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Ashley Parkes on a Holiday Special

Ashley Parkes (Johnny Concrete) from Birmingham( UK ), started talking to us in 2020 just before Covid and despite many false starts and reschedules eventually was able to join us for 2 weeks.

Thailand has been free of all restrictions since the 1st of July and even unvaccinated travellers can come here provided, they take a PCR test prior to arrival.

Ash was going to come with a mate but decided in the end to travel with his fishing hating partner, Steph (aka the Vodka Queen). They booked a 14-day holiday special in a Lakeside Bungalow. This includes 9 days fishing and with our driver having just left to take them to the airport, I thought it would be good to tell you about the holiday.

So, the first thing to note is yes, we do provide transfers that are included in the cost, either to the airport or your onward hotel. P’ Watt speaks good English, has luxurious air-conditioned vehicles and normally will be at the meeting point Koh Samui airport waiting for you …….. holding up a TopCats sign!

The journey is about 30-40 mins and on arrival you will be shown your room and then it’s time to make yourself comfortable and relax on the resort. Ash was immediately talking to the other anglers and got us to organise a motorbike for the duration of his stay.

This is a good move but if you are not comfortable on a bike, our driver is available to take you anywhere on the island at a very special TopCats rate.

We try to be flexible with customers who have non fishing days in their package, most anglers will always fish the first and last days of their stay,  Ash was no exception and started off day one at 8.01am with a Mekong Catfish. He also arranged his upgrade to fish the legendary Arapaima Swim aka TopCats Swim No 9.

The fishing was out of this world in true TopCats style, and his final catch report read 64 fish across 9 different species.

Siamese Carp  x 39

Asian Redtail  x 6

Mekong Catfish x  4

Arapaima x 4

Amazon Redtail  x 4

Alligator Gar  x 4

Pacu x 1

Tambuqui x 1

Gourami  x 1

Check out a few of the best pictures. He cited the estimated 90lb Carp and the new PB 270lb Arapaima as his highlights.

Whilst here Ash and took advantage of TopCats Tours on non-fishing days, a 4-hour island tour that ended with dinner in Fisherman’s Village, a visit to the Elephant Sanctuary and the famous Namuang Waterfall.

To cap a full-on itinerary, on another of the rest days, they did some island hopping to the Southern Islands, including the famous Pig Island where there are beautiful beaches and snorkelling available.

I forgot to mention the big night out in Lamai where I have seen pictures of Ash and Steff having a great time pole dancing in the boxing bars at 3am in the morning. Sorry the pictures are censored and it lucky the next day was a non-fishing day 😊

Finally, they both loved the food here, always eating here where possible and by the way Steph no longer hates fishing and promises to give it ago with Ash on his next outing after they get back.

If you want to come and stay with us on a holiday special, check out the rates here, or don’t hesitate to contact me for more information

Email:  simon@topcats.com

What’s App :  +66 841 841 011