Gone fishing - no, not at Bedok Jetty but overseas. Citing strict fishing regulations here, anglers here are reeling in the good times at places as far away as the Maldives, New Zealand and even Mexico.

It is estimated by trip organisers that more than 5,000 people go on such fishing trips a year. The majority - 80 per cent - are men aged from the mid-20s.

While fanatics have always cast their lines abroad, fishing-trip organisers say in the past five years, more people have been heading abroad for trips that may last up to 14 days.

Such trips can be costly as participants charter and live on the boat for the entire duration.

Catch of the day: A 1.3m yellow-fin tuna that weighs 42kg

The trips are usually arranged by fishing companies or organisers such as Pelagic Anglers or Anglers' Outfitters, or by avid anglers themselves.

Take Mr Henry Lau, 37, a salesman in a fishing equipment shop who organises trips for regular customers or friends.

'I don't do this for a living and I have to pay for my share of expenses, just like everyone else, but I do it because I want to go along too,' he says.

He has gone on such trips for about 14 years and organises about one or two outings to the Maldives a year. Each trip lasts about seven days and costs around $2,000 per person, for a group of six to eight people.

One reason for the good response is that the catch can be good and the fishing challenging.

In a seven-day trip, each angler in organiser Wilson Mah's group can easily catch more than 40 fish, with each metre-long one weighing between 10 and 15kg, and taking about 10 minutes or less to haul in.

His favourite destination is the Maldives.

'We've to bring the fish up quick before they die from exhaustion,' says Mr Mah, 37, who is a sales manager in a shipping firm.

The targeted fish are the dogtooth tuna and the giant trevally which are capable of putting up a fierce resistance. The biggest catch by someone in Mr Mah's group is a 50kg, 1.48m giant trevally five years ago in the Maldives.

It is precisely this thrill and excitement of landing a prized specimen that send the anglers into an adrenalin overdrive.

A good outing in the Maldives that includes red bass and a giant trevally

Mr Mah, who has fished abroad for 12 years, says: 'Fishing is very addictive. When the fish are resisting and you can see their jaws opening and you're fighting them, it's very exciting.'

Swim, snorkel and yak, too

Netting fish is not the only reason people are willing to spend thousands on such trips.

Mr Lau Se Wai, who runs his own fishing equipment business, does it because he enjoys the company of fellow anglers.

'When I go to Australia, I'll visit my friends and they'll drive me around to fish,' says the 37-year-old who fishes at least once a month in popular spots like Mersing, Pulau Aur and Pemanggil in Malaysia.

'It's not just the fish, but keeping company with people who all speak the same lingo and share the same interest. Apart from admiring the beautiful scenery and marine life, we can also swim, snorkel or explore coral reefs,' he adds.

Going out to sea is more interesting and value-added than in Singapore, where fishing is allowed only at designated spots like Bedok Jetty and Lower Peirce Reservoir.

Those who have not considered pursuing their interest abroad may be encouraged to hear that it is not a logistical nightmare.

Mr Lau says he simply calls the boat owner in the Maldives, gives the date of the trip and makes a money transfer.

'The difficult part is in getting people to confirm their available dates,' he adds.

The boats, which cost about US$500 (S$755) for a day's charter, vary in size and can accommodate between six and 12 people each. Living conditions are spartan but drinks and meals are provided onboard.

Each angler pays about $1,500, not including the cost of a return air ticket to the Maldives which costs around $800.

In Weipa, northern Australia, a week's charter of a boat can cost about A$23,000 (S$29,050).

Going to Mexico? Mr Lau knows of someone who will be spending more than $30,000 on a 10-day trip this month with his son.

But you cannot just up and go.

Mr Wilson Mah, who has fished abroad for 12 years, with a 1.2m yellow-fin tuna weighing 30kg.

Mr Mah, who organises a trip to the Maldives once a year with friends, says the best period is between November and April.

'We've to look for the most favourable weather conditions and study the feeding patterns of the fish,' says the enthusiast who has been casting his lure for 19 years.

He says the best period is during the full moon when the current is faster and fish tend to feed more aggressively.

Each angler usually takes along between three and four sets of rod and reel, which can cost between $1,000 and $1,600 each on the average.

'You can get a cheap set for a few hundred dollars, but it may only last you for one catch before it breaks, and then you'll have to spend the rest of the trip just watching. So it's best to get a good set and a few spare ones, just in case,' says Mr Mah.

Just like any endurance sport, you must be in good physical condition to outwit and outfight the fishes in their natural domain.

And if you are wondering what anglers do with their catches, here's a surprise - at least to non-fishing folks. The fish are released back into the sea.

'The meat-hunters will kill whatever they can catch, but sport anglers do it for the thrill and will release their catches,' notes Mr Lau.

'Except for the ones we want to eat.'

Here are three common ways to reel in that dream catch.

This red garoupa weighs a hefty 13 kg, but it's probably too tough to take home to mother for dinner.

Fly-fishing

This is more like a hunting activity. Anglers cast their lines at spots where they can see the fish.

It involves using a feather-like lure to catch the attention of the fish and lure them in. The trick is in controlling the speed of reeling in the lure so as to trick the fish into thinking it's an insect - too fast or too slow and the fish will call your bluff.

A fly reel (from $75) and rod (from $50) are used, with a good custom-built set costing around $12,000.

Popping

This is a physically demanding method used out at sea to target bigger, faster and more aggressive fish. It uses a popper, a colourful artificial lure made of wood or plastic that looks like a fish, which costs between $10 and over $100.

The reels and rods are stronger and stiffer and cost from $500 for a set.

Jigging

A jigger, a shiny fish-like lure, is used to catch predator fishes, which are aggressive and will challenge any fast-moving fish. Anglers cast the lure about 70 to 80m deep and jig it around a few times to make it look like a fish darting around.

It is a tiring process. The method is becoming less popular as the jigs each weigh about 300g, and taking just 10 of them on a trip will add 3kg to the luggage. Jigging rods are shorter and a set will cost between $300 and $2,000.