Gillhams Fishing Resorts – Thailand
Gillhams fishing resorts is a resort where anglers of all abilities can visit for the opportunity to fish for monster sized fish! Catering for couples, families, solo anglers, group bookings or even lake exclusives, set in the manicured landscaped gardens you can be sure that you will experience your dream fishing holiday at Gillhams.
Being featured on international programmes such as National Geographics Monster Fish, Jeremy Wades River Monsters and Kordas Monster Carp, this resort is considered by many people to be the best fishing resort in the world.
What fish species can I expect to find at Gillhams Fishing Resorts?
The 12 acre lake is stocked with 52 species of fish from around the world including six species which exceed the magical 100lbs mark. These are Arapaima up to 560lb, Chao Phraya up to 160lb, Mekong Catfish up to 300lb, Siamese Carp up to 200lb, Wallago Leeri up to 150lb, and Freshwater Stingray up to 200lb. There are also several other species which are getting closer to the 100lb barrier including the Amazon Redtail Catfish.
For those who are interested in some of the smaller species in the lake there are Ripsaw catfish, Firewood catfish, Mahseer, Julian’s Prize Carp , Giant Gourami, Asian Catfish and many many more for you to target.
There is also the ‘small lake’ that is exclusive to guests staying at the resort, this lake is heavily stocked with 27 different fish species up to 45lb, this easy lake is ideal for a bit of fun between the serious task of catching the river monsters that inhabit the main lake. This lake fits in perfectly for a few hours fishing after a day trip, and can be fished for an hourly rate.
Do I need to bring any tackle or bait with me to Gillhams Fishing Resorts?
In a word – No. You can turn up at Gillhams with no fishing equipment and everything is provided for you.
Each angler is provided with all tackle and a reasonable amount of bait included as standard. Additional bait is available to purchase on site at a reasonable cost. No outside baits are allowed to be used on the resort. Hookbaits can be brought with you as long as they are in the original unopened packaging.
The resort makes the use of the highest quality tackle including Free Spirit Rods, Daiwa Reels, Korda end tackle and Solar bankware. At the on-site shop there are basic essentials such as hook-baits, PVA bags, backleads, hooks, and hook links should you feel that you wish to purchase these and try out your own rigs. Rigs must be checked by a guide before use in order to ensure fish safety is maintained.
Items that we recommend you take with you are: PVA bags, a head torch, a light weight rain jacket in case you get caught in a shower, a hand towel, a catapult, braid scissors, a boilie needle, boilie stops, and power gum. This is not an exhaustive list, however it is short list of essentials we have found useful to have with us in the past.
Will I get a fishing guide at Gillhams Fishing Resorts?
The resort provides permanently employed English speaking fishing guides as well as english speaking Thai guides, they work one guide between four anglers and will assist all anglers to the level required. They are on the lake every day, on their days off they fish the lake. The guide’s knowledge of the lake and the fish is second to none, if you listen to their advice and use the rigs provided and methods they recommend you cant go wrong. Tell the guides what fish you would like to target, and they will try their hardest to get you the fish of your dreams.
What is the accommodation like at Gillhams Fishing Resorts?
The resort offers 8 luxury two-bedroom bungalows and 6 luxury one bedroom bungalows with an optional suite room, perfect for non-fishing partners to relax during the day watching movies or reading. Every bungalow is set within 12 meters of the lake, these bungalows are fitted with modern custom built furniture, fridge, cable TV and DVD player, fully air-conditioned plus ceiling fans plus a safe for your valuables and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, towels are provided. The bungalows have a large covered balcony with stunning views over the lake and lime karst mountains in the surrounding national park. The complete resort has free high speed WiFi, also offered at additional cost is a laundry service. Power cuts are not an issue at Gillhams, the whole resort has back up generators to eliminate those annoying power cuts that are a common thing in most Thai resorts. All the above is set in 25 acres of stunning landscaped gardens that are kept immaculate by a small army of gardeners, the whole complex is surrounded by discreet fencing and has a 24 hour security guard.
For those who are looking that little bit extra, the private pool villa is the perfect place for your next fishing vacation, whether it’s just you and your partner, with the family or on holiday with friends, this private pool villa is the perfect retreat. The villa is located just a few meters away from the lake over looking the beautiful national park & set amongst stunning landscaped gardens.
The Pool Villa boasts three beautiful bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, ceiling fans and a 42inch TV with full channel playlists. The two master bedrooms are both equipped with double beds while the third bedroom has two single beds.
The villa also has a living room fully equipped with a large L-shaped sofa, 62inch flat screen TV with full satellite channels, and a dining area over looking the lake with a table big enough for six people including a fully equipped kitchen.
The villa has beautiful landscaped gardens and a stunning sun deck area with infinity swimming pool, sun beds and a stunning sala with a large sofa area. The sun deck also offers a BBQ area where you can chill out in the evening in the comfort of your very own private pool villa, grill a few steaks and enjoy an ice cold beer, glass of wine or whatever takes your fancy while talking fishing tales and making plans for the following day in paradise.
What else is there to do at Gillhams Fishing Resorts?
The complex boasts a lakeside restaurant serving Thai and European food, plus a small shop selling day to day items snacks and ice creams. There is a large infinity swimming pool overlooking the lake, plus a fully equipped gym. All the fishing locations have a tiled sala for shelter fitted with lights, fan and charging points.
There is also the Benz Spa with 4 x massage beds, steam room, Jacuzzi and a second infinity swimming pool, set in landscaped gardens, plus a cookery school. At the Spa there is also the offer of private romantic meals, the meals will be from a selective menu and booked 24 hours in advance. You will get your own private elevated sala for the evening overlooking the gardens and lake. More details on the Spa and cookery school can be found here: Benz Spa and Cookery School (Additional costs are incurred for cookery school and Spa facilities – Please let us know if you wish to add any cookery school or spa experiences to your trip and we will be more than happy to add this to your quote).
There are also various day trips which can be booked whilst you are at the resort including visiting the Emerald Pools, Elephant Trekking, Krabi Island, Quad Biking (ATV), Rock Climbing, Tiger Cave and Temples, Krabi Waterfalls, White Water Rafting, and many more.
Is food and drink included with my booking at Gillhams Fishing Resorts?
Included with your booking is your breakfast for each night that you stay. Any additional food and drink are to be purchased from the on-site restaurant and general store. Food packages are not available, however a copy of the restaurant menu with details of prices can be found here: Gillhams Restaurant Menu and Prices
How do I get to Gillhams Fishing Resorts?
Generally the best route to Gillhams Fishing Resorts is to book flights to Krabi Airport in Thailand. We can then book your transfer with the resort, where you will be met by a representative at the airport and after a short ride in an air-conditioned vehicle you will arrive at the resort.
We do not provide flights but can advise you on routes and can also put you in touch with our recommended agent who will be able to find you the best price and arrange these on your behalf if required.
Alternatively if you are visiting another area beforehand we are able to book transfers from the following locations as part of your booking (Krabi Town, Ao-Nang, Nopparat Thara, Ao-Nammao, Klong Muang & Tubkaak), or if you require transfer from further afield this can be arranged depending on the distance at an additional charge. Please let us know when booking and we will work with you to arrange this.