For centuries the people of the Maldives have survived off the sea and fishing has been a way of life that has been handed down from generation to generation. The fertile reef system surrounding a number of Maldivian islands makes it a hotspot for avid fishermen looking to catch exotic fish such as sail fish or red snappers. As most forms of commercial fishing is deemed illegal in the Maldives, hand line fishing has proven to be a life line of the Maldivian people, for whom fish is a dietary staple. Resorts such as the Anantara Veli, Maldives or a number of Maldives bungalows offer visitors a chance to try their hand at this time honored tradition.
The most common form of fishing in the Maldives is hand line fishing, or more popularly known as the hook and bait system. This is where the baited hook is dropped to about a foot above the reef, perfect for catching reef fish which are abundant in the Maldives. A number of resorts will even offer to cook up your catch for dinner that day so you can fully enjoy the spoils of your expedition.
It is tradition for hand line fishing to be carried out either on the resort itself, or visitors can rent traditional Bokkuraas that seat up to 3 people. This vessel is the traditional boat of choice used by the Maldivians when hand line fishing and can be rented for a few hours. Hand line fishing is usually carried out in the evening however if the boat departs from the resort early enough, visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of the majestic Maldivian sunset in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Such a breathtaking view is sure to be classified as the experience of a lifetime.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.