Lake fishing in Malaysia

One of the other ‘adventures’ that I and Meun enjoy a lot is lake fishing in Malaysia. Though I have been known to be an impatient angler, the enthusiasm to go fishing never seems to dissipate (even though 9 out of 10 trips I come back empty handed). So, when a friend suggested us this particular lake in Pahang for fishing, we jumped right into it.

A lake gives a sense of freedom

We didn’t know what to expect really. It was sort of like a last minute thing. We packed the red mini tank with all the gear we can think of the night before. Two fishing rods, some tackle gear, hats and a whole load of enthusiasm and mixed emotions.

We arrive at the lake early. Our boat was already waiting. The boatman gave us a strange look as I was unloading our ‘gear’ into his tiny boat. I had to ask him if our fishing gear are okay. “…tak payah banyak itu rod…panjang sangat” (no need to bring that rod, its too long). Okaaay…I trust him. Worry not, the boatman has a few rods with him.

I like fishing on a lake because it gives a very liberating feeling. Wide open spaces with miles and miles of the natural world, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This particular lake is no exception. In fact, Meun and I concluded that we have in a way ‘fallen’ in love with the place.

Our boatman told us that we couldn’t have come at a better time. The lake has been drying up (it has not rained for months) and many areas have dried up, creating patches of smaller ‘ponds’ in this immense lake. What use to be green, almost clear water is now murky brown because of the lake’s muddy bottom.

Not all that nice for a swim though

We went around the lake to have a look around for about half an hour. After the ‘cruising’ part is done, the boatman took us to one of his favorite ‘lubuks’ (a favorite place…a ‘sweet spot’).

It didn’t take us long before we started landing fishes. To be honest, they weren’t big fishes but the excitement of fish biting and pulling is just too much. We can’t stop. Almost every fish we caught were undersize and we threw them back in. Waaay too small for eating but the fun of catching them is incredible.

PIC: Meun’s catch

Meun’s ecstatic with her catch

After about half an hour, the boatman tempted us with an opportunity for the ‘big’ ones. Hmmm…yes please!

Come rain or shine!

We left the boat and walked inwards on a small island on the lake. Using baits like worms, plastic lures and live fish, we endured the scorching noon sun for a taste of the big ones. Well…big fishes are hard to come by really. Meun made the smart move by just casting out a line and then retreated into the comfort of midday shade provided by the nearby bush. Not wanting to give up, I stayed out to continue fishing.

Battered ego, half baked and definitely dehydrated, I reeled in my fish ‘big’ one after about an hour basking under the sun. And to make matters worse, it isn’t all that big either!!! But hey, who’s to complain. At least I caught something that’s probably bigger than the average ikan kembung in the market!

Got me fish...me will eat for lunch...me hunter...

It soon became obvious that they smarter thing to do is to leave the rod out and take shelter from the schorching sun. I can take it no longer. I finished the last drop of my water and was already begging from Meun. Being a good wife, she of course let me have some…some.

Nevertheless, this lake fishing turned out pretty okay. We got quite a number of fishes, though they are NOT big, I decided to take them anyway. We caught mostly snakeheads (haruan, toman, bujuk) and a Belida. My boatman was glad that I did not throw everything back. He is to have lunch with us and the last thing he’d probably want to see is his lunch being thrown back into the lake.

At least we didn't go back empty handed

Well, we had a really good time fishing on the lake. Though bigger fishes would probably be more fun, we are contended with what we manage to catch. But more importantly, we had so much fun that day. Fun being in the sun and fun being together enjoying our time away from the routinely boring city life.