I have just returned from my second stay at TopCats. The first one was just before covid and this one was just as amazing.

This time I was on a 10-night stay, and I was with my good friend Tottenham Rick. We had a lot of banter over the trip but for sure I out fished him in terms of fish numbers, fish size and number of species. I was very pleased to catch 10 different species including the awesome prehistoric, Ripsaw Catfish. Be careful as the spines on its flank cut my arm as I was getting a picture.

Other highlights were the plump Tambaqui, the staff call Burty, an awesome alligator gar and the piece de resistance an Arapaima that Doy estimated at 160-170lb. This came on the last day as I upgraded to the Arapaima Swim. Rick also caught one the previous day but of course mine was bigger.

On arrival I was upgraded to the largest bungalow that has a balcony (which was ideal to read my book). This is total luxury, it is so spacious, with a surround sound system, a big TV and a comfortable lounge area.

The food was just as good before, the egg and bacon sandwich for breakfast was my favourite but a close second was the apple pie and ice cream.

We managed to get out a lot, mostly with Simon and his daughter, Amber, who was there on holiday. Rick went island hopping but we had nights of live music in Chaweng, Lamai, great food in Fishermen’s Village and met some of the local ex pats. One of the best evenings was the Thai boxing night which is on in Lamai every Saturday.

It was great to meet Simon’s new business partner Paul and his wife Shona. Paul took us out for golf one day, so we let him win the 3 ball to keep him happy.

If you get time and want a break ask Simon about the local beachside restaurants, great for a quick lunch every now and then.

The staff are incredible, nothing is too much trouble, and they are always smiling. I must single out Doy, he worked tirelessly to catch us fish and
had to put up with Rick’s moaning for most of the time.

I will be back next year, thanks again guys.

Keith Braithwaite

March 2023