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Fishing enthusiasts looking for a unique and thrilling experience should look no further than Gillhams Fishing Resort in Thailand. Nestled in a stunning national park surrounded by lime-scale karsts, Gillhams is a world-renowned 5-star destination for anglers seeking to catch monster fish.
With many world record-sized fish in their lake, anglers are sure to have an unforgettable fishing experience.
Gillhams is also known for its exceptional service and amenities. The resort boasts a five-star rating on TripAdvisor, with reviewers praising the resort’s cleanliness, location, and value.
Exploring Gillhams Fishing Resort
Gillhams is a paradise for anglers who want to experience fishing in Thailand. The resort is located in the southern province of Krabi (around 500 miles south of Bangkok) and boasts a spectacular setting in a tropical rainforest. The location offers a unique fishing experience for anglers of all levels, catering to couples, families, single anglers, and group bookings.
Location And Setting
The resort is built around a 12-acre lake surrounded by lush greenery and towering limestone cliffs. The lake is home to various fish species, including Arapaima, Siamese Carp, and Giant Mekong Catfish. The resort is located just 19km from the seaside town of Ao-Nang, making it easily accessible to visitors.
In addition to the main lake, there is a smaller lake suited for beginners or kids, which holds 26 different species which range from 1kg to 20kg. If you are staying and fishing at the main lake, you can also spend time at no extra cost in the smaller one. It can also be rented at an hourly rate.
Species Of Fish Available To Catch
Gillhams allows anglers to target over 50 different species of fish to catch. The lake is home to some of the largest freshwater fish in the world, including the Arapaima, which can grow up to 2.5m in length and weigh up to 200kg. Other more popular species of fish available include Siamese Carp, Giant Mekong Catfish, and Alligator Gar.
Many anglers target the giant carp. There are seven varieties at Gillhams, including common carp, siamese carp, big head carp, and my favourite, the Juliens golden carp. Using tactics from their home country, carp anglers will revel in targeting these monster carp.
Fishing Packages And Pricing
At Gillhams, they offer a range of fishing packages to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are the two main types of packages available:
Day Passes
For those looking for a short fishing experience, the resort offers day passes. These passes allow anglers to fish for a full day, including all fishing equipment and a guide. The basic day pass starts at just £80 and includes transfers from and return to the following areas: Krabi airport, Krabi Town, Ao-Nang, Nopparat Thara, Ao-Nammao, Klong Muang or Tubkaak.
Take note that day tickets are only available if all the accommodation is full.
Extended Stays
You can choose multiple extended stay options for those who want to stay longer and enjoy a more comprehensive fishing experience. The resort can accommodate single anglers, pairs, groups, and even complete lake exclusivity. A minimum of one week at the resort is the best length of time to both enjoy the fishing and discover the nearby areas of interest.
Accommodation includes all the expected amenities such as a TV, fridge, a safe, aircon, and free Wi-Fi. The bedroom options range from one, two, and even a three-bedroom private pool villa. The basic package starts at around £1,750 per person for a seven-night stay, which includes transfers from and return to the following areas: Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, Ao-Nang, Nopparat Thara, Ao-Nammao, Klong Muang or Tubkaak. The package includes all fishing equipment, bait, and an extremely knowledgeable guide.
For those looking for a more luxurious experience, the resort also offers VIP packages that include a private swimming pool and chef-prepared meals. The VIP package starts at £3,000 per person for a seven-night stay and includes all fishing equipment and a guide.
Overall, there are very few places where you can enjoy a comprehensive fishing experience in a beautiful and serene environment, which offers a range of fishing packages to suit all budgets and preferences.
Note that No night fishing is allowed at the fishery, and anglers are only allowed to fish between 7 am and 7 pm.
Best Time To Visit Gillhams
Thailand is a tropical country with a monsoon seasonality. While April to January is considered the best period, this is not to say at other times, you will blank. As with every type of fishing, there are always good and bad days!
The Complete Fishing Experience!
It is a world-renowned destination for anglers seeking the ultimate fishing vacation in Thailand. The lake holds some of the largest freshwater fish in the world.
Guided Fishing
One of the unique features of Gillhams is the availability of expert fishing guides who provide personalised fishing experiences to guests. These guides are experienced anglers with in-depth knowledge of the lake and its inhabitants. They provide invaluable advice on the best tackle and techniques to utilize for each species of fish and are always on hand to offer assistance and support to guests.
The guides can tailor the fishing experience to guests’ individual needs, whether they are experienced anglers or beginners. They can provide instruction on casting, baiting, and hooking techniques and help guests identify the different fish species in the lake. The guides are also knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna. They also provide information about the natural environment and wildlife surrounding the lake.
Tackle And Techniques To Use
Guests are provided a full range of high-quality tackle and equipment to use during their stay, including front drag Fox EOS reels and top of the range 6lb test curve Cat Tamer rods. If you prefer to use a baitrunner reel, such as a Shimano, you can bring one from home.
The Fox mini bite alarms and swinger indicators for bite detection are provided. It is recommended that you leave all terminal tackle (including hooks, line, etc) at home and use the setups made by the guides.
The resort also has a tackle shop on site that stocks everything from rods and reels to hooks and bait. Guests can also bring their own tackle if they prefer but within certain limitations.
The fishing techniques vary depending on the species of fish being targeted. In general, most methods will catch both predator and non-predator fish. Your guide will ask you what specific fish you want to target.
Two rod setups are standard and included in the package, with an additional rod costing 2,800 baht per day.
Clothing And Other Apparel To Bring With You
What isn’t provided by Gillhams are sunglasses. Also, ensure that you stock up on sunscreen skin protection before you leave home and use it regularly throughout the day to ensure you get ample coverage from the sun.
A light rain jacket and quality head torch for use in low-light conditions can help make setting up rigs easier.
Lastly, clothing! Shirts and t-shirts (or even better, a guide shirt) are perfectly fine to wear while fishing and around the resort. I strongly suggest you always wear a hat, as these are a must to protect your head from being burned.
Bait Selection And What To Use
The guides provide bait, and you will be allocated approximately 2kg of pellets daily. If you run out, more can be purchased from the onsite shop. In addition to pellets, you can buy their own boilies at 500 baht and pop-ups at 300 baht per tub.
Bringing any bait yourself is not recommended, as this can be confiscated. However, if you want to try an alternative bait, a few tins of luncheon meat and some PVA bags are something to consider bringing.
For example, for predatory fish such as arapaima and alligator gar, guests should use large baits such as whole fish or pieces of chicken; for smaller species such as tilapia and pacu, smaller baits such as pellets or sweetcorn may be more effective.
Accommodation and Amenities
Lakeside Lodges
The resort offers high-quality, fully air-conditioned bungalows within 12 meters of the 9-acre fishing lake. Each bungalow is located a few meters from the lake and includes a lounge, kitchenette and a private bathroom. The lodges are spacious and comfortable, with a balcony overlooking your fishing swim.
The lakeside lodges are tastefully decorated and offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Guests can enjoy the serene atmosphere and the sound of the water while relaxing on their private terrace. The lodges are perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends who want to enjoy a peaceful and comfortable stay.
Resort Facilities
In addition to the lakeside lodges, Gillhams offers a range of facilities to ensure guests have a memorable stay. The resort has a luxury spa and cookery school overlooking the lake, where even non-fishing guests can relax and unwind. The spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body scrubs, while the cookery school offers Thai cooking classes for those who want to learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes.
The resort also has a restaurant and bar that serves delicious Thai and international cuisine. Guests can enjoy a few beers while taking in the beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The resort also has a swimming pool where guests can cool off after a day of fishing.
Guest Reviews and Stories
Fishing enthusiasts from all over the world have been raving about their experiences at Gillhams. With its stunning location surrounded by lime-scale karsts and a beautiful national park, it’s no surprise that guests have been eager to share their stories.
One guest who visited in 2023 described their trip as “an unforgettable experience.” They were amazed by the size and variety of fish in the lake and praised the resort’s facilities and staff. Another guest, who had been to many fishing resorts worldwide, said that Gillhams was “by far the best.”
Many guests have also shared their stories of catching record-breaking fish at Gillhams. One guest caught a Siamese carp weighing over 200 pounds, while another caught a massive arapaima weighing over 400 pounds. These stories have only added to the resort’s reputation as a world-class fishing destination.
Signing Out
In conclusion, it’s a must-visit destination for anglers who want to experience fishing in Thailand. With its stunning location, unique fishing experience, and range of facilities, the resort offers something for everyone.
Overall, guests have had nothing but positive things to say about their experiences at the resort. So, whether you’re an experienced angler or starting out, Gillhams is the perfect destination for a fishing holiday and one that you’ll never forget.
Steve holds a special place in his heart for the mighty Carp and the elusive Tench
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