Isle La Distancia

INTRODUCTION

The title of my post today sounds like latin american drama but rest assured, you are still reading Fishyology and you are in the right page. Pulau Jarak or literally translate it to english (Distance Island) is one the best Jigging and Popping Spot over the West Coast of Malaysia. Situated 34KM from the shore, and it takes about 1 hour from the nearest jetty either in Sitiawan or Manjung, Perak.

This is the one of the location which I personally have yet ventured, but luckily Asrazi have been Jigging and Popping in the area about 3 times last year in 2013. Pulau Jarak as mentioned earlier hold a variety of species such as Giant Travelly, Spanish Mackeral, Cobia, Golden Snapper and Grouper. The size of the specimen can be categorized with an average of 5kg or 11lb and can range to even higher if the timing is right. Anglers have several options when they want to venture to Jarak Island. Either a day trip via speed boat or 3 days trip with special charters such the GT Chaser or any other service providers. Planning is important in selecting your boatman, tides and date. Usually, they pre-planned the trip 1-2 month in advance as the boat is usually required booking to avoid disappointment.

Giant Trevally hitting a shout Jig

JIGGING

Jigging is great fishing technique if you are planning to go to Pulau Jarak. Jigging is the practice of fishing with a jig, a type of fishing lure. A jig consists of a lead molded into flat fish like shape. Jigs are intended to create a jerky and vertical motion. The jig is very versatile and popular in salt water application. Many species are attracted to the lure which has made it popular among anglers for years. Successful jigging, the jigger needs to use a rod which is good for feeling a strike, and needs to stay in contact with the lure and get it to where the fish are. Most fish caught by jigs are on or near the bottom or even mid water.

Jigging requires a correct rod, reel and other terminal tackle that are suited to this technique. In Pulau Jarak, jigging rod with a rating of PE2-4 or heavier that can carry a 200g jigs are suitable for fast flowing current with a depth of 100m. Any rod would do with the same rating or able to handle the jig weight. Expensive japanese rod are design to suit the jigging technique and they are lightweight. Normal rods are heavy but still able to do the job but it will be heavy.

Jigging reel that are tough enough to withstand the heavy hitting species like GT’s and Cobia. Shimano range can be 6000 – 10000 (PG) or Daiwa range 3500-4500. Other brands also applicable as long as it has good drag, lightweight and huge line capacity (200-300m)

Choosing the right jig in-terms of weight, color and action is a key factor in enticing target species to hit our jig. Although there are variety of jigging method from slow pitch, long fall and normal pace technique. I still believe with right jig and the right method would determine the outcome of our outing.

There are several jigging spot around Pulau Jarak and each requires several sizes ranging from light jigs 40g to heavy 200g jigs. Anglers need to to have a great ability to judge every situation and condition to maximize hits probability. From my observation and feedback from anglers, Silver colored jigs are killer in this waters.

SHOUT Flash are one of the best choice although a bit pricy

Stripped Trevally hitting a Shimano Stinger Jig

Great size grouper!

A group of Bonito Frenzy!

Big Eye Trevally just cant resist Ima Gunpeki!

Soon Fishyology will collaborate with a local travel agency to help Anglers around the world to experience Malaysia’s best jigging spot. Pulau Jarak will become on of the selected location in the west coast and we welcome any visitors to Malaysia to experience first-hand with our experienced crew and service.