This guide is designed for the serious angler—the one who has felt the soul-crushing pull fishing for a 40kg ( Giant Trevally) GT fish and spent nights researching moon phases and popper weights.
When you’re looking for the absolute best place to cast a line, three names usually dominate the conversation: The Andaman Islands, the Maldives, and Oman. Each has its legends. Each has its trophies. But which one deserves your next 10 days of leave? Here is the definitive comparison of world-class sport fishing in 2026.
Andaman vs. Maldives vs. Oman: Where is the Best GT Fishing in the World?
For the hardcore angler, the Giant Trevally is the ultimate adversary. They don’t just swim; they hunt. They don’t just bite; they explode. To catch one, you need the right gear, the right boat, and—most importantly—the right destination.
While the Maldives is the king of luxury and Oman is the land of desert giants, the Andaman Islands have quietly emerged as the “final frontier” for those who value raw, untouched ecosystems over five-star infinity pools.
1. The Andaman Islands: The Untouched Frontier
If you want to fish in a place that feels like the world forgot it, the Andaman Islands (India) are your destination. Unlike its neighbors, the Andaman archipelago was closed to commercial fishing for decades, and much of it remains protected today.
The GT Fishing Experience
Andaman is the land of variety. Because of the massive drop-offs and the proximity of deep-sea trenches to the reefs, you can be popping for a 50kg GT in the morning and jigging for a 100lb Dogtooth Tuna by noon.
- The Andaman Edge: There is almost zero commercial pressure. In places like the Maldives, commercial long-lining has impacted the average size of reef fish. In Andaman, the “monsters” still live in the shallows.
- The Species: Giant Trevally (GT), Dogtooth Tuna, Bluefin Trevally, Sailfish, and the elusive Black Marlin.
- Unique Highlight: Barren Island. Imagine casting poppers into the ash-black waters surrounding India’s only active volcano. The nutrient-rich volcanic soil creates an underwater “hotspot” that attracts pelagic giants like nowhere else on earth.
The Verdict for Pros
Andaman is for the explorer. It isn’t as “polished” as the Maldives, but the fish are bigger, the reefs are healthier, and you won’t see another charter boat on the horizon for days.
2. The Maldives: Luxury Meets the Ocean
The Maldives is perhaps the most famous fishing destination in the world. It’s an archipelago of over 1,000 coral islands, each more beautiful than the last.
The GT Fishing Experience
The Maldives offers incredible consistency. The atoll structures create perfect “highways” for predators. You can choose between staying at a luxury resort with an in-house charter or a Liveaboard boat that moves from atoll to atoll.
- The Pros: Incredible visibility. The water is often so clear that you can see a GT tracking your popper from 20 meters away. It’s a sight-fishing paradise.
- The Cons: Commercial pressure and tourism. In the popular atolls near Malé, the fish have “seen it all.” They are smarter and harder to fool. You often have to travel to the far Northern or Southern atolls to find the truly “dumb” and aggressive giants.
- Best For: Families where the husband wants to fish and the wife wants a spa, or for anglers who prefer the comfort of a luxury yacht.
3. Oman: The Land of the Desert Giants
Oman is the bruiser of the group. It is rugged, dry, and home to some of the largest GTs ever recorded.
The GT Fishing Experience
Fishing in Oman (specifically the Hallaniyat Islands or Southern Dhofar) is not for the faint of heart. It is characterized by high winds, rougher seas, and massive, powerful fish.
- The Giants: While Andaman and Maldives boast high numbers of fish, Oman is where you go for the World Record. The GTs here are built like tanks, often surpassing the 50kg–60kg mark.
- The Technique: It is almost exclusively a heavy popping game. You need PE10 gear and the stamina to cast heavy lures all day in the heat.
- The Landscape: Unlike the tropical greenery of Andaman, Oman offers dramatic limestone cliffs and desert scenery.
The Head-to-Head: A Comparison Table
| Feature | Andaman Islands | Maldives | Oman |
| Primary Target | GT & Dogtooth Tuna | GT & Reef Species | Trophy-sized GT |
| Fishing Pressure | Very Low (Untouched) | High (Near resorts) | Moderate |
| Average GT Size | 20kg – 45kg | 15kg – 30kg | 35kg – 55kg |
| Visibility | 20m – 30m | 40m+ (Elite) | 10m – 20m |
| Accommodation | Boutique & Eco-Resorts | Ultra-Luxury / Liveaboards | Simple Lodges / Camps |
| Travel Difficulty | Moderate (via Port Blair) | Easy (International) | Moderate (Internal travel) |
Why Andaman Wins for the Hardcore Angler
If you are a pro-angler, you aren’t flying across the world for a nice hotel room; you’re flying for the tug on the line. Here is why the Andaman Islands often claim the title of the world’s best GT destination:
1. The Biodiversity is Unmatched
In the Maldives, you might catch 10 GTs. In the Andamans, those 10 fish might include a GT, a Red Snapper, a Malabar Grouper, a Spanish Mackerel, and a Barracuda. The variety of the Bay of Bengal is simply higher than the central Indian Ocean.
2. The Aggression Factor
Because the reefs in Andaman see so few lures, the fish are incredibly aggressive. In pressured waters, a GT might follow a popper and turn away. In the Andamans, they smash it with a ferocity that can literally pull an angler off their feet.
3. Value for Money
World-class sport fishing in India is significantly more affordable than in the Maldives or the Seychelles. You can book a private, high-end charter boat in Port Blair for the price of a shared “tourist” boat in many other countries.
When to Plan Your GT fishing Trip (2025-2026)
Timing is everything in the Andaman Sea. You want to avoid the monsoons to ensure the water clarity is at its peak.
- October to December: Excellent for Yellowfin Tuna and Dorado. The GTs are active around the reefs.
- January to March (The Peak): This is the “Goldilocks” zone. The seas are flat, the wind is low, and the big GTs move into the shallower reefs for spawning. This is when the 40kg+ trophies are most common.
- April to May: The best time for Billfish (Marlin and Sailfish). The water is warm, and the “Big Boys” are out in the deep trenches.
Essential Gear for Andaman GT Fishing
If you’re coming to the Andamans to hunt giants, don’t bring “light” gear. These fish will snap a cheap rod in seconds.
- Rods: You need a dedicated Popping rod (PE 6-10) and a Jigging rod (PE 4-8).
- Reels: Shimano Stella 14000/18000 or Daiwa Saltiga 14000/18000 are the industry standards here.
- Lures: Big wood poppers (120g – 180g) and sinking stickbaits. Brands like Carpenter, AS Saltywater, and local favorites work best.
- Terminal Tackle: 150lb – 200lb leader is a must. If you use 80lb, you’re just feeding the fish your expensive lures.
The Experience at Andaman Island Spirits Charter
We don’t just “take you fishing.” We live for the hunt. Our captains are local experts who have spent their lives navigating the hidden pinnacles and secret drop-offs of the Andaman Sea.
When you book with our in-house game fishing charter, you get:
- Custom-Built Boats: Designed for stability and maximum casting space.
- Premium Tackle: We carry the best international brands so you don’t have to lug 30kg of gear on a plane. Please check with our team.
- Conservation First: We are proud practitioners of Catch and Release. We want these monsters to be here for your children to catch, too.
Final Verdict: Which is for you?
- Choose Oman if you want one massive fish and don’t mind the heat and the wind.
- Choose The Maldives if you want crystal water and luxury for your family.
- Choose The Andaman Islands if you want high-volume action, untouched reefs, and the thrill of fishing in a true wilderness.
The “Geets” are waiting. Are you ready?
Book Your 2026 Expedition Early!
Our peak Game Fishing season (January–March) usually books out 6 months in advance. Don’t miss out on the best tides of the year.
Contact Andaman Island Spirit Charter for Game Fishing in Andaman Islands.