The Andaman Islands are a destination for those who want to focus on fishing. Here, it's all about popping and jigging for giant trevally and other strong tropical fish – long days at sea, heavy tackle, and fishing where you never quite know what the next bite will bring.
It's a destination suited for the experienced angler or anyone truly looking for an intense fishing trip.
What do you fish for in the Andaman Islands?
Fishing trip
The Andaman Islands – Popping & Jigging
GT, dogtooth tuna, and tropical deep-sea fishing. A trip for those who want to fish hard and intensely during a good season.
See fishing trip & available dates →Giant trevally is the main target for most people who go to the Andaman Islands. GTs are one of the strongest predatory fish in tropical waters, and fishing for them is physically demanding whether you are popping or jigging.
Beyond GTs, there are good chances for dogtooth tuna, various snapper species, and a range of other tropical fish that inhabit reefs and deep edges. A large part of the charm of this fishing is precisely that you can never be entirely sure what will bite.
Popping – how it works
When popping, we fish large topwater lures – poppers and stickbaits – around reefs, current edges, and other areas where fish hunt. Bites occur on the surface and often right in front of your eyes. It is a visual and intense form of fishing that requires quick reactions.
The tackle is relatively heavy – powerful spinning rods, large reels in 10,000–18,000 size, and lures weighing 100–200 grams are normal. It is a type of fishing that requires endurance during long days on the boat.
Jigging – when the fish stay deeper
Jigging opens up fishing at greater depths and provides the opportunity to reach species that do not always show themselves on the surface. Dogtooth tuna is one of the most sought-after targets when jigging in the Andaman Islands – a fish known for its brutal runs and its ability to put tackle to the test.
Jigs of 200–400 grams are common depending on depth and current.
When is the best season for fishing in the Andaman Islands?
The dry season, approximately October to mid-December and from mid-January to May, offers the best conditions with calm seas and good conditions for both popping and jigging. During this period, the Andaman Islands are a natural alternative for Swedish anglers who want to swap winter cold for intense tropical big game fishing.
What equipment is needed?
For popping, powerful spinning rods in class PE6–PE10 of 7–8 feet with high casting weight are recommended, along with large spinning reels in size 10,000–18,000 with strong drag. Use PE line in class 6–8. The primary lures used are large poppers and stickbaits weighing approximately 100–200 grams.
For jigging, a jigging rod adapted for the depth, a reel with high line capacity, and jigs of the correct weight class for the area are needed. Extra hooks are always good to bring.
Sun protection, polarized glasses, and good gloves for line handling are just as important as the fishing tackle itself during long days at sea.
Equipment tips
Hearty Rise Skywalker Popping 2.38m 100–220g – 4-piece Travel Rod
A powerful travel rod built for popping for GT and other large predatory fish. 4-piece for easy transport – perfect when traveling far to fish.
See the rod →
Are the Andaman Islands right for me?
This is not a destination for those who want to combine a holiday with a bit of fishing on the side. Here, the full focus is on fishing, with long and intense days on the water. If you also want time for relaxation and vacation, we recommend extending your trip with a few extra days. Talk to us and we'll help you find a suitable arrangement.
Wondering if the Andaman Islands, Maldives, or Komodo suit you best? Contact us and we will help you choose the right destination based on your wishes, fishing style, and experience level.
Read more about our fishing trip to the Andaman Islands – popping and jigging →
Do you also fly fish? See our Maldives trip →
Alternative: popping and jigging in Komodo, Indonesia →
Frequently asked questions about popping and jigging in the Andaman Islands
What do you fish for in the Andaman Islands? +
The main target is giant trevally (GT). Beyond that, there are good chances for dogtooth tuna, snapper species, and other tropical predatory fish around reefs and deep edges.
When is the best season for fishing in the Andaman Islands? +
The dry season, approximately October to mid-December and from mid-January to May, offers the best conditions with calm seas and good conditions for both popping and jigging.
What is the difference between popping and jigging? +
Popping takes place on the surface with large topwater lures around reefs and current edges. Jigging takes place in deeper waters with heavy jigs and targets species that stay further down in the water column.
Is experience required to fish in the Andaman Islands? +
The Andaman Islands are best suited for those who already have experience in saltwater fishing and are prepared for physically demanding fishing days with heavy tackle.
How do the Andaman Islands compare to Komodo and the Maldives? +
The Andaman Islands are more purely focused on popping and jigging than the Maldives, which also offers fly fishing on flats. Komodo is a similar alternative for popping and jigging but with a different environment and destination.