TASEK BERA CLOSE QUARTER BATTLE!
INTRODUCTION
Our latest visit to Tasek Bera for fresh water fishing has given me a new experience in search of Sebarau @ Hampala Barb and Toman @ Giant Snake Head. Although we did not manage to land any fish on that day, but the new game play that I experienced in Tasek Bera leaves me excited to share this special post to my fellow readers.
Tasik Bera is a wetland of international importance or Ramsar site since 1995. Special area designated as a Ramsar site is 31,120 hectares. Tasek Bera is known as Malaysia’s largest natural lake, located about 70 km from Temerloh town and is well connected by road. Located in southwest Pahang, Malaysia in between the main and eastern mountain ranges of Peninsular Malaysia, extending 35 km long and 20 km wide, draining into the Pahang River.Tasek Bera has been the home for Aboriginal people Semelai a major population here since 600 years ago. The Lake, fauna, flora and the Natural Semelai is a major attraction for visitors to visit Tasik Bera.
At first I thought Ramsar is plant covering the wetland haha but NO!!, Ramsar or Ramsar Convention (formally, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat) is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands, recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value. It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the Convention was signed in 1971.
Why Close Quarter Battle? The natural structure and vegetation of the natural lake as well as small waterways interconnected within the vast swamps is the prime spot for Toman, Sebarau as well as other species native to Tasek Bera. At first I could not believe that the small waterways is where local anglers would haul record size Sebarau @ Hampala and Toman, but after an in-depth conversation with local guides it seems the narrow stretch of waterway is indeed the prime hotspot.
TASEK BERA, NATURAL FRESHWATER LAKE
The condition of Tasek Bera natural lake requires a close quarter battle tactics in landing Tasek Bera trophies. The photos above showcase the common obstacles that are waiting to challenge extreme and avid anglers.
POWERED BY!!
The right technique, skill and equipment will always be the key in conquering Tasek Bera
TACKLE & GEARS
Utilizing proper rod length and rod rating is an important factor to be considered when fishing in this natural fresh water lake. A 10-20lb rod rating or even lighter is probably the best choice when fishing in open water of Tasek Bera. Even under heavy cover, 10-20lb rod rating is enough to muscle Toman or Sebarau from underwater structure and natural vegetation provided the reel is spooled with 20lb mainline and a 30lb Fluorocarbon Shock leader.
Close quarter battle takes place along the interconnected waterway in Tasek Bera. This requires a shorter rod with the appropriate length of 4-5ft. This is to improve castability under heavy vegetation and narrow stretch. It can be paired with any range of baitcaster reels or even spinning reel. The general rule was to ensure a swift and fast battle between angler and the specimen. Your trophy could be heading towards underwater structure in split second and the proper setup and the right angler skills is required to achieve slim advantage over our opponent because most of the time, they would win their freedom.
So which lure is effective? Well almost all lures that are known to entice Toman, Sebarau and other native species will work well here in Tasek Bera. Assessing the situation like water condition, structure, color is one way to determine the right lure selection. The best way is to ask your guide on which lure that are effective for each individual species. From our last trip to Tasek Bera, Buzzbait are the most effective lure for Toman @ Giant Snakeheads.
Prior heading to Tasek Bera, do little study is good in preparing ourselves with the right lure selection. Visiting 12Mronoit Facebook Page is another way to interact for guidance. Personally, I believe they are very well verse with the fishing activity in Tasek Bera and they will share their experience with fellow anglers.
Sebarau @ Hampala Barb is a great fish for Malaysian Fresh Water angling
Farang-Ba jump frog is another effective lure in catching Giant Snakehead @ Toman
TASEK BERA BUCKET LIST
What sort of trophies that can an Angler expects from Tasek Bera? A total of 8 species that are known to take lures in Tasek Bera. Tapah or Wallago Attu is a unique species of this lake and can grow up to 40kg or even more. Besides Toman and Sebarau, it also a home for rare snakeheads species like Kerandang and Bujuk. I’m not too sure on the exact species and hopefully you guys can do some research and comment my post :). Knifefish, Haruan and Baung are the final three species resides in this natural environment.
TASEK BERA TROPHIES BY 12MRONOIT
TASEK BERA CQB BY 12MRONOIT
CONSERVING TASEK BERA
In our search for experience and glory in FW fishing, we as angler are the forefront in conserving this beautiful natural lake. Our experience although not as successful as what others achieved. Our experience in Tasek Bera has opened up our eyes that this place is still untouched and in pristine condition. However news of illegal fishing methods via usage of poison and electricity has come to my attention and local authorities need to monitor and address this claims as the future of Tasek Bera is in great jeopardy should we continue to follow Man’s Greed.
Thank you for supporting Fishyology.com and credit to the rest of 12MRONOIT Charters and hopefully we will have another chance to venture deeper inside Tasek Bera.
Excellent posting. I agree with you on the matter of conserving Tasik Bera but like everything else, enforcement must not be only be on the shoulders of the relevant authorities, instead the local population should also be pro-active and prevent individuals or groups to use prohibited methods to gain profit from illegally harvesting fishes. Once caught, they can then turn the people over to the relevant authorities.
I think this is the only way around this dilemma.
Anyway, happy fishing and tight lines.
Yup true,
I’ve been in the lake and the water source that goes in to Tasik Bera, such a great experience but hampered by the news of illegal fishing activity. Thanks for reading Umar!