ICasters' @ Natural Exotic Fish Fishing Pond - Nov 15th 2014

A detailed report by Ian Peters. 

It was a cold  day at Natural Exotic Fish Pond (Rawang).

Lightning flashes in the distance worried Aston, and the cold wind bearing on my bald head was adding to the worry.... would it rain? Ran collectively in our minds...

Justin was first at the pond at 6.15...to book his favorite place next to the bridge to the restaurant. He was already well equipped with 2 Nasi Lemak bungkus (Favorite Local Breakfast) and a flask of hot coffee.

We arrived at 6.45am and rigged up..talking cock and greeting each other with laughter..curses and something about live keli (Live Catfish).

Then came the birthday boy Mathew. ..he gave us invaluable insights of the exo pond.
His views cemented my own views and that of Logesh, that most of the fish were at about 4 feet from the side of the pond where the drop off were.

We went in, the sun rose cool at first... but hot as it climbed to it's zenith...fish where initially active, became quiet and the majority of the casters were located  in the hut behind the canteen.

Vimalan - Asian Redtail

Vimalan was injured and could not cast far and was hobbling around casting quite accurately around the canteen with Mathew showing us his casting skills around the canteen roof. (An interesting technique, of casting the lure to the roof, and slide it down to drop in the water)
Even with his injury and hobbling around, he (Vimalan) registered the highest hit's and was rewarded with a couple of Asian Redtails.

Navin and Aston were all over the place when i foul hooked a 7 kg plus Amazon Redtail on its tail..on a size 4 fly. Despite the massive adrenaline rush, it is not something I'm proud off, quickly concluded the fight and released the fish back to the waters. It is almost impossible not to foul hook on a fast strip, as the high density of fish in exo pond.

The fly boys used WT6 and 7 rods with sinking line. We registered  most strikes on black that day.

Bottom supremo Justin  was successful on his special  sardine dedak (Pilchards with Bran mixture) and sliced fish thrown to the  shadows of the  canteen.

Navin was working the  water well...and he was rewarded  with a beautiful red tail.

Navin - Asian Redtail

Aston CKC'ed (Group's Term of Foul Hooked) a huge Tilapia (Tilapiine Cichlid) and managed  to proper hook up an Amazon Redtail, but overall it was a quiet day for him...from his usual 5 fish on average in exo pond.

Aston - Amazon Redtail

Sivanes was casting well, but apart from strikes and misses..he came out empty handed, on the first half. And on the second half, his dedication rewarded him a nice Asian Redtail.

Sivanes - Asian Redtail

Loges was beating the water to a froth casting and casting and despite, many hits and runs he lost many flies  to some huge marauding demons.

I myself lost one huge fish that took me to backing in an instant but when i tot it stopped and i had got him. The line went slack..
The fish..suspected a big Pacu (Pa'Ku / Characidae)  had left me with a clean  cut line.

Fight ensued but no other takes, except at the pump where Logesh  lost 4 flies and I 2...
Huge amazons were in the wash but we managed to put up about 7 or so Jelawat / Sultan Fish (Leptobarbus Hoevenii). Also known as the mad barb...

It is the humble  suggestion of this observer that exo needs to be fished on a week day preferably on Wednesday.

Lure should be broad fish patterns cast to the canteen and brought  back.

Grubs should be white or light color cast to behind the canteen and slowly left there, and brought back slowly...strong scented grubs would be preferred.

With fly casters..the back cast is a problem but not  impossible.
We should  cast more and practice our roll casts especially and use colors such as black deceivers and woolly buggers.

Casting near or at the pump brings results and it is not for the faint hearted. Not fast enough could lead to lost lure's or to lost lines.
With fly caster's, it is advisable that a tippet of below 20lbs breaking strength is used. If, your lines are tangled on the pump's, at-least you could break off the tippet and not loose the whole fly line. That could be expensive.

Casters should  be able to pin point casting as Mathew suggests..by hitting the back wall of the canteen and dropping the grub.. Fat suspending lure should be used as well..

So be aware whats happening and light tippets are favored to break off.

- The End -

Written By
Ian Peters

What the Line?? (Part 1)

Ever had this question pop up in your head? Should i use mono line or braided line? Why is one superior or inferior to the other. Is there really a difference between them?
So what if i used a mono line casting lures, it's still a line and deliver's my lure and present's my lure. Is there a difference?
Look at that old man sitting by the bank using a braided line, that line is plain visible dude, if i can see it from this distance, am quite sure the fish could see them.
Or how about, dang Joe, how come you're hook set is solid and sticks, and my hook set is not sticking? 

Ever had these sort of questions boggle you're mind? Ever wondered why a certain line work in certain ways? Well, i'm not a line expert by any means, but I've done some studies and research of my own, some personal observations, and some conclusions that clicked.
This may not the end be all to the question of "what the line?". But, maybe, just maybe set you in the right direction to come up with your own conclusions.

So the age old question.... Mono vs Braid's

The first thing that comes to my mind, when i pick up a line to use, is the technology and advancement of the line. How far ahead is this line, compared to my last line. What sort of niche or edge could this line gives me.

This mindset alone, kill's it for me the usage of mono. But, is mono, only all that... dead?

Not really. Mono is definitely not dead, and there are some user's who still loves them. Some even call's them the king of lines. Yes, exactly, the king of the lines... old, but still want to reign supreme.

How much has mono improved in sense of technology and improvisations to its inherent problems..
Well... Sad to say... Not much...
The technology is stagnant from last 5 years minimum. (Personal observation, no stats to prove this).

Now, if we look at the new prince charming (Well, not exactly new, there are newer lines at the other corner. We'll discuss this on part 2) along the block, the braided line. He's all loaded with technology, like a science fiction souped up hero character. Strength minus the inherent problems of the old king. But every super hero, have their kryptonite as well. No fun if they always win, isn't it...

So what's the main difference between them?

Main difference is that a braid has no memory, no stretch... Maybe a 0.003% stretch.
Other then the memory and stretch, they also;
have better knot strength.
Lesser bird nest
(Those two pointer's above may shock some of you reader's, but I'll try my best to explain and clear the air on it)

With a proper knot and proper method of tying the knot... The knot on the braid is stronger then any mono knot. So the key is to tie the knot properly, and not simply put any knot you know how to tie. Learn the specific knot's required for a braided line. But, you dont really tie a braid line to a lure directly, do you?, i know some new jigger's and some weird thrill seeker's are using braid directly, without a leader, but that's a another topic all together, we'll skip that. So you would normally tie a braid line to a mono or FC leader. So the most important knot to know for braid purposes would be you're connector knot's. such as FG Knot, Albright Knot or even a Double Duncan Knot (Uni to Uni Knot).

So on a braid... A wind knot, is easier to manage i say... With the correct amount of force and pull, pop and the wind knot will release itself many times over... Without breaking the line. This is of-course, you know you're not holding the opposing end and know for sure, you're gonna tighten it further. This require's some logic and some observation, but i'll re-iterate, it's easier to take out a wind knot so long, you know what you're doing.

And this is where the mono actually gets killed... .
I'll tell why the mono gets killed in a while..


So what is the fuss about braid.. Where it lacks?
Abrasion.. This kills braid. The kryptonite of our super hero line...

You take a mono and braid 30lbs.. Take knife to it...
The braid get's broken first.
No questions asked.

But the same 30lbs line... You pull in straight line.. Pound per pound the braid withstands better. So
the kryptonite is not all it's fussed up to be as well, as long as the kryptonite stay's inside the lead case, hero is forsaken. IE:. So long the braid is not getting abraised on sharp reef rock or some rock, you're safe.

So what do you get by using braid... First is distance, second is accuracy of presentation, third is the feeling of the terrain... Every bump, nudge, hits, and takes.

So what's the problem with mono..
Where it lack and where is stands out?

Mono... The main thing that comes to mind is the memory and springy noodle you get each time you over spool and open the bail arm...

Loss of distance due to coil memory and of course the diameter.

So why use mono... Dang Logesh, based on you're write-up, i don't think i need a mono line at all..
Hold your horse!!, don't jump to conclusions yet.... Read the whole story before deciding.

For one, less visibility under water compared to braid
Not talking about FC... Different beast all together, we'll get to this on the next part. Stay tuned.

Better resistance to abrasion.. No question's asked. King of all abrasion punishment.

But have you stretch a mono?.... And see what happens?

Let me put it like this...
A stretch on the mono line, will create heat point or weak point at different section of the mono..
And this, my dear Watson, is the main issue of mono...

The stress points will create weak section of the moon that could snap for no apparent reason.
But there is reason... For the mind that seeks, you'll get the reason.

Stress point can be caused due to a coil, a kink or due to knot or a heat point created during knot tying, as you forgot to lick the line.
Each one of these could weaken mono in multiple sections thus making the mono weak in overall applications... In long run. As the mono stretches, these week point might be stretched more then other section, and become thinner at sections.

A bird nest in a mono line may seem easy to pick and release..
But do you know how many stress point you have created...??

A stretch in than section could lead to the loss of that trophy fish..

But why use mono...? Where to use mono?

It has its application... Where you're using a life bait.. Where you need that slight shock absorption
or where the take need to be slightly delayed... let it take, let it take, don't rush... STRIKE MATE!!! Remember my dad used to say that to me...

And usage of mono lessen the stress on your equipment's no doubts.
Braid actually taxes your equipment to breaking point. Again due to the lack of stretch.
No stretch.. And you spool and gear is working overtime.

So is mono better then braid?
In some situation...
Not all..

And, definitely not applicable for the case of lure casting...

For lure, you need the fast response, the means to know you're getting a hit or a take and respond faster..

Why lure hookup rate is lower in mono...?? ever wondered?, It's mainly due to strike response time.
The time taken for you to response to a nudge or take on the lure, is faster on a braided line, as there is no stretch or minimal of stretch. Thus, transfer of energy of a set hook is more direct and reduced response time. With a mono, the stretch would reduce the speed of set hook.

So each has its applications.. But mono has certainly not moved much in advancement... But braid has moved quite a bit and advanced quite a bit.

But!!, there's a new boy wonder on the block, which is being used by some manufacturers, like MegaBass (Dragon Call) or super lines... We'll talk on them on part 3.

Stay tuned..... the question of "What the line??", haven't truly been answered for the ever seeking.....

Do you keep a Fishing Diary?

Fishing Diary? What's that?

Well simply put, it's a log or a journal of your fishing day.
Not many of us keeps a log of our daily activities, but it turns out that keeping track of a certain activity, the turn of events and its outcome, is a great way to succeed at that activity greatly the next round. Its a sort of patterning. But in order to identify pattern's, we must first start to record. With records and over time, pattern would emerge.

Let's take a simple example. Assume we are heading to Jugra Paypond in search of some GT / Grouper / Red Drum action. Now, let's target a specific species, let's say the Red Drums. How did you caught one the last round? What lure / fly did you use? What color was the most effective? In cold weather with cloud cover opposed to a bright day, was the pink or chartreuse fly, more effective? What was the speed of your retrieval? 
If you have kept a log of these, it's an easy task of comparing your note's and getting straight into the game, rather then fiddling around with the fly, pattern and color to use. Time invested in "FISH ON!!", rather then "Owh Snap, let's try another pattern or color".

Ian Peters explains here on how to start a fishing diary and how  / what to keep track.

Diary doesn't necessarily mean paper nowadays. It can be in the form of digital log as well. But i wouldn't advice anyone to carry a digital device near water body and clickety click and enter notes. That could leave you with a lost device or a water logged device one fine day. 
The simplest form of a pocket note or piece of paper or even a dedicated pocket book would be a better idea. And a pen or pencil, would do just fine to scribble sketches and write down observation. These could be transferred to a digital device later for safe keeping and references of later day.

A Fishing Diary should consist of the below information to begin with;

• Date
• Body of Water
• Total Hours Fished
• Weather (indicate sun, full cloud, part cloud or rain)
• Wind Direction and Strength
• Temperature (air and water)
• Time (indicate when fish was caught)
• Size (length or weight measurement)
• Depth and Clarity
• Cover/Structure you are fishing — weedline, rocks, slop, pads, dock, etc.
• Lure or Fly or Bait (include size and color)
• Retrieve (fast, slow, finesse etc.)  

But of course, certain information can be omitted or added as you see fit.

Be as detailed as possible, when you're recording data. Add in details such as bait fish swarm, frenzy periods, run's to obstructions on hook up's, etc...

And at the end of the day, sit down in front of your PC / LapTops / Smart Phone / Ipad or any digital device and digitize that crucial information. After a couple of year's, you'll have a pattern on your favorite

fishing spot and know exactly what's required to tackle the spot.

Happy Log Keeping, and tight lines.

Haruan (Channa Striata) Casting

Written by our beloved Tok Toman, Mathew Mahen Kumar, this article would be helpful for those interested in casting for Haruan (Channa Striata) or their fearsome cousins, the dream of every caster to hook up, the TOMAN / GIANT SNAKEHEAD (Channa Micropeltes).

Now there is a reason why we call Mathew as Tok Toman. Other Name we have given him, is Darth Toman or Lord Toman. Mathew's interest and understanding of the channa species is unparalleled in our view. A passionate snakehead hunter. Hunt's for the game and spirit, and every single ones are CnR'ed safely.

Lets get to the info that Mathew himself shared with us. For a start on the Haruan Species. We'll get him to talk on the Fearsome Toman soon.

Haruan is a predator fish..

Toman Bunga, Toman Harimau, Bujuk, Haruan Palas and Haruan Pasir are all from same family... but only the Toman grows to monstrous size..

Hideouts

•  Always look for them at the side lines of any lakes or pond..
•  Shallow water makes them strike faster or they feel easy to take lure.. (2 feet depth)
•  Under tree roots lies the mama and papa (In another word, HUGE ONES)
•  Below weeds and vegetation
•  Behind rocks or boulders
•  Tubes or pipes

Diets

•  Worms
•  Flies
•  Insects
•  Frogs
•  Baby snakes
•  Fish

Casters Options

• Abu Island Spoon 7g
• Silver colors... fast retrieval
• Frog lure 
• Soft Plastics or Hard Baits like jump frog.. mini jump frog works well.. retrieve fast or jerk and jerk... top water presentation only..
• Grub..
• White grub is superb... set it with weedless hook and preferably scented grub.. slow jerk.. mid water or bottom presentation (floor presentation)

Color for lure...

• Black/Dark Blue/dark maroon..

To get mama size (Huge Ones)..
You need to perform slow presentation.. jerk slow with minimum water movement... just give little vibration on the water to show some presence..  play at sideline and eventually you'll get the boom splash and FISH ON!!!..
This is because mama (Huge Fellas) are lazy..

They prefer taking easy preys like crickets and insects or injured weak preys..

Take note:

• Minimize bright colors usage..
• If you spotted a Haruan and he is not taking your lure.. use grub or any scented soft plastics and play real slow in front of it.. its will turn, should i whack, turn, should i whack, and BOOOM, FISH ON BABY!!!

GOOD LUCK and TIGHT LINES.

And as a end note, in Darth Toman's famous word's. It's all in the presentation of the lure.

Performance Fishing Gear (PFG), Do I Need Them?

Aston Douglas (PFG Aficionado)

Performance Fishing Gear or more commonly known as PFG is a list of apparel used to protect an angler from the elements of nature (rain, sun and insects).

-Article by Aston Douglas-


Basic PFG, includes UV resistant shirts that are quick dry, light and water resistant.

Pants that share the same properties as the PFG Shirts.

UV Resistant Buffs to protect one's face from the glare of the sun and also used as a protection against bugs such as mosquitoes.
UV Resistant Arm Sleeves that share the same properties and uses, as the UV Resistant Buff.

Other PFG include fishing gloves, this varies to many different types such as half cut, full covered,stab/knife proof gloves (for when handling fish with spines and spikes).

Apart from that, an important PFG to have is a good pair quick dry, water draining shoes with good grip and preferably light.
These are important when wadding across rivers and climbing over rocks. A good set of shoe must fit your leg's well and be as comfortable as possible. A loose fitting or not snugly fit shoe could cause you sore foot, or a potential injury.

Waders

There are of course waders next.
These are important when wading into waist high rivers and lakes, where some times the targeted species is not always by the bank. These are usually made frm 100% waterproof material.

Leech Proof Socks

Another important PFG includes leech proof socks
Leech socks are relatively cheap and extremely important especially when wading into lakes and ponds and trekking in the jungle.
The best leech proof socks are called Deluxe Leech Socks and are available for from RM40 - RM60
These leech sock normally have gutters on the top. Once you put them on, they can be tied to prevent the leeches from sneaking in. Of-course leech proof is not due to the special materials, but a simple act of tightening the loose ends or limiting access.
They are socks with gutters ( like on our track suit). So you put them on and tie the gutters up. And they are very long, up to your knees.

And lastly PFG caps and hats
PFG caps are also UV Protected and waterproof to protect anglers from rain or shine.
They are normally fitted and made from a mixture of UV cotton and spandex on the inside to hold tight to your head during windy conditions..
They are quick dry and extremely comfortable.

So, we have identified the tremendous line up of PFG apparel. But are they required in most cases. Is there any justifications in purchasing them?

Well, as the old adage goes, good stuff ain't cheap. Same goes to PFG. They are definitely not cheap. But they add a level of safety and precaution to our precious sports. As important as our rods and reels, where we spend hundreds if not thousands of ringgit, it makes sense to spend a bit for the protection they offer us from elements. Safety from the weather and harmful insects such as mosquitoes and leeches are very important.

Imagine your deep in a jungle trek, fishing, and find out that you're bleeding profusely from leech bites. The top most priority is to reach the nearest hospital or clinic to get them checked out and stop the bleeding. So, you have to trek back, and hopefully you brought company to ensure you reach the hospital safely. And pray that you dont faint. As if you brought a friend with you, he's probably muttering and mucking by now due to your imprecations. And, if he were to carry you, it aint gonna sound pretty to the ears. As it is, you guy's are not fishing by then...

But is there a cheaper viable option?

For shirt and pant's, i can't recommend anything else then Columbia PFG. Maybe other brand's such as Regatta or Karimor, carries similar stuff's, but i haven't test them personally.

Camel Active Barras

Shoes, I've been using the Camel Active Barras, they have held up quite well so far. They are a fraction of the price (RM 180). That's a possible route you may look into. Wading shoes, SIMMS comes to mind.

The BUFF

BUFF, in my personal opinion, Buff by THE BUFF is still the best. And they carry the UV variant as well. They cost around RM 99. The UV variant. The normal variants should be around RM 70 plus or so.

Wader's, there are multiple choice's here. But, i would suggest to get the best you could afford. The lesser material's could cause you to feel uncomfortable. As the lesser material's may not be breathable.

Cap's and  head-wear, go with whats comfortable. UV protected is a plus in my opinion.

Leech proof socks... Get them if you trek or fish the wilds. Don't Skimp on these...

Passion of a Caster

What does it means to you, when I say passion. 

 

 For me passion means the surrounding emotion. And the inability to control the overflowing emotion. It's an energy that flows in my veins to materialize my emotion. To grasp that emotion, to put it to work and motion. A positive surge of accomplishment and personal accolade.

It shapes who I am today. The fuel that fire's and shapes my inspiration. Opens me up for opportunities and changes surrounding me.

It's enthusiasm and excitement for life.

And for me my passion is when I cast my line out. Give life to that inanimate object, entice the strike from the fish.

But above all... Passion comes to me when I didn't get that strike. The days I did not get a hook up, that day... My passion soars high.

When I fail to hook up a fish, or entice the fish to believe the fly I'm wiggling and stripping in, is alive... Passion comes and hits me abound.

What do I do at such situation?

First, I calm my self and my senses. I start looking around... There I spot a ripple in the water. Is that a fish? Playing subsurface? Or is that a structure obstructing the flow of the water? How I did not notice it earlier?

I strip my fly in, I pull up the leader. I check on my knot. How is that knot holding up. Is there a unnecessary bump in that knot. Is the knot well tied. Did I practice the knot enough? Can I spot the weakness in my knot? How can I tie it better?

Ahh, the wind.. It's fresh air, intermixed with the salty taste of the ocean. The breeze is kind of strong, but assuring.

This, my friends... Is passion for me. When I put myself out and look at the serenity and the beauty of my surrounding. When I get in tune with my knot, with my fly selection, the choice of color or patterns. This is when I'm truly passionate about what I do.

And the uplifting of my passion comes when I get that strong tug on the end of my line... And I savior the fight of the moment. And, at the end of the fight.. When I snap a few memorable picture to be shared, and release the master of the water back to his abode to fight again another day. That my friend is when I'm at the pinnacle of my passion..

The passion is not when you get the fish.. But the before and after the fish.

If I did not get a fish today, I'll introspect, identify and analyze.. Be prepared better for the next time. The passion is in being ready and immersing yourself for the sport.

And when I get back home at the end of my fishing day, I hear a beautiful voice coming from my beautiful home.... Acha acha... What fish you caught today!!

And at that moment, my passion turns towards my family life. And the passion to share my story with my eager to know daughter.. That's when I realize and thank God for the days I have on this earth. 

Passion may be something else for others, everyone have a view of what passion is, below i give some personal view of ICasters' Working Committee member on the;

What, Why, When and How of passion for them:

IAN PETERS

"

I have always been interested in the cast. I have always wanted to cast further with less effort. My first set up was a 7'UP can.. 30 lbs line rolled on it and a spark plug for weight....i learnt from a kind Malay uncle who taught this Indian boy to cast well and fast.

To cast efficiently and to the feel the line flowing out was n addiction..to hear the line unravel and to feel the kinetic energy flow out from my muscles was unbelievable.

So i progressed from a tin can to a spinning set. Just a bamboo rod and then a BC.

All cast that's made, are all a searching for that feel...yes the line went out but there was something missing.

A missing of energy..of feeling of synergy. .one with the rod and line...

Yes I could feel the lure hiss out but that was all..

Yes the hit of the fish and we fought it...but, There was something missing.

Then i picked up my first fly rod..and immediately i was that small 5 year old boy standing by the straits of Johor fishing.

The movement of the fly line...the loading of the fly rod in it's casting arc..

I was literally brought to tears...

So i cast my passion...i learn to throw a weighted line.. I succeed most of the time. but i need to cast. I need to feel this everyday.

But my life robs me of my only joy...robs me of my passion. ..i need to break free...even just to stand in a field..to cast. To feel the loading. .the movement of the line..the kinetic energy. .flowing through my fingers through my very soul..." 

NARESH

"

Talking about passion..

when I started fishing at 4 years old..

my level of excitement when going for fishing never been down..till today if I have plan to go fishing in the morning, I won't sleep the whole night because, I can't.."Laughing out loud"..

There were days where I failed to even get a nudge on my bait for 4 months at pay pond..

Everyday I would go and try new flavors and bait..but nothing works..at times i would run out of cash. At those times,  I would sell old newspapers just for fishing, eventhough I knew, I still may not get a nudge on my bait...

I seriously cant figure out what makes me to do that, but this is what passion is all about I guess.."

SELVAKUMAR ARUNASALAM

"

I started at a very young age, probably 11. Stealing  fathers hook n line, fish behind the house secretly !Priceless

My priceless moment was, me and a few buddies, went fishing, but with a barricade net. You set the net, you get into the water and you chase the fish towards the net. Caught rice sacks full of Puyu (Anabas Testedineus), Sepat (Perch), haruan (Channa Striata). Came back home proudly after dividing the fish among buddies. Get whacked for it's a dangerous endeavor with massive cane.

But my mother still cleaned the fish and fried them for me. Priceless..."

SIVANES MURUGAIAH

"

I started with Haruan (Channa Striata)...

Still stuck with Haruan (Channa Striata)...

Nothing stirs my soul like Haruan (Channa Striata) though...

In love with that fish.

The best type of fishing in my opinion....

the feeling you get seeing a arrow like movement homing in on your bait. That's priceless.."

HARITHERAN NAIR

"

My first experience was when I bought a RM 20 rod and reel. This was in Port Dickson. We were on a family holiday, with my cousins etc. 

We sneaked out of the crowd. Me and my cousin Bro was fishing Illegally at a resort lake. 

Baited with worms dug-up at nearby ground. Cast my first line. Caught a small Keli (Cat Fish). Released it. Cast the second time.  Out of sudden a loud sound. My rod broke in pieces. Fight was hard and strong. I have to use my hand to reel In the fish.

Took close to 10mins.

Landed a 5-7kg African Catfish.

It was a the most awesome and extreme adrenaline rush I felt.

From that day onward, I knew I was born to fish.

But I had my orgasm when I cast a BC for the first time.

Even with the crazy birds nest, and wind knot's.

Wasted lines. 

Never gave up.

Kept my spinning at home. Went fishing with a group. 

No strikes a few times because my lures were out of the water due to birds nest.

Then finally one day, after numerous practice rounds.

Got a good cast, albeit in the fields.

The feeling of a good cast, just over power's your emotions."

So, what's passion to you? dear readers...