Momo fishing addiction

Haha finally manage to drag my wife Suki and my baby girl fishing..

Destination : Telok Sengat, Johor Lama

My friend Zul from Team Stingray came over with his wife @ 0630hrs

to fetch us to go fishing. We will be driving up to Kota Tinggi to buy rod

and reel for my girl Rastafarina then have breakfast before moving to

Telok Sengat.

Welcome to Telok Sengat, The Landmark before entering the Kampong.

The Beach @ Telok Sengat...

The small speed boat ferrying us to the floting kelong..

This is where you fish......

Well we don't get that fish we wanted but got some Duri and some sardines...

Well the place looks promising as we saw Kurau ( threadfin ) and all but well

maybe next time.....first time to that place..will try again next time...

Location: Telok Sengat , Johor Lama

Contacts: Shariff +0177724542

Payments: Rm 25 per pax

Timing: Per entry, you can stay there as long as you like no Xtra charge

Punggol End (Off track)

Date : 21st Feb 09


Point Of Cast : Punggol End ( off track)


On The Hook : Dead Prawns


Tide : 2.3m ( 08.52am)


Old Fisherman's Tale : This place probably has the biggest variety from Threadfin to Tambans.


(We wouldn't know.. 1st time here!)


Gone Fishing

We were so excited to know that we'll be going off to Punggol. Honestly for us, it will be our very 1st time there. Yup, an old colleague of momo has invited us to fish over the weekend although we're not weekend anglers, we try our best to kick off the notion that the fishing spot would be jammed packed. We agreed to meet up early at the designated spot as to enable us to "chop" a good spot among the busy weekend anglers.

"Taking a Minute to appreciate"

As soon as we got there, i was awed by the spectacular view that greeted us. Goodness!! amidst all the concrete jungle that surrounds us, there is still luscious greenery that is still somewhat tucked away undisturbed by mankind. We walk further in from the jetty and many more beautiful sights greeted us. We kept walking until we found our stipulated landmark.
( The Meeting Point)

Arrival
The agenda for the day was to hurriedly set up our stuff and cast off. Following a few cast, the day seems to be progressing kinda slowly. The fishes seems to be.. er mm.. sleeping. We were so tired of waiting that we fell asleep under the little shack that we parked ourselves under. As the day get a little later, Momo started to spot a moving group of "something". He couldn't tell what it was caused it kinda look like school of tambans but upon closer look, we were surprised that it was the school of "selangat". So delighted we quickly placed the tamban hook and start hooking the fish madly. Even more surprised is the commotions that we made when we bring up the fish, it was a medium palm size and looks appetizing-ly good.

(School Of Selangats)

We were having so much fun catch them as they came swarmed in big schools. Too much fun that we realised that the day was getting darker and cooler. Feeling a little disappointed, we decided to packed up and leave. Momo casted off for the last time in hopes of landing something, well anything. As we were busy packing and fooling round in the dark, we started to noticed Mo's line tugging. It started off gently and soon its getting more frequent. As usual he never turn on his drag. Even after countless encounters of snapping lines, he still never learned!. He started to reel in the line and while reeling in i could see the look of satisfaction in his face. Finally, something big enough to smile about he must be thinking. Weighing in at 2kg, a slippery "Gemang"
(With his day long awaited " Gemang")

Time to say goodbye
Yup, after bagging the gemang we had to bid goodnight and leave behind the comfiest shack we have ever been too. Its almost pitch dark and its only 9pm. I couldn't stay any longer as the mosquitoes making their rounds. This is definitely a spot worth coming back to.

Yishun Dam

Date : 12th feb 09

Point Of Cast : Yishun Dam Off Yishun Ave 1
On The Hook : Live & Dead Prawns & Kelong Sotong

Tide : 3.3m (12.30pm)

Old fisherman's Tale : Barracuda, Crimson Snapper, Mangrove Jack

( Basically Big Game Fish)

"Activation"

It was a cool morning, birds were chirping outside the windows and the warm sun rays creept in slowly into the bedroom. Sounded like a perfect morning to sleep in right? Nope!! You were wrong! It sounded like a perfect morning to get up to go fishing. We were woken up by the ringing of my mobile. Wondered who would have tried to reach us so early in the morning? Our dear old friend Sixfaez. Aah!! The angler of the year was what we used to call him. A really nice guy. So he got on the phone with Mogi and the conversation ended with the time and stipulated meeting place. The place of interest for the day would be Yishun Dam. The night before, Mogi and i was surfing through the net and found interesting facts that points to a good sea harvest there. Yup!! We've gone on few fishing trips and the most recent on Tues (10Th Feb). Sadly, none of the trips was fruitful and we leave most the time empty handed. Motivated to have a good day fishing, we excitedly jump into the showers and started to get ready.

"Time Challenge"

Mogi and I reached the meeting place which was at Henry Shop very much on time. As usual our buddy Sizfaez was a little time challenge. Well i don't blame him. Trying to beat the traffic especially during rush hour on Lentor Ave was such a killer. So we browsed around in Henry's while waiting for him. Arrived a little later then we anticipated, we headed to get some supplies and breakfast and made our way there.

"Destination Fish"

Finally when we got there it was almost noon. Much later then our previous plan of reaching there just a little after 10.30am. Anyways the sun was scorching just right above our heads and the heat was unbearable. I know i have been in way hotter weather then this but that day, the heat seems a little too hot to handle. I looked around and cant help thinking that the place still looked the same after so many years.

The familiar sight was a bonus. The boys ( Mogi & Sixfaez) was excited looking at the inviting aura that the sea was promising and just like any kids standing upfront of a candy shop would do, we lay our gear on the ground and started to look for our own private spot. I guess this would be our last fishing trip with our bro Sixfaez. He going to migrate to better waters in Australia. Damn!! How i envy him. Australian fisherman is the luckiest in the world to be able to fish all year round. Back to our quest to look for fish, we quickly set up and cast away.

We waited for quiet sometime, gentle tugging can be seen and felt but nothing more then that. The day seems to wither away with us getting agitated and impatient. As we waited under the blazing heat, we spotted an fellow angler squatting near by. I smiled at the uncle and engaged in small talk. Found out that the uncle was waiting for a boat to arrived as he caught a big sting ray (probably 25kg from the looks of it.. i forgotten to ask how heavy..)

He was quick to warp up his "big " catch. I guess he's a little modest in showing it off to us. It was a really big catch. Sigh!! I'm still waiting for my day to come when i land a catch as big as his, i hope bigger maybe a 30kg off, well any fish I'm not picky. He must be ecstatic. I asked him what bait he used but he didn't answer. Guess i must have sounded like a nosey reporter or that he was just busy at the time of questioning.

" Waiting Game"

We played the waiting game all the way till about 5pm. No news and no bites at all. It was strange though. Every time we reel in to check on our baits, part of it was gone and it only makes us even more agitated then before. We decided to pack and make a move when out of a sudden my rod made a sharp bent. It went again for the second time and this time it bend all the way down. One look at the rod and I'm sure that it would just gave way and broke but it didn't. Mogi who was closest to the rod acted on his instinct and gave a hard tug. My 30lbs line bust and all was left was my swivel at the end of it.The oohs and aahs coming from nearby onlooker. I gave a sharp look at Mogi. You could see the " shooting dagger look" i gave him. Yes i was mad!! Mad that when u helped me to cast my line, he had forgotten to turn on the drag and resulted in the busting of my line. Arrggghhhh!!! it WAS A BIG FISH!! all of us knew it. Lesson learnt for Mogi. ALWAYS CHECK THE DRAG!!

"Walk Of Shame"

We tried again casting at the same place and waited for another hour but to no avail. The day was ending and we have grown tired . The waiting game has taken its toll. We then decided to pack up and leave. We had to walk our way out from the dam and all through out the walk we were discussing what it could have been. We bid farewell to Sixfaez and headed on our separate journey. I keep nagging at
Mogi for not turning on the drag. I could understand his frustration but Mogi have never been a firm believer in using the drag but i guess he must have learnt the lesson the hard way. I couldn't stop thinking about the way my rod bent. The visual was so disturbing that i doubt i would have a good night sleep.

Jalan Mempurong

Date: 5th Feb 09
Point of Cast : Jalan Mempurong
On the hook : Sotong,Prawns and Sarongs
High tide : 2.2m (9.32pm)
Old fisherman's tale of sea harvest: Ikan merah (Crimson Snapper), Ungga Tanda ( Russell Snapper), Pari ( Stingray) & Tudong Periuk(Sickle Fish)
(sized at least frm 2kg onwards as per the local "lau chow" anglers)

The Call

It was 4pm and i suddenly got the urged to called up Mogi and see if he's coming home soon. I have been having these sudden itch to go fishing. After a few unsuccessful fishing trips, the itch to wet some lines seems to be intolerable especially for me. I have to admit I'm not a big fishing fan especially here in Singapore. I have had my fair share of the waiting game. IT sucked!! Being raised in the Riau Island where fishing is much more "happening" .. it takes awhile, kinda like a long while for me to get used to fishing here.

Back to calling Mogi, I was lucky, he's already on the way home and looks like fishing was the activity of the evening. As soon as i hung up the phone, its time to look thru my gear ( which was always stoodby by my front door, for all the last minute non planned trips!) .. get in the shower and wait till Mogi gets home.

The "Difficult" Stopover

The minute i heard the front door clicked open, i knew it had to be Mogi. I didn't even gave him a chance to change, not even a shower! The itch was unbearable, " We need to get going" I whined. We boarded the cab at 5pm and headed out. We then made our first stop over at Sincere Tackle Shop in Yishun. As Mogi browsed through the busy shop looking for supplies, I was taking my time browsing through the rods and reels.

God!! Help Me!! I was trying so hard not to buy anything on impulse. It was hard! Really hard! I cant help it the " Don't care just buy " bug was biting hard on my nerves. The tackle shop to me ( well every tackle shop which is well stocked) is like the men's version of Metro. (Anything from high end to low end stuff!! Get it!!)
I am a women after all, shopping is still one of my best qualities, irregardless. Mogi must have sensed that i was losing it and took me out of the shop (he had promised to buy me that pretty pink xzoga line before dragging me out .. then only i agree to leave the shop!!) Now you know why its a "difficult" stopover for me!!Compromise is Mogi's way of dealing with a pampered and demanding wife ( in his own words) We then proceeded to get some drinking supply and then hopped in the cab to the mentioned destination.

Getting There

We got in the cab and told the driver to drive us to our destination. As soon as he heard it, he goes ...

" Aiya!! That place at night so dark dark!!.. The road damn kampong. Why u want to go there?"

I have to admit, I got a little pissed. He could have just said that he didn't want to go but instead he had to nagged and broughtmy spirits down. Mogi engaged in a conversation with the diver. I couldn't care less. I was bored and he's driving too slow. At this point of time, i wished that we had our own vehical. I tell you, we'll be venturing into any god's permitted fishing hole (which comes with a price) Price of what? For starters, its a known fact that we will lugged around every other equipments that we have ( maybe throw a kitchen sink or two... muhahahaha)

I was awed at the sight that greet me. It was almost 6pm and the road going in was already dark.

Arrived at the destination

The sight that greeted us. Looks like we stepped into a fishing paradise.

I was excited and eager to explore the grounds. The place looks bustled with anglers trying their luck by the river. We chatted up a fellow angler who was busy getting out a fish from his hook. He was trying to unhook a "helicopter" fish. Spotted in his pail were a few of those. He says he has always been fishing there and on good days, you can even get a grouper or two.

The promising river bank where we spotted some seabass.

The side of the river looked promising with bait fish jumping over and making a mad dash away from the seabass, but thats not where we were interested to cast our lines (well not me!) We had set our sight a little further down.

Mogi excited after spotting some seabass lounging around

We made our way further in to discover an abandoned jetty. Well its not really a jetty but kinda like those platform ramp for boat owners to lower their boats down to the mouth of the sea. The place looked nice and cozy. Not many people are fishing just two when we arrived. We set up nearby the two friendly anglers. I couldnt wait to castoff. The sea looks inviting with promises of a good catch. Just after setting up and casting off, we sat down to have a munch and traded "war" stories with the older anglers in hopes of getting to know the place better since its our first time there and questioned them as to what are the " promised" catch that can be brought home successfully.

The Catch

Half an hour into our first cast, Mogi's drag started screaming and running pretty wild. We rushed to fetch the screeching rod and the battle begins between Mogi and the fish. Much to our suprise, reeling in at 1.5kg was a pretty cute Grunter fish. What a runner!! I started to fidget as i looked at Mogi's catch. Engrossed into taking the grunter out, my drag started screaming also. I almost toppled running to fetch my rod. Now my battle begins, after 20 mins of fighting the rod, up comes the 1.8kg Russell Snapper ( Unggah Tanda). I was estatic and ready to posed for the camera. I shouted for Mogi to grabbed a picture of and my so called "big" fish. As soon as Mogi got his hands on the cam, I started to pose. Much to our dismay.. THE BATTERY WENT FLAT!!! I almost fainted! This was one of the moments that you just want to shoot yourself for being so dumb. I have forgotten to charge the cam batt and now i felt like stabbing myself!! Mogi had a nice time laughing and teasing me. Arrgggh Crap.. ( Note to self: Please Check camera's battery before any attempt to leave the house!!)

The night went by slowly, after our hook up, the night was pretty much quiet. We tried various baits but still it seems like we were only feeding the resident crabs. Its was actionless. Can u believe that? Just after two fish, all the action seems to ceased with the receeding tide.

The Journey Home

The time was 1am and nothing seemed to be tugging on our lines. The tide was getting low and the mosquito was having a feast on Mogi and me. We looked into our surrounding and then realised that we are in the middle of nowhere and it was pitch dark. We decided to pack our stuffs and engaged in small talk. I was worried that the place seemed a little creepy but Mogi assured me that there was nothing to be afraid of since the park connector lights would be on to guide the way out. The two fellow anglers was also packing and they approached us to see if we wanted to walk out together. Feeling a little puzzled, I looked at Mogi and think "Oh! How nice they wanted to walk us out together". We then waited for them to mount on their bikes and headed out to the park connector. To our suprised, the whole park connector's lights was OFF!! It was the first for us. We never knew that there wont be any lights to guide us back. We were told that the lights by the main road going into the road will be faulty but not the park's light being turned off. Now the taxi driver's word began to make some sense. I looked at Mogi and told him that this will be the last time that we'll be here till after mid night.

The surrounding walk in the park connector was challenging. Its was so dark and creepy that i wondered if it was only Mogi and me we would have waited till morning at the fishing spot. We would never had walked through the path. The so called "friends" that invited us to walked out together was quiet a distant away and all along the walk i kept looking at Mogi for comfort.We reached half way into the path and had to make a right turn to exit out to the nearest traffic light, just outside the junction between Sembawang shipyard and the road into Sembawang Park. The fellow angler waved us farewell as they needed to ride further into the park. Mogi and i thanked our lucky stars that we dont have to go through till the end of the road, we couldnt take the pressure of "EYES" watching us through the thick bushes in the forest.

As soon as we reached civalization, we hailed a cab and breath a sight of relieved. We made it out of the so call jungle. I was happy to be on our way home and am already planning where to go on our next fishing trip. I hope it will soon. Most likely, next thurs or fri.