Rated as one of the world’s most popular honeymoon destinations and diving locales, the island archipelago of Maldives truly packs in a punch in terms of touristic value. But frequent travellers to this paradise on earth also engage in lesser known activities that take one to the heart of the country’s culture in a quintessential Maldivian experience. Fishing is not only one of the most profitable industries in the local economy but it also provides a livelihood for most Maldivians who depend on the catch of the day to make ends meet. Surrounded by azure waters and sand speckled islands littered with marine life, it is little wonder that the locals have a special aptitude for fishing. Visitors with a fetish for fishing can benefit from this knowhow and the ancient fishing practices that have survived over the centuries. The Maldives offer both day and night fishing with the latter being the seemingly more popular option among travellers and locals.
Fishing aficionados can also learn the fine art of Pole and Line fishing which is the professionally used method of snaring marine life in a country that prohibits the use of fishing nets. Using a bamboo pole with barbless hooks fastened to the end of the rods bait is typically thrown haphazardly in to sea water in areas that have large fish schools. This lures the creatures closer to the Dhoni (traditional Maldivian yacht) where they are ensnared in the barbless hooks.
Night fishing excursions start with the Dhonis setting off from the islands in the evening and anchoring at the outer atoll reefs of the island. The lines and sinkers are then dropped in to the waters from all sides of the Dhoni and the wait begins for catch the likes of squirrelfish, emperors, reef fishes, jacks and snappers to tug at the lines. The country also boasts several fishing islands for the convenience of fishing enthusiasts where a night out fishing typically culminates in a barbeque of the day’s catch on the beach shore.
Tourists in search of a well-furnished villa in Maldives should look to none other than Nalandhu Maldives for all their accommodation needs. Offering guests exquisite villas complete with private pools, timber decor and tropical gardens this elegant rest is undoubtedly one of the finest Maldives luxury resorts in the region.