Hibiki Fishing: August 2013

Friday, August 16, 2013

First attempt at handmade lures

Can't fish because of work and domestic responsibilities so I tried making a wooden plug from scratch when there's free time. Here's my first attempt on hand-carved, hand-painted wooden plug. Please excuse the eyes as I don't have a 3D version yet. It walks, spits, and knocks.

All materials came from the local hardware except for the hooks and split rings. Made with wire-through #19 SS wire and double-knocker rattles. 6 layers of epoxy clear coat. Took me 2 weeks to finish this. I wish that it dries faster so I can fish it.

I also discovered 50 pcs of froggy blanks that I designed a couple of years back but never had the chance to paint and rig them. Anyway, I painted one just to see if the idea 2 years back might fly. I think it might. This one's coated with 2 layers of epoxy. 4 more layers and it will shine.
I might try painting and rigging the rest as soon as the hardware arrives (3D eyes, double hooks, and silicon skirts).

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.