Hook, Line and Sinker
OCEAN NOTES
Destination 5 minute read
Fishing is deeply embedded in Maldivian culture — and a thrilling activity for guests at COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi.
The tradition of Maldivian fishing goes back at least two thousand years, when the islands were visited by seafaring traders attracted by their location along ancient trade routes. Over centuries, as fish became the backbone of the Maldivian economy, fishermen crafted boats known as ‘dhonis’ to venture out to sea for fishing expeditions. Once at sea, fishermen would use a technique called pole and line fishing, making catches one at a time, rather than in larger quantities.
While some fish can be caught year-round, including giant trevally and barracuda, the peak season for big game fishing is between November to April. At COMO Maalifushi, our three-cabin, 68-foot Hatteras yacht, Cameron, can be chartered hourly or overnight for pole and line fishing. This your chance to catch some of the ocean’s greatest game including yellowfin tuna — the national animal of the Maldives — wahoo, mahi mahi and sailfish. It’s a thrill seeker's activity, filled with anticipation. At COMO Cocoa Island, the fishing is focused on reef fish rather than big game. Using traditional bottom line fishing techniques, guests can use handheld reels to try for snapper, grouper and more.
COMO practises responsible ‘catch-and-release’ fishing, with each guest able to keep up to one fish per person, or three fish per couple, which can be prepared for lunch the next day. But for those who prefer to keep their feet in the sand, rather than on the deck of a boat, there’s plenty of fresh fish on our menus too, sourced from local fishermen from nearby islands and served up in tuna poke bowls, reef fish ceviche, and steamed reef fish with ginger soy sauce.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for expert-led coaching or an experienced fisher, our properties in the Maldives offer fishing to suit every level of ability. Find out more about big game fishing at COMO Maalifushi on board our 68-foot Hatteras yacht, Cameron, and traditional bottom line fishing at COMO Cocoa Island.
