Samui Fishing Challenge (May)

As a quiet May drew to a close, it was time for our local anglers to take center stage in the Samui Fishing Challenge. This fun event saw six teams of two competing over four hours. The winners are decided on a points system where rarer fish earn more points. This often leads to interesting choices, with very few anglers targeting the Siamese Carp, worth only 1 point, when a Juliens can fetch a valuable 30 points. Rob Ferry from Coco Beach Bar, ever the character, tried to bend the rules by claiming his Siamese Carp was identifying as a Juliens Carp – a valiant effort, Rob, but still just 1 point!

 

With Sky Villas taking a break and Samui Self Defence engaged in defensive activities in Plai Laem, we had two team vacancies. We were delighted to welcome two teams from French Kiss and a new team from Shanti Samui, the exclusive resort nestled in Laem Sor on the south of the island.

 

The day began with hot and humid conditions, but thankfully, the afternoon brought more comfortable fishing conditions as the sun dipped behind the clouds and a light breeze picked up.

 

The preferred setup for most was a two-boilie rod approach, except for the Marvels. Drew from Marvel Construction opted for one of the rods loaded with a massive prawn. While he unfortunately blanked, he did report being broken off or bitten off by three Alligator Gar. Had those monsters been landed, Marvel Construction would have undoubtedly taken the top spot!

 

Last month’s champions, The Summer House, drew peg 5, a notoriously challenging spot in these matches. However, Courtney started strong, landing two Asians in quick succession.

 

With Siamese Carp off the menu and the Mekong not really feeding, the fishing proved to be slow. Despite some creative tactics (Coco Beach, we saw you!), it was our new team from Shanti Samui, New Zealanders Monk and Ollie, fishing from peg 1, who set the early pace with Siamese Carp, Pacu, and a bonus Amazon Redtail. Monk then had a stroke of luck, landing one of our newly stocked Albino Pacu, earning them a significant 12 points on its own.

 

Despite a late surge from Summer House with two Mekongs and a spirited performance from Didier and young Mai Mai of The French Kiss, Shanti Samui emerged as the clear winners.