RICKTHAILAND

Budgie,I believe these Giant freshwater stingrays are only found in freshwater.Very little scientific study that has been carried out on this species not a lot is known about these monsters ,hopefully we will be able to gain a better understanding in the coming months..With regards to the weighing of such creatures I feel the vulnerable status afforded Giant freshwater stingray by the IUCN is reason enough to release these creatures with the least disturbance and stress.It is the fishsiam teams preferance to take measurements and photographs before releasing these monsters.Our recent lump was captured on video which I will soon be releasing. I have enclosed a picture of our latest Giant freshwater stingray capture by Japanese businessman Koto-san with the assistance of my partner Wuttichai Khuensuwan 'Boy' after a protracted battle lasting almost an hour from the tidal Ban Pakong. I am sorry for the time of my response and look forward to future contacts. P.S check out wildlifeextra.

Giant freshwater stingray caught from the Ban Pakong River in Thailand.The prehistoric predator was caught after a forty five minute battle and was estimated to weigh 130kg.I was aided in the capture by fishsiam.com team members Ohm,Q and Ow.I also accounted for two other Giant freshwater stingray on the five day trip weighing 45-50kg and a 10kg juvenile.I suffered three losses with one fish being estimated to weigh in the excess of 180kg being brought alongside the boat after a one and a half hour battle only to be lost seconds later!The Ban Pakong River is over 150kms long and is tidal in its lower reaches where it empties into the Gulf of Thailand.All of the Giant freshwater stingray have been hooked at mid river from the bank and have required the use of a boat to successfully land.Large weights of 500g-1kg are needed to hold bottom in the fast moving currents of the river.Large 8/0 hooks are mounted with 300g livebaits to tempt these ancient predators!My friend Tom caught an estimated 200kg from here in December and I also have pictures of another fish caught by my friend estimated to weigh 230kg!!!

Specialist guided angling for the largest freshwater fish on the planet.Fishing for prehistoric predators on two of Thailand's wildest and untamed tidal rivers.Join fishsiam for the ultimate specialist angling experience fishing for monsters beyond your wildest dreams! Rick. fishsiam.com

Here is a tuly wild river capture from Thailand caught by our friend Tom on 26/12/2007 from the Ban Pakong River 80 kms east of Bangkok. The Ban Pakong River is over 145 kms long with widths of over a mile in places and depths reaching 15m . The Ban Pakong River is a tidal river which is affected by tidal movements from the nearby Gulf of Thailand and is one of the most challenging rivers I have ever encoutered. The Giant Freshwater Stingray was estimated to have a weight approaching 200 kgs and is the largest example of this species ever captured in Asia. Tom was aided in the capture by fishsiam owner Wuttichai Khuensuwan aka Boy and other team members Ohm and Q.