ICasters were at Megabass Japan Cup 2014-2015

Venue: SW Jurassic Fishing Pond, Bagan Lalang, 43950 Tanjong Sepat, Selangor
Date: 29th March 2015

After a ‘not so sleepless’ night thinking about the Megabass 2014-2015 Japan Cup competition, we, 6 representatives from Malaysia ICasters fishing club got ourselves up early in the morning and started our journey to the Sepang Jurassic SW fishing pond where the competition will be held. We managed to meet up in a ‘Mamak’ shop to grab something to eat for breakfast on the way.

ICasters Team

We reached the pond approximately 7.30 a.m and found out that we were one of the earliest members to reach the place. We all had the look ‘Damn…where are the others?’ Mr. Jeffry, the pond owner welcomed us with his usual happy smile. We didn't know, waiting and feeling nervous will make us hungry and the “FEELING” brought us to the food stall again to have something hot to drink. Many live emoticons can be seen on each members face already, some stays cool, some looks nervous and some were collecting information about the competition from other participants. 

Once the drinking session is done, we collected the participants goodie bag and gathered at the waiting area together with other participants. Everyone was busy setting up their fishing gears, busy snapping photographs and chatting with friends. Sharp at 8.20 p.m, the competition chief Marshal called all the participants to explain the rules and regulations of the competition. Together with him was the very well-known Megabass Elite team member year 2010 Lake Kawaguchi Champion Madam Seina who gave us some presentation on year 2015 Megabass featuring lures and wished us all good luck in Japan language. She had a translator that speaks Japanese English as well but, who cares, she was beautiful.

The rules were simple for ICasters members, catch a fish with HARD body Lure, you get 2 points and if you catch a fish with SOFT plastic lures, you will get 1 point and about the rest of the list, to be frank and truth full we were not concentrating at all. There was also another game arranged in the competition called the ’BINGO’ game and it’s opened for all participants too. The game can be won by simply catching 3 species of fish from the pond.

ICasters members with Madam Siena

Sharp at 9.10 a.m the competition Chief Marshal asked us to take our own places around the pond and wait. After 5 to 10 minutes waiting, the competition bell rang and we could see almost 50 lures flying from different angles into the pond.

Some got very lucky to get fish on their first cast and some was casting calmly on continuous mode presenting the lures on best possible way to catch a fish. We all could see a group of GT fish frenzies but none of the fish decided to even smell a lure. ICaster members took places on all corners of the 2 ponds which was opened for competition. After some time, we all could see ICasters president fighting with a fish. We got ‘Surprised’ or ‘Happy’? Nah, it was a very normal scene for the rest of the members, even we expected him to be one of the favorites to win the competition. Approximately after 1 hour the competition started the BINGO game bell rang indicating that there is a winner already. Damn,that really increased the tense of the competition.

ICasters member

ICasters members noticed to be doing very well in the competition. The Marshals was running around helping to bring the fish up, unhook the de-barbed hooks and release the fish back. They wrote the points and catch time on the tag given to us before leaving to their spot again. Many photographers were around the pond to take pictures of the participants and the catches. Sun was over bright on the day making us to dehydrate fast and try to find some shades. All participants were warned over elapsing time of last 1 hour, 30 minutes, 15 minutes, 5 minutes and last minute of the competition. Last 15 minutes was the epic moments when all the participants pushed to the max and cast out the lures as strong and as fast as possible.

ICasters member

Sharp at 12.30 p.m, the stop bell were rung by the chief Marshal. All casters had to stop casting and make their way to the ‘point registration table’ at the waiting area. While waiting for the result to be announced, we took the opportunity to take pictures and autographs from Madam Seina the featuring guest. The competition was exhausting and we all took our sit and drank as much of water available. After ½ an hour waiting, the results were announced from standing of no. 10. Surprisingly, out of 6 ICasters members joined 2 of them found to be on the 2nd and 4th standing. The rest did their best as well and was lacking of very small point margins only.

ICasters rep on 2nd standing

ICasters rep on 4th standing

The noise made and the clap gained when ICasters members receiving their prices was a breakthrough and a recognition for the ICasters club. We all were happy for each other’s as brothers as always. We took enough pictures with the group, the participants and the organizers and decided to make a move back to home at 3.30p.m.

An article by : Vimalan Krishanasamy aka Vipaima

A brief introduction to the Malaysian Peacock Bass

Kampar was the district in which once upon a time produced the highest Tin in the whole world. Since the collapse of the tin industry in the 1980's many of those tin mines had been abandoned. In the case of Kampar there are a huge quantity of abandoned tins mines and it is also the area with the most abandoned tin mines in Malaysia. This makes it an anglers heaven.

These ex mining ponds have become home to a huge diversity of freshwater fish especially mayan cichlid (Ikan belang) which occur in plague numbers. The prime target for casters who come from around the country and sometimes even from overseas is the Peacock Bass. A fish which fighting abilities are legendary and sought after. Peacock Bass can dominate a pond easily due to its exponential reproductive ability which starts at an early age and vicarious appetite.

This fish was first introduced as an aquarium fish in the early 1990's before anglers found its potential as a game fish and released it into lakes and ponds. One of first places peacock bass was introduced are the lakes near Holiday Villa, Subang. There was a study in 1997 in a local university regarding this fish species.

This picture shows a sizeable peacock bass
The setup which I normally use to fish for peacock bass is 
Rod = Berkley Cherrywood 1-6lbs
Reel= Tokushima 500
Line = Nanofil 8lbs
Leader= Cap Ayam 20lbs

The reason for using an overpowered leader is because some of the places are steep so there will be a need to pull the fish up. As for lure selection the most frequently used are 2 inch Berkley grub and Bakau Ironman brand spoon 12 gram. Being a student one has to use the resources he has and not go for expensive lures since I am new in lure fishing and cant loose lures frequently. Hahaha.

Peacock bass will attack anything that moves most of the time. But there are certain unexplainable cases in which the fish refuse to bite even if the lure is in front of it. One of these cases are during spawning time when the peacock bass is in parental mode. They might either attack your lure as soon as it hits the water or completely ignore your lure. The cause of this phenomena is unknown. In the picture below we can see a huge peacock bass which attacked a 15 gram spoon. The size of the peacock bass below is smaller than my handphone.  

If there is a group of peacock bass in a specific area when the weather is hot that means that group will be in that area as that is its territory. This is how we know the "lubuk" of the peacock bass. Once the are detected then we can start to fish them. The best time in my opinion is after rain or late evening. Avoid fishing when there are sightings of monitor lizards or otters. Fish do not bite in a 15 minutes interval when there pass through.

Once a Peacock Bass is hooked others will follow behind it in the sense of food. If you can cast your lure in front of the peacock bass right behind that follows you will have 90% chances of a bite. In every group of peacock bass there will be many small sized ones and big ones beneath. Sinking lures are preferred for the big sized peacock bass.

Once a peacock bass is caught and released it may emit panic hormones back to the school of fish and make them move from the strike zone. For catch and release anglers a method to avoid this problems are

• To keep every fish caught tied to a stringer and then release all back after the fishing session.
•  Release the fish in a different angle where it may not return to the school. But the method above is more efficient. 

Picture shows a 47cm Peacock Bass caught on a spoon. It attacked the spoon when it was sinking. This shows that the big specimens are always below the school

Peacock bass is relatively easy fish to catch but hard to locate. It is advisable to spend more time finding for the fish rather than fishing the fish. Peacock bass are predator fish which means they consume at least 25% of their body weight on a daily basis. In the second part I will cover on techniques in lure and live bait fishing to hook up peacock bass as well as the tips and tricks from many sources.

Practice bag and size limits whenever possible to avoid depletion of fish.

An article by Sathaprakash

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...