Fishing in Penang, A Tourist Perspective
Whats not to love about Penang? or Pulau Pinang (Pinang Island). It a state filled with culture, heritage and history. A place well suited for travelers across the globe to experience Malaysia in a capsule. Penang is a state of Malaysia located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Strait of Malacca. It comprises two parts – Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley in English) on the Malaysia Peninsula.
Highly urbanized and industrialized, Penang is one of the most developed and economically important states in the country, and is a thriving tourist destination. George Town, which was founded by the British in 1786, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Penang has the third-highest Human Development Index in Malaysia, after the state of Selangor and the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur. Its heterogeneous population is highly diverse in ethnicity, culture, language and religion. That’s why this is one best state to visit when you are in Malaysia.
Apart from all the major attraction of Penang, there are still some good fishing location around Penang Island and at the outskirt of the state. Terminal tackle can be bought at local tackle shop or you can just bring some from home. A normal swivel, sinkers, leaders, and a variety of hook sizes will be enough to start fishing in my top 3 list. Any fishing rod would do, with rod rating of 10-20lb and a reel with a line capacity of 100m or more and the poundage of the line is around 20lb or heavier. With all tackle is in place, now let head to the top 3 location near Penang! Getting to all location might be slight of a problem, but with prearrange taxi, all location could well be within reach from Penang.
Beris Dam, Kedah
The only place worthy enough for an all natural freshwater fishing. It is a two hour drive from the city center Georgetown, Penang via car. It is a very beautiful place. The journey will take you to an old and rural Malay kampung in Sik, Kedah. Dams are usually built higher up in hilly area. The road is twisty but the scene of lush green forest and the Beris Dam is astounding. You can rent a boat out in Beris Dam. Its a 15hp on 12 footer boat. Pleasant enough for 2 anglers per trip and you can rent it out on full and half day basis.
The two main target would be the Sebarau and the Notorious Giant Snakehead or Toman. With some selection of deep diving lures and even spoon. It will be enough to tackle both trophy species. Fishing will takes place out in the open area of the Main Beris Lake, there are times where we could travel deeper into the main river that connects to the main lake. The experience is what to look for when you are out in Beris Lake, so keep a positive attitude when fishing for FW trophy species. You might end-up with a catch of a lifetime :).
Thye Fishing Village, Bedong
Forget about all natural outing and all we want is to enjoy good saltwater fishing. Then Thye Fishing Village will be your best choice. Situated at the outskirt of Sungai Petani, Kedah. This stocked paid ponds offer great fishing experience for species like Barramundi, Tarpon, Milkfish and Grouper. All you need for this trip is just your normal fishing rod and reel. Don’t worry about bait because you can bought it at the counter.
It is a gated area, and you need to call them when you reach the front gate. A worker will open the door to fishing paradise. The area is clean, with all the huts, building and amenities are made from authentic local carpentry. It is a peaceful place, a place where you can enjoy a quite time fishing on your own or with friends and families. They also offer accommodation and F&B to visitors which makes this one of the best fishing spot over Penang and Kedah region.
Kuala Dulang, Yan
Our third recommendation is saltwater sea fishing over Penang and Kedah waters. There are several jetty in Penang, Sungai Petani and Alor Star. The most mature sports fishing location has to be Kuala Dulang Sports Fishing center. The one thing unique about Kuala Dulang is its man made Tuas which is a man made underwater structure. The idea for such structure is to provide cover for small baitfish. When small baitfish is around, fisherman would fish for predatory species like Spanish Mackeral, Giant Trevally, Mahi-Mahi and sometimes even Sailfish.
The only setback was weather on this side of Malaysia sometimes can be unpredictable and please avoid the monsoon season from Aug until Nov. Most of the time anglers would live bait for Spanish Mackerel and jig for all species mentioned earlier.
Conclusion
Overall, there are some pretty exciting fishing location situated close to Penang Island. Now fishing in Penang can be an activity to look forward too. Although all location is situated quite far from the main island, it is guaranteed to offer tourist and visitors a different perspective when it comes to fishing. Yes, when it comes to fishing, anglers would want to brag their trophy catch or even spending the whole pulling and releasing fishes. Our recommendation offers more than that, a priceless experience when venturing into a fishing outing. We will update this list from time to time and hopefully our readers will relive our journey.
My partner and I are coming to Penang in February 2018. He is a keen fisher man and would love a half day charter fishing. We are looking at staying in Golden Sands Resort. Can you help me organise this? Prices, transport etc?