Hibiki Fishing: October 2012

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Daiwa Catalina 4000

Saltiga Z's younger brother. I got this to replace the TDA4000 that I let go a few months back. This thing's heavy, solid, and the tolerances are so tight.

Features full metal body (frame and rotor), 10kg max tournament drag, manual return bail system, Cam driven oscillation, Water proof body and Drag, Titanium twist buster line roller, rotor brake in casting, tough air bail wire, floating pinion gear, digital cut gear from material 1.6 times stronger than duralumin, perfect double stopper (infinite roller and mechanical).

My plan is to use this reel for shore or boat casting and light jigging. I might load it with 35lb Varivas casting braid. I will probably get a Majorcraft Crostage Boat Casting 7'6" rod. PE 1.5 to 3 or PE 2-4 for shore and boat casting and if I still have the funds, I will get a boat jigging rod.

My Version of *Inland Fishing

My fishing outings are relatively limited. Due to resource and time constraints, I mostly fish the inland waters of Luzon, Philippines. Lately, I spend a lot of time fishing places near or around Metro Manila --- the smog-covered capital of the Philippines.

Among the freshwater species that I normally seek are Apahap (Barramundi), Haruan (Snakehead), Toman (Giant Snakehead), Bangus (Milkfish), Tilapia, and Catfish. In the near future, I would like to target Largemouth Bass, Carp, Pacu, and Mekong Catfish.

I also go for saltwater species whenever there's an opportunity. There are a wide variety of salt-water fishes that can be caught around the area but I mostly target Jacks, Snappers, Groupers, and Barracudas from shore, pier, and lately from a Kayak.

Selective Catching and Releasing

What is Catch and Release and why catch and release?

Selective CnR (Catch and Release) is the logical thing to do as recreational anglers. I like to believe that I am an angler and not a fisherman. Fishing for me is catching and enjoying the fight. Whenever possible, I try to release juvenile and breeding adults. I only keep my catch only when it is seriously injured or when it is an introduced or farmed specie. In some cases, I do take home a few for personal consumption.

Because by doing so, I may be able to help preserve our native freshwater fish species and give small fishes a chance to grow and reproduce. Hopefully, by practicing selective C&R, even if the impact is so small, I may be able to fish and catch something for a little while longer.