ROMPIN, PAHANG - 5 OCT 2013

ROMPIN, PAHANG – 10 OCT 2013

We have reached the last quarter for 2013 and by far, this year has reached a glorious milestone for Fishyology.com. Up to date, fishyology.com has embark on 18 fishing days which personally I believe was not attainable due to limited resources and opportunity. The desire to share more experience has indeed push me beyond my ability and has rewarded me with countless memories and experience for 2013. Earlier this year I have targeted to reach the impossible by venturing into Royal Belum State Park and Rompin Sailfish Expedition. With this two outstanding trip, I can conclude that I have reach my goal for 2013.

Malaysia is gifted with many fishing grounds to be explored by anglers from all over the world. One of the most sort after location was Rompin, Pahang. This has been a location for anglers to capture the famous Sailfish. Malaysia has been one of the great migrating route for this magnificent species and usually the Sailfish Season starts from as early as July and ends in October. This species has created a unique value for Rompin economy as hundreds of angler from around the world join in to land this trophy species. It was already end of September when my friend Solihin called and ask me to join his Sailfish trip in October. I did not hesitated to join as I miss my last trip in mid August, since this is a day trip, I was praying that I could land the “Gem” of Rompin. The trip was joined by other members, Solihin, Solihin’s Uncle and Eddie as my guide.

Chit Chatting with other anglers before we set sail

Fishyology team heads out for our first sailfish trip!

Surrounding scenery of Rompin Jetty

Surrounding scenery of Rompin Jetty

Age is not a limitation in Angling

We set sail to our first location to catch live bait for sailfish. Apparently, all I know that they would only take on live bait and surface plugs. We reach our first location in 40 minutes, and the journey was very rough due to the strong winds. We manage to capture 7 bait fish and we head to our fishing ground. We can see lots of others boats in the surrounding area as well as sea birds following Sailfish chasing after baitfish. Drifting is the bet method in capturing Sailfish and it does not take long before we had our first bite.

POWERED BY!

Sailfish grow quickly, reaching 1.2–1.5 m (3 ft 11 in–4 ft 11 in) in length in a single year, and feed on the surface or at middle depths on smaller pelagic forage fish and squid. Individuals have been clocked at speeds up to 110 km/h (68 mph), which is one of the highest speeds reliably reported in any water organism. Generally, sailfish do not grow to more than 3 m (9.8 ft) in length and rarely weigh over 90 kg (200 lb).

The sail is normally kept folded down and to the side when swimming, but it may be raised when the sailfish feels threatened or excited, making the fish appear much larger than it actually is. This tactic has also been observed during feeding, when a group of sailfish use their sails to “herd” a school of fish or squid.

Sailfish are highly prized game fish, and are known for their incredible jumps and great speed. They can swim 100 m in 4.8 sec. They can appear in a startling array of colours, from subdued browns and grays to vibrant purples and even silver. Their body colours are often highlighted by stripes of iridescent blue and silver dots. Sailfish can change their colours almost instantly—a change controlled by their nervous system. The sailfish can rapidly turn its body light blue with yellowish stripes when excited, confusing its prey and making capture easier, while signalling its intentions to fellow sailfish.

Uncle has the first honor in trying to land our first Sailfish in Rompin!

Zerek Light Jerker PE1-3 paired with Daiwa Caldia Custom PE 4000

Tag team battle, Salihin continue Uncles first battle

A shadow appears beneath the blue sea..

The fastest fish species on the planet!

Still attempting to free it self with this final turn

Skipper Azmi has years of experience in Sailfish fishing

We bring our first Sailfish in 2013! Great job team!

I was a great start of the day, however out of 5 initial strike, we only manage to land 1. I have couple of short, fast paced action with this Sailfish in FCLabo CSP150 Dive pencil however did not manage to properly hooked the fish. We continue to fish and now it is my turn form some action!

The initial stage was probably one of the best moments in Sailfish Fishing. Long runs generated from its phenomenal speed emptying 50-100 meters of line within a few seconds. Occasional Sailfish showcase amazing acrobatic jumps in an attempt to release the hook from its bill. Constantly tightening the lining is a key technique to stop the hook from being released. Overpowering one of this fast and furious giants requires a lot energy and power to hold on to the rod and slowly maneuver the fish to submission.

After 12 minutes the battle was on even turf, I would try to reel in more lines as quick as possible once I feel the Sailfish weakened. Then it gathers its final strength and jumps besides our boat in its final attempt to flee but then finally I have won the ultimate battle!

Eddie act as our guide today, hooking our second sailfish

This sailfish leaps out of the water! Beautiful

Living the dream, its time to Tango!

Final attempt for freedom!

After 18 minutes of non stop tango with my sailfish, finally it gave up and securely land on the boat. The moment it jumps out of the water was an amazing sight. I was already exhausted and I believe the fish too. We take few shots of photo and quickly release it back to the sea. I hold on to the fish and helped it recovered. At that moment, it developed a mutual respect between anglers and their game fish. Final pat and it sails away freely. What a moment! We ended the day with a tally of 3 Sails and lost 10. This is short report as it is hard for me to share the excitement of Sail fishing. It should be in any Bucket List for all anglers.