Glossary — Thailand fishing terms

This glossary defines the fishing and Thailand-specific terms used across ThaiAngler. Entries cover fish biology, tackle and rigging, venue culture, geography, regulations, and conservation status. Terms are listed alphabetically within letter groups. Where a term has a Thai-language equivalent in common use, it is noted in parentheses.

A

Andaman Sea — The body of water on Thailand's western coastline, bordered by Myanmar to the north, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the west, and Sumatra to the south. Deeper and more topographically complex than the Gulf of Thailand, with significant underwater canyons and seamounts that support dogtooth tuna, giant trevally, sailfish, and deep-reef species. Seas are rough during the southwest monsoon (May–October); the prime fishing season runs November through April.

Arapaima (Arapaima gigas) — A giant air-breathing freshwater fish native to the Amazon and Essequibo basins of South America, now widely stocked in Thai pay-lakes. Adults can exceed 200 kg and 3 metres in length, though most fish encountered in Thai venues run 20–80 kg. Listed under CITES Appendix II, which regulates international trade. Requires careful catch-and-release handling — prolonged air exposure damages the lung-like swim bladder. Despite its exotic origin, arapaima fishing has become a significant draw for visiting anglers at venues like IT Lake Monsters and Jurassic Mountain Resort.

B

Barramundi life cycle — Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) are protandrous hermaphrodites: juveniles and young adults are predominantly male, and large older fish are predominantly female. They begin life in coastal estuaries, move into freshwater as juveniles, and return to tidal areas to spawn. Thai wild populations inhabit mangrove edges, river mouths, and brackish flats. In pay-lakes, the complex life cycle is irrelevant — fish are farmed stock, typically all male, stocked at 1–5 kg for sport fishing.

BBQ on the boat — Informal Thai charter custom, particularly common on day trips out of Phuket, Khao Lak, and Samui, in which the crew brings a small charcoal grill and cooks the day's bycatch (typically mackerel, squid, or small reef fish) over the side of the boat for lunch. Not universally offered and never guaranteed; but when it happens it is one of the more enjoyable parts of a Thai charter day. Confirm with the operator before booking if this matters to you.

Bottom-fishing — A fishing technique in which bait or a lure is presented on or close to the seabed. The dominant technique for reef fishing in the Gulf of Thailand and for targeting grouper, snapper, and cobia along the Andaman coast. Standard rigs are weighted bottom rigs with short hook traces. In pay-lake contexts, heavy bottom rigs baited with paste or pellet account for most catfish and carp catches.

Brackish — Water with a salinity intermediate between freshwater and seawater, typically found in estuaries, tidal rivers, and mangrove creeks. Several important Thai sport fish species are euryhaline and use brackish water at different life stages — barramundi, snook, and giant gourami all move through brackish zones. The inner Gulf of Thailand estuaries around Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram hold significant brackish-water fishing opportunities that are under-documented in English.

Braid — Braided superline fishing line, constructed from multiple strands of high-strength polyethylene fibre (Dyneema or Spectra). Much thinner in diameter than monofilament of equivalent breaking strength, with near-zero stretch. The standard mainline for jigging, GT popping, and lure fishing for snakehead in Thailand. Typically used in conjunction with a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader to reduce visibility at the business end. Common braid ratings for heavy pay-lake fishing run 50–100 lb; for GT popping, 80–120 lb is typical.

Bungsamran — Bangkok's largest and most famous pay-lake, located in the Bangkapi district roughly 14 km east of the city centre. Operating since the early 1990s. Landmark species include Mekong giant catfish, Chao Phraya giant catfish, and Siamese carp. The reference point against which most other Thai pay-lakes are informally measured. See the full Bungsamran venue guide.

C

CITES — The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international treaty regulating the trade in wildlife. Species are listed in three appendices reflecting the level of trade restriction required. Several fish commonly encountered in Thai sport fishing are CITES-listed: arapaima (Appendix II), giant Mekong catfish (Appendix I — the most restricted category), and humphead wrasse. Carrying CITES-listed species across international borders without permits is a serious criminal offence. This is primarily relevant for trophy fish products, not the fish themselves.

Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) — A large pelagic predator found in both the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, known for aggressive takes on both live bait and lures. Occasionally encountered as bycatch on sailfish and marlin trips, and specifically targeted by some anglers trolling close to FADs and offshore structure. Excellent eating; strong fighter for its size. Thai records run to around 40 kg.

D

DNP — Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (Thai: กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช). The Thai government agency responsible for national park management, wildlife protection, and enforcement within protected areas. Fishing within national parks requires a separate DNP permit in addition to any Department of Fisheries licence. Some of Thailand's most interesting wild river fishing — particularly for mahseer in northern parks — requires advance DNP permission that can take weeks to arrange.

DOF — Department of Fisheries (Thai: กรมประมง). The Thai government agency responsible for fisheries management, aquaculture regulation, and sport fishing licensing. The DOF issues recreational fishing licences, maintains stocking data for commercial fisheries, and publishes regulations on protected species and closed seasons. Their website (fisheries.go.th) is the primary official source for regulatory information relevant to anglers.

Dogtooth tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor) — A large, fast, deep-reef tuna species found in clear offshore waters around Thailand's offshore islands, particularly Similan, Surin, and the Mergui Archipelago. The preferred target of deep jigging specialists — dogtooth hold tight to structure at depth, respond well to vertical metal jigs, and fight brutally due to their ability to cut mono on reef edges. Not the same species as yellowfin or skipjack; the dogtooth is a true reef predator rather than an open-water pelagic. World record exceeds 130 kg.

Drop-shot — A finesse fishing rig in which the hook is tied at a mid-point on the line and a weight is fixed at the terminal end below it, keeping the lure suspended off the bottom. Used for targeting snakehead, peacock bass, and featherback in Thai freshwater lakes and reservoirs where precise depth control improves results. More common in the tournament snakehead scene than in pay-lake fishing.

Dry season — Broadly November to April in most of Thailand, though the exact timing varies significantly by region. The Gulf of Thailand coast (Samui, Pattaya, Hua Hin) experiences its drier months between December and March. The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak) is typically dry and calm from November to April. Northern Thailand's rivers drop and clear during the dry season, improving fly fishing visibility for mahseer.

E

Euryhaline — Capable of surviving across a wide range of salinities. Euryhaline fish species can move between freshwater, brackish, and saltwater environments without harm. Barramundi, bull sharks, and several snook species are euryhaline. Contrast with stenohaline species, which are restricted to either freshwater or saltwater. Understanding which target species are euryhaline helps anglers locate fish in tidal and estuarine environments.

F

FAD — Fish Aggregating Device. An anchored floating structure — typically a buoy, bamboo raft, or series of suspended logs — that attracts baitfish and, by extension, the pelagic predators that feed on them. FADs are deployed by Thai fisheries throughout the Gulf of Thailand and around offshore Andaman islands. Sport fishing charters often run to known FAD locations for yellowfin tuna, dogtooth, and cobia. FADs are sometimes removed or shift position during monsoon season.

Featherback (Notopterus spp.) — A family of elongated, hump-backed freshwater fish native to South and Southeast Asia. The clown featherback (Chitala ornata) is a popular sport species in Thai reservoirs and rice paddies, known for spectacular aerial leaps when hooked. The giant featherback (Chitala lopis) is one of the largest, reaching over a metre. Featherbacks are primarily nocturnal and respond well to surface lures fished in low light.

FG knot — A strong, slim connection knot for joining braided mainline to a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader. Constructed by wrapping the braid around the leader in a series of alternating half-hitches before finishing with a series of locking wraps. When tied correctly, it passes easily through rod guides, maintains very high strength retention, and is the preferred braid-to-leader connection for jigging, GT popping, and snakehead fishing in Thailand. Takes practice — a poorly tied FG knot fails without warning.

Fluorocarbon — A monofilament fishing line made from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), with a refractive index close to that of water, making it nearly invisible when submerged. More abrasion-resistant than standard nylon mono. Used almost universally as leader material in Thai lure fishing, jigging, and fly fishing for species with good eyesight or in clear water. Sinks faster than nylon mono. Stiffer than nylon, which can reduce lure action on soft plastics — balance between invisibility and stiffness is a frequent subject of angler debate.

Fly leader — The tapered section of monofilament or fluorocarbon that connects the fly line to the tippet and fly in a fly fishing setup. In tropical freshwater fly fishing (mahseer, snakehead, giant gourami), leaders tend to be shorter and heavier than in classic trout fly fishing — typically 7–9 feet tapering to 12–20 lb tippet. In saltwater fly fishing for GT and sailfish, leaders must meet IGFA specifications (the class tippet section not exceeding 15 inches for record purposes) — a specific structural requirement unfamiliar to many freshwater fly anglers.

G

Glide bait — A large hard-bodied lure designed to swim in a wide, sweeping S-curve through the water column on a slow, pausing retrieve. Used for snakehead and giant featherback in Thai reservoirs and pay-lake margins. The action mimics an injured fish and triggers aggressive ambush strikes from large predators. Big glide baits (150–200 mm) on heavy braid have become a specialist technique at venues like Pilot 111.

Gourami family (Osphronemidae) — A large family of freshwater fish native to South and Southeast Asia, including several of Thailand's most important sport species. The giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy) is a frequent pay-lake stocking species, reaching 7+ kg and taking surface lures and fly. The striped snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis) and three-spot gourami are smaller species targeted in wild water. Gourami are labyrinth fish — they have a supplementary breathing organ that allows them to gulp air at the surface.

Gulf of Thailand — The semi-enclosed body of water on Thailand's eastern coastline, bounded by Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Generally calmer and shallower than the Andaman Sea. Key fishing areas include the waters around Pattaya, Hua Hin, Samui, and the southern Gulf grounds near Chumphon and Surat Thani. Productive for sailfish (particularly November–February), giant trevally, barracuda, and reef species. Less exposed to the southwest monsoon than the Andaman, making it fishable year-round for inshore species.

GT — Giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis), the apex predator of tropical coral reef systems and the headline saltwater target for most offshore charter fishing in Thailand. Known for explosive surface strikes on large poppers and stickbaits, immense speed, and the ability to cut leaders on reef edges. Widely considered one of the most exciting sport fish on the planet on suitable tackle. Thailand's best GT fishing is on the Andaman side — around the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, and offshore rocky outcrops. IGFA all-tackle world record stands at 80 kg.

I

IGFA — International Game Fish Association. The global governing body for sport fishing records, rules, and conservation. Maintains world record databases for all recognised species across line-class categories. Sets rules for fair-chase fishing and leader length for record purposes. Membership provides access to record-submission processes. Lewis Pearce, one of ThaiAngler's contributors, is a current IGFA member.

IUCN — International Union for Conservation of Nature. Maintains the Red List of Threatened Species — the global authoritative database for species conservation status. Categories include Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild, and Extinct. Several species commonly encountered in Thai fishing are listed: giant Mekong catfish (Critically Endangered), Siamese carp (Endangered), humphead wrasse (Endangered). IUCN status refers to wild populations; farmed individuals in pay-lakes do not change the wild conservation picture.

J

Jigging — A fishing technique in which a metal lure (jig) is worked vertically in the water column with a series of lifts and drops, imitating a wounded baitfish. Deep jigging in Thailand typically targets dogtooth tuna, amberjack, and large grouper at depths of 60–200 metres over seamounts and drop-offs in the Andaman Sea. Slow-pitch jigging — a Japanese technique using longer, flatter jigs with a pendulum action — has become popular among Thai saltwater specialists for its effectiveness at extreme depths.

K

Karst — A geological landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks (primarily limestone), producing dramatic features including sinkholes, caves, underground rivers, and the iconic sheer-sided tower formations visible throughout Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, and northern Thailand. Karst river systems often have highly mineralised water and distinct aquatic ecosystems. Several of Thailand's wild mahseer rivers flow through karst terrain; the alkaline water chemistry affects both fish distribution and fly choice.

Kasin (กาศิน) — A traditional Thai fishing method using a hand-thrown cast net (salung) to capture fish in shallow water, practiced in rural communities throughout the country. Not a sport fishing method, but part of the cultural context of freshwater fishing in Thailand. The skill required to throw a cast net correctly — opening it into a full circle before it hits the water — takes considerable practice and is still passed down in fishing communities.

Kasem — Informal term for the social culture surrounding Thai pay-lake fishing, encompassing the platform camaraderie, the shared food and snacks, the advice exchanged between regulars, and the unwritten etiquette governing bait placement, casting arcs, and noise. Understanding kasem as a cultural phenomenon — rather than just a fishing style — helps visiting anglers integrate comfortably into pay-lake environments where local social norms are often invisible to outsiders.

Klong (คลอง) — Thai word for canal. Bangkok's extensive network of klongs historically served as transport arteries and have long been used for small-scale urban fishing. Several klongs still hold snakehead, featherback, and catfish accessible by light lure fishing from the bank, though water quality is variable and catch-and-release is advisable given pollution levels in urban sections.

L

Leader-wind capacity — The number of turns of thick leader line that a reel spool can accommodate on top of the mainline. Relevant for GT popping and jigging setups where the terminal leader (typically 80–200 lb fluorocarbon) must wind onto the reel to bring the fish within gaffing range. Standard offshore reels for GT fishing are rated by their leader-wind capacity as much as by their line capacity. A reel that cannot wind on six turns of 150 lb fluoro is inadequate for serious popping work.

Lipless crank — A sinking hard-bodied lure with no bill, designed to run on a flat, fast retrieve with a tight vibrating action. Effective on snakehead and barramundi in Thai pay-lakes and reservoirs, particularly when fish are holding in the mid-water column rather than at the surface. The lure sinks on the drop, allowing the angler to control depth by varying the pause between casts.

Longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol) — A smaller, inshore tuna species found throughout Thai coastal waters in both the Gulf and the Andaman. Typically runs 2–8 kg; considerably easier to target than yellowfin or dogtooth, and available year-round inshore rather than requiring offshore charter work. Excellent eating, and among the most accessible saltwater sport fish for visiting anglers without budget for full-day offshore trips.

M

Mahseer (Tor spp.) — A genus of large cyprinid fish native to fast-flowing rivers of South and Southeast Asia, considered one of the premier freshwater sport fish in the region. Thailand hosts several species including the humpback mahseer (Tor tambroides) and the blue mahseer (Tor cf. duoronensis). Mahseer inhabit boulder-strewn rivers with high oxygen levels, are strong fighters relative to their size, and take both fly and lure. Wild populations are under significant pressure from habitat loss and overfishing. See ThaiAngler's species coverage for more on conservation status and responsible fishing approaches.

Marlin — Large billfish of the family Istiophoridae. Blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) and black marlin (Istiompax indica) are both encountered in Thai waters, primarily in the deep Andaman Sea offshore from Phuket and along the southern Gulf grounds. Marlin fishing in Thailand is less developed than the sailfish charter scene — the fish are present but irregular, and most encounters are incidental on sailfish trips rather than the result of a targeted marlin charter strategy.

MDX freshwater stingray (Urogymnus polylepis) — The giant freshwater stingray, one of the largest freshwater fish in the world by weight, found in the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Mae Klong river systems. Recorded to over 300 kg. A significant catch at certain specialist stingray fishing operations in the Mae Klong basin. Requires specific handling precautions — the barbed tail spine can cause serious injury. Listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN.

Mekong basin — The river system draining from the Tibetan Plateau through Yunnan Province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam before reaching the South China Sea. One of the most biodiverse river systems in the world, home to numerous endemic and globally threatened fish species. The Thai section of the Mekong forms most of the country's northeastern border with Laos and contains wild populations of giant Mekong catfish, Siamese carp, giant freshwater stingray, and dozens of less-known species.

Monsoon — Thailand experiences a southwest monsoon (May–October) bringing heavy rainfall to the Andaman coast and northern interior, and a northeast monsoon (November–February) affecting the Gulf of Thailand coast. The monsoons dictate fishing seasons: the Andaman saltwater charter season runs roughly November–April during the southwest monsoon's absence; the Gulf coast fishing improves as the northeast monsoon brings nutrient upwelling and pelagic activity. Freshwater rivers run high, turbid, and fast during the monsoon, reducing fly fishing quality but concentrating catfish in certain flooded backwaters.

N

No-name knot — A catch-all term used in Thai fishing circles for several simple, strong knots for which no standardised Thai or English name has stuck. Often refers to a Palomar variant or a clinch knot with extra turns, depending on who is teaching it. When a Thai fishing guide shows a visiting angler "the no-name knot," it is worth paying close attention to the exact wrap sequence rather than assuming it matches a named knot from Western tackle literature.

O

Obligate air-breather — A fish that must breathe atmospheric oxygen to survive, using a modified lung or labyrinth organ, and will drown if prevented from surfacing. Arapaima are obligate air-breathers, surfacing every few minutes to gulp air. Snakehead and gourami are labyrinth fish with a similar requirement. The implication for catch-and-release practice is significant: an obligate air-breather that is kept submerged during fight or handling will suffocate. At Thai pay-lakes stocking arapaima, fish should be netted and returned quickly.

P

Paternoster rig — A bottom fishing rig in which one or more hook traces branch off the mainline above a terminal weight. Commonly used for saltwater reef fishing and for certain freshwater catfish methods. The multiple dropper arrangement allows different baits to be presented at different heights off the bottom simultaneously.

Pay-lake — A commercial freshwater fishery stocking large fish for sport fishing on a day-session basis, typically charging a per-day or per-session access fee. The dominant format of freshwater sport fishing in Thailand. Pay-lakes range from small operations with a single species to major venues like Bungsamran and IT Lake Monsters stocking over a dozen species including exotic giants from South America and Africa. Catch-and-release is the universal norm at serious pay-lakes.

Peacock bass family (Cichla spp.) — South American cichlids stocked in several Thai pay-lakes, valued for their aggression on topwater lures. The speckled peacock bass (Cichla temensis) is the most frequently stocked species in Thailand. Native to the Amazon basin. Not related to any Asian bass species. Respond particularly well to surface lures fished in the early morning and late afternoon.

Peg — A numbered fishing position on a pay-lake platform. Most Thai pay-lakes allocate specific pegs to anglers for their session to prevent crowding and give each position a defined casting arc. Pegs are typically allocated on arrival or by advance booking at busier venues. End pegs and corner pegs are generally preferred for increased casting angles and reduced tangles with neighbouring anglers.

Popper-stick — A heavy-action popping rod designed for surface GT fishing, characterised by a fast-action tip for generating explosive splash with large cup-faced poppers and sufficient backbone to fight GT in open water. Standard setups for Andaman GT work run 7–8 feet, rated for 80–150 g lures, paired with a high-capacity overhead or spinning reel loaded with 80–120 lb braid.

PR knot — A braid-to-leader connection knot tied using a bobbin device (a PR bobbin), which allows even, tight wraps over a long connection section. Stronger and slimmer than the nail knot for heavy leader applications, and the connection of choice among serious GT and jigging anglers using leaders over 100 lb. Slower to tie than the FG knot and requires the bobbin tool — not practical for shore-based adjustment, but nearly unbreakable when done correctly.

Prawn rig — A live or dead prawn presentation rig, typically involving a through-hooking of a whole prawn on a short fluorocarbon trace. One of the most effective methods for barramundi, mangrove jack, and snapper in Thai estuaries and tidal rivers. Also used under a float for reef edge fishing in the Gulf. Fresh prawns from local markets are consistently more effective than frozen.

R

Raek rate (ราก) — Thai angling slang for the early-morning bite window, typically the hour around dawn and the first two hours of daylight, when many species feed most aggressively. At Bangkok pay-lakes, anglers who arrive for the raek are seeking the most active feeding period before the day heats up and fish become lethargic. The equivalent of what Western anglers call the "golden hour" or "first light window."

S

Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) — The most accessible billfish species for sport fishing in Thailand, targeted primarily in the Gulf of Thailand and around Phuket's offshore banks during the November-to-April season. Fast, acrobatic fighters; strongly conservation-minded in the charter fleet, with most operators practising mandatory catch-and-release. Thailand's sailfish run large relative to other Asian populations, with fish over 40 kg fairly common on the southern banks.

Saltwater croc warning (Mergui) — The Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar/Andaman Sea border region) has a documented population of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), the world's largest reptile. Several liveaboard and charter operators access Mergui waters for GT and trophy reef fishing. Anglers wading or swimming in mangrove areas in these waters should be aware of crocodile presence. This is not a theoretical risk — attacks have been recorded in the region.

Siamese carp (Probarbus jullieni) — Also called the Jullien's golden carp or seven-striped barb. One of the largest cyprinid fish in the world, reaching over 150 cm and 70 kg. Classified as Endangered by IUCN. The stocked fish at venues like Bungsamran and Palm Tree Lagoon are farmed, not wild-caught. Highly prized by carp fishing specialists for their power and the technical challenge of their bait preferences. One of the few species that consistently attracts European carp anglers to travel specifically to Thailand.

Snakehead family (Channidae) — A family of elongated, air-breathing freshwater predators native to Asia and Africa. Thailand hosts several species including the giant snakehead (Channa micropeltes), which reaches over 1 metre and is a serious lure fishing target, and the striped snakehead (Channa striata), widely distributed in ponds and irrigation canals. All snakehead can breathe air and will survive brief periods out of water. Known for explosive surface strikes on topwater lures. One of the most popular target species for Thai recreational anglers.

Soldier crab — A species of crab used as live or fresh-dead bait for mangrove jack, barramundi, and reef species in Thai estuary and coastal fishing. Often collected from mangrove edges at low tide. Effective because of the strong scent released from the crushed shell.

Sport fishing license — As of the most recent DOF guidance, foreign recreational anglers fishing in Thai freshwater are technically required to hold a valid fishing licence issued by the Department of Fisheries. In practice, enforcement at pay-lakes is minimal, and most pay-lake operators include a de facto daily licence in their session fee. For wild-water fishing, particularly in rivers and reservoirs outside national parks, a DOF licence is the appropriate document. Always carry valid identification and confirm licence requirements with the DOF before fishing remote locations.

T

Tag-and-release — A conservation and data-gathering practice in which a caught fish is fitted with a numbered plastic or dart tag before release. Used primarily in saltwater for pelagic species (sailfish, marlin, GT) by research-aligned charter operators. Tagged fish that are subsequently recaptured provide data on movement patterns, growth rates, and population structure. Some Thai charter operators participate in formal tagging programmes; others offer tagging as a service for record-minded anglers.

Thai national parks fee structure — Foreign visitors to Thai national parks pay a significantly higher entry fee than Thai nationals — currently 300 THB vs 30 THB for most parks, though rates vary and are subject to revision. Parks relevant to fishing (Khao Yai for freshwater, Similan Marine National Park for saltwater) apply the tiered fee structure on top of any separate activity permits. Budget accordingly for multi-day fishing trips inside park boundaries.

Tippet — The final, lightest section of a fly fishing leader, tied directly to the fly. In freshwater fly fishing for mahseer in clear jungle rivers, tippet selection balances visibility against break-off risk — too light and a strong fish in fast water will take the fly on the first head-shake; too heavy and wary fish in clear water will refuse. Typical tippet for Thai mahseer fly fishing runs 10–16 lb fluorocarbon.

Trolling — A method of fishing in which lures or baited rigs are towed behind a moving boat at a controlled speed. The standard method for sailfish and marlin in Thai waters — rigged lures and circle-hook live bait rigs are worked at 5–8 knots across likely billfish grounds. Also used inshore for mackerel, barracuda, and queenfish. Speed, lure depth, and lure action are the principal variables.

W

Wallago (Wallago attu) — A large, elongated predatory catfish found in rivers and large lakes throughout mainland Southeast Asia, including the Chao Phraya and Mekong systems. Known in Thailand as pla khao (ปลาขาว). Lethargic by day, active and aggressive at night. Occasionally encountered in pay-lakes as a bonus species. Can reach 2 metres and 25 kg in large river systems.

Y

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) — One of the principal pelagic target species in the deeper Andaman Sea and offshore Gulf of Thailand. Typically encountered around FADs and seamounts at depths suitable for trolling or chunking with live bait. Thai yellowfin run 5–40 kg in most charter contexts, with fish over 60 kg occasionally encountered on offshore Andaman grounds. Distinguished from dogtooth tuna by habitat (open water vs deep reef) and by the distinctive elongated dorsal fin in adult fish.

Last updated: 2026-05-06. Terms are added as new species, techniques, and venues are covered across the site.