Bangkok’s Top Multi Species Lure Venue
Located just an hour’s drive from downtown Bangkok, Pilot 111 Fishing Ponds was one of Thailand’s first dedicated lure fishing complex; offering a diverse range of predatory fish species across 10 well-stocked ponds.
This venue offers a challenging and rewarding fishing experience best suited for anglers with some lure fishing experience. Success here requires a good understanding of lure presentation making it an exciting destination for those looking to test and refine their techniques.
Lure & Fly Fishing For Snakehead in Thailand
One of the biggest draws of Pilot 111 Ponds is the chance to fish for snakehead in Bangkok. The venue features specific ponds stocked with giant snakehead and striped snakehead, allowing anglers to experience the explosive strikes and aggressive nature of this ruthless predator.
Unlike fishing in Thailand’s wild reservoirs where snakehead can be elusive, Pilot 111 Ponds offers high stocking densities, significantly increasing the chances of successfully landing a giant snakehead. As an air-breathing species snakehead regularly surface for gulps of air, giving anglers a visual target to cast to – a key element in traditional snakehead fishing in Thailand.
In addition to lure fishing, Pilot 111 is an exceptional destination for fly fishing. A skilled fly angler will often out fish a lure angler as the venue’s diverse predator species respond aggressively to well-presented flies. Whether targeting Thai and Amazonian species, this is the perfect location to land multiple trophy fish on the fly in a single day trip. The clear casting areas and well-spaced ponds make it an ideal environment for both experienced and aspiring fly anglers looking for fast-paced action.
What Triggers a Fish to Attack a Lure?
Territorial Aggression: Movement from a lure entering a barramundi’s territory can provoke an aggressive strike as the fish defends its space.
Instinctive Reaction: When a lure mimics natural prey within a predator’s feeding zone, the response is often a reflexive strike.
Hunger-Driven Attack: If a fish is actively feeding, a well-presented lure resembling a baitfish will trigger a strike.
Opportunistic Feeding: Predators often target weak or injured prey, retrieving a lure in an erratic, struggling motion can trigger strikes even from fish that aren’t actively hunting.
Key Skills for Lure Anglers
Reading the Water: Understanding where fish are likely to be holding, whether near cover, in deeper pools, or along drop-offs is key to success.
Lure Presentation: Making a lure behave naturally at different speeds and depths is crucial to fooling predatory fish.
Precision Casting: Many predators ambush prey from structure or shaded areas, so accurate casts close to snags or vegetation increase success rates.
Adapting Retrieval Speed: Different conditions and species require adjusting the retrieval speed, sometimes a slow subtle movement works best; while other times an erratic fast retrieve triggers more strikes.
Adjusting Depth: Factors like water temperature and air pressure influence where fish position themselves, adapting lure depth accordingly can make all the difference in getting bites.
Target A Variety of Predatory Fish
Each pond at Pilot 111 is stocked with a specific species, allowing anglers to switch between different challenges throughout the day. The venue is strictly fly & lure-only making it an excellent place to refine techniques and adapt to different fish behaviors. In addition to snakehead, anglers can target:
- Barramundi – Known for their hard-hitting strikes and acrobatic fights, barramundi are one of the most exciting species to catch in Thailand. While Pilot 111 Ponds offer great opportunities to catch barramundi, anglers looking for a dedicated barramundi fishing experience should consider Boon Mar Ponds which provides an even higher catch rate.
- Chao Phraya Catfish – An extremely fast and powerful predator, capable of long, unstoppable runs.
- Pacu – A strong, aggressive fish closely related to piranha that provides thrilling action.
- Redtail Catfish – A relentless bottom-feeding predator that puts up an incredible fight on lure gear.
Comfortable Facilities For a Relaxed Fishing Experience
Not all fishing venues in Thailand offer a well-maintained and comfortable setting for anglers like Pilot 111 Ponds does. The ponds are lined with shaded fishing salas (huts) providing a place to tackle up, take cover from the sun or rain or fish from the shade.
The on-site restaurant serves a delicious selection of Thai and Western dishes with an English and Thai menu. Soft drinks and beer are available making it a great place to relax between fishing sessions. The toilet facilities are built to Western standards and are kept clean at all times ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors.
The Story Behind the Name
The name Pilot 111 Ponds comes from the Thai Navy pilot who owns the venue. His identification number is 111, and the fishery carries this title as part of its history.
Plan Your Fishing Trip in Bangkok Today
If you’re looking for exciting lure fishing in Bangkok, Pilot 111 Ponds is the perfect multi-species fishing destination. Whether you’re chasing snakehead, barramundi or Chao Phraya catfish; this venue offers a challenging and rewarding experience for anglers who enjoy technical predator fishing.
Book your fishing trip today with Fish Thailand Guides and experience the best predator fishing in Bangkok!
