Giant freshwater stingray in Thailand.

[Vagabond]

I assume the White Sturgeon isn't classed as a freshwater fish? Perhaps because it can go to sea?

 

Colin

 

Colin, when I hooked a 400lb white sturgeon in the Fraser River, the hook pulled, but then caught up on the tail. There was no "perhaps" about it - that fish definitely intended to go to sea! One of the longest fights I've ever had. Took us a couple of miles down river. So long was the fight that the fish was belly up, being well and truly knackered at the end, so that we dare not take it ashore for a photo, but revived it at the boat in deep water. ....and they go up to a 1000 lb so mine was only a medium sized one!

[Dick Dastardly]

Despite the exageration factor another reason that its still an open verdict is simply down to the fact that weighing fish of this size (dead or alive) is extremely difficult. Even the treble figure cats and AG Ive experience with require quite specialist equipment and a fair bit of skill to weigh acurately.I go prepared and equiped to weigh such fish but not only dont Asian fishermen/guides or Amazonian tribesmen have such gear they simply dont care!

 

Lets hope Dr Hogans study throws a bit more light on the subject.

[Vagabond]

require quite specialist equipment and a fair bit of skill to weigh acurately.I go prepared and equiped to weigh such fish but not only dont Asian fishermen/guides or Amazonian tribesmen have such gear they simply dont care!

 

...and its beginning to rub off on me! I find I am now somewhat ambivalent over weights - the ichthyologist in me wants accurate records, but the angler says take a picture, release the fish, and get fishing again. You may have noticed in my last half-dozen accounts of trips abroad I haven't given any weights - that's because I now rarely weigh anything.

 

....and the pleasure of fishing without the encumbrance of weighing gear tends to swing it.

Edited March 3, 2008 by Vagabond

[Dick Dastardly]

I can relate to that Dave but in my case I must admit to a lot of it being down to lazyness!

[RICKTHAILAND]

Rick do these Sting rays live exclusively in freshwater or do they go between fresh and salt water?

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.

[RICKTHAILAND]

I assume the White Sturgeon isn't classed as a freshwater fish? Perhaps because it can go to sea?Colin

It is my understanding that Sturgeon are known to be a migratory species that travel into marine waters.

Despite the exageration factor another reason that its still an open verdict is simply down to the fact that weighing fish of this size (dead or alive) is extremely difficult. Even the treble figure cats and AG Ive experience with require quite specialist equipment and a fair bit of skill to weigh acurately.I go prepared and equiped to weigh such fish but not only dont Asian fishermen/guides or Amazonian tribesmen have such gear they simply dont care!Lets hope Dr Hogans study throws a bit more light on the subject.

Budgie please tell me of these AG captures!

[Rufanuf]

Yes definately Dave.also there is a strange need for captors of extremely large fish to exagerate their sizes even more!

 

Here are two good examples of what I mean-

 

Take a look at the way this photo of a Mekong Cat - claimed at 646 pounds (293 kilograms) have been posed with the captors well behind the fish (still undoubtedly a huge fish!)-

 

http://www.sherdog.net/forums/showthread.php?t=514690

 

And this similar stunt with an AG-

 

http://www.snopes.com/photos/hunting/alligatorgar.asp

[Rufanuf]

Ahh....BUDGIE,

 

Do I not recall responding to one of your synical posts about Thai Fish Species and the Thai Fishing scene before?

 

It's simple really, anyone who has fished from the Amazon to the Mekong has fished where the biggest freshwater species come from. They also know where the best chance to catch any 100kg fish of any freshwater species is, and that is Thailand, pure and simple!

 

However Thailand has the advantage since not only does it have its own native species, it also has the Arapaima.

 

A Mekong Catfish can reach a 100kg in 6 years and thats in a poor environment(reared in captivity for example). Before their migratory routes where damned I expect they thrived even more so. The Giant Freshwater Stingray, perhaps grows even faster although very little research has been done. Contrary to conventional conservationist beliefs, the Stingray is still abundant in some of Thailands rivers, although it has to be said the real beasts...(upwards of 200kgs and onwards to perhaps a 1000kgs!) are hard to come by. How does a fish of this size hide in a river that has millions of people living along its banks? They dont of course! But the smaller ones demonstrate the species is hanging in there, and once the locals catch on that its better to use these fish for recreation than for food, we will be seeing 200kg/300kg and eventualy 500kg fish in the Mekong again.

 

The Arapaima loves it here in Thailand too...and I know of private keepers who have fish approaching 9ft long and attaining wieghts approaching 300kg. As Rick or anyone else who fishes in Thailand for any period of time knows, there is no question that the Mekong Catfish and the Giant Freshwater Stingray grow far larger than any documentation available (such as recorded records in the IGFA, storys published by National Geo) that western anglers would consider "proof worthy".

 

At Bungsamran we have numerous Arapaima approaching 200kg swimming around, Mekong Cats at 160kg, Siamese Carp over a 100kg, and thats just a 20 acre fishing park/lake! Stick these fish back in to a protected wild environment, and watch them pack on the pounds by the 100! I hope to live to see that day!

 

 

Ruf

[Dick Dastardly]

Ruf my posts are not cynical at all.Everyone to his own.Its just that I prefer to travel to the natural country of origin to capture my fish.I find the artificial fishing you offer leaving me cold.Far to contrived for my liking and noy my idea of fishing. Might as well fish in my koi pond or livebait tanks as far as Im concerned.

 

God forbid one of the Thai "mudholes" ever produce a world "record" and have it accepted.

[Dick Dastardly]

Now when I can fish for Mekomg cats or Paddlefish in their natural enviroment you will see mr in your neck of the woods.