Hibiki Fishing: 2018

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Back in black

Back in black
I hit the sack
I've been too long
I'm glad to be back
Yes, I'm let loose
From the noose
That's kept me hanging about
I've been looking at the sky'
Cause it's gettin' me high

-AC/DC

The past 8 months have been difficult for me and my family. I lost my father last May and a few months later, our family suffered another tragic loss when my brother died from a heart attack. I had to divide my time between travelling to our home town and taking care of my bed-ridden mother, taking care of my brother's papers and properties, taking care of my parents' properties and other responsibilities, taking care of my team in the office, and taking care of my kids and wife.

I was left with very little to no time for hobbies and blogging.

I am optimistic that this is just a temporary setback and I am pretty sure things will improve and soon I will will be able to go back into fishing, kayaking, and blogging.

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.