Hibiki Fishing: August 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

Lakeshore Pampanga [8-30-09]

I think this was my fifth attempt at catching Lakeshore's Giant Snakehead (Toman). On previous attempts, I never even got a solid strike. Today, I got lucky (in a way). Twelve-times lucky :-). I managed to hook 11 baby Tomans and 1 mama Toman. But, I only landed seven (7). The mama Toman got away after a couple of short hard runs. The hook of the swimbait failed to set properly. Well, at least I was able to get a glimps of its back and it was huge maybe 6 to 7 kilos.

Three (3) tomans caught using topwater frog. After so many strikes from baby tomans, my frog is now full of cuts and holes from the baby toman's sharp teeth leaving it unusable because it started to sink.

These four were caught using Berkley swimming pogy with Bong's spinner arm.

And the biggest is probaby 3/4 kilo. It's already showing the Toman stripes.

The pogies were also not spared. After the outing, the tomans destroyed four pogies.

All Tomans were released.

I am definitely going back there for the mama toman --- soon.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Coloong (August 16, 2009)

After 2 weeks without fishing due to bad weather, I finally was able to wet my line this morning. I went to Kap's Lawak with my cousin and Mikko Boy. 2 hours passed and no takers. I decided to rig a Pogy with a spinner blade from Bong.

After fan-casting for about ten minutes, I got a strong strike and set the hook a couple of times.

The fight lasted about 7-10 minutes and got an 8.06Kg Barramundi.

Rod: Shimano Clarus 6' BC Rod
Reel: Abu Garcia Revo SX
Line: Powerpro 15lb braid
Leader: 20lb Flouro
Lure: 3" Berkley Powerbait Swimming Pogy rigged with Spinner Blades courtesy of Bong the Haruan Hunter.
Fish: Barramundi
Weight: 8.06 kilos
Fight time: 7-10 minutes
Date Caught: August 16, 2009 ~11:30am

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.