BIG GAME FISHING
Moofushi is close to two oceanic currents and therefore, depending on the time of year, is ideal for catching flying fish, pomfrets, king fish and yellow fin tuna, to name but a few.
The boat used is a Maldivian dhoni with a large stern. The fishing is done standing-up with a harness.
On board there are three aft rod rests, medium light rods, Penn reels and a variety of artificial baits, from Rapala baits to tuna fillet prepared by the captain and his crew. Tea, coffee and sandwiches are provided on board for dawn fishing trips.
BOTTOM FISHING
Every evening at 6.30 p.m. one or more boats set off for some sea fishing. The trip takes around two hours.
The method used to catch the fish is a simple one. There is a line with lead on the end and a hook thirty centimetres up to which pieces of tuna are attached. The technique is straightforward: the line sinks to the bottom and once the lead touches the bottom the line is reeled in about fifty centimetres by hand.
When there is a full moon there is also a nighttime fishing trip from 10 p.m. to midnight.
Fishing with Riyalu Dhoni (Dhoni sailboats)
Moofushi is surrounded by different shoals and is therefore perfect for going fishing in Riyalu Dhoni, a small local sailboat, accompanied by a Maldivian captain.
Two techniques are used: hand trolling, with a small artificial raffia bait, and bottom fishing.
The fish won't be big, but you are guaranteed to have fun. Latti (frigate tuna), Handi (trevally), Faana (grouper), Raiy mas (sea bream) and Giulhu (kind of sea bass) are some of the catches you may land, as you learn to recognise the different fish with the captain.
