Ubin Half Beaks

I had been returning empty handed for the past 2 sessions, and vowed to at least get something today. Andrew asked where to fish, and I suggested Ubin. The last trip there, was a luring cum recce one. Though it was a zero trip, nevertheless, I spied many spots that was promising for regular fishing.

We took the boat over after a hearty meal at CV hawker center. Being Sunday, it was alot more people going to and fro. With us on the boat, were a big bunch of serious cyclist going over to Ubin for some x-country adventure.

D bicycle. Chain kept slipping out.


Coming out from the Jetty, we walked to the left side of Ubin where the four poles are. Someone in the forum said that casting near the poles was a good spot. I got a bicycle for D, in case she gets tired walking.

Weather at that time was rather hot. Reaching there, we saw a malay family camping there, obviously since last night. They even got their laundry laid out across a line on a tree. We moved a little further down, and starting rigging up.

But 30 minutes into the fishing. No bites at all, even though we were throwing juicy live prawns. I downgraded to a smaller hook and used prawn meat. And still nothing at all. Looked like even small fishes not around to at least gobble it up.

I told Andrew then to change spot. I had a vow to keep, and this wasn't helping.

I led them to the bridge area, where PT once had a close shave with a todak after a whole morning of luring. From what I could see then, fishes were plenty here. Just whether we could get them.

Brisk business


Settling down on the tables and bench at the shelter, we prepared our rods to start fishing. The little hut was opened for business selling drinks and coconuts, and lots of people were coming and going. The auntie was nice enough not to shoo us away and instead left us to our doings.

Nice Orh herr


Andrew, as usual, was first to land a fish. And amazing, a mullet on prawn meat. Even Auntie was surprised. It was a nice specimen, and spelled good times ahead. That was to be the only Mullet to be landed.

Double hookup of Glassfish


Andrew's special hook with magical prowess


My first fish was a Glass fish. Not great, but at least I kept my vow. However, fish was released. Andrew was next on a roll with half beaks. He had this special niffy hook that was superb for small fishes. He had introduced it before, and I had many times witness the power of this special hook. Again today, my bite rate was alot worse than his. He gamely rigged one up for me, and thereafter, I was hitting half beaks one after the other.

How's this for adaptability?


Puff puff


It rained a little. This kept it away


D fishing for half beaks


I got it!


Even A and D got into the fishing with just holding out the leader (minus rod). Earlier on, they fashioned a net out of a plastic bag and a twig. But that didn't work very well. From our left over rigs, they took it to play fishing, and even managed to catch some funny gobies. Even D managed to land something. I later pass my rod to her to try catch some half beaks. And succeed she did.

Andrew with a todak


Scrawny fellow


We caught some other assortment of fishes like todaks, mudskipper, gobies, puffer etc.

Selecting the strong ones to keep alive


Andrew caught a beautiful specimen of an Archer fish. We decided to try keep it alive to see if I could rear it in my aquarium. After that, all fishes went into our "live" bait well.

It rained cats and dogs


About 2pm, we decided we had enough. We already had an icebox full of around 30 half beaks and others. From the shelter, we called for an Ubin taxi. Charge was a fiver. But weather started to rain, and it was necessary. Van came in 5 mintues time and we pointed it to bring us to the seafood garden. From there, we had lunch and waited out the heavy rain.

Tough fishes


Around 4pm, we touched down on Changi and concluded an eventful and fruitful day. This was the first time I had landed so many half beaks, and rather effortlessly. Reaching home, I "tuned" my salt water tank to make it less saline as first half beak I dropped in, turned topsy turvey. After some water changes, fishes were more comfortable. However, some of the half beaks wasn't looking too good. I went for dinner and returned, only to find all the half beaks had died. But the archers were still going strong.

Yishun Dam

Traffic jam of another kind


I had passed this place a dozen times, but never fished here seriously before. Daytime, this place would be burning hot with no shelter. But night time here, just occurred to me that it would be quite possible.

My famous lure


But just a short session, casting lure type. We found a place near the opening of the dam on the left side. A and D laid out the mat, and was actually quite comfortable. Even got ice cream man around. Yishun Dam at this time, full of gangster cars, and F1 championship wannabe.





Since the car was just a short distance away, it was quite convenient. After rigging up, I walked down to the wall beside the dam. There was already a guy there baiting. I chatted with him briefy to find out where he was casting, just so that I wouldn't cross his lines. Few cast later, nothing. I moved then to the rocky side and cast into the restricted area. There was some kind of barbed wire fence. However, it could be passed over by going around the rocks. In fact, 2 guys came later with headlights and pail with nets. I asked what they catching and they replied fish and crab. Hmm.

Interestingly, a coast guard patrol boat came by. They probably hurriedly turn off their lights to avoid getting caught.



Standing at the rocks, I cast relentlessly. The area was very rocky and I would snag if I retreived less than moderate speed. But otherwise, not that bad. I thot I got a good bite but later figured that it might be due to the rocks. After an hour, the only bites that I was getting was from the Mozzies. Went back to the car, applied some axe oil. But I think bad idea. After that, I smelled of axe oil, and probably got some of it on my reel. Perhaps due to this, no fish for me tonight.

At 11pm, Andrew asked to fish tomorrow. I said set and decided to pack and go. No fish, but good try for a new location.

Tanjong Berlayer Park - Lab Park extension

I got to know about the opening of the new Lab Park that had been under construction for quite some time. Finally, the area was opened and accessible to the public. I thot of trying it out tonight with PT, after a fruitful session the day before.

Reaching there, I was surprised that it was so big. Of cos with everything new, it was comfortable and well lighted. However, all other fishing folks in the world also got to know about it, and there was a long line of rods at the area just in front of the shelter.

We first tried around the area, but nothing at all. We explored a little further down near the jetty, and found it quieter and maybe a better spot. So we shifted all our barangs and moved it to the end. Opposite was some kind of club house, with some Karaoke going on.

But the fishing was totally bad, and nothing was biting. Not even baiting with live juicy prawns was getting anything. However, a bunch of students who were doing luring did get a flat head on a deep diver. Well, that was really something, and put us all to shame.

Around 12.30am, PT had already given up mentally about this place. He had earlier lost his newly acquired "got that barra" lure, and had to lose it in a day. I too lost my beloved pinny on a rope tied to a barge. After some tiring number of cast, we decided that it was rather hopeless, even though the feel of the location was good. Maybe it was just too new, and all the fishes had been scared away from all the construction.

Time will tell.

Under the Boardwalk

After last week positive outing, Patrick wanted to try out the area again. This time, he was prepared, as he brought along his icebox. That definitely said something about his confidence :). We met at Changi V where he grabbed his dinner. We started chatting about KBLs. It would really make my day if I were to get a KBL there. From CRs in the forum, not an impossible task, as there were some that did manage to land KBLs in that area.

The "never heard before" lure


We reached the place at around 9pm. By that time, water was upcoming and rather high. After setting up the rods, we started casting. PT was trying out a new lure, a Owners brand "never hear before" one. I continued with my experimentation with my white grubs. But strangely, cast and cast, nothing at all for an hour. By that time, confidence started to wane. I myself had snagged 2 grubs, losing 2 jig hooks and 2 soft plastic and was on my third set.

At the end of the walkway, there was this opening in between the rocks and the coastline. I cast my SP there just to try out the little pool of water. But grub got stuck in some rocks and couldn't be unsnagged. Not wanting to lose this grub and to have to retie again, in my desperation, I climbed over the railings and walk a narrow dangerous path to the untrodden side of the beach. On my right, the seawall was like a metre high and a slip would surely mean some injury.

Reaching there, I managed to loosen the snag and retrieve my lure. But behold, that area opened up to the other side of the big rock. From there, on my left was some low hanging branches, very potential for KBl, and on my right, the other side of the giant rock. Hey, this looked like quite a good spot. I decided to try out this area and told PT that if I got anything, we could bring our stuff over and fish from there.

First grouper




And true enough, after some 10-20 cast or so, I got a hit. Although it was so light that fish and lure flew out of the water when I struck. I took a closer look and yelped in delight that it was a grouper. PT was all excited and took some shots. Seeing that that place was good, PT climbed over and we moved some things over to fish that area.

I had an accident with my icebox while tossing it over the railings on the grass slope. It tilted over, and the contents all spilled into the 1 metre drop of water below. Darn, but luckily my scissors and pliers didn't dropped into the sea.

2nd Grouper




3rd grouper




PT was next to hit another grouper, and wonderously, on his "never hear before" lure. Wow, I myself had not even got a grouper on lure before. Again rounds of pictures. So then, at that time, score was 1:1. The next one was his again. Another grouper on lure. I came next to hit another grouper and this time a little bigger. It gave a good fight and I could see it swimming left and right while I reeled it in. So score was 2:2.

However, that place was quite snaggy and we many times almost lose our lures. But we were quite lucky that day and always managed to shake it loose. PT decided to change to try out the small L-minnow.

4th Grouper




Glass fish




Last Grouper




While he was busy tying the rig, I got another hit. This time, although a small grouper, but it was very fierce. It almost swallowed the whole lure despite its size. PT trying out the L-minnow got a take of a glass fish. Quite amazing. Final score was 3:3.

The water started to retreat and we soon got bored with the place, seeing that it yield only small groupers. Nevertheless, it did give us some enjoyment and we had fun and definitely not a go back empty handed trip.

We moved back to the boardwalk area and tried luring around. I changed to my newly acquired small Yamashita to see if there was any squids around. So it was that I was trying out at the right end, when I saw Patrick was a very serious bend near the big rock. He was shouting "big one big one". At first, I thot he was just playing the fool but second look concluded tha he was really on something huge.





Magnified view of the Barra that I captured in our haste. Can imagine the size as compared to the lure. I doubt it is more than 5kg as we hung it up with a 10lbs line. But it looked quite close to 4kg


I ran over and tried to locate his camera in his many pouches. I hurriedly tried to figure out the controls and took some pics. The fish was a big one seeing how his lines were like ziiping out. PT was guessing big KBL, I couldn't see anyting in the dark waters. When it finally surfaced, I saw it immediately to be a Barra, and a huge one at that, possibly in the 3-4kg region.

But in all the pandemonium, PT decided to try lift the fellow up on his puny 10lbs mainline, and a 25lbs leader. I said don't, but it was already up halfway. The line was too thin to hold with my hands and I grabbed a rubbish plastic bag to try to managed to hold on to one side. But the height of the railings to the sea level was too high and 2 hands were needed in tandem to pull the line in. I was trying to find some other material for my other hand, but alas too late. Line broke and we all saw in dismay the prized catch falling back to the sea. Argh! we all cried out in unison. PT immediately ran over to the railings and down under the boardwalk. I stared in disbelief that he was willing to risk his life to get the fish. Hey, that a 3-4kg Barra that we were talking about. Kind of like running into the jungle to confront a tiger. But from my top side, I saw that the fish was like concussed and was floating around the water. But I didn't think that it was injured, probably just tired out. I shone my touch and managed to see it a little while more, until it sanked into the deep water. Patrick by that time was in the water below the boardwalk, and it was up to his chest level. Goodness!

I could share his anguish at losing such a prized catch. And on lure somemore. But in restropect, we should have tried to guide the fish over to some rocks that was like just a little out of the water. That would have minimized the risk of losing that fish. But in all the excitement, it was hard to think straight. PT decided that his next project was to make a portable gaff. :)

Last fish, a Kuku




After that intense episode, I too changed to a lure. But cast here and there, nothing. PT was just lucky to have hit the Barra while it was swimming by. It was already 2am by then, and we all had enough and called it a day. Over some midnight food at the coffee shop, PT was still sighing over the lost fish. Well, life is like that. You win some, you lose some.

Total haul

Tanjong Rhu - Short SP session

It was a rather hot day, but I felt like doing some simple fishing. Following my success with SP, I was game to further experiment with it. It so happened that I was near east coast. I decided then to pay Tanjong Rhu a visit, even though the fishing wouldn't be good due to all the construction of the dam at the Marina South side.

We parked along a double yellow line. Problem with this place, legal parking was non-existent. Otherwise, it would indeed be a nice picnic spot for easy fishing. The sun was hot, and we needed a shade to hide in. A and D set up the mat under a tree. Although there was a little shade, the air was still rather warm.

Here fishy fishy..


I fished around the area for a while, but nothing was biting. Just in front of me, were dragon boats doing their practices. I decided to walk further down behind the condo, hoping for a better catch.



There was some kind of floating cordon around the bank, possibly for some dragon boat activity. I walked right up to the edge where they blocked off the rest of the park for construction. Over there, the bank was the rocky type, just suitable for SP fishing.

Green Chromide
http://www.handlinefishing.com/whatsthisfish/cichlids/greenchromide.htm


And true enough, I didn't have to wait long after my cast. I felt a slight nibble and struck. I didn't feel anything, but when I reeled up, there was indeed a fish. It was foul hooked by my grub. I hurriedly took some pics with my phone cam, and released the fellow.

Next cast, I snagged the rig, and had to walk the 250m back to where the car (and all my barangs were) to retie the rig again. And again walked all the way back. It was rather difficult.

Threespine toadfish (aka Kuku)
http://www.handlinefishing.com/whatsthisfish/toadfishes/threespinetoadfish.htm


I cast it out, and within 5 minutes another strike. This was much stronger and I thot I had a grouper. But out came the fish, and it was a kuku. I snapped some pics with my phone cam again, but this time my phone hung. I had forgotten and left my min SD card at home. Poor phone was running low on memory and misbehaving. I had wanted to call D to come take a photo, but phone wasn't working. Too bad. And I didn't have any pliers to take our the grub. Kuku are chompers, and I wouldn't want my fingers getting chomped by this bugger. I snipped off the line with my swiss knife and released it. Hopefully the hook will rust off in a short while.

I think I could have gotten more as the fishing here was quite good. And on SP too. But with the logistic and hot weather and my phone not working properly, I decided to pack and go.

Not bad at all. My 2nd and 3rd fish on SP grub.

Juicy grub. Fishes can't resist


Scary scarecrow


Future rod builder

Recce - JB Tackle shops (Perling area)

I had to go into JB for the day for some car servicing. After that, I thought of just driving around JB, Perling side to look around, as I wasn't too familiar with the place. I had read that there was this JD ARTAC tackle shop somewhere in the area of Perling. I was hoping to be able to find it.





And found it I did. The place was on an upper story. The place was rigged with a security camera, and someone had to activate the door before you are able to enter. However, the folks inside (an old lady and a 30 odd man were quite friendly). They left me to do my browsing without asking nagging questions.

The stall itself, was quite big and complete. Only thing is that the lure selections were mainly strike pro, rapalas type. Nothing of the fancy japanese lures to be found here. Squid jigs also very limited to low end stuff. But rods and reels were quite plentiful. However when I asked about Torium, they didn't have.

I ended up getting some jig heads, and some SP meant for drop shotting. I had read about this technique and was quite eager to try it.







I drove around somemore and chanced upon another branch of fisherman, somewhere in Taman Sutera. The shop seemed quite new, and wasn't quite well stocked yet. But in the fisherman style, they do have some selections of japanese lures, but not very complete.









Thereafter was just random exploration of the place. I came upon this village beside the river, and there were signs for fishing baits all over. It looked like this place was quite popular with fishing folks. However, the terrain was quite rough, and I didn't try it out as A and D were with me. The road ended at some restaurant which might be popular with the locals here.













Another possible fishing place when I was looking at GPS was this body of water. It was a reservoir and somewhere up in the hilly area on the way to Kukup. I drove up the hill to try to locate this. Midway, there was a temple with hell lots of monkeys. Reaching the road end, we were blocked off by a fenced up area. Looked like the resevoir was out of bounds, not like the ones in singapore. Darn, no choice but to reverse. But road was very narrow and the left side was a sharp drop down the hill. Luckily the car was small as I inched it slowly to swing it around.

Places I explored (blue line)


BestMart




Skudai Parade

Boardwalk with SP

I was again on leave this friday as usual in my bid to clear up my leaves before the year end. I called up Patrick to do a spot of squidding at PJ. We met around 11pm, but the tide wasn't too good. Water level was quite low, but on the uprise. There wasn't much people there, though the spots at the end of the Jetty were taken up by a couple of surfcasting folks.

We gathered near the jetty steps and cast out our little squid jigs. But maybe due to the low water, nothing productive. I snagged my jig on some obstructions, and soon lost it. Argh..another one bit the dust. I suggested to Patrick to go Boardwalk to check it out, since he had never been there.

Reaching there, I parked at my regular spot just beside the chalets. It was a few minutes walk to reach the Boardwalk, in front of the Sailing club, facing the sea. PT continued his squidding, but again, like no action. I rigged up my L-minnow to test water if the luring action might be good. But as expected, nothing at all.

The Grub


We walked to a further end to change spot for better luck. Seeing the squidding not doing well, I decided to test out my grubs, to see if SP(soft plastic) was any good here. I rigged one for PT as well, for him to try it out.

Yahoo!


As we were chatting and talking about fishy things, I suddenly felt a tap on my line. Instinctively, I struck and behold, something heavy was pulling at my line. Good thing was that I had the drag set to quite tight and the whatever thing below couldn't dash to the rocks for cover. Still, it was immovable for a short while, but I won the tug of war. Soon it was thrashing on the surface. I quickly lifted the fish over the railings, and fish flopped onto the boardwalk.

Quite a good size


Kena cheated by plastics


Taking a closer look, it was a grouper, and a fairly big one at that. Finally I had broken my grouper egg. All the previous ones I got, all very tiny weeny. But this was a respectable sized one, and good for a sumptuous dinner.

PT was impressed as well, and couldn't believe that the grub really worked. Other than a first in grouper, this was also my first fish ever to be caught with a SP. I would soon be getting a few more packs of these. :)

But after this excitement, the fishing died down, though the water was getting higher. Seeing that the time was already 3am, we decided to call it a day. I too was feeling quite sleepy but it was all quite worth the effort. :)



Yummy

Recce - Tackle Shop at Ulu Tiram

Drive up to Kluang, Gunung Belumut





Did a drive up to Kluang, and on the way back, spotted this Tackle shop at the Ulu Tiram junction (left turn from the junction on the way up to Kota Tinggi. Not bad, quite well stocked. Lots of rods. Some lures and selection of SP(soft plastic). Although not as modern as fisherman, fishingline, this place was worth the visit.

Ubin Walkabout

I had wanted to do this for a long time, and today seemed like an opportune time. Nothing fanciful, but just a luring recce trip, to check out the various spots in Ubin. From some pictures that I had seen, Ubin should be full of places good for luring practises. Patrick was off that day and agreed to join me. We both reached CV quite early to have a simple breakfast of prata, and off we went to the Jetty to wait for the boat over to Ubin.

Being quite early, there were only a few others waiting for the boat. We had to wait about half an hour, before sufficient people came over to take the boat. Withing 10 minutes, we touched down on the Jetty that I now was quite familiar with.

Just like a video game


First thing to do was to get our transportation ie a bicycle. Bicycle during weekdays was like quite cheap, going at $4 for the whole day. Good deal! Unfortunately, Patrick's bicycle was not working too good and quite cranky (literally, making "crank" "crank" sounds). But he had to make do until we next past the bicycle shop again.

Scenic spot (right of Jetty)


Further up the river


Aiming for the pole


Some algae here


First spot, was just to the right of the Jetty, via a dirt road from the police post. Neither of us had been that way before, so I was just blindy heading towards the sea. Luckily, the road indeed did ended up in next to the sea. The place looked promising as the water was calm, and full of splashes, indicating some fish activities.

I was to slip on this rock later. Good thing it was quite flat and smooth


Some cuts


We setup quickly and proceeded to lure. I was sending out my Angel Kiss, as I wanted really to get a KBL. This lure was like a KBL killer. (according to the forum). But cast and cast, nothing was touching it. Patrick also didn't have any luck. I slipped on a piece of rock, but luckily the damage was just superficial. I just bought this pair of sandals, and boy, were they slippery. About 20 mins later, no bites, we decided to move on.

What is the cookie monster doing on Ubin?


Mamam Beach




By now, you would surely be interested in this.


Map of Ubin


Pic of my TD Scouter. Lost it later at the 4 poles


My Maria! (Lost it later. First casualty)


Next was to Mamam Beach. This place, I had been before. With the right equipment, full of whitings could be gotten here. But today, we were after bigger things. Out went my maria again, trying near to the fence, to the right, to the left. Patrick's rod gave some problems with the reel seat?, and I passed him my black rose, which I had brought as a spare. The unlucky thing was, at this place, my Maria hit a snag. It had happened a few times before, and to Patrick as well. Some places, had some rocks underneath. But this time, try as I might, it just wouldn't let up. I took the desparate measure to wade into the stream to get nearer. But the water was higher than my knee to make me want to dive in to get it. So, pull and pull, and then it snapped. Argh! This was not just any lure. To replace it, neither Sin or Malaysia would have it now.

On the way. Nice lilies


Close up


Friendly Nordin Beach doggy


Dirty waters




"Fly fishing" style..getting into the water


We next moved to the other Beach, Nordin. But reaching there after a tiring stretch of uphill and downhills, the place was a sore eye. The whole beach was full of litter. But nevertheless, we tried for a while, and then gave up. I sent out my L-minnow this time, but no luck at all.

Quarry. It was fenced up


Moving down then to the Jetty area, Patrick took the opportunity to complain about his bicycle and got a replacement. We had a drink here to cool off, before proceeding to the next spot.

Place landscaped. Some development going on


Nice plants


Spot left of Jetty




Next spot was to be the left side of the Jetty, where the four protruding wooden poles were. According to the forum, around the poles would be a fruitful spot. I was now trying my TD scouter. This was a deep diver, and would hit the bottom. Seeing that this place was rather kind of sandy beach, I took the chance. But luck again wasn't with me. TD scouter got snagged and couldn't be freed. Pulling the line left and right and guitaring it didn't help. And finally the line gave way, and 1 more lure down. After that, I just shot out my L-minnow around the poles. On few occasions, I even hit the poles itself. But no matter how accurate my casting, no bites at all. Weather by now was a blazing hot day.

Cold drinks sold here


Working bench


My L-Minnow resting place


Patrick communicating with the todaks here


Watch the speed limit


Very thirsty. Anything also can


View of a short Jetty here


This is a dam here


Strong current. No kidding


We moved further down on the bicycle and reach the bridge. Beside the bridge, there was some kind of hut, apparently selling cold drinks. But being weekdays, it wasn't opened. It was quite comfortable, and even had a table for us to work on. This area, I thought was the most promising of all. Cos, when we looked into the water, we could see todaks, archer, mullets etc...Boy oh boy....we quickly sent out our lures. I was trying again on my L-minnow, but dunno what luck was with me, L-minnow flew onto a plant, and got snagged! Yanked a few times, the leader at the lure gave way. Argh! A total of 3 lures lost here in this Ulu island. But this L-minnow had served me well and deserved a rest. I next took out my other white maria, and then my gold x-rap. Neither got change the fat zero that I was getting.

Patrick was a little better. Using his newly acquired L-minnow (small), he got a bite from todak, which thrashed in the water a little. Well, given the day's result, this was like the most exciting moment ever. But after that, no more, and he too returned 0 handed. By now, the weather was a screaming hot, and I was really getting burned.

This place found on the food map


Food was delicious


Gateway to Ubin


Familiar scene


Rhino rock


Ain't she a beauty?


Waiting for the 12 pax.


We decided to call it a day, and proceeded to have lunch at one of the restaurants. Food was pretty decent, and Patrick generously paid for it. After lunch, we waited at the Jetty to fill up the 12 pax to get back. We didn't wait long, as a big group of foreigners came along, and we were soon back to Motherland, with no stories of big KBL to tell.

We did some tackle shopping before going home. On the way, it started to rain heavily. As if to cry for us, "where are our KBLs?". *sob sob*.

Sibu Boat Trip - Ah Ngan Kelong

I received a query from Patrick regarding Tg Pinang few days back. He informed me that he was going Sibu for a boat trip. One fishy thing led to another, and soon I was scheduled to meet him on a friday morning, to Ah Ngan.

Ah Ngan, I had been before. I had counter proposed Junansa Villa, but after some enquries, it was found to be closed for the fasting month. So, the plan was back to Sibu, Ah Ngan. But this time, what's new was that we would go out for a boating trip. Being Sibu, everyone's expectation was high. We were expecting all sorts of giant monsters, from the likes of Chermins, Parrots and possibly a GT or two.

I was late to meet the rest over at Pelangi. So when I finally met the rest of the gang finally at Carefourre Mac, I sensed they were somewhat unhappy. This was because at 7.30am, the 2 hour window to reach Leman Jetty seemed quite rushed, and possibility of being late. I was introduced to Darren, Richard and Luo Chong and after some high fives and bear hugs, we were off on the way to Leman via the promised Sedili route.

Police checkpoint from the Sedili side


Darren's car negoiating the bend


Following behind


TC's driving was rather fast, and we made it to Leman at a very good time of 9.10am, to everyone's surprises, including mine. So it did seem that the Sedili route was smoother and shorter.

All ready with their weapons


Group of friends


Reaching our destination


Unloading


Boat came and we quickly huddled together to load all our stuff. As expected, Ah Ngan's staff provided good services, and we didn't have to carry most of the big item things. Within half an hour, we were clamouring up the kelong stairs, despatching ourselves to our designated beds.

Our corner


We were the only ones in the kelong, and due to that, I wasn't too happy that we were assigned to a little corner beds, with one of us having to sleep on the top deck. Anyway, we quickly setup and as usual, I was first to be out with my tamban jigging rod to test the water.

This uncle was sotong killer


Bounty


With my first sotong here


I quickly hit upon a Selar spot, and my first haul was a promising 4 selars in a string. The fishing began to look good. We noticed some of the kelong staff jigging for sotong, and came upon a big pile of sotongs on the floor. Man was clearly an expert, and he was like lifting a sotong every minute. Goodness gracious, in broad daylight too. We were told that for the past 2 days, sotongs were plentiful and the previous customers were bagging it by the kilos. Wow, I was certainly hoping that that would continue.

Darren's opening squid


Darren was the first to get a sotong, and what a big one it was. The rest all started squidding too with not much result. I was trying hard too. Eventually, after making a round the kelong, I finally got one and was pleased that my Shrimphunter was still in working order.



The guys thereafter disappeared to fish at the well next to the kitchen. Within a short time, they were filling up buckets of rabbits.

Ding dang dong..


Lunch bells rang, and we had our first meal on the kelong. Food turned out to be a palatable spread of dishes. Everyone dug in and had a filling lunch. Richard was enjoying the plate of rabbit fishes, until I told him that rabbits fed on poo poo from the toilet. His face changed a pale yellow after that, and no more rabbits for him from then on. After lunch, we were all prepping for the boat trip by tying lines. An Ngan the owner himself came over and taught us what rigs to tie, and how to do it.

Early stage of the boat trip. Still smiling


All eager for that big strike


The island we had seen in Magazine


Soon we were all decked up on the boat, all full of expectations to make a good killing. Fishing ground was some 20 minutes away from the kelong, just near to an island. Boat anchored and all lines went down. However, 5-10 minutes passed, and nobody had any nibble. Another 10 minutes passed, all started fidgeting. Richard and Darren started feeling queasy from all the boat rocking. Thereafter, they spent most of the time sleeping and moaning about sea sickness and merlions.

Hmm..still no bite?


Groan...groan..


Zzzz...


Only Patrick, Luo Chong and I were still going strong. Boatman changed another spot, and still the same thing happened. Another half hour, another spot change again. Fishing at this time was getting to be no fun, and all starting sleeping on the boat. Boatman said all the previously productive spots, he already tried. He was clearly apologetic about it, and even called back to HQ to ask about strategy. There was left one more place but that could only be done around 5pm, due to the water level.

First fish. Green Rough-backed Puffer


So, boat rocking wildy, all sleeping and not even a catch. I finally broke the egg with a very light catch of a puffer? That was pretty exciting after about 3 hours of nothingness. We took some pics and then I released it.

My "heavy" tackle


Boatman changed to the last spot. I suddenly got a lunge and my rod bend into the U-est shape I had ever seen. And that was on my PE2-4 tackle. The pull was so strong, that I was crying out for help. But after some 1 minute of fearsome fight with the "whatever" fish, I realised that I was only fighting a rock. Ouch....how embarassing. No choice, had to snap the lines. But I was using a 40lbs braided, and snapping it was no easy task. Finally line broke, and I waste about 10m of my precious(and expensive) braid. I fought with a couple more rocks, and it got frustrating as I would need to retie rigs over and over again.

Yah! Finally something decent


This not bad too.


Pailful of catches


Patrick got tired of waiting for the big one, and used his light tackle with Apollo on dead prawn meat. And that strategy was quite successful and he was catching an assortment of various fishes like groupers and emperors and others. Soon, he outfished my record of 1 fish, and he was filling up a small pail of seawater with his catches.

Our path




Around 7pm, we said enough, and instructed the boatman to return, to the great delight of Patrick and Darren. Poor chaps, paying for the trip to be tortured and bored to death.

My squid so nice


Reaching back to the kelong, we had dinner and then proceeded to hope for more sotong catches. Squidding was fairly successful, although not in the quantity of a few bags full. The whole trip, I managed only to catch about 5 squids. Quite a poor record indeed. Boatman was also enjoying squidding, and he had this special japanese squid jig that was very effective. I was using my size 4 jig and apparently it was too big to do very much. But boatman lost the jig later in the night. Boatman being the friendly sort, talked to me quite often. He asked if he could buy the Shrimphunter from me, as his japanese jig was gone. I told him to take it as a gift from me. After all, I wasn't too successful in squidding.

Boatman squid #135


TC first Travelly


My arrow squid


Small barra on my lure


Kekek on my lure


Small barra on my Angel Kiss


I next changed to luring hoping to do better. Out came my Pinny. After trying out a few spots, the action became effective, and I was landing small barras one after another. All in all, I landed 8 on the pin minnow. But all I wanted was Parangs, and they were no where to be found.

I changed my lure to my newly acquired Angel Kiss. Come kiss this, I beseeched the wonderful catches under the sea. Cast and cast, it took me a while to figure out the optimum speed to get the action going. I got my first hit shortly, and out came, yet another small barra. From what I see, Angel Kiss not suitable too over here.

TC got lucky and managed to get a very decent catch of 2 trevallies on his never get bored apollo fishing with standard sotong bait.

Half moon view at 4am


I went to bed around 12am, planning to wake at 5am for the magic window. However, due to the cold winds, I couldnt sleep well and found myself awake at 3.30am. I walked around and decided to start fishing.

Squid on my big size 4 jig


Boatman also woke up at 5am to squid


I squidded a little, but again not very effective. All I got was 1 squid. Not good at all. Around 5am, the rest of the people started coming out of bed to continue their fishing and squidding. I went back to luring and changed my lure to my newly acquired L-minnow. It had struck me that I hadn't tried this yet. So, out went the lure with the L word, and cast and cast.

I got a strike!


Another one bits the dust


To my utmost surprise, I got a take. And this one, was different from the way it pulled. It was my wait until neck long Parang, aka belt fish or wolf herring. Fearful of losing it from its acrobatic jumps and head shaking, I quickly tried to get the initiative and pulled it along to the edge, shorten the line, and yank it over the kelong fence. It flopped onto deck, and I couldn't help shouting, "Oi! Parang!!!". It had beena long time since I had gotten one. :O. Everyone came out and took some pics, and was congratulating me like a new father.

Battle wounds on my L




Delighted, I kept it into the icebox and went back to try for another one. Within 5 mintues, another one hit my lure, and out it came again. Wow, 2 parangs in a night. That was like quite incredible. But the wonderment did not end here. Within an hour period, I got 6 parangs all in total. Averaging about 10 minutes for one. It was certainly a fishing record for me. Now, for logical reasons, I swear by the L word.

Sunrise


Morning view


Richard "captain jack sparrow" with his squid


Wah, LC got a todak


Richard with his lucky catch of a auntie underwear!


Underground fishing


Morning light broke and soon it was all bright and sunny again. I threw out a live bait and went to do some parking, while going to some corner to rest. As I had woken up quite early, I was feeling quite worn out already by 9am. At 9.30, I was packing and cleaning up all the stuffs. By 10.30am, I was all ready to go home. The others were still going strong, and patrick had a whole pail full of Kunings. A very good catch of baitfishes in the morning. A few sotongs were caught too.

Pailful of Kunings




Captain jack sparrow welcoming the new arrivals


Boatload of sexy woman


Richard turned out to be quite a funny guy, and did all sorts of action figure poses to tickle our funny bone. Well, it was good to see another side of him after all the vomitting over the boat. He ended up quite a talkative chap and had many a stories to tell. Luo Chong got some result to show when he successfully got a todak. It was clearly a good one for him, and he was all smiles over his achievement, after quite a dismaying first day. Darren was crowned the Sotong king, and taking a peep into the icebox, it was full of sotong. Although not in the 2kg category, it was a good catch of about 20 or more of it.

Cheater. Foul hooking the rabbits


While waiting for our return boat, I walked around to observe the new people fishing. You could really learn lots by just observation alone. There was this group gathered around the fish well near the kitchen, aiming for Rabbits. One guy was using umbrella hooks to catch rabbits by foul hooking them. The technique was to throw some leftover food to get a feeding frenzy, drop the hooks down and yank it up with force. With luck, a rabbit or two would be impaled by the sharp hooks. I found the technique dangerous, clumbersome, and not very effective. I thought he got 1 rabbit for every 5 cast. Furthermore, this wasn't too sporting.

They caught our boat


Group pic


We left the kelong rather late, and by the time we were at the Jetty, it was already close to 2pm. TC had the notion of carrying back some live fishes in his bait bag. I not wanting to find myself at the interrogating end of some custom officers, decided to hitch the ride from Patrick. Anyway, I wanted to bring him to see "fisherman" and also to replenish our stock.

My total haul. First time so many parangs :))


A pretty decent trip for me, thankfully for my success in luring for Parangs. The boat trip was very disappointing, but then, never tried, never know. However, I thought was must have arrived at the very wrong timing where all the fishes were somewhere else. My dream of catching a Trevally will need to continue to be dreamt.

ET call home


Army jelly can of water


Room at the top of the stairs


Flying high


I am sailing.....


Authentic Kelong roof


Work on a extension


Is that a Marlin?


We are in Malaysia


Kelong botanical garden


Come on...come on...


We broke the egg.


Very young boatman


Darren packing his catches


Kelong staff with our lunch


Power Jig


Green and fresh


Boxful of sotongs


TC's catches for the trip


My poor sandal


Bunch of monkeys arrived


As well as pretty woman


Ah Ngan's selling point. Crushed ice.


With a tatto like this, he should love fishing


Big commotion. Ended up it was a small stingray


Richard's surfcasting stance