These were taken some 9-10 years ago. In those days reach Karang Mas at 6pm (just before dark) and get out by 8am (first light) cos afraid of the M'sia coast guard. This was the usual catch.
PS: Pls post your fishing photos fellow members too.
When we started going out to sea, we were in our early twenties. First we went out in very small boats. When young very brave (stupid), to catch more and bigger fishes we went further and further. We used to go to Hosburgh in 20 ft boats, then we went further to Karang Mas (off Desaru), then even further.
Then, we got older; we realized that we needed bigger boats and twin engines when we met big storms and engine failures in the middle of the ocean. When the boats became too big, all the fishermen friends ran away.
This is the boat we go out these days once in a while. The 2 owners pay for maintenance and the boat. I have seen recurring yearly maintenance bills over S$35,000. It’s normal for an 8 year old boat. When we have a 3D2N fishing trip, the owners buys these: Food: S$200-300, Crush Ice: S$150, Drinks & Beer: S$100. My friend and I pay for diesel. It takes >1.5 hours to fill up the >2000 liters diesel tank. Cheaper to pay for diesel cos we only do 6 to 8 trips a year. The tank is empty when we back. This boat is twin 350 HP turbo and can do over 30 knots.
The reason is because there are fishes in either restricted areas or faraway places that people do not know.
Restricted Area: The few best fishing spots I know off, not many people want to go a second time even though the fishes are big and it is a sure catch place. The best one is situated in the middle of Batam, Singapore and Malaysia. It a shipping channel and can’t go there in the day because the MPA will fine S$ and demerit points.
Usually go there after midnight and back by 4.30am. Must be done with a small boat. The big ocean going ships pass us a +-10 metres every 1 to 2 minutes. 3 person fishing and act as look out at the same time. Anchor rope end secured to a ball ready to throw rope and free boat within a few seconds. 1 engine always idling just in case the big ships come too close.
This place is still teaming with fish today because the rock/coral formation is so small surrounded by mud. Now too old for this. Last time we tried was Sep/Oct 2008, caught 10+ snappers (Ang Cho) in 3 hours, 3 to 7 Kg each.
Next time, we talk about the faraway places. With photos of course.
those fishes are really big, using rod or net to catch?
Depends where you fish. This is a short trip. Location (Spot) about 15-20 minutes from Jetty. Left around 2am and back around 4.30am. Restricted Area somewhere in Singapore (East). Less and smaller fishes.
those fishes are really big, using rod or net to catch?
A seasoned fisherman can tell from the big eyes, open mouth and bloated "tongue" that these are tell tale signs of fishes being caught on hook and line from deep water. When you bring up the fish at high speed, the pressure causes the the organs to bloat.
Fishes caught using net gets drowned for a few hours and the colour is not so bright. Also the skin/scales are not so shiny.
Left: Look at the eyes. Right: Look at the "tongue" air bladder.
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