If you can’t decide whether you want to try heading many miles offshore in pursuit of a Black Marlin, or just want a picture with the biggest freshwater predator you can find, Malaysia is the fishing destination for your next trip!

Known For

Malaysia is blessed with a plethora of unique fish species anglers can merrily hook up on. Fishing in Malaysia is always diverse—there are over 300 freshwater species in the rivers and lakes of this tropical nation! While freshwater anglers can look forward to landing fish they (or their friends) have probably never seen before, saltwater anglers turn their eyes to epic offshore action. Everything from Yellowfin Tuna and Marlin to various Snappers can be caught off the coast of this Southeast Asian country.

Malaysia Saltwater Fishing

Nearshore

The Strait of Malacca provides the western shores of Malaysia with shallow waters, complemented by many underwater reefs and wrecks dotting the sea floor. This all means premium nearshore fishing grounds, which the charters heading out of Kuala Lumpur, Port Dickson and Penang are well-suited to.

The catch list in the Strait reflects the nature of the water: top-tier fighters like Amberjack and Giant Trevally lurk in these waters. Speedier predators like Barracuda and Mackerel also hunt here. Bottom fishing and jigging for a wide range of delicious Snappers, Groupers, Seabass, and other species is great for anglers who’ve yet to develop their sea legs. Get the feeling for the local fish before heading further away from the coast.

Offshore

If you’re looking for reel-screaming offshore action in Malaysia, go to the eastern coast of the peninsula. The South China Sea brings in plenty of nutrients for baitfish to eat, which leads to pelagic predators roaming around freely. Anglers looking for a fishing story they’ll retell for years to come should book a multi-day trip from one of the charters that cast off from Kuala Rompin or Sarawak, to name just a couple of ports.

Sailfish zip through the waters off the coast of the Rompin province. Yellowfin Tuna and Wahoo can be chased around Kepulauan Riau (Riau Islands), as well as Mahi Mahi. Black and Blue Marlin grow large and fierce around the Spratly Islands, in part due to the greater depth around the island chain.

Malaysia Freshwater Fishing

The natural abundance of fish species in Malaysia’s ponds and rivers offers freshwater anglers a variety of wildly different fishing adventures to pick and choose from. You could hit the tropical rivers and fish from the banks. Nothing evokes your inner Indiana Jones like clearing the brush!

The fishponds Malaysia has dotted around its countryside offer anglers a really handy solution: instead of wading through the jungle, you can hook up a lot of the endemic species in man-made bodies of water.

Giant Snakehead, locally known as Toman, is one of the most sought-after predators in these waters, and this ferocious fighter is on many a bucket list. You can also land many different species of Catfish, as well as Giant Featherback, to . One of the famous local fish you can go after is the Malaysian Mahseer, also known as the Kelah. This fish is also known as the “King” of the rivers in Malaysia, something fans of the Tarpon should pay attention to – you can land royalty on the other side of the planet, too! Peacock Bass are present in Malaysia and can be found in many fishponds across the country. Another fish you may be familiar with (in name only) is the Malaysian Jungle Perch. Be careful when reeling one in – they’re much bigger than their US namesakes.

Fishing in Malaysia is something we recommend doing with an experienced guide – while there are plenty of opportunities to just cast some lines at the local pond, the guides know where you can find the biggest fish.

Need To Know

Anglers don’t need any form of fishing license to enjoy reeling in fish in the warm waters of Malaysia. Catch and release is encouraged by both the local government and many fishing communities. Coral Trout, Sharks, and Sailfish are endangered in these waters; you should release these predators so that other anglers can have the same fun as you.

The productive fishery of the Strait of Malacca isn’t recognized only by charter captains. Almost one half of Malaysia’s total fish harvesting happens in the Strait. Neighboring countries do the same, and the combination of intensive fishing pressure from tourists and governments alike is draining the sea dry. The future of anglers enjoying this unique fishery is put into question, although conversation efforts are slowly being put into play. We recommend responsible fishing and practicing catch-and-release.

The Spratly Islands are the subject of territorial disputes between China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Malaysia, with each nation maintaining a permanent military presence in the region – caution is advised when setting course for the islands.

Budget

You should set aside approximately $500 for a day spent in fresh waters. Saltwater anglers have a wide range of trips at their disposal. Nearshore action will cost you about $500 for a shorter trip with long-range offshore trips going for around $1000 for a day out on the water.

Getting there

Getting around the country is relatively quick and easy using the railroad. Kuala Lumpur has good connections to the other major cities in the country and the departures are regular. The main railway station is located roughly 1 hour away by car from the international airport.

Alternatively, if you want to explore the country at your own pace, you can rent a car in Kuala Lumpur. You can pick out a vehicle from a brick-and-mortar service or rent one online. The larger cities have good road networks surrounding them and there are good highway connections in the peninsular part of the country. However you get to your chosen destination, all that remains is to get out on the water!