TopCats Fishing Resort

Koh Samui is the third-largest Thai island, and it is known for being a destination that comes alive at night. If you love to party and make the most of a social nightlife, you will love Koh Samui. However, the nightlife is far from the full story, and if you want to make the most of the daytime, you will find the TopCats fishing resort is a glorious use of your time and energy.

There are many ways a fishing resort can capture your attention, but giant fish and exotic species which aren’t too common in Thai fishing resorts will always be of interest.

This is a fishing resort which boasts of more than 30 different species, and there is more than 4,000 fish on offer. No matter what type of fish you are looking for, there is a strong chance you will find it at TopCats.

Also, when it comes to combining days of fishing with the party atmosphere many people associated with Thailand and Koh Samui; no one does it better than TopCats.

Where is the TopCats fishing resort?

The paradise island of Koh Samui is where you will find TopCats, and you will genuinely feel you have arrived in a better place! The stunning backdrop creates a tropical setting that is ideal for those who wish to fish while relaxing in a beautiful place.

The resort is a 20-minute drive away from Lamai, which is a tremendous hub for nightlife. A quick taxi ride will ensure you party the night away, but make sure you have enough energy for another day of fishing in the morning!

What is on offer at the TopCats fishing resort?

While there is a lot to catch your attention at the TopCats fishing resort, the primary aspect is the five-acre lake. This is the key issue which people come for, as well as the massive array of fish, and you’ll find this central to everything you do here.

There are 10 dedicated fishing areas, and with seven luxurious bungalows, you can get some exercise or clear your head away from the fishing environment.

Another brilliant feature of the resort is you can order food directly to your peg. It is not as if the restaurant or bar are far away from the lake, but if you are so focused on fishing you don’t want to miss a moment, you don’t have to.

This is a small touch, but it is the sort of thing that makes a massive difference, and the feedback from guests who have used this service suggests it’s a great feature.

The food has been well received, but having it delivered directly to you when you are fishing is the sort of thing which makes a great trip into a legendary one.

Poachers Paradise Restaurant

With a view overlooking the lake, the restaurant at TopCats isn’t just in a fantastic setting, it provides you with all you need for sustenance and a whole lot more.

If you prefer Western style food, you are well catered for at the Poachers Paradise. This starts with a traditional English breakfast and continues all the way through the day with homemade fish and chips, handmake burgers, lasagne and Greek salads for those who want something lighter while they dine.

There is also a tremendous selection of traditional Thai favourites. If you love a yellow or green curry, pad Thai or Tom Tom, you will find something you adore. The restaurant makes a massive claim in saying their homemade spring rolls are the best on the island, but you won’t find too many arguments from us over that.

There’s a great range of drinks on offer and you might even come across one of the theme nights on offer. There are Thai BBQ specials, seafood platters, meat feasts and nights where the barbecue is fired to the highest level!

You’ll find the portion sizes are huge, so you might need a nap after you have eaten.

The One That Got Away Bar

When it comes to rounding off a great day, the bar at TopCats is a brilliant place to hang out. You’ll find sport from around the world on offer, but you can also relax on the comfortable sofas, letting the world pass you by.

You will find there is a fantastic selection of bar games on offer, with pool and darts being popular attractions. Also, on occasions, there are pub quizzes, which ensure your brain also gets a workout when you stay here.

During the high season, you can enjoy Chang beer on tap, which is almost a reason in itself to visit. There are also plenty of Thai favourites such as Tiger, Singha, Leo and San Miguel Light, which is a very popular drink in Thailand. You can also enjoy a good range of Western beers and the bar has developed a brilliant reputation for serving up cider that is popular in the UK.

If this is your tipple, you can quench your thirst in stunning fashion by stopping at The One That Got Away bar.

What does the accommodation offer at TopCats?

If you plan on staying at TopCats, you will want to know what is on offer with respect to accommodation. There is a range of settings on offer, including four lakeside bungalows, two lakeside suite bungalows and a lakeside suite bungalow with balcony.

All rooms come with air conditioning, a bathroom with shower facilities, free Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV, satellite TV for movies and shows, a DVD player, a fridge, facilities for making tea and coffee, a safety deposit box, daily towels and a complimentary bottle of water every day.

If you want to live in the lap of luxury while looking forward to a great day of fishing, the accommodation on offer at TopCats is second to none.

Want to tell the world how much you loved fishing at TopCats?

Sometimes, people enjoy a holiday so much they cannot wait to tell the world. You can post on social media and share photographs on social media, but if you really want people to know how much fun you had at TopCats, why not buy some merchandise?

Whether this is for yourself, or a gift for someone who was unable to join you, you will find a range of polo shirts, branded caps and fishing tops.

The polo shirts range in size from a Small Small, for a 36” chest to a 4XL, for a 50” chest. The price for one polo shirt is 1,000 baht, and there are discounts available when you buy more! If you buy three or more polo shirts, the cost of each polo shirt falls to 850 baht.

If you’d rather spend your time fishing than traipsing around shops looking for presents for loved ones back home, buy them a gift from TopCats, and maximise your time doing the activity you came here for!

A similar discount is on offer for the fishing shirts, so again, if you have some keen anglers back home, buy them all a fishing shirt to save money. This reduces the likelihood of arguments because everyone gets the same gift, and it saves you even more money!

What other services can be booked at TopCats?

If you had a long day fishing and need to relax, you can book a Thai massage. This is arranged by appointment, with the treatment carried out by a fully qualified masseuse.

If you need to head off, you can book a taxi from TopCats, and there are preferential corporate rates on offer.

If you would like to wash your clothes, there is a laundry service on offer to guests staying at the resort. The cost of this service relates to the kg of clothes being washed, but it is an affordable service.

Important TopCats fishing resort updates in 2021

If you have visited TopCats before, but it has been a number of years since your last trip, you might wish to note that the resort has been under new management since 2019.

However, you will be pleased to know the resort is as committed to offering a stunning fish experience as it has since 2006. There are some small changes around the resort, but when it comes to fishing in a beautiful setting and pitting your skills against a wide range of fish, this is the perfect setting.

What are the TopCats fishing resort opening hours?

You can fish from 8am until 8pm, which should provide you with plenty of time to make a big catch. From that point of the evening, with the lake being fully lit up at sundown, you can relax or socialise. Many anglers like to enjoy a drink or two on a veranda looking out to a lake. After all, the planning process for the next day’s fishing has already begun!

What fish are stocked at the TopCats fishing resort?

More than 4,000 fish have been stocked at TopCats, and there are more than 40 species on offer. This gives you plenty of options to aim for when fishing, and every year, the resort hosts a species hunt competition.

As you’d expect, the aim is to catch as many species as you can on a single trip. In 2020, the winning total was 14 species. The winner was a Danny Bowkiss, who hails from the Isle of Wight.

There have been some notable catches over the years, with the resort record for an Arapaima being 420lb! Giant Mekong Catfish are stocked up to 440lb, so if you are looking for big fish, you will find plenty on offer here.

Amazon Redtail catfish are stocked at more than 120lbs and Giant Siamese Carp can be found at more than 150lb in this resort! There have been Ripsaw Catfish at over 70lbs, Juliens Golden Carp are stocked to 65lbs and Asian Redtail Catfish are stocked to a level of 80lbs.

Lastly, but by no means least, Wallago Catfish are stocked to 100lbs.

As of 2021, the full list of fish stocked at TopCats is as follows:

Air breathers

Arapaima
Giant Featherback
Clown Featherback
Black Alligator Gar
Silver Alligator Gar
Gourami

Cats

Mekong Cat
Amazon Redtail Cat
Asian Redtail Cat
Ripsaw Cat
Black Wallago Cat
Silver Wallago Cat
Siamese Carp
Leopard Cat
Tiger Cat
Firewood Cat
Chao Phraya Cat
Salween Rita Cat
Goonch Devil Cat
Piraiba Cat
Vundo Cat

Carp

Siamese Carp
Chinese (Big Head) Carp
Koi Carp
Black Shark Minnow Carp
Common Carp
Julian’s Prize Golden Carp
Small Scale Mud Carp

Others

Freshwater Stingray
Tarpon
Snakehead
Tilapia
Sucker Fish
Silver Barb
Rohu Indian Carp
Catla Carp
Pacu
Tambaqui
Silver Arowana
Mad Barb (Hoven Carp)
Blue Mahseer

What is the day rate at TopCats fishing resort?

If all you are looking for is a day of fishing at TopCats, you are taken care of, and you have a few options at your disposal.

If you are fortunate enough to take in a full 12 hours of fishing, the Full Days Fishing package is available.

If you have less time, you should consider a half-day session.

The first session of the day runs from 8am to 2pm, allowing you six hours of fishing to start the day right.

The half-day predator session runs from 2pm to 8pm, which means you enjoy six hours of fishing

If you have less time, or you need to be more flexible with your fishing time, you can book a four-hour fishing session. This is only available by appointment, and it is available

If you are enticed by the thought of Arapaima fishing, you can book a five-hour session.

There is also the opportunity for staying customers to upgrade their session, staying one day.

All daily pricing packages include a two set-up and rod pods, with only one predator rod allowed. You will be able to use Century rods, Shinamo reels, Gamma line, Pallatrax end tackle and Delkim alarms.

You will receive one full bait pack, Pallatrax pop ups and 1kg worth of boilies.

A fully-trained fishing guide will be on hand, there will be an electric fan set up in your shaded fishing salas, and there is waitress service on offer. You can also benefit from power and 5G Wi-Fi.

Can I hire equipment at the TopCats fishing resort?

As you would expect, you can hire everything you need for a great day of fishing, or even a longer stay, at TopCats.

Whether you don’t want to travel with your equipment, or you are looking for something different, you can hire all the equipment you need to enjoy yourself.

Will you take the bait at TopCats?

While TopCats encourages anglers to bring and use their own attractants and pop-ups, a full day’s worth of bait is provided to all guests. Yes, whether you have booked a holiday package or you have a day ticket, you will receive a daily bait pack.

The daily bait pack provided by TopCats includes:

Ikg 20mm boilies (Scopex Squid, Crave, Pineapple, Coconut, TopCats, Spicey Shrimp, Strawberry)
Pallatrax “Jungle Pop Ups” (small pot)
3kg TopCats Mufford/Feeder mix
Maize 500g pack
Bread 3 x Loaf
1kg Dead Bait

Given the experience the venue has, if they suggest this is more than enough bait for the average day of fishing, it probably is enough for most guests. However, every fisherman or fisherwoman is unique, and if you would feel more comfortable with additional bait at your disposal, you can purchase more at an affordable rate.

How you tackle the fish at this resort?

Every angler at the TopCats fishing resort receives two set ups with one predator rod allowed at any one point in time.

The majority of anglers begin with a single boilie and one particle. We find that as night turns into day, these anglers swap out for a dead-baited predator rig.

The core equipment in use at TopCats include Century Rods, Shimano Bait runner reels and Delkim alarms. There is a wide range of end tackle on offer, but leading options include Gripz Wide Gape hooks and Pallatrax Stronze hooks,

The resort believe you’ll have everything you need to battle the monster fish here with out bait and tackle, but of course, you can bring your own end tackle. However, if you do, please make sure that it has been reviewed by a guide at the resort.

The resort has provided the following recommendations for any angler looking to bring their tackle to TopCats:

Hook links: all braid minimum 45lbs – 140lbs Kryston Strong option.
Line: we only use mono 36lbs upwards Gold Label Tackle Pro Tough or Gamma Polyflex.
Baiting Needle / Catapult / PVA Mesh / Bait Stops / Rig Tubing large bore / few bright colour pop – ups 12/14mm or wafters.

As always, you should also bring everything you need to be equipped for a day’s fishing, including a range of clothing. Sometimes you never know whether it will be sunny or raining, or even both, so make sure you are ready for all eventualities!

What happens if I lose equipment at the TopCats fishing resort?

As you would expect, any lost equipment, or equipment that has been broken through negligence, will be required to be replaced.

Is the TopCats fishing resort safe?

When it comes to feeling safe at a fishing resort, it is comforting to see a list of guidelines and etiquette provided by the resort. Upon arrival, you will be informed as to the rules of the resort, but if you want to prepare yourself, the resort has a list of fishing etiquette tips that you are advised to follow:

Always listen to the guides, they are highly experienced, and will provide you with the best information
The drag settings at the resort have been set by guides, and guests shouldn’t alter these settings
When the rod is in the pod, bait runners must always be engaged
When you have landed a fish, your guide will talk you the photographic process
You are not allowed to share rods

Can I book a room at the TopCats fishing resort?

As you would expect TopCats caters to many overseas anglers, and they have a range of short stay and holiday booking options. The TopCats website lists these prices in GBP, and if you are coming from the UK, you can make a payment to a UK account.

For the lakeside bungalow, the prices are as follows:

14-night stay & 9 days fishing – £1,595
10-night stay & 7 days fishing – £1,395
7-night stay & 6 days fishing – £1,095
3-night stay & 2.5 days fishing – £455
Accommodation Only – £45 per night

For the suite bungalow with balcony, the prices are as follows:

14-night stay & 9 days fishing – £2,100
10-night stay & 7 days fishing – £1,795
7-night stay & 6 days fishing – £1,595
3-night stay & 2.5 days fishing – £555
Accommodation Only – £85 per night

For the suite bungalow, the prices are as follows:

14-night stay & 9 days fishing – £1,845
10-night stay & 7 days fishing – £1,595
7-night stay & 6 days fishing – £1,395
3-night stay & 2.5 days fishing – £495
Accommodation Only – £65 per night

All the Holiday Specials / Short Stay Pricing Include the fishing set up and tackle provided to day guests and the following benefits.

There is a free airport transfer on offer, there is a chance for guests staying in the suite bungalow to enjoy private swims, all rooms receive free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. There is free bottled water and toiletries for all staying guests and there is a daily maid service.

All guests are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions of the resort, which include:

There is a 5% discount for all returning customers and any guest paying in full will receive a 5% discount on all listed prices.

All bookings require a deposit to be confirmed, and the deposit is 30% of the total cost of the holiday. As well as being able to pay to a UK bank account if applicable, payment options include paying into a Thai bank account or to a PayPal account.

The balance of the full payment must be paid within 60 days of the arrival date.

If any booking is cancelled, the deposit fee is non-refundable. Any guest looking to change the date of their stay can do so subject to availability, and depending on payment of any price variation.

Any payment made by a credit card will be charged a 5% fee.

Can I get a photograph with the fish I catch?

A keepsake of your trip is a perfect way to capture the memories of your day, and many fishermen love a photo of a big catch. If you are fortunate enough to snag a fish that is worth taking a photo of, you will have the chance to do so.

Once the fish has been landed, your guide will ensure the fish is cared for and is ready. At this point, the guide will talk you through the process, and you will be invited to enter the water, where a photo of your achievement will be taken.

What is the catch rate at TopCats?

The catch rate at TopCats is highly impressive, and is likely to be something many anglers are keen to hear more about. The website claims the average angler lands between 40 to 50 fish per week! For some anglers, this is more fish than they have ever caught in their life, so if you are looking to boost your numbers, this is the ideal resort for you!

What are the staff like at TopCats?

The quality of staff at TopCats is a crucial reason why so many anglers return time and time again. As of 2021, the resort employed 8 staff, and 5 highly skilled and trained fishing guides. These guides can call on more than 25 years’ worth of experience, so if you have any questions or need any help, you will find the team on hand to give you all the help you need.

The team are experts on the fish at the resort, so if you need pointers on how to fish for a particular species, or how to target the fish at the resort, just ask!

How do I book a trip to the TopCats fishing resort?

If you have read this far, it is likely the thought of fishing at the TopCats fishing resort is a hugely appealing one. We love it, and highly recommend it. It’s a tremendous resort, and the setting is ideal for those who love to party as well as fish. We’re delighted to say so many people have booked through us, and then got back in touch to tell us they’ve had a fantastic time.

We can provide you with everything you need from start to finish to ensure you have an excellent trip.

*Transfers are available from every major destination in Thailand, prices do vary depending on destination and to which fishery, please enquire via our website.

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