By Thurai Singgam
First Steps
“Boss, can get a fishing set?”
“…Can, what kind of set you want?”
“I want a set to catch giant snakeheads”
“What you want to use? Live bait or lures? You have just started to fish; just aim for an easy prey first. Try common snake heads with frogs.”
“…??...”
I clearly remember the day I walked into that tackle shop with just a little information that I got from some friends. I still remember the way that tackle shop owner looked at me from head to toe. Not sure of what I was doing, not sure of what to use, I went on to randomly select a heavy combo set, bought some frogs and immediately went to Banting. This would be my first fishing trip with my very own setup.
Fishing in the estates as a kid was always fun. Initially, I picked up fishing just as a way to kill time and maybe just to add a little more adventure to life. But little did I know, that little spark in me, would soon grow into something bigger, something that would define me, a resilient passion.
I managed to get two of my closest friends to join me. With a couple of rods and live baits, together we fished palm oil estates, ponds, lakes or any bodies of water we could find.
We worked hard, we gave it our best, but I was not satisfied with my catches. I knew I could do better. I knew I had to work harder. I need to know how. I had to gain more knowledge.
I will admit, fishing your heart out but with very slow progress and very less catches can be very disheartening, at times even demotivating. Even my friends noticed it. They bought me a birthday cake with wishes of good luck to catch more fish on it. But the passion never died. It grew.
My catches, friends and the cake during my early days in fishing
Point of Transition
I knew something was wrong with my methods. I wasn’t doing something right. So I decided to call an old friend, who happened to be in ICasters’ Malaysia. I asked if I could join him. This is was the start of a whole new adventure - Lure Fishing.
I believe, the right attitude and approach is very important in order to progress. I thank God every day that I was able to see my lack of knowledge and had a teachable mind. I was able to learn and pick up things so fast. But it came with really hard work.
Practicing to cast, every day, day in day out. Reading, studying, researching. Lures. Rods. Reels. Tackle. Hours on the water and on the field. Through many failures and mistakes. Through many days without catching a fish.
But I fed my passion continuously. I didn’t give up even though it was frustrating at times. I knew I had to push on.
Then I began to see the difference. Things began to change. I understood what I was doing. I could cast better. I could present lures better. I could catch more fish!
Was it all Worth It?
Looking back then, and where I am now, yes, it definitely was all worth it.
I can proudly say, I’m capable of casting all kinds of lures of various sizes and weights. I have improved my casting skills and accuracy so much. I am capable of handling fishes, big or small, in different environments and conditions.
Is it enough? Here’s where we don’t stop learning. There’s a whole ocean of knowledge out there. There is always room for improvement. Always room for progress. So many places to go. So many fishes to catch. It’s a new experience every time. We never stop learning. We never stop pushing our limits. We never stop exploring. We never give up. We go the distance.
So, what’s next? Where do I go from here? How do I do it? I’ve got a few ideas. It’s a huge world out there. To me, this is just the beginning of the adventure of a lifetime.
Tight lines! Cast the Passion!
Sharing some of My Humble catches upon proper guidance and knowledge gained.
My close friends who started with me and who were there motivating and being the reasons for me not quitting fishing during the hard times....Thank you
