Fishing in the Maldives

Fishing is woven into Maldivian life. For centuries, islanders have fished the open ocean from wooden boats, and tuna is still at the heart of local cooking. On a resort holiday you can share a little of that tradition, from a relaxed sunset trip with a hand line to a full morning chasing big fish offshore.

What follows is a guide to the main types of fishing trip, the local tradition, and the rules and norms to know. Fishing trips vary by resort, so check what's offered before you book.

Sunset line fishing

The most popular trip is an evening outing on a traditional boat called a dhoni. As the sun goes down, the crew stops over a reef and hands out simple lines with a hook and bait. You fish the Maldivian way, without a rod, feeling for the bite with your fingers.

Typical catches include snapper, grouper and jobfish. Trips usually last a couple of hours and suit beginners and families, and many people book one for the sunset as much as for the fish. Some resorts can prepare part of a suitable catch for your dinner.

Big-game fishing

For keen anglers, many resorts offer big-game trips on a sport-fishing boat, trolling lures in deep water outside the reef. Depending on the season and luck, you might hook:

• Yellowfin tuna and skipjack tuna
• Wahoo and mahi-mahi (dorado)
• Sailfish and, less often, marlin
• Giant trevally near reefs and channels

Trips usually run for half a day or a full day, with rods and tackle supplied. Sea conditions matter, so trips can be rescheduled in rough weather, especially during the southwest monsoon.

Traditional Maldivian fishing

Maldivian tuna fishing has long used pole and line: fish are caught one at a time, with live bait and a spray of water to bring the school to the surface. It's a highly selective method, and the Maldives skipjack fishery has been certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.

You'll find the result on many resort menus: tuna curries, mas huni (shredded tuna with coconut and onion) at breakfast and dried "Maldive fish" in local dishes. If you visit a local island, the morning or afternoon fish market is a good place to see the catch arrive. Our water sports and excursions guide covers local island visits.

Rules and catch-and-release

• Protected species. All sharks and rays, including manta rays and whale sharks, are protected in the Maldives. Turtles are protected too. Any caught by accident are released at once.
• Billfish. Sailfish and marlin are usually released after a photo. Many crews use circle hooks to make release easier.
• Protected areas and house reefs. Fishing isn't allowed in marine protected areas, and most resorts don't allow fishing on or near their house reef.
• Fish with the resort. Guests usually fish on trips arranged by the resort with a licensed crew, rather than from the beach or jetty.
• Keep only what you'll eat. Where the crew keeps fish, it's usually a few for the kitchen, and the rest go back.

Tips for your trip

• Pick the right resort. Resorts with a long activity list, such as Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives, usually offer more choice, but always check what's running for your dates.
• Tell us early. Big-game boats are limited at some resorts, so it's worth asking when you enquire.
• Seasickness. Ocean trips can be bumpy. Take tablets in good time if you're prone to it.
• Sun protection. Bring a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved top, even on evening trips.
• Mix and match. A sunset fishing trip combines well with a dolphin cruise or a sandbank picnic on another day.