The Andaman Islands are not just another Game fishing destination. They are a geological anomaly. While the rest of the world’s oceans are suffering from industrial overfishing and rising temperatures, the Andaman Sea remains a wild, violent, and pristine theatre of apex predators.
Sitting on a volcanic ridge between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, this archipelago offers immediate access to the “abyss.” As a charter operator running expeditions from both Port Blair and Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), I’ve seen 40kg Giant Trevally (GT) smash poppers in water so clear you can see the spots on their scales before they strike.
If you are planning a trip in 2026, this is your technical bible. We’ll cover the geography, the gear, the seasons, and the logistics of the two most iconic fishing hubs in India.
1. The Tale of Two Hubs: Port Blair vs. Havelock
Most tourists see Port Blair as a transit point and Havelock as a beach destination. To us, they are tactical bases.
Base Alpha: Port Blair (The Gateway to the South)
Port Blair is the heart of “Expedition Style” fishing. It is the only place in the islands where you can access the extreme deep-water drop-offs of the southern archipelago.
- The South Ridge (Rutland & Cinque): South of Port Blair lies Rutland Island and the twins, North and South Cinque. The “Cinque Drop” is legendary. Here, the continental shelf doesn’t just slope; it falls off a cliff. We target Dogtooth Tuna and Large Groupers on the vertical walls that plunge from 60m to 300m.
- Invisible Bank: This is a 100km+ offshore run. It’s a submerged plateau that rises from 1,000m to 15m. It is arguably the best Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna spot in Indian waters, but it requires a heavy, twin-engine vessel and a captain who can navigate open-ocean swells.
- The “Barren Island” Launchpad: Port Blair is the primary starting point for the 135km run to South Asia’s only active volcano.
Base Beta: Havelock Island (The GT Capital)
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) is built for Surface Popping. The island is surrounded by a complex system of fringing reefs and “pressure points” where the tides rip through narrow channels.
- The “Wall”: A massive underwater ridge running parallel to the east coast. On an incoming tide, the “Wall” becomes a highway for Giant Trevally.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): A short run from Havelock, Neil offers shallower flats perfect for Bluefin Trevally and Spanish Mackerel. It’s the ultimate spot for light tackle fun.
- Peel Island & Outlying Reefs: These spots are less crowded and hold massive Red Snappers and Barracuda that hunt on the reef edges.
2. Technical Tactics: Targeting the “Big Three”
In the Andamans, we don’t just fish; we hunt. Here is the technical breakdown of the species that put our tackle to the ultimate test.
I. Giant Trevally (GT) – The Surface Explosion
The GT is the undisputed king of the Andaman reefs. They don’t nibble; they detonate.
- Technique: Popping and Stickbaiting.
- The Setup: You need a PE8-10 rod (7’8” to 8’3”). The extra length is crucial for casting distance—you need to reach the “surf zone” where the waves break on the reef without putting the boat in danger.
- The Gear: Shimano Stella 14000/18000 or Daiwa Saltiga 14000.
- The Secret: Barbless Single Hooks. We use Decoy or BKK singles. Why? Because a 40kg GT with a mouthful of treble hooks is dangerous for the fish and the angler. Singles provide a better hook-up rate in the jaw and make for a safer release.
II. Dogtooth Tuna – The Dirty Fighter
The “Doggy” is the most feared fish in the islands. Unlike other tuna that run for the horizon, the Dogtooth runs straight for the rocks to cut your line.
- Technique: Vertical Jigging.
- The Strategy: We drift over “pinnacles” (underwater mountains). We drop 250g–400g metal jigs to the bottom and “Mechanical Jig” (one turn, one jerk) at high speed.
- The Tackle: A short, parabolic jigging rod. You need the “bend” in the rod to absorb the shock of the strike, or the fish will literally pull you overboard.
- The Knot: The PR Knot or FG Knot is non-negotiable. Any knot with a bulkier profile will fail under the 15kg–20kg of drag we run to stop these monsters.
III. The Billfish – Marlin & Sailfish
From December to March, the Andaman Sea becomes a corridor for migrating Blue and Black Marlin.
- Technique: Trolling skirted lures or “Switch-and-Bait” with live Bonito.
- The Zone: We look for the “1,000-meter contour.” This is where the blue water is darkest and the Marlin roam.
3. The Barren Island Expedition: Fishing an Active Volcano
If you want the ultimate “Game Fishing in Andaman” experience, you book a Barren Island trip.
Barren is 135km from the nearest port. The scenery is prehistoric—smoke rising from the crater, black lava flows meeting the sea, and water that is a deep, haunting indigo.
- The Black Sand Effect: The sea floor is covered in volcanic ash. This creates a dark background that makes bright-colored lures (Neon Pink, Chartreuse) “pop” with incredible visibility.
- The Giants: Because it’s so remote, the Dogtooth Tuna here grow to “Dinosaur” proportions. It is not uncommon to see 60kg+ fish on the sonar.
- Logistics: This is a 14-hour day. We leave at 3:00 AM. You need a boat with Twin Engines and a Satellite Phone. Safety is our first priority.
4. Lunar Cycles and Tides
Most travel blogs tell you the weather. We tell you the Tidal Coefficient.
In the Andamans, the tide moves a massive volume of water.
- Full Moon & New Moon (Spring Tides): These are the “Big Fish” days. The current is at its strongest, which activates the baitfish. This is the best time for GT popping. However, jigging becomes difficult because your jig will “drift” too much in the current.
- Neap Tides (Half Moon): The water is slower. This is the Jigging Window. It allows us to keep our jigs vertical over the pinnacles, reaching the 150m–200m depths where the big Dogtooth hide.
5. Where to Stay?
A world-class fishing trip requires world-class recovery. We have officially partnered with SeaShell Hotels & Resorts because they understand the specific needs of an angler.
In Port Blair: SeaShell Marine Hill
Located 10 minutes from the jetty, this is our tactical base.
- Why it works: They offer early-bird breakfast packs for our 3:00 AM departures. After a brutal day at sea, the rooftop bar Amaya is the only place to be for a cold beer and a view of the harbor you just conquered.
In Havelock: SeaShell Havelock & SeaShell Samssara Havelock
If you are chasing GTs, the SeaShell properties on Havelock are the gold standard.
- The Experience: Private beach access and luxury bungalows. It’s the perfect place to bring a spouse or family. While you are out fighting 30kg fish, they can enjoy the Sattva Spa or the infinity pool.
- The Kitchen: Their chefs are experts at preparing you Catch of the Day (Tuna or Snapper) in local Andaman style.
Note: While SeaShell is our partner, we can always find accommodation (Guest Houses or Boutique Stays) that fits your specific budget.
6. Gear Guide
If you are packing your own gear, here is your checklist:
- Hooks: BKK Raptor-Z Trebles or Lone Ranger Singles.
- Lures: * Poppers: Hammerhead, Heru Cubera (120g–150g).
- Stickbaits: Carpenter, ASL, or Shimano Orca (Sinking and Floating).
- Jigs: 200g–400g long-leaf jigs in Silver, Pink, or Glow-in-the-dark.
- Leader: 130lb–170lb Nylon for Popping; 100lb–130lb Fluorocarbon for Jigging.
If you don’t want to carry a 7ft rod tube, don’t worry, do let us know and we will arrange the tackle for you.
7. Logistics & Permits (The Fine Print)
You cannot fish illegally in the Andamans. The Coast Guard is strict, and the fines are heavy.
- Permits: We handle all Fisheries and Forest Department permits. We need your ID 48 hours in advance.
- Conservation: We follow a strict Catch and Release policy for GT, Marlin, Sailfish, and Sharks. We use barbless hooks to ensure these apex predators return to the reef to fight another day.
- Season: The window is October to May. The peak is January to March. We do not operate during the monsoon (June-September).
Conclusion: Why Book With Us?
There are many boats in the Andaman Sea, but there is only one way to fish it correctly.
We don’t just take you for a ride. We provide a technical, high-performance fishing experience. Whether you want to launch from Port Blair to hunt the volcanic depths of Barren Island or base yourself in Havelock to pop for trophy GTs, we have the local knowledge, the twin-engine safety, and the brand-partnered luxury to make it happen.
The 2026 season is already filling up. The fish are waiting. Are you?
Would you like to see our 3-day and 5-day custom itineraries? Contact us now to lock in your dates!
WhatsApp: 7695079944
Email: contact@andamanislandspirit.com