, barracuda, wahoo, sailfish etc.
On jigging, drop offs and reefs have been producing excellent catches on 150 to 300 grams jigs trip after trip. With 200 grams jigs in 40-60 meters jigging spots many monsters has been hooked, but sadly the fish win more battles than fishermen in these spots.
Another fishing technique gaining popularity recently is Micro jigging; jigging with ultra-light jigging setups rigged with PE1 to PE2 lines and using jigs up to 40 grams. It can be used all day long and you get to catch and see countless reef species.