Subic (June 14, 2009)

We went to Subic for a full day of fishing. Unlike other times when I fish Subic, I joined four fellow angler on a fully equipped fishing boat. We shared the boat rent, gas, and oil, the toll fees and other land trip costs. It was kind of pricey all in all but I really wanted to try fishing from really nice boat.

I had second thoughts in joining the trip. The charter was being criticized because there were claims that it was fishing inside a marine sanctuary and not practicing C & R. I made a few calls and checked if the area was indeed a sanctuary. Luckily, I got confirmation that the marine sanctuary was not the area that the charter fished. With that out of the way, I decided to go.

When we arrived in the wharf, we were disappointed because the rain that we were really hoping for did not materialize. Instead, it was really hot and sunny. Not very ideal for our target fish --Jacks, GTs, and Queenfish. Aside from a less than ideal weather, we were having engine problems for the first half of the day as well. The main engine was choking and was impossible to start. We were crippled and was not able to chase after the fish. We had only a 15hp tiller for power.

Fortunately, after lunch, the engine all of a sudden decided to cooperate. Just in time when the Queenfish and Jacks started on their feeding frenzy. The water boiling because of the frenzy was an amazing sight. As soon as you approach it and cast once or twice, they quickly disappear and move on to another spot. It was a high speed game of watch and chase. On the boat, it was pure chaos. AS soon as the boat stops into the boils, lures were flying all over the place and tangles were unavoidable.

I think I lost all my jigs and a couple of bunnies. Most are taken by large toothy fishes. That's what I got for using using 24lb mono and not buying fluoro leaders in the 30 to 40lbs test.

The trip was relatively expensive but it was worth it. I caught and brought home two Jacks. C & R purists may throw a tantrum when they read about this but I am not apologetic.

1.88kgs each. These were caught using Abu Garcia 5601SSC3 mounted on a Lemax Platinum 8ft rod. I was using 10lb Fireline. The drag was flawless and the rod curve and casting ability was superb. IT was the first time that this combo caught something and I was very satisfied with its performance.

Our total haul. We agreed on 3 fish per specie bag limit. Me, Mikko, Dowie, and Rechelle. Captain Catch (Cholo) was the skipper, photographer, gaffer, and fishing guide.

Zambales [May 24, 2009]

Went back to Zambales to pick up my kids from their vacation. I arrived 11:30am or so and lunch was not yet ready. Nothing else to do after a 5 hour drive and not very hungry either so I rigged my rod and sneaked out for a quickie. When I got to my favorite spot, I casted furiously before my wife notices that I went missing. After 5 minutes or so, I got a strike and a solid hookup. Almost a kilo, i think.

After quick photo op, went back home as if nothing happened (20 minute fishing-driving). I am quite sure my wife knows. She just doesn't want to comment. :D

The following day Sunday, I got a really quick visa. 2 hours of fishing only as we had to go back to Manila after lunch. I went to the spot around 10am and fish until lunch. (Note: I noticed that dalags are not very active when it is still early). 2 hours and got this two. Not very big, around a quarter kilo each.

Fishes were released.

I was amazed about the stories going around the place. In one instance, I was asked by an elderly local whether it was true that in one day I caught 8 kilos of dalag total. A different style of fishing sure does generate a lot of rumors. :D They also think that I never go home empty handed. Well, the truth is, I almost always go home empty-handed because I release majority of my catch. :rofl:. The good news is, most of the people I talked to lately, stopped asking why I release my catch. I guess they understand or they got tired of asking. :D

I just got back and I already miss fishing there. Hopefully, I get to fish there again this coming July. :)

Zambales [May 17, 2009]

I went to Zambales this weekend supposedly to join JL for some salt fishing. Because we are unable to find a bankero, our plan did not materialize.

Since I still have the whole Sunday before returning Manila, I decided to try dalag fishing. I started early at around 6am and then went back home at 8am. It was so hot and the water level is really high. According to locals, the water level rised due to the recent storm Emong. Because of this, Haruans are difficult to find as they are "kalat" (roaming the flooded fields). At the same time, they are well fed as they have access to various preys. In the morning, I only caught 3 small ones at around 200 grams each. Didn't take pictures as they a bit small.

At around 2pm, I went back to try again. This time, I got lucky. I caught three. I finally caught my 2kg Haruan. This could be the cousin of the one that got away last Holy week. Payback was so sweet! :D

This one is about a quarter kilo.

After a half an hour, I got a biggie. It struck at the edge of the water. Literally jumping at the lure. The hookup occurred over land. Around 1.1 to 1.5 kg:

And finally, my biggest haruan. I believe this is more than 2kilograms. I didn't have my scale as I loaned it for the Coloong tourney. I didn't want to bring it home to weigh it because it could stress the fish and it could die. A local saw me landing it and insisted that I bring it home. I complied by bringing it inside the car. When he left, I brought it out of the car and released it. I feel much better knowing that it is back in the water. When I get back, I can try and catch it again. Hopefully, it will grow even bigger.