Wahoo's World

Reel Hooker Update

2011-12-14T19:05:00.000-08:00

For the loyal followers of Reel Hooker - a small picture update on the renovation..

When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object

2011-10-03T22:02:00.000-07:00

Ever wanted to know what happens when a Piston fails in a large capacity diesel engine?

This...

No there wasnt a huge bang - as 11 of the 12 cylinders were still going on with their business.

Currently investigating the cause - probably piston crown failure! Special thanks to Thomas, Craig and all the boys at C And C Marine in Phuket - their response and dedication confirming why they are Phukets best Marine engineering company!

Storm in a teacup!

2011-08-29T23:36:00.001-07:00

Phuket's Monsoon season always brings with it plenty of unpredictable weather - the above show Reel Hooker just days before she is due for a refit after a submerged mooring shackle corroded and broke! Luckily the crew were quickly on hand to minimize damage to some bent railings!

Special thanks to the crew of 4-Reel (http://www.phuket-charters.com/) for their assistance and our team led by P'Joe for making sure the powerless Reel Hooker will make her appointment for upgrades!

Let the Games begin

2011-08-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

With Reel Hooker's renovation about to step into the next gear, below are the details of what is being replaced, upgraded and refurbished during the next 3 months..

Those who know Reel Hooker will see this is a comprehensive approach to a refurbishment! Given the outstanding support by Wahoo's preferred suppliers we will be introducing the key people of these businesses to those reading - so that everyone can understand not only how good these businesses and people are but how much they stand out from their competition.

Engines and Generator:

Cummins VT-555 removed and replaced with Yanmar 6LY3-STP engines and gearboxes, for greater performance, fuel economy and emissions.

Onan Generator rebuilt and renewed - likely to need new cylinder head, gaskets, injectors, pumps and more.

3 blade Propellors will be replaced with new balanced 4 blade items for smoothness, efficiency and performance

Engine and generator work will be carried out by C & C Marine Phuket - local warranty agents for Yanmar, Cummins, Onan and much more - without a doubt the best marine engineering firm on the Island in knowledge, service and friendliness of staff - contact their website on www.candc-marine.com for details - Craig and Thomas are in high demand so make sure you call them early!

Interior:

Current interior to be removed and replaced with Modern, light and spacious interior designed by an already well known international designer - more details and sketches to follow!

Changes include - changing layout in saloon for greater space efficiency, changing the forward 4 bunk cabin to be a more luxurious double bed arrangement

Systems:

New electrics, toilets (push button electric type), Airconditioning refurbished and replaced where needed. Entertainment systems fitted in each cabin.

Structural:

Changes to engine room to allow moving of Engine room hatch to cockpit meaning greater comfort and sound insulation in the Saloon.

And much much more - some of the work will be carried out by our experienced and trained crew - however we will still be publishing where and what is purchased and installed.

Keep an eye on our facebook for more details

GO Reel Hooker - GO Wahoo!

D-Day for Reel Hooker

2011-08-24T02:35:00.001-07:00

31st August brings with it not only the end of Phuket's Summer but the end of an era and birth of another - Reel Hooker is being renovated, no expense is being spared in giving the well known old boat a new lease of life. With 3 months before the engines arrive, the clock is ticking for the team to get the hull ready and the rest of the work complete..

Daily updates will follow!

April

2011-04-10T20:15:00.001-07:00

Dear All..

April brings with it the promise of yet more Songkran mayhem here in Phuket - with revelers coming from far and wide to sample what is the worlds most friendly waterfight!

With the arrival of Double Issue - our new 68ft Ferretti and all the fleet back in working order we are expecting April to bring with it fun, sun and lots of guests!

Keep your eye on the news!

March Update

2011-02-25T01:06:00.001-08:00

The end of 2010 and January/February 2011 proved to be busy and interesting times for Wahoo!!

Thank you to all our repeat customers and those kind enough to refer business to us - it is always appreciated!

Reel Hooker, after 28 years of service, the busiest of which in the last 3 seasons - we decided that not only was she just too good a boat to sell, but that there was still good life left in her - so it is with mounting excitement and anticipation that the team at Wahoo have decided the old girl deserves a complete refit and remodel - bringing with it, modernised electronics, new engines with greater fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact and a new look - more to follow soon as we are in the process of finalising the work, expected to be completed within 6 months - and will bring with it more comfort, range and value that ever before seen on a 40ft boat in Phuket!

Splendor and Reel Blue continue to impress all who choose them, with the crews getting many a compliment. Wahoo 4, still the busiest boat in the fleet and a proven fish catching Machine - with Captain Toy finding the sailfish when all others were left puzzled as to their whereabouts!

This new year has seen some of our longest standing staff and crew getting much deserved reward for their hard work and dedication - Adun, long known as the master of customer service and smiling face on Reel Blue has been promoted to Captain of Reel Blue - with his cousin Ting now learning the guide role from him. Adun started with Wahoo some 10 years ago as a trainee Deckhand understudying Joe - Keep it up Adun!

Captain Toy of Wahoo 4 will soon be assisting with the refit of Reel Hooker as he gets his reward for the loyalty and hard work shown on Wahoo 4, as he will be made the Captain of Reel Hooker.

Aod - became our new Fleet manager, in charge of the boats, maintenance and equipment - working with Joe to ensure that the boats are well maintained and in the best condition. Aod is another Wahoo success story - having been with us for well over 6 years, starting out as the office maintenance man, progressing to deckhand and then up the ranks!

January saw Gan join our team as Sales and Marketing Manager - she bring with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry so we look forward to good things to come - we have already seen her determination and desire to succeed bring on board some new agents!

Another new hire is Yut (aka Sky) brought on as relief captain and maintenance engineer, with experience in diesel engines, generators and an ability to repair almost anything, he is an exciting addition to our team.

Other new hires include - Nid our new head housekeeper and deckhands Jack, Gop, Ting to add to the team.

More to come - keep your eyes on the water...

Summer Season starts with a bang!

2010-07-05T20:25:00.001-07:00

With the Summer now here to stay - Phuket couldnt be in finer spirits.

Sun is shining with only the sporadic and refreshing shower to cool things down and best of all...

THE FISH ARE BACK.

Yesterday saw a bumper catch with 40+ tuna, Wahoo, Rainbow runners and even sailfish seen around the boats.

With all the deals in town and special offers from us and our partner hotels - now is the best time to get out on the water!

Wahoopia II - the ultimate lifestyle party

2010-03-16T22:01:00.001-07:00

Dont miss out on the party of the year! Be there this saturday (20th march) for WAHOOPIA 2. Where we show you how owning a boat should be, with sun, sea, food, drink and fun!!

WWW.WAHOOPIA.COM

Taking place at Ao Makham- Sri Panwa Bay At 11.00am BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!
With expecting numbers of 250+ and between 20-30 boats its bound to an immense time - with floating playgrounds, trampolines, golf and wakeboarding.

For those coming via land ;1,000thb per person would give you access to the freee flow of drinks and beach BBQ.

For boats wishing to participate either 1,000thb per person and have access to the beach or alternatively to order a food and drink pack starting at 10,000thb.

Miss it, and you'll regret it.

SEE YOU THERE.

ITB SINGAPORE

2009-11-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

Wahoo participated in its first ever travel fair - and it proved an out of the box success.

With minimal decor to our stand, a video playing and a name like Wahoo we attracted plenty of attention at the Suntec exhibition hall. Competing against the likes of Emirates with their extravagant stands and being shoulder to shoulder with our good friends from The Bell Pool Villas and Sri Panwa from Phuket - Wahoo was soon out of brochures and business cards!

With mountains of business cards, and plenty of work to do we returned to Phuket looking forward to the next one. Let the planning begin!

Its November!

2009-11-11T19:12:00.000-08:00

Update for the month:

Wahoo features in its first ever travel fair with the ITB Event in Singapore!

Wahoo 4 starts annual painting

Reel Hooker nears readiness

Wahoo welcomes the beginning of high season!

Monthly update...

ANDAMANS LUCKY DRAW

2009-10-08T04:01:00.000-07:00

Have you always wanted to go to the Andaman Islands... And get that Elusive Marlin.

Has the cost of the trip been the biggest turn off?

Are you feeling lucky?

Wahoo is trying something new - we have 2 new ways that are making Andamans Trips more accessible. It is by invitation or referral from our friends, previous customers and agents with a long standing history with the company only - there for all those who have been informed of it are existing customers of Wahoo, should you feel there is someone you know who would like to participate please forward on to them.

Each trip - 8 days of Action packed excitment - valued at over 125,000 THB (3,800USD ) PER DAY!

Each trip is 8 days and includes everything you would expect for 4 guests from Wahoo - all customs clearance fees, food, a healthy selection of unhealthy beverages, all equipment and park fees - all you need to arrange are flights to and from Port Blair, Visas and suncream!

For the 3 trips in March we are running a lucky draw - tickets start at 1,000USD for 1 ticket in 1 trip draw and there will be a maximum of 30 people in each draw. For those who like to hedge your bets - we are offering 2,000USD for a ticket in each trip draw.

For the Final trip available in January/February we are offering the chance at a blind auction. There is a reserve price on the trip but its low!

Bearing in mind each of these 8 days trips is valued at over 30,000USD you stand a good chance of turning that into the the 1,000USD trip of a lifetime.

Oh - and for those who arent so lucky and don't get the grand prize, any person purchasing a ticket who does not win, can use that ticket for a 50% discount of a 1 day charter in Phuket on any of our boats.

All entries, Bids and deposits must be in by the 15th of November - the Prize draw takes place on the 1st of December 2009.

Rules and Regulations are attached, as are pictures of the most recent Andamans Trips 2009.

For tickets please complete the application form and submit to me by the closing deadline - 15th of November. Ready for the Prize draw on the 1st December.

Good luck!

IF YOU WANT AN APPLICATION FORM... contact james@wahoo.ws

Employee of the Month

2009-10-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

This Months Wahoo Employee of the month is our Recently promoted Suchao Tukaew (P'Aod to friends)!

Having been the Wahoo mechanic for over 5 years now and his recent move to working as a fishing guide on board the boats - Aod has shown great promise since starting his training program some 2 weeks ago.

It is with great pleasure that we present him with 1,000Thb worth of gift vouchers and a certificate of merit.

Look out for him on your boats and you will see why he won!

October 7th October - Wahoo this week

2009-10-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

Well... its been a fun and action packed week for Wahoo.

With the weather being as unpredictable as it has - changing from blue skys to torrential downpours so strong you cannot see the harbour... see pic! - business has been sporradic.

(before anyone asks those arent UFOS in the sky above the harbour it is a reflection of the lights in the office. I didn't want to get wet!)

Adul - always the entertainer and certainly not afraid of trying something new.. out did himself this week -having a make over by our office team. I think you can safely say that the result is horrifying!

Noom this week suffered from a bout of brain fade - which brought tears of laughter from all the crew when they saw what happened.

Noom - deciding to visit the local 7-11 but feeling lazy took his motorbike... its 25metres away.

After making his purchase he then made his way back to the office... upon arrival handed the keys of the motorbike to onlookers as he realised everyone had been watching him... and he had left the motorbike in front of 7-11 accidentally!

Fish catch records:

Wahoo

Dorado

Tuna.

Spat the hook:

Sailfish

NEW TO WAHOO BLOG - Weekly Update!

2009-10-05T20:53:00.001-07:00

Based on the fact the current person in charge of updating the blog.. AKA James.. is useless at it.

The team have decided they all want to contribute, and have provided me (James) with updates for this week, which I will add later today they include:

Employee of the month

Adul - what has he done this Week...

Fish Catch record this week

Noom has a brain fade....

and much more!

Stay tuned

This Months Prize Draw

2009-08-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Lady Marmalade - good thing you signed up to be a follower - you just won yourself a Wahoo T-shirt.... if you want to send us your address, and a rough size of shirt you need we will send it over!

Thanks for Following!

Last Confession!

2009-08-12T19:11:00.000-07:00

Readers - if any of you are still out there... forgiveness is asked for the severe lack of updates!

A loss of password, bad weather and general workloads have meant the updates were delayed!

BUT WE ARE BACK ONLINE!

This months offers - for all customers booking and going on a charter, either by your hotel, favourite travel agents or even direct to the office - we are offering you a change at a lucky draw prize. NO ONE WILL GO HOME EMPTY HANDED! the top prize in each draw is the chance to win the same charter you paid for... again for free!

Other offers include the advertised offer on Thai Airways - Check out the Thai Visions Magazine on board and make sure to bring your Thai Airways ticket stubb for 25% discount on charters!

Other goings on:

Website is gradually being updated - its a time consuming process with alot of writing, re-writing and graphics work... not to mention the Coding!

Weather - has been completely inhospitable lately, but these last 2 days it has come good, with flat seas, bright blue skies and not a breath of wind - anyone would think it was February!

Become a WAHOO'S WORLD FOLLOWER... GET FREE SH1T

2009-07-21T19:34:00.001-07:00

To all readers.... time to become followers!

Every month we will be doing a free prize draw of merchandise - the draw will take place on the 1st of each month and the participants will be those who are following the Wahoo Blog!

Anyone can become a follower.... so why not get something for free - we will even post it to you!

This months prize... a Wahoo t-shirt

Coming soon to Wahoo.ws

2009-07-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

Website Update:

With the new wave of updates coming to the Wahoo website - it brings with it new and exciting features such as:

Fun and games - we are going to be having a "game of the month" - based around fishing we will try to find the most entertaining online games we can and have them on the website free of charge.

Competition games - we will be running a "spot the fish", "guess the weight of the fish" and a "what am I" - visitors will be invited to answer the question posed with a picture, the correct answers will be entitled to a lucky dip prize draw - the prizes will range from full overnight charters to t-shirts and discounts.

Wahoo special offers - any offers like the current seasonal and discount offers will be detailed here clearly.

Wahoo Last minute - this is where our last minute deals are - restricted based on type of trip but they will be some spectacular deals!

Wahoo Bid - we will be creating a type of Wahoo auction - where by customers can join in a blind auction against any other bidders - so long as the minimum bid is met any item which is in the Auction will be sold, in here will be - boats for sale, charters for sale, equipment for sale.

Careers and jobs with Wahoo - we are going to be growing - and to do that we need the brightest and the best.

There will be more - so stay tuned!

Maintenance continues!

2009-07-20T03:50:00.000-07:00

With the OMG Annual Ops Conference now over in Phuket - Wahoo can get back to business preparing for the high season.

Reel Hookers maintenance is proving somewhat problematic - with the engineer doing is best to "miss things"! Other than some minor engine work left (touchwood) she is looking good and should be back in operation soon, in the mean time, customers who pre booked Reel Hooker can expect complimentary upgrade!

Reel Hooker is back in the water...

2009-07-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

After an annual maintenance schedule changes which resulted in Reel Hooker being brought to the top of the list - She proved her worth with only minor work needing to be done.

At 24 years of age she is really proving that a well cared for boat just keeps on going.

A light scrape, antifouling, some minor jobs around the rudders she is back in the water and ready to go.

Fish are going well -with 2 sailfish last week, Wahoo 4 showing that speed doesnt trump luck sometimes - as she got 2 sailfish in 2 days, in somewhat challenging conditions.

Stay tuned for updates on the next Wahoopia!

Wahoo Website Revamp

2009-06-24T21:23:00.003-07:00

As part of our ongoing updates to the Wahoo network we are currently revamping our website, please bear with us as we take it to levels never before seen on the wahoo.ws!

Look forward to:

Games with competitions and prizes

New booking methods

New Packages and offerings

More information

Easier navigation

Wahoo gets Rocket Power!!!

2009-06-23T01:24:00.000-07:00

Wahoo has been invaded - and it now has a new mascot... he could sit in your hands (if he wanted to).... he could destroy your carpet too if he wanted to...

Wahoo meet Rocket... Rocket meet Wahoo.

Im sure you are all thinking we have gone mad - Rocket as he is hereby to be called, is a 1 month old puppy that was rescued from the Soi Dog Foundation this last Sunday - he didnt have the greatest start as his mother was killed in a car accident leaving him and his 3 siblings fending for themselves... however the crew from Soi Dog Foundation got wind and took them under their care... which is where we found him! - now... he wants for nothing and happily eats his own bodyweight 4 times a day... and yes that creates alot of mess....

James's carpet is going to need to look out, as are the roaming local stray cats as he gets older... the vet reckoned he will be 15kgs plus when fully grown...

Keep watching for more videos and pictures!!!

Wahoopia Video!!!

2009-06-17T02:01:00.000-07:00

Wahoopia - Phukets First and Biggest Boat Show!

2009-06-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday the 13th of June saw an early start for our intrepid crew and staff as it was the beginning of the latest adventure in the Wahoo Development Program.... Wahoopia!!

The idea came out of purchasing the Trampoline - why not have a boat party with that at the middle.. it grew from there - gaining sponsors, boats, games and then with the addition of Sri panwa and their highly skilled events team and catering - turned it into the event it became!

Look out for videos, pictures and more to come!

Oh... and yes it will be a regular thing

A brief video to show you what we are all about!

2009-06-16T04:44:00.000-07:00

Wahoo is on board at the World Comedy Festival!

2009-06-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

Forgive me Wahoo it has been 1 week since our last confession... However, it has been an action packed week with celebrities, parties and the usual Wahoo way!

Last monday the 8th, Wahoo had the pleasure of hosting the comedians and actors (actresses) from the World Comedy Festival in Phuket.

It was truly a pleasure with all of the staff enjoying their company whilst they enjoyed the beach and sea (even if a bit wavy!) at Koh Kai Nok... we presented Keenan Ivory Williams with his Birthday cake whilst enjoying the banter, 1 liners and comedy of the group.

Verne Troyer - AKA Mini Me/Mini-V - delighted the local islanders when he made a brief visit to the beach, his local fans recognizing him instantly and flocking to him, where they found the ever friendly Verne happy to entertain their company! - Awesome.

Thanks to Keenan, Britany, Verne, Lonny, Potsy, Bianca, Tania, Tina, Rey and all the guys - we look forward to seeing you all again soon!

Special Thanks to Sunny for arranging it!

Wahoo Staff Fun day and Trampoline Test

2009-06-06T00:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (Friday - would have added then but was a bit knackered after the whole day) marked the first of the Wahoo Staff fun day, as well as our water test and trial of the Wahoo Water Trampoline.

The staff fun day - is actually working - the aim of the day was to get all of our office staff, boat crew and management out on the boat assisting in the cleaning of the fleet - unfortunately some of the office staff were not as used to boats and the sea as they thought so were kept busy on the big white telephones.... (!)

However, those that were able to participate were rewarded with hot weather, wrestling on our new trampoline and the sight of seeing James drift off towards Malaysia in what was a strong current!!!

Videos attached - i think the trampoline is going to be a popular addition to our charters!

For another week... Wahoo over and out - enjoy the weekend!

The Man, The Myth, The Proof!

2009-06-03T23:48:00.000-07:00

This is more of a personal nature - but related to Wahoo thus is on the blog. Call it bragging rights.

Until recently it had always been the sense that the biggest fish caught in the Neilson Family firmly belonged to my Dad, Henry. However - in the dying moments of the recent Andamans Trip - Joe, Dave and the boys proved their much written about skill and caught that elusive Marlin for me.

Ive had Sailfish, Ive had Tuna, Ive had Wahoo and Dorado... now ive had Big Marlin... and I don't think this one will be beaten soon.

Somewhere between 120 and 150 Nautical miles from Port Blair, Andamans - a monster appeared ... the following are the short clips we managed to snap of it... Cloverfield had nothing on this!

Wahoo's Big Game fishing seminars begin!

2009-06-03T23:40:00.000-07:00

Wahoo, through their very own John Pearce have begun their Wahoo Big Game Fishing Seminars, tutorials, coaching schools and events. Whilst it is currently in its infancy - teething, technical and other such issues are being swept aside as we strive to make Wahoo dinner events the most sought after in asia.

Be warned - not for the light hearted!! Our next trial and development event will be held on Friday 5th of June at 16:30 @ the Skippers Pub in the Royal Phuket Marina, entrance is free, there will be cheap beers, snacks and the seminar.

Wahoo Advertising and Marketing Update

2009-06-03T23:32:00.000-07:00

As part of our ongoing program to raise the awareness of Wahoo, Fishing and Boating in the region we are now actively promoting ourselves on Facebook, not only with the group, fan and event sites but also in their advertising program - so if you see us be sure to join the group and tell your friends about the discounts and special offers for facebook users!

Through our good friends over at the now well known Red Mountain golf-course in Phuket, Wahoo is proud to be involved in their Loch Palms Members Tournament on the 20th of June, to be held at the Loch Palms Golf Course in Kathu, Phuket. Up for grabs are a Wahoo Splendor charter for a hole in 1 prize, and some other charters and trips for raffle prizes - Not only that but unless injury or lack of team mates interferes Wahoo's James Neilson will be showing his fairway destroying skills off in the event!

Stay tuned for more updates!

The Trampoline arriveth!

2009-06-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

And so has it - the Wahoo Water Trampoline is now on site, tested and will be launched on Friday.

Our inaugural party will be the visit from the World Comedy Festival followed by the Wahoopia Boat party