Prawning for Beginners: A Singapore Guide

Prawning is one of the easiest outdoor activities to try in Singapore. You pay by the hour at a prawning pond, the staff give you a rod and bait, and you try to catch as many prawns as you can. Many ponds have grills so you can cook your catch on the spot. This guide covers what a first-timer needs to know.

You don't need your own gear

Most prawning ponds in Singapore rent out house rods and supply bait as part of the hourly fee, so you can turn up with nothing. House rods are made for prawning and are fine for beginners. Some ponds do not allow outside rods or bait, so check before you bring your own. If you get hooked on the hobby, see our guide to prawning equipment and gear.

Preparing the bait

Ponds usually provide bait that is already cut, and some provide a knife if you want smaller pieces. Cut the bait to roughly the size of the hook, then push the hook through it so the bait sits firmly near the tip. A securely hooked bait stays on when you cast and is harder for a prawn to pull off without getting caught.

Ask the staff how they bait their hooks. They see first-timers every day and are usually happy to show you.

Catching your first prawn

Let the bait sink to the bottom, where prawns feed, and watch your float. When it twitches, wait a few seconds for the prawn to grab the bait properly before lifting the rod with a slow, steady pull. Our tips and tricks and prawning techniques guides go into more detail.

Prawns have claws and sharp points on their heads. Hold the prawn behind the head when you take it off the hook.

Pond etiquette

• Keep your station clean. Don't leave bait lying around or drop broken claws and shells on the floor.
• Give other people space to cast, and don't crowd someone else's spot.
• Follow the pond's rules on keeping or releasing your catch and on food and drink.

Learn by watching

Short videos make it much easier to understand how prawning works. Search YouTube for "Singapore prawning basics" to see how to bait a hook and read a bite before your first visit.

Where to go

Ponds listed by Little Day Out in April 2026 include Fish @ Woodleigh, Fish @ Pasir Ris, Prawning at ORTO West Coast, ATC Fishing Village at Jurong Hill and Riviera Prawn Fishing in Punggol. Hai Bin Prawning's Punggol site is at Punggol East Container Park, which Time Out reported will close when its tenancy ends on 31 December 2026. See what prawning costs for published rates, and attractions for more days out. Hours and prices change, so check with the pond before you go.