Thailand really is the land of giant catfishes. For many anglers catfish fishing in Thailand – even smaller catfish species are way bigger than most fish they have caught before. A day catfish fishing in Bangkok or Chiang mai at a Thai fishing park can produce up to 30 or more catches in a day (average 15-50kg (33lb-11lb)) of the world’s largest catfish the Giant Mekong catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) and the Striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) among other species
Baits used for catfish fishing in Thailand varies. Predatory catfish like the Chao phraya catfish (Pangasius santiwongsei) and the Thai red tail catfish (Hemibargus wyckioides) can be caught using live or dead fish baits aswell as lures and large streamer saltwater style flies. For most other catfish species fishing batfishaits would be bread mix and rice flour (lum) mix with additives and flavourings. Hair rigged baits like sausage and meaty baits can also be very effective. Worms are always good especially for walking catfish (Clarias batrachus).
The Catfish species of Thailand.
The Chao Phraya catfish (Pangasius santiwongsei) is named after the river which flows through Bangkok. This predatory catfish is very striking looking with its long fins and shark looking shape. Chao Phraya catfish can often be seen circling in lakes, their position given away by black fins protruding from the waters surface…more>>
The Giant Mekong catfish (Pangsaianodon gigas) is a member of the shark catfish family and reaches enormous proportions. This native Thai fish is currently recognized by the Guinness book of records as the largest freshwater fish species. This is the true king of fish and is recognized and well respected for its immense fighting power…more>>
The Striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) is found in Thailand in the Mekong basin as well as the Chao Phraya river. Also called the Iridescent and Siamese Shark It is heavily stocked in fishing parks and reservoirs throughout the country. Its main interest is as a food fish aswell as to anglers fishing in Thailand…more>>
Thai Redtail catfish (Hemibagrus wykioides) is a predatory catfish whch feeds mainly on fish. Known in Thai as Plah kot Haang Daeng can be found in many natural lakes and rivers around Thailand but is a rare catch compared to the Amazon Red tail…more>>
The Walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) could be the most commonly encountered fish in Thailand. On any day they can be seen on barbecues all around Bangkok city. Plah duk as its known in Thai is stocked in every fishing lake and park in Thailand as default. They can also be found in about every water body in the country…more>>