Freshwater river stingray fishing – 20 04 2011
UK angler Shaun and a friend visited the Maeklong River in Samut Songkran fishing for monster Giant freshwater stingrays.
On arrival at the Maeklong River the anglers boarded the fishing boat and were soon anchored on a wide stretch of the river.
Timing their visit to correspond with the incoming tidal influx the anglers waited for the arrival of the Giant freshwater stingrays with the tide.
After waiting patiently for almost an hour one of the baits was picked up and slowly towed downstream.
On winding down into the freshwater stingray the rod was pulled forcefully towards the water as it took on the full weight of the stingray.
The Giant freshwater stingray responded with a powerful run towards the distant riverbank which stripped dozens of yards from the Okuma multiplier reel.
Shaun and his companion battled the Giant freshwater stingray for nearly an hour taking turns in fighting the unseen stingray.
The Giant freshwater stingray dragged the boat up and down the river and clamped onto the muddy river bottom on several occasions.
After almost an hour the Giant freshwater stingray was finally brought alongside the boat and scooped into the large custom built net.
The Giant freshwater stingray was quickly transported to a holding pen moored on the side of the river for examination by veterinary scientists from Chulalongkorn University.
On inspection the Giant freshwater stingray was measured at a width of 1.4m’s and was identified as being a male.
The Giant freshwater stingray was estimated to weigh 90-100kg’s and was released after photography.
Shaun fished for a further few hours but failed to hook any other Giant freshwater stingrays.
