Kyle Gemas | Pursuing a 15-Foot 440-Pound Arapaima Jungle Fish | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 120

Kyle Gemas is an adventurous angler who travels the world pursuing exotic fish species. After visiting the Seychelles, he targeted the arapaima, a 15-foot, 440-pound jungle fish in one of the most exciting fishing adventures imaginable. In this episode, recorded during the early days of coronavirus quarantine in 2020, Kyle shares what led him to pursue this legendary species and what it takes to chase massive jungle fish. Tom describes the arapaima as the fish that is probably number one on his list. If you've ever wondered what it's like to travel to remote locations for world-class fishing opportunities, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into that world.

A Unique Experiment During Quarantine

This episode represents something different for the Tom Rowland Podcast. Recorded during the coronavirus quarantine when the world was locked down and people were dealing with fear and uncertainty, Tom decided to reconnect with Kyle Gemas for what he calls "a new and unique experiment." Rather than dwelling on the heavy news of the time, they chose to focus on something lighter and more inspiring. The timing created a unique opportunity to dive deep into Kyle's recent adventures, including his pursuit of one of the most legendary fish species on the planet. The conversation offers an escape into the world of exotic fishing pursuits during a time when travel and adventure felt impossibly far away for most people.

The Arapaima: A 15-Foot Jungle Giant

Tom doesn't hold back his enthusiasm when discussing the arapaima, calling it "probably number one" on his list of target species. This isn't just any fish—we're talking about a creature that reaches 15 feet in length and can weigh 440 pounds. Kyle's recent pursuit of this jungle giant represents the kind of adventure that serious anglers dream about. The arapaima lives in remote jungle environments, adding layers of challenge beyond just the fishing itself. What does it take to travel to these locations? What's the actual experience of hooking into a fish of this magnitude? Kyle shares the details of targeting a species that exists at the intersection of fishing skill, adventure travel, and pure determination. This is bucket-list-level angling, and Kyle went after it.

From Seychelles to the Jungle

Kyle's path to the arapaima began with another exotic destination: the Seychelles. This progression from one world-class fishing location to another reveals the mindset of an angler who isn't content with ordinary experiences. After the Seychelles trip, Kyle set his sights on the arapaima, demonstrating how one adventure often leads to another even more ambitious pursuit. The conversation explores not just where Kyle traveled, but what drives an angler to seek out these extreme fishing opportunities. There's a pattern to how serious traveling anglers build their experiences, moving from one legendary species and location to the next. Kyle's journey from the Seychelles to the jungle environment where arapaima live illustrates this progression perfectly, and the stories from both destinations offer insights into what it takes to fish at this level.

The Reality of Exotic Fishing Travel

Chasing fish in remote locations isn't just about casting and hooking up. Kyle's experiences reveal the full scope of what exotic fishing travel actually entails—the planning, the logistics, the environments, and the unexpected challenges that arise when you're far from home pursuing legendary species. Tom and Kyle discuss what it's really like to commit to these trips, from the preparation phase through the actual experience on the ground. For anglers who dream of traveling to fish for exotic species, this conversation provides a realistic picture of what to expect. Kyle doesn't just describe the highlight reel moments; he shares the full context of what makes these adventures both incredibly rewarding and genuinely challenging. If you've ever considered booking a trip to chase an exotic species, the insights in this episode are invaluable.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I'll be honest—the arapaima is absolutely number one on my list. When Kyle told me he was going after this fish, I was immediately hooked on hearing the full story. Recording this during quarantine made it even more special. While everyone was locked down and the news was heavy, getting to escape into Kyle's adventures felt like exactly what we all needed.

What I love about Kyle's approach is that he doesn't just chase fish—he commits fully to the experience. From the Seychelles to the jungle, he's building a portfolio of adventures that most anglers only dream about. The way he describes these trips gives you a real sense of what it takes to operate at this level.

If you've ever thought about traveling to fish for exotic species, this conversation will either inspire you to book a trip or give you a realistic understanding of what you're signing up for. Either way, it's worth your time. Listen to the whole thing.