Tragedy at the Kelong

By now, most local and Malaysian anglers would have heard about the capsizing of the ferry at Tg Leman, claiming the lives of 5 Singaporean anglers. The body of the 5th has just been found, 4 days after the sinking.

Commentary by the local community on this incident has been varied, with some stating emphatically that safety is one's own responsibility and that they knew the risks associated with going to these places. Caveat emptor, applied to angling I reckon. But nonetheless cold comfort to the families. Gone is gone.
 
Other seasoned anglers who have been in harm's way on the seas repeat their exhortation that safety at sea is number one priority at all times. Wise words we should all heed. Respect nature. Respect her power and might. Respect her whims and fancies. Respect her magnificence and beauty. And always live to fish another day.

To the bereaved families, my thoughts and prayers go out to you. It could have been anyone of us. Myself, I have been to these kelongs before, in Sibu, and elsewhere. Its a beautiful place. Its a place we would like to come home from and share with our loved ones pictures of the beautiful sunrise and the delicious seafood.

I suppose there really are no words to describe the searing sting of loss, and unfairness.

Types of fishing

There are so many methods and types of fishing around that it's impossible to get your head around them all.

Surfcasting, fly fishing, popping, luring, deep sea fishing, live baiting, kayak fishing, pond fishing, kite fishing, spear fishing, bottom fishing, using floats / markers, trawling. I doubt I've got them all.

Right now I'm into baiting (i.e. using fish / prawn meat or live scads / prawns) and I usually fish in ponds or out at sea. Somewhere down the road, I intend to pick up luring (with a baitcasting reel) and popping. Hopefully one day, fly fishing as well.

The monsoon season is a good time to look through your tackle box and decide what's needed and what's not.

Here's to a wonderful 2011, in search of brighter skies and bigger fish!

JB Pay Pond directions

Someone asked about the location of the JB pay pond described in my earlier post. Here's the Google Map directions. I assume you will know how to get to Jalan Tebrau. From there, its a short drive to Permas Jaya, and a right turn at the major intersection (under the half constructed bridge). Then go straight until the road ends. By then you will see a sign leading to the pond.

Happy fishing!


View JB Pay pond (Permas Jaya) in a larger map