Fishing Expedition by “Papcio Chmiel” – Wetlands of Takeo Province
Fishing in the Heart of Cambodia – with Local Fishermen on the Mekong Delta Waters
If you love fishing not just for the catch, but for the experience – this day is for you. Instead of crowded commercial ponds, we’ll take you to the natural wetlands of Takeo province, where the river still follows its ancient rhythm and fishing is part of daily life.
Aboard the traditional boat Papcio Chmiel, and in the company of local Cambodian fishermen, we’ll try both classic and traditional techniques, cast into peaceful waters, and catch memories that will last longer than any trophy. No rush, no noise – just you, your rod, and the river.
Key Seasons and Conditions
| Season | Water Level | Best Methods | Common Target Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| October – January (post-monsoon drop) | Falling, draining from fields | gill nets, baited traps, float & ledger fishing | Pangasius catfish, Siamese carp, Asian swamp eel, striped snakehead |
| February – May (dry season) | Low and clear | spinning, live bait, bottom fishing | Walking catfish, giant gourami, tilapia, climbing perch |
| June – September (wet season, spawning period) | Rising rapidly, flooded fields | light casting nets, trolling in deeper channels | Catch & release only – migratory carps, juveniles |
Note: All fishing is community-based and regulated. During peak spawning (June–September), we fish only for sport and release. Local techniques are demonstrated within seasonal limits.
Daily Program
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 04:30 | Early pick-up from hotel and transfer to a rural pier. |
| 05:00 | Board our trusted composite Mekong-style boat, “Papcio Chmiel”. |
| 05:15–07:30 | Golden Hour: trolling or float-ledger fishing along flooded field edges. Our local fishing master, Mr. Vy, demonstrate live bait setups using prawns and small cyprinids. |
| 07:30 | Breakfast on board: rice, sun-dried smoked fish (trey chhdaur), and strong Khmer coffee. |
| 08:00–10:30 | Traditional gear demonstration: small casting nets (tron), bamboo fish traps (lop). You’ll get hands-on experience under guidance. |
| 10:30–12:00 | Drifting through the Prek Lapouv wetland channels – spinning or light jigging near deep bends. High chances of catching striped snakehead or walking catfish. |
| 12:15–13:15 | Lunch at a floating village home. Enjoy freshly prepared sour fish soup (samlar machu trey) or vegetarian options. |
| 13:30–15:30 | Shade & Surface Fishing: cast under sugar palm trees using surface lures or light floats – look out for giant gourami and climbing perch. |
| 15:30–17:00 | Final hunt: bottom rigs at a deep channel mouth. Local fishers rig bamboo bells to detect bites from Pangasius catfish and other heavy species. |
| 17:00 | Catch review, photos, and – following catch & release principles – most fish are returned to the water. Legal-size fish may be kept for an optional dinner back in Takeo. |
| 17:45 | Return transfer to hotel. End of expedition. |
Tour Includes:
- Round-trip private transport between hotel and pier
- Full-day boat rental (max 6 anglers) with shaded deck and fishing setup
- Experienced local fishermen + English-speaking local guide
- Fishing gear (spinning rods, bottom rigs, traditional nets & bait)
- Onboard breakfast, lunch with local family, drinks and bottled water
- Sun protection, first-aid kit, life jackets
Sample Catch (based on past 3 seasons):
- Striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus): 1–3 kg
- Snakehead (Channa striata): 0.8–2 kg
- Walking catfish (Clarias batrachus): up to 1 kg
- Giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy): 0.5–1.5 kg
- Climbing perch (Anabas testudineus): ~300 g
- Smallscale mud carp (Cirrhinus microlepis): 0.6–1.2 kg
Sustainability: All fishing is done under local permits, within ecological and cultural guidelines. Most fish are released, unless kept for agreed local consumption. The aim is not just a good catch, but a genuine immersion in the rhythms of Mekong life – where fishing is a way of living, not just sport.
Price depends on the number of participants. Call us: +855 088 883 7005 / +855 015 669 733