Avid sport fishermen will find endless opportunities while fishing in Malé. This capital city of the Maldives may be the one of the smallest national capitals in the world, but don’t let that give you the wrong impression. Surrounded by seemingly endless sea and thousands of coral islands, this destination boasts some major game fishing opportunities.

Known For

Malé is home to a wide variety of fish, including colorful bottom dwellers and legendary pelagic prizes. Not least among them is Giant Trevally, a local favorite that you can target year round. You’ll find GT swimming both nearshore and offshore. While many fishing charters depart from Malé, those which are committed to finding the biggest GT often travel to more remote atolls. Some anglers spend an entire week chasing after this trophy, living on board and casting lines until they earn their bragging rights. Local crews often encourage the catch and release of Giant Trevally and other large game fish. Nonetheless, fishing here is sure to be unforgettable and you will not leave disappointed.

While game fishing in Malé you can also target Sailfish, Wahoo, Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Yellowfin Tuna. These fish are always biting, with their peak season lasting from November to March. Other fish commonly caught in these waters are Red Bass, Amberjack, Jack Crevalle, Bluefin Trevally, Dogtooth Tuna, and Barracuda. 

Sport fishermen can also enjoy excellent bottom fishing opportunities. Local reefs are home to some of the most colorful fish of the Maldives, such as Red Bass, Coral Trout, Sweetlip Emperor, Bream, Jobfish, and much more. Night fishing is a popular approach to bottom fishing, with many local anglers targeting Snapper and Grouper after dark. Almost any given Maldives fishing charter will offer night fishing trips and a chance to reel in something unexpected! 

Rules & Regulations

Always be aware of local fishing regulations before heading out on the water. Restrictions may apply to specific areas and these are strictly enforced. Reef fishing on reserves is prohibited, and offenders may be faced with a penalty of $500-$2,000. Do not reef fish or shore fish at resorts unless explicitly permitted by the resort management. There are some protected areas where you cannot fish at all.

Fishing inhabited and uninhabited islands is generally allowed. If the distance from the beach to the reef edge of an inhabited island is greater than 1,000m (3280.84 ft), fishing beyond the 700m (2296.59 feet) boundary of the reef is permitted. You are allowed to fish from individual reefs that are not part of an island, sand bank, or any other dry area.

Types of Fishing

Depending on the target species, big game fishing involves trolling, jigging, and popping. Local anglers often troll for Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and Tuna. On the other hand, jigging and popping are preferred for Red Bass, Amberjack, Barracuda, and other species. Giant Trevally is almost exclusively targeted by popping, though other methods can be effective. 

While bottom fishing you can target Red Snapper, Grouper, Jobfish, Sweetlip Emperor, Coral Trout, and more. Jigging with handlines is a common local method for bottom fishing. Reef fish may be targeted with lures, live bait, or cut bait, depending on the species. Fish waste is sometimes preferred for targeting Snapper, while live bait is used for Jacks. Green Jobfish can be targeted using a feathered hook and no bait. Bottom fishing at night is especially popular in Malé, with many trips departing before sunset and lasting four to five hours.