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The variety of
freshwater and marine environments in Malaysia
offer a vast scope of angling opportunities.
Whether for serious game fishing or fun,
Malaysia boasts a plethora of angling
destinations and catching a fish here is always
easy. However, proper planning is
essential when considering serious angling in
Malaysia. Target species must be identified,
timing and seasons also need to be taken into
account. A well organized Malaysian fishing
package may prove to be the difference between
success and failure.
FRESHWATER
FISHING
Malaysia's rivers
and natural and man made lakes are home to over
300 species of freshwater fish of which around
40 species can be caught on rod and line.
The prime freshwater
sport fish include the ferocious Giant
Snakehead, the fast running Malaysian Jungle
Perch, the Giant Featherback, the massive fresh
water Catfish and the elusive but powerful
Malaysian Mahseer.
The Giant Snakehead
or 'Toman' is a powerful fighter and can attain
a weight of more than 20kg. However, common
catches average around the 5 kg to 10 kg mark.
The Giant Featherback or 'Belida' also attains a
size of over 20 kg while the Catfish or 'Tapah'
can reach more than 50 kg. The Malaysian Mahseer,
a sub species of the Indian Mahseer, is probably
one of the most powerful of the freshwater fish.
Although not as big as its Indian cousin, it
nevertheless provides excellent sport. Arowana
or 'Kelisa' as known locally is a totally
protected species. Now only caught in the more
remote areas, this fish is a superb fighter,
but, must be released if caught. Freshwater
fishing can be relatively easy with many pay
ponds in close proximity to all west coast
Peninsula Malaysia towns. Also there are few
resort fisheries which offer a wide range of
accommodation, a variety of activities and
well-stocked fishing ponds. For the more hardy
angler, jungle excursions which may involve
trekking and camping can be arranged. A few
excellent fishing centres are also to be found
on the fringes of Malaysia's massive man made
lakes.
DEEP SEA FISHING
The seas of Malaysia
offer a wide diversity of depth, terrain and
fish species. The west coast of Peninsula
Malaysia is primarily a bottom fishing area.
Depths rarely exceed 100 m and quality table
fish such as grouper, snapper and threadfin are
the main quarry. Sailfish and Narrowbarred
Mackerel are found seasonally while Giant
Trevally and Barracuda are quite common catches.
In contrast, the east coast of Peninsula
Malaysia, off the distant island of Aur,
Pemanggil and Tioman is home to big game fish,
the Black Marlin being the most famous.
Other game fish
include Sailfish, Giant Trevally, Dolphinfish (Mahi-Mahi),
Cobia, Mackerel and Barracuda. The Marlin of
Malaysia's east coast average between 50 kg to
150 kg. The Borneo coast of the South China Sea
also offer excellent big game fishing with the
island of Labuan being centrally located to
these prime fishing areas. The east coast of
Sabah bordering the Sulu and Sulawesi seas, with
waters over 2000 m in depth, boast both
excellent bottom fishing around reefs areas and
top class game fishing with Marlin, Sailfish,
Yellowfish, Bigeye and Dogtooth Tuna.
Very few fishing
organizers, however, provide a full service
including tackle, fishing masters and customized
itineraries and it is always better to bring
your own fishing gear. Should you wish to fish in
Malaysia, it is advisable to arrange your trip
through the experts. With angling in Malaysia
still in its infancy, opportunities to land that
'big one' are real. Fishing can be a one day
affair or a two week affair. It all depends on
one's quarry and destinations. Whether you are a
serious angler or a fun fisherman, Malaysia
offers the best of both.
Prime Freshwater
Fishing Destinations
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Tasik Kenyir
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Tasik Temenggor
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Tasik Chenderoh
The above are man
made lakes built for hydro electric power. The
main fishing areas are the flooded rivers that
feed the lakes in the more remote higher
reaches. Accommodation is fairly basic, but
clean, while the fishing can be excellent.
The above mentioned
lakes are both
natural lakes set in peat swamp areas. Fairly
shallow, they offer a wide variety of species
with reasonable accommodation.
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Upper Endau
River
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Kuala Koh
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Kuala Tahan
The Endau River is
primarily situated in the Endau-Rompin National
Park bordering the states of Pahang and Johor
while Kuala Koh and Kuala Tahan are situated in
Taman Negara. They all boast beautiful waters,
rapids, waterfalls, jungle clad river banks and
a wide diversity of flora and fauna.
Accommodation of various levels is available in
each area. These pristine rivers provide
excellent fishing.
PRIME SEA FISHING
DESTINATION
Game Fishing
The above and other
small islands off the coast of northern Johor
and southern Pahang on the South China Sea are
prime Black Marlin grounds.
Located midway between Langkawi and Penang at the southern end of the
Andaman Sea. This island / atoll destination is
remote indeed, but the fishing is excellent.
Lying just off the
coast of Sabah, the offshore banking centre of
Labuan is the disembarkation point for regional
game fishing.
With waters of over
2000 m in depth, this area is the centre for
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Malaysia.
GENERAL BOTTOM
FISHING DESTINATIONS
From Johor to Penang,
there are many jump off points for fishing.
Tides and currents need to be taken into account
before venturing out. Very fast currents
associated with the full moon and the new moon
are to be avoided.
More coastal waters
offer good fishing for snappers and groupers
with Cobia, Sailfish and Rays being fairly
common.
The many offshore
shoals boats boast fine fishing similar to the
above.
See also:-
Commonly
Landed Freshwater Fish
Commonly
Landed Sea Fish
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