Although, this topic has been covered on our website under FAQ, we thought it may be useful to give everyone an update on the most frequently asked questions, when planning a fishing holiday to the Andaman Islands. If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to drop us an email instead. Leave the details to us, so you can just relax and enjoy your fishing trip of a lifetime!
1. What is the best month for fishing and what species can be caught?
Although many species, can be caught in different seasons, the main fishing season stretches out from Oct until Apr. During these months, there’s a moderate Northeastern monsoon and sea and weather conditions are more favorable. In The Andamans we’re blessed that GT’s and Doggies can be caught all season through. Other fish species frequently caught are; barracuda’s, bonito’s, YFT,wahoo, spanish mackerell, grouper, coral trout, sharks, marlin, sailfish and other members of the jack family.
2. Do I need to bring my own fishing equipment? Or can I rent it on spot?
We recommend all anglers to bring their own fishing gear and lures. Especially for jigging, most of our clients prefer to use their own set-up. However, if you do not want the hassle of carrying rod tubes with you on the plane, we can also offer you a rod and reel on spot. If you’re running out of poppers or stickbaits, there’s still the option to purchase them at our shop on the island. A set of trolling gear is also available on board. A high-end popping & jigging outfit (rod + reel) are available for rent at 50 USD pp/day. Please note that we have a limited stock of fishing gear for rent. So please do inform us at the time of making a booking with us. So we can manage all accordingly.
3. What fishing equipment, tackle should I bring and buy?
This answer can be found on our page; “Tackle & Shop”.
4. Can you assist us with all travel arrangements and accommodation?
Our aim is to make your life’s easy as possible, forget the hassle of travel arrangements and focus on what you like to do. After all that’s fishing… We can assist all of our anglers with their travel arrangements, from airport transfers, ferry tickets, accommodation on the island, travel arrangements for pre/post-stay. All domestic and international flights are to be booked from your end. All the rest can be arranged by us!
5. How does a typical day of fishing looks like?
On our regular full day fishing trips, we leave the harbor at 08:00 hrs and return around 17:00 hrs. We go everyday out to different fishing spots, so we not to disturb the fish too much. There will be the opportunity to make stops for popping and jigging. Trolling between fishing spots can be done as well. It’s your fishing trip and you can discuss with our captain what you want. We’re flexible and try to tailor the trip to your fishing needs. Special trips for trolling can be arranged as well.
6. Are soft drinks, meals and transportation included fishing trips?
We aim to deliver the highest standards of travel arrangements on land, but as well on board. Transfers to/from your hotel are arranged on full day fishing trips. Soft-drinks are always included. For meal inclusions, please have a look under page; “Fishing”.
7. How many people can stay on board?
We can have 4 anglers on board for popping trips and a maximum of 6 anglers for jigging (either on half/full day) or long-range trips. For overnight trips, we take a maximum of 4 anglers on board. If there’s a mix between anglers and non-anglers, the maximum amount of passengers, shall not exceed 6 persons.
8. Can I bring some fish back to the hotel to cook?
We practice catch and release. Certain species caught, that can’t be revived, can be taken back to the hotel. In general we do not allow more than 1 fish per group per day.
9. Should I pay any tip to the crew and captain?
Tipping is not mandatory and depends on your overall satisfaction of our crew’s services. If you feel that our team has done an outstanding job and you want to tip, why not? Your gesture will be very much appreciated. Tipping is actually quiet entrenched in Indian customs. And as a guideline, we would suggest around 10 USD pp/day to be collectively handed over to the captain at the end of the trip. He will then further distribute it to the crew members of AGF.
10. Can I change money on the Island? Are there ATM’s?
There’s only 1 money exchange booth and 2 ATM’s (with limited stock in cash) on Havelock island. Best is to change money at the airport of arrival in India. If you have some time on hand in Port Blair, you can visit a bank there as well or exchange at Port Blair airport. The local currency used is Indian Rupee (INR). All of the resorts accept payments in INR and some of the more established resorts do also accept payment by credit cards.
11. What to bring?
Comfortable, light & casual clothingComfortable walking shoes with good grip or sneakers
Protective clothing and sun lotion for the tropical sunJacket or fleeze & sleeping bag *(if available) for overnight tripsPersonal toiletries, towel and any personal medication
Antiseptic wipes
Film and spare camera batteriesTorch/ flashlight with spare batteries
Money belt for valuables
Sunglasses, hat & mosquito repellant
Your own fishing equipment, tackle etc.
12. Malaria/dengue?
The Andamans are not 100% malaria or dengue free, so best is to protect yourself in the evenings. Extra clothing and mosquito repellant are usually sufficient for a short stay in the Andamans, during dry season from the months Oct to Apr. Those wishing to use malaria prohylaxis, consult your doctor or local tropical institute first to see if this may be necessary.
13. Internet / Telephone?
There’s limited telephone connection/roaming service on the island. There are a few internet shops available, but connections are slow. Most hotels to not offer WIFI service and those who may do will charge for this service accordingly.
14. Is there a doctor or hospital on the island?
There’s a doctor and clinic on Havelock island, which are at your service for basic medical aid. For more serious illnesses, treatments, we recommend you to visit a doctor and hospital in Port Blair or the Mainland (Chennai).There are no over the counter pharmacies. So please bring your necessary medications with you. We can assist you with travel arrangements to Port Blair or mainland and recommend all clients to take a comprehensive, travel, medical and repatriation insurance to cover for expenses arising thereof.
15. I bring my family with me, what can they do, when I’m out fishing?
We aim to be a full travel service provider and can assist you with booking; accommodation, sight-seeing tours and activities for your family on the island. Let us do the work and let your family also enjoy their holidays, while you’re out fishing.
16. Can I bring my non-fishing partner or friend on board?
Sure! As long as there are not more than 6 passengers in total on board. This is due to safety reasons & procedures. E.g. 4 anglers plus 2 non-angling persons are allowed.
17. What about safety? Do I need to bring my life jacket?
You’re safe with us! Our boats have passed all safety requirements and our crew is trained on safety procedures. Our boat is equipped with enough life jackets and safety buoys for all passengers. Our boat is also equipped with the latest GPS and VHF technology.
18. Travel Insurance – other documents?
A travel insurance is compulsory. When you’re on a fishing trip with us, please do carry a copy of your passport and restricted area permit (RAP) with you on board. Without a copy of your passport and RAP, our captain has the right to deny you from coming on board. These documents may be necessary to produce upon request of the coastal guard.
#frequentlyaskedquestions #faq