KUALA TERENGGANU: The craft of making the fish trap known locally as bubu is almost lost to youngsters today, but Ridzuan Abd Rahman is bent on keeping the tradition alive.

The 25-year-old from the fishing village of Kampung Baru Seberang Takir has mastered the art which has been passed down in his family for three generations.

His father Abd Rahman Tahir, 70, taught him to make bubu on a stormy night when he was 15. He knew then that he had found his calling in life.

Better ‘net’ profit: Ridzuan busy preparing his bubu for fishing at his home in Kampung Baru Seberang Takir in Kuala Terengganu.

“It requires a lot of patience and a gentle hand. But somehow, the skill came naturally to me,” said Ridzuan, 25.

“I don’t take it as a chore. It is more of a hobby,” he told The Star.

Ridzuan conceded that making bubu was not popular among youths today but he believed the tradition must be continued.

The 10th of 13 siblings aged between 21 and 40, said all his siblings were not keen on the craft except for one older brother.

“One must be extremely focused in making bubu. If not, it will take longer and will not be perfect,” he said.

“The biggest trap I’ve ever made was 2m in length. It took about a day to complete.”

Ridzuan, who works as a maintenance worker in Pulau Redang, said he would make bubu during his free time and the monsoon season when the islands were closed to visitors.

“The monsoon season lasts about five months. I will spend time making the bubu and going out to sea.

“I prefer to fish using the bubu rather than normal fishing hooks as the catch can be bigger,” he said.

While most fishermen would rather use trawlers, Ridzuan said bubuwas still the best way to fish.

Some find it odd that a young man like him would be busy making bububut Ridzuan said making bubu and fishing were in his blood.

“No matter where I go, I will always be one with the sea, like my father.

“My father is a retired Tenaga Nasional employee. Yet, he can’t help but make bubu and go out to sea every chance he gets,” he said.

Source: The Star Online

Fishing is a nature-oriented sport that allows you to relax. Many people want to experience fishing, but are unable to buy the appropriate supplies for their adventure.

There are many fishing stores around, but majority of the stores try to sell unnecessary fishing supplies to gain more from the innocence of the fishing novice. Here are some of the basic fishing supplies you need for any kind of fishing in any location.

1) Hooks- In a variety of shape and sizes, these are one of the most important parts of your fishing gear. Fishing hooks are affordable, so you could stock an assortment of hooks for each kind of fishing. Majority of hooks are shaped like a letter ìJ.î

2) Rigs – These are used for catching different kinds and species of fish. The two most common rigs are the Bobber and Crappie. Bobber rigs are suitable for catching Bluegills and are best for beginners.

3) Sinkers – As the name suggests, this fishing equipment is used to cast lighter lures and to quickly drop the bait to the bottom of the water where the fish are located. Together with the bobbers, the sinkers are used to hold your line at any given point.

In fishing stores, you will find numerous variations of sinkers that come in different sizes, weights, and shapes. The current speed and the water depth would determine the weight of the sinkers you will need for your fishing trip.

4) Bobber – It is also called a cork or a float. The bobberís purpose is to let you know when a fish bites your bait. The commonly used bobbers are pencil, slip bobbers and buttons. They come in different sizes to fit all kinds of baits and sinkers. The best bobbers are those that are smaller. The wind would blow the bobber back to you if it were too light and would scare the fishes off when it is too big.

5) Swivels ñ This kind of fishing equipment is used when you are fishing with bait such as a spinner or a minnow. These kinds of bait tend to twist and turn, which would likely your line deformed. By using the swivel and connecting it between your line and bait, it would allow the lure to spin around without tangling up the line. Swivels are affordable and come in different sizes to fit the bait and hooks you use.

Other supplies are the tackle box and your bait. The bait would vary depending on the kind of fishing you wish to perform.

Now that you know the basics, you could easily enjoy your fishing trip affordably and safely

KAYAK fishing, a relatively new sport fishing adventure, is gaining popularity in Malaysia.

On our annual outing to Merchong, Pahang, for the sail fishing over the weekend, Loban, one of our fishing kakis, was there to show what kayak sailfishing was all about.

Loban, who had been using a sea kayak to fish for the past three years, showed that such a fishing experience, rather than waiting from the boat for the fish to strike, would be more productive and exciting.

Kayak anglers normally target game fish like mackerel, sailfish, amberjacks, tuna and even marlin.

Aside from the sea, kayak fishing can also be done on fresh water to look for snakehead or haruan and toman in the wild.

With the kayak, a fisho could make their way among the water lilies and weeds in wild ponds, where small boats would have difficulty venturing.

Big catch: KC Yong with a sailfish caught on his rod and line.

Loban demonstrated that kayak fishing was fun in the two-day outing. He bagged 25 sailfish with his small craft.

But kayak fishing can be dangerous, especially those targeting the sailfish.

The danger is when the fish gets hooked and starts to greyhound on the surface towards the angler. The angler may get seriously injured by its bill if it collides with the kayak and hits the angler.

But the beauty of kayak fishing is the thrill when one catches a big fish.

The excitement in fighting the fish is when it pulls the kayak in the open seas as it makes its dash.

The sheer strength of the fish could drag the kayak for miles and the fight to bring up the catch could last anything between 20 minutes to two hours.

For those who do offshore fishing, like sail fishing, they would normally launch their kayaks from larger boats at the fishing ground to hunt for their catches.

Kayak fishing, which comes either with single or twin seats, also allows a fisho to do bottom fishing or jigging.

They can also use this small craft, with the paddle power that can reach between two and five knots, to troll for mackerel or barracuda.

Kayak fishing not only gives flexibility in fishing but also provides the excitement and skill in landing a catch.

While Loban got his fare share of sailfish with his kayak, our group, which comprised 24 anglers in seven boats, bagged a total of 108 sail fish in two days.

Compared with the catch in the last four years of outings, this year’s trip was definitely the best for many of us as we landed more and bigger catches, weighing between 25 and 50kg.

However, we had to venture further into the open seas to look for the sail as it has not travelled to our usual spot, where it normally hunts for food during this time of the year.

I am sure with Loban’s influence on extreme sailfishing, many of us, including me, would take up kayak fishing to experience the adrenaline kick in on our next annual outing.

Source: The Star Malaysia

Tips For equipment

 Bait for sail fish – Fishing Guide will take you to fish for bail first :  (before proceeding to Sail Fish spot) :

Pre-rigged baits to fish for baits –Yellow tail scad (Kerisi),  Herrings (Tambans), small pink bream (Keirsi) Indian Mackerel (Kembung) & sardine (Tamban Bulat)

For Sail Fish :

Leader – 100% fluorocarbon 40-50Ib line

Reel – Multiplier or spinner reel attached to 30-40Ib braided or monofilament lines 

Hook – Circle hook size 4-5

Rod- PE1-3”

Recommendation :

There are a few methods of catching the billfish here. But the most preferred technique and common among anglers is the drifting method. But there are those who are keen to troll and cast for sailfish.

Fly-fishing, although uncommon for sailfishing, had also been tested out in Rompin and found to be successful.

For me, I prefer the drifting or casting method.

While drifting is straightforward and simple, trolling or casting requires a bit of preparation to organise, choose and tying up the lures or skirtings that are needed for the escapade.

For drifting, it is recommended to use barbless circle hooks, preferably 4/0, on a 30 to 60 pound leader, which is attached to a 30 or 40 pound monofilament or braided line on a multiplier or spinner reel.

The drifting method also requires a balloon that is tied between three and four meters above the live bait, to enable the fish to swim underneath the surface, to attach the billfish.

This method had been proven to be effective and popular among the anglers over the years.

Surface popper also works well here as my fishing buddy Mag found out in the last few outings. However, this method requires plenty of flipping routine, a lot of determination and energy to retrieve and charm the sailfish.

Using the poppers, minus the treble hooks, is another method used by fly-fishing enthusiasts to tease the sailfish. Once it gets into a feeding frenzy mood, a fly would be used to catch the sailfish on the fly rod.

Whatever technique used, the excitement obviously comes when the fish takes the bait.

The energetic dash of a sailfish, which can reach to a maximum speed of 110km a hour, the surge as the line zips out from the reel in a hyper speed, gives all the excitement and thrill.

The trick in a successful sailfish hook-up is to have a flexi and slacking line, allowing the sailfish to stun the live bait, playing it with its bill before snatching the prey in a short dash. A light tug or resistance to prevent the sailfish from performing this ritual would see it spit or leave the bait alone.

A strike to break the dash would quickly set the circle hook on the billfish. One has to keep the tension of the line tight as the tussle ensures in bring in the fish back to the boat.

But the fight would not end so quickly.

There would be several more multiple runs by the sailfish, complete with aerial display as it goes airborne on the surface, dancing on its tail or dive madly, to dislodge the hook. These actions give a beautiful sight of this mighty creature, showing its showmanship and prowess.

The catch and release method is highly recommended to release the fish back into the sea once the hook is removed in an effort to conserve the billfish, allowing it to grow bigger, breed and return to Rompin every season.

It is also recommended to revive the sailfish, some of which weigh as heavy as 50 to 60kg, by holding its beak, marooning the boat slightly forward and allow the seawater to gush into its mouth, passing through it gills, in an effort the recover the tired fish after an exhausting fight which could last 30 minutes or more on the light tackle.

When the fish starts to kick its tail fin, it is time to set the fish free, allowing it to dive back into the deep.

Releasing the sailfish without reviving it could possibly drown the fish.

Although there is no official study conducted to estimate the population of the sailfish during the migration period, Kuala Rompin coast, which is rich with anchovies and sardines, is unofficially recognised as a breeding ground for the sailfish.

Over the last few years, many smaller sailfish, some weighing as low as 1kg and as long as 30cm, had been caught and netted off this coast.

Hopefully, with the catch and release method, anglers could preserve the sailfish population, which is not only a money spinner to the local tourism industry, but also a livelihood for the nearby villagers.

Source : The Star

Least to worry if you are not equipped and is a first timer.

Just recently we took a group of young and some first times angler to Kuala Rompin for its famous sail fish sport fishing fun.

Most of them are the fist timer and comes without any fishing equipment, they just want to have fun and feel the trilled of catching all aggressive sail fish.

As the boat that we provide, beside its comes with well versed fishing guide, we do provide rental for fishing equipments (just let us know in advance no of anglers in advance).

Hence its all hassle free for wannabe anglers, even without experience, as our fishing guide that have been providing the services for many years. The guide will provide knowledge on fishing equipment, helping to tied the hook and baits, take you to the place to fish for the baits, the spot to find as many Sail Fish and last but not least bottom fishing (for other type of eatable fish) if you had enough of sail fish.

Its everyone’s responsibility to ensure the survival and multiplication of sail fish, its even more so when holding up a sail fish for photo taking and right way for releasing Sail Fish back to its nature.

Itinerary :    

Night before – Overnight  at Kuala Rompin Beach Resort (RBR)

Meet up with Fishing Guide at land Mark (Shell Petrol Station – Only one in Kuala Rompin. If you prefer to park your car at RBR, the fishing guide will pick you up from RBP)

Departure From Kuala Rompin Boat Jetty – 8.00am

Arrival Back to Kuala Rompin Boat Jetty – 6.00pm-6.30pm

Back to Rompin Beach Resort (RBR)

Picture below depict sail fishing and bottom fishing.

SPANISH mackerel or tenggiri, a common species found in Malaysia waters, is one of the preferred game fish for serious anglers.

The annual RPBIC which is being sanctioned by Ministry Of Tourism, Malaysia with the endorsement from Pahang Royalty, has been postpone to September. This year event will be held on 23th to 25th September 2011. Winner will take home USD16,000 for Team Category and Individual Category. More details about this event:-

Location – Kuala Rompin Pahang, Malaysia

*its a team event with 3 anglers, 2 days competition. Only 2 type of fish accepted, Marlin (1000pts) and Sailfish (600pts) and winners are calculated based on points. Its a catch-and-release.

*Each team will have a Marshall accompanying them, and every catch will be recorded and photograph taken as evidence.

*The event will starts on Friday where the team will register. On Saturday, the event will be flagged off at 8:30am and you will be have to return back to jetty by 5pm.On Sunday, same time but you will have to return back to the jetty by 3pm. Prize presentation and dinner will be held at 8pm Sunday.

*The entrance fees are between USD140 to USD270 per person. Please email to ken@malaysiafishingtours.com, for accommodation and boat booking.

*Participation are limited – from previous year there are only between 40 – 50 boats with anglers coming from all over the world.

* Fishing method
Participants are permitted to:

a). Use mono line or braided line not exceeding 130 pound. The use of leader line however is discretionary.
b). Install circle hook for using lure or live bait.
c). Use lures but with one hook (single hook).
d). Use compulsory skirt but with one hook (single hook). The use of any other hook for skirts, is prohibited.

By : ken@malaysiafishingtours.com

Selecting the right fishing boat can be a real challenge and also a lot of fun for someone who is new to boating. If you haven’t experienced buyinga boat before, it can also be a daunting task to say the least.

Before you start looking, it’s important to consider the purpose of your fishing boat. A fishing boa serves but one purpose – fishing. You have to decide if you plan to fish in the ocean, or in other bodies of water, such as lakes. This is very important, as there are different types of fishing boats available.

If you plan to use your fishing boat for ocean cruising and overnight stays, it would be ideal to buy one that has a hull. This design is meant for rough waters, riding the waves, and providing more comfort for anglers while they fish.

When you buy a fishing boat, you should know if it includes a warranty. If it does, you should really study the warranty as not all are the same. Buying your boat from a dealer is always a smarter decision, as dealers will provide repair services is the boat is found to be defective.

It’s also important when buying a fishing boat to note if the boat is certified by the NMMA. This agency will guarantee that the certification they give to every boat passes the agency’s standards of excellence.

When it comes down to it, you should do more than just look around when it comes to a fishing boat. You should learn how to look for the best details to ensure that your boat is worth the money. If you take the time to look around, you’ll find a boat that you can truly be proud of.

Most travelers would board the ferry from jetty in Mersing, Johor to get to Tioman Island, but many are not knowing the journey takes longer. Unless you are travelling from southern part of Malaysia or Singapore.

If you are from western, eastern or northern peninsular Malaysia, its much easier to boat the ferry from Tanjung Gemok (Gemuk), Kuala Rompin, Pahang. The journey takes about an hour and ferries there are being run by few different operator. Some might just operate only during the Malaysia school breaks, when there are more travelers to Tioman, normal times they would just operate out of Mersing.

Its also not advisable to be Tioman Island during the monsoon season (Nov-Feb), unless you are there for surfing (there is a surfing school in Tioman Salang Beach, which also carries few brands of surfing attire). The wave during monsoon season reaches as high as 4-5 meters, hence many boat operators and resorts are closed for business. Fresh vegetable and poultry are hard to come by during those seasons as those stuffs are being carried by fisherman boat all the way from Mersing.

The jetty in Tanjung Gemuk, Kuala Rompin is located about 15 minutes drive from Rompin town, next to Endau river. You turn left to the jetty before reaching the bridge to Endau from Rompin. Few decades  ago, there isn’t bridge linking Kuala Rompin to Endau, we have to rely on the cargo ferry that is being tied to a chain, and the ferry is being pull from one end to the end, and vice versa. Those were the memories I could still remember every times whenever I need to cross from Kuala Rompin to Endau, johor.

As Tioman Island is within the constituent of Kuala Rompin, the Pahang state government has make the effort to further promote Tioman via Tanjung Gemuk as the gateway. Advance booking is required during the school breaks (March, June, September, November, December and during festive seasons). As Tioman Island is a duty free island (to further promote the island), there is a customer department being housed besides the jetty to prevent any smuggling into the mainland.

Its take about an hour from Tanjung Gemok to Tioman island, and the ferry would stop at all the popular beaches when its reaches Tioman. First stop (if not mistaken) is Genting, Melina, Paya, Tekek, Ayer Batang, Panuba and Salang in that order, and in the reverse order during the return trip. I purchased a return ticket at Tanjung Gemok. As Tekek is the central town in Tioman, the stop is longest and much busier. There is an ATM machine in front of the post office at Tekek town, but expect the network line might not be connected most of the times. I experienced its myself.

During my last trip to Tioman, I stayed at Salang Beach, as it’s the nicest beach of all, and much happening compared to the rest of the beaches. Shops, restaurants, diving school, tour or island hopping tour operators are aplenty there. I did a island hopping, Waterfall trail and snorkeling (3 dives) package with one of the operators. Would definitely go back again for scuba with one of the well run diving school in Salang.

Right before the night falls, the most enchanting activities is playing along the beach and sea, while watching the sun touches the far end of the horizon. Mind you, its full of activities during the dawn times along the beach, coupled with the sunset, its just so spectacular and mesmerizing, beyond words can describe. I counted myself so lucky that to witness two consecutive sunset over two days, not being block by dark cloud or rains.

When the night falls, all the restaurants would start to sprung out, western, malay or Chinese cuisine can be found there, as well pubs. Otherwise just get hold of some beers or liquor from the duty free shop and enjoy the night and breeze, while watching some anglers trying their luck at the salang jetty.

Its something that you might want to try when you are in Kuala Rompin the next times, just hop to a ferry and find yourself in one of the most beautiful island !

ken@malaysiafishingtour.com

GEORGE TOWN: A potato grouper weighing a whopping 168kg attracted many curious stares at the Cecil Street Market where it was being sold.

Many market-goers and traders took the opportunity to photograph the almost 2m-long fish, caught off the Teluk Bahang coast.

Some were also seen posing for photographs with the fish, which is also known as loong tan to the Chinese.

Fisherman and fishmonger Tan Kah Seng, 44, who has been selling fish at the market for the past 20 years, said it was his biggest catch. In 2007, he caught a similar fish weighing162kg.

Feast for many: (From left) Tan, Datuk Tan Choo Him of Kah Bee restaurant and Chew Keaw Ghee, an admirer of the catch, posing with the grouper at Cecil Street Market yesterday.

“My friends and I set out to sea at about 10pm on Thursday and caught the fish shortly after,” he said yesterday.

Pau seller Ling Siew Hwa, 70, said that in her 10 years at the market this was the first time she had seen such a big fish.

Ling then took out her handphone to snap a photograph of the fish so that she could send to her grandson, who is studying in Kuala Lumpur.

Housewife Goh Gaik Bee, 53, was seen showing the fish to her grandchildren Vincent Teoh, one, and Ng Chee Hong, three, who were excited about the size of the fish.

The fish was later sold to Kah Bee Fish Head Restaurant for nearly RM8,000 or RM45 per kilo.

In 2008, a 180kg potato grouper was caught off the waters near Pulau Sembilan in the Straits of Malacca.

The potato grouper is a large and important predator that helps to maintain the health of a reef by picking off weak fish.
The fish inhabits deep reef channels and seamounts and is territorial.

In some areas, divers hand-feed them.

Source: The Star Malaysia