THE changing of the monsoon season brings joy for many anglers looking for action in the west coast states – along the Straits of Malacca right up to the southern tip of the Andaman Sea.
While the shifting of the winds would bring rainfall, high and rough waves to the states in the east coast, preventing fishermen and anglers from accessing the sea; the coast on the other side of the peninsula would see a rather calmer weather.
During this period, Pulau Perak, located on the tip of the Straits of Malacca and the southern part of Andaman Sea, would be a top choice for fishing action.
Getting to this fishing location, a remote outpost in the middle of nowhere, is not easy and cheap.
However, there are several charter operators with experienced skippers taking anglers out to this location.
Teluk Bahang in Penang and Kuala Perlis in Perlis are two favourite “disembarking” locations for anglers to the island.
The journey from Penang would be further and longer. It takes about 10 hours to reach to the destination from Penang and eight hours from Kuala Perlis.
Charges for the charter boats are anything between RM6,000 and RM7,500, depending on the number of days at sea and the facilities provided during the trip for a maximum of eight and 10 people.
Because of the rocky terrain on and around Pulau Perak, this place attracts pelagic fish and other smaller species there. The presence of these fish attract the other bigger fish.
Big species such as giant trevally, dogtooth, wahoo, amberjack, mackerel, tuna, cobia, mangrove jack, golden snapper, big eye, jobfish and rainbow runners can be found plentiful lurking here.
Pulau Perak offers many challenges and opportunities for anglers to show off their skills.
One could jig, cast and even do bottom fishing for the many species found here.
For those in search of wahoo, dorado, dogtooth, big eye, tuna, mackerel and giant trevally, the best way to catch these species are either through jigging or casting.
The methods offer plenty of excitement and challenges in hauling up the fish.
While jigging, where metal jigs and spoons are used, can be a tiring, the drill offers plenty of adrenaline kick, especially when the fish grabs the metal bait and makes a dash for it.
For those who use lures or poppers, their main target would be the giant trevally, dorado, mackerel and wahoo. These species are strong fighters and would give a good run when hooked.
Groupers, mangrove jacks or golden snappers are bottom dwellers and the best method to haul them up is through the bottom fishing method.
Timing such as tide and current also play a big role in determining the success of the outing.
From my experience of fishing at this location over the years, I have seen fellow anglers hit a giant travelly as small as 1kg to as big as 25kg, or a jobfish that weighs between 1kg and 3kg.
I have also witnessed grouper over 20kg being pulled up and the golden snapper or jenahak, as big as 15kg, caught with the rod and line.
The mangrove jack landed in the middle of the sea has finer white meat and taste better when cooked compared to those caught on the mangrove swamps in the coastal areas.
Heavy gear is recommended at Pulau Jarak, which has a depth of between 55m and 100m, for bottom fishing as the current here is strong.
The disadvantage of doing bottom fishing around this island is that if one picks the wrong tide timing, a heavier sinker – between one and one-and-a-half kilogramme – has to be used to enable the leader to reach the seabed.
For casting and jigging, a strong lightweight graphite seven-foot rod with a PE6-10 rating is recommended. To compliment the rod, I used a 4,500 series-spinning reel loaded with 50lb to 70lb line to a minimum capacity of 300m.
I use a spreader to attach the main line and leader for the bottom technique.
I also use the traditional Polynesian deep-bottom fishing rig or Paternoster rig in places where there are too many snags such as corals and wrecks.
Octopus and mantis prawns are effective bait for golden snapper and grouper.
The good time to fish here is during the neap tide or spring tide as the current is not swift, allowing a lighter sinker to be used for easier fishing.
Pulau Perak is definitely a worthwhile place to visit for anglers who wants to get the taste of many different art of angling in one outing.
Happy fishing!
– The Star
