The variety of saltwater game fish is also astounding and may favourably be compared to Australia or New Zealand. In fact, Pakistan has just beaten Australia’s record of Queen Fish Talang (16.5kg) to become the world record holder for this species. The snub-nosed pompano world record has also been set in Pakistan.

A unique feature of our offshore fisheries is the sheer number of species of potential world record size that can be regularly caught. Cobia and narrow barred mackerel (King fish) are two species of note which are on the verge of being broken in Pakistan. Cobias of near world record size are caught each year in Pakistan and the record has unofficially been broken a few times. The same applies for narrow barred mackerel (or king fish), with the Pakistan record falling mere pounds below the current world record.

All three marlin species plus swordfish, yellow fin, big eye, long-tail and a host of the smaller tuna species abound. Mako, tiger, thresher and bull sharks also feature prominently. Offshore waters are also full of the mandatory Dorado. In addition to this the near shore waters hold cobia, mackerel, groupers, amberjack, snappers, barracuda, and four species of trevally (including GTS) to complete all the requirements of a world class fishery. All this in the tiny section of our extensive coastline where sport fishing activities are currently being conducted.

Saltwater fly fishing is still virgin territory in Pakistan. It is safe to say that game fish have hardly ever seen a fly and are simply waiting for an adventurous angler to try his hand at this pinnacle of sports fishing. All the sought after saltwater fly fishing game fish are present in our waters. Giant trevally, barracuda, mackerel, cobia, tuna, milkfish, bonefish, barramundi, threadfin salmon and a host of others are available in the various inshore and offshore fisheries. A challenge to  catch the first official saltwater game fish on the fly awaits those who have an interest in game fishing.

As one travels north from the coastline the terrain changes to extensive mangroves and saltwater estuaries, Barramundi, giant threadfin salmon, dentex, red and black drum, mangrove jacks, flathead and a host of other inshore species abound here alongwith massive barramundi and threadfin salmon.

The floodplains are finally interrupted in the extreme north of Pakistan where the mighty stretches of the Karakoram and Hindukush mountains boast thousands of streams and lakes. Here lies some of the world’s most exciting wild trout and Mahseer action. Given the remoteness of the best of the hot spots freshwater fishing in Pakistan is an adventure that involves not only world class fishing but guarantees to take your breath away.

The Indus River and its tributaries is the lifeline of Pakistan. Running from the highest mountain ranges in the world in the Himalayas down to the vast Arabian Sea, along the course of this mighty river lies some of the most exciting freshwater angling in the world — both course and game angling.

As glacier laden mountains give way to the blistering subcontinent heat, the months from May to September provide one of the best brown trout fisheries in the world. Loch Leven trout, the eggs of which were brought over in ships more than a century ago have thrived in northern Pakistan’s rich rivers and deep, crystal clear lakes. Here the story of brown trout is much the same as that of the rainbow trout in New Zealand.

The Himalayas are the tallest mountains in the world and fly-fishing against such a backdrop is truly an experience. While rivers provide lighter tackle fun, the hidden lakes are the true treasure. Wild stock, brilliantly coloured, and in fantastic sizes are waiting to be caught. Just about all fishing is done with spinners and the trout are completely unaware of flies. This makes fly-fishing in Pakistan one of the last true frontiers in the game anglers “must fish” list of locations.

Sport fishing industry is an opportunity for entrepreneurs in Pakistan to invest in the manufacture and retail of fishing tackle, design and building of recreational fishing boats and the provision of fishing boats for charter and guided fishing trips. ‘Pay to fish’ enterprises could offer thousands of anglers in Pakistan controlled access to stocked lakes and ponds for unseasonal fishing with fishing quotas applied to public waters.

However, without any active regulatory body, sport fishing in Pakistan is rapidly becoming a meat collection race, with no bag limits, undefined seasons and no concept of catch and release. Fishing continues without a thought for sustenance or the future. In order to preserve the essence of sport fishing and ensure development, not degradation, it is pivotal that we, the anglers first and then the authorities, develop and practice ethical parameters within which we conduct our sport.