Fly Fishing Journal

Homer Jennings Bamboo Rod

2011-11-26T15:12:00.004+08:00

Just acquired a rod which I had been eyeing for years.
Homer Jennings 8’0” #4 weight 2 piece 2 tips.
Fantastic casting rod.

Homer Jennings 8’ 0” #4 Weight
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Peter's 10-Pound Club - Welcome A New Member

2011-11-20T19:51:00.003+08:00

Peter’s 10-Pound Club has a new member today.
He is Albert Loh.
Albert caught a big fat mama today at our favourite temensis hideout.
So now we have the 10-Pound Club as follows:
Peter Tay : Chairman, President, Secretary-General
Member No. 1 : Billy Teo (11.5 Pound)
Member No.2 : Albert Loh (11.0 Pound)

Albert with the 11.0 Pound Temensis Peacock Bass.

This Big Fat Mama is really BIG.

Catch And Released Again - Third Time

2011-11-19T19:30:00.002+08:00

Two weeks ago Ronald caught this Temensis the second time. Today, Peter caught it again. PH Chua and Ronald and tried to catch it again today. But it was Peter's persistence that paid off. This Mama grabbed Peter's MacDonald Drinking Straw Fly.
Peter had been experimenting with all sorts of materials for tying his flies. Two weeks ago, the other Temensis took the fly but the tippet broke. Today the Straw Fly did indeed irritate the Mama enough for it to grab the fly. The baby temensis had grown to about 4 inches and are venturing further outside the nest.

You can again see the benefits of Catch And Release.

Peter was grinning from ear to ear because he caught this temensis with a MacDonald drinking Straw Fly.

6.5 Pound Temensis Peacock Bass.

Look at the patterns again. Same fish with the extra spot below the eye.

Catch And Release

2011-11-06T23:13:00.002+08:00

Last Sunday, I caught a 6.5 pound Temensis peacock bass. This fish and its partner were looking after a school of baby temensis. Their hiding spot was a hole among the granite rocks.
Today, I brought Ronald to the same spot. Scanned the hole with my polaroid sunglasses. The pair of mamas were still there, taking care of their babies.
Ronald casted to the pair and caught the same temensis which I had caught last week.

Now this is the Beauty of Catch And Release.

Ronald with the 6.5 Pound Temensis Peacock Bass.

Look at the patterns on the body of the temensis.

6.5 Pound Temensis on 8' 2" #4 Cris Carpenter Rod

2011-10-30T20:28:00.004+08:00

Caught a few Peacock Basses with the 8' 2" #4 Weight Cris Carpenter rods.

The biggest was a 6.5 Pounder. The Temensis made several hard runs. The ZYZ fly reel was screaming again and again. My thumb got hit by the spinning fly reel handle and is still bruised and sore. Fingers got line burnt too.

The fly hook just hooked about 3 millimeters of the Temensis's upper lip.
The Cris Carpenter rod just bend gently and let the fish run without tearing the fly off the 3 millimeter of skin on lip. That is what I call remarkable. Even magical if you like.

Here are some photos.

6.5 Pound Temensis Peacock Bass with Cris Carpenter Rod

Me with the Temensis and the Cris Carpenter bamboo rod.

Temensis With Cris Carpenter Rod

2011-09-11T20:48:00.000+08:00

Caught quite a few Peacock Basses with the Cris Carpenter rods.
This 2.5 pound temensis peacock bass put a very nice bend on the 8’ 4” #3 weight Cris Carpenter rod.
Here are some photos.

2.5 Pound Temensis Peacock Bass with Cris Carpenter Rod

Cris Carpenter Bamboo Rods

2011-07-31T17:44:00.003+08:00

Three Cris Carpenter rods.
8’ 1” #3 weight.
8’ 4” #3 weight.
8’ 2” #4 weight’
The 8’ 1” is absolute beautiful. You can see that the maker had put in a lot of effort for this rod.
The 8’ 4” is a joy to cast.

Cris Carpenter 8’ 1” #3 Weight

Cris Carpenter 8’ 4” #3 Weight

Cris Carpenter 8’ 2” #4 Weight
(Click on the pictures for more.)

A Day To Remember

2011-07-19T13:28:00.017+08:00

Some time ago.

Four Old Fly Fishermen met at the usual time to fly fish at the usual big Temensis Peacock Bass spot. I brought along my Rick Cunningham 8’ #4 weight bamboo fly rod.

Patrick, Peter, Ronald and me. Ronald was a school teacher from my old primary school. Peter is his younger brother. Ronald and I went over to our lucky spot where we both almost always caught a fish. Peter and Patrick stayed around the Chempedak Tree where Peter had caught most of his big Temensis Peacock Basses.

Ronald and I caught a few 1 to 2 pounders at our lucky spot.

Ronald, my Primary School teacher, with a decent size temensis.

1 Pound Temensis Peacock Bass on the Cunningham Bamboo Rod.

As the sun begins its setting, Ronald and I tracked slowly back to meet up with Peter and Patrick. Peter was at the jogging track trying to entice a mama Temensis Peacock Bass to snap at his fly. I scanned the water with my polaroid glasses while Ronald watch Peter’s persistence in annoying the mama Temensis. I saw a pair of big Temensis swimming towards me.
But at that moment, just as I pulled some fly line from the fly reel to cast at the mama Temensis, Peter was shouting,

“Tio Tio Tio”.

His fly rod was bending as if it will break anytime soon and the fly reel was screaming a sound so pleasant to a fly fisherman’s ears.

“Zingggggg…..Zinggg…Zinggg……”

The joggers stopped dead in their track to watch. Some tourists taking a stroll at the park stopped to snap photos of the commotion. Even the golfers who were always irritated by our loud talking when they were teeing off stopped and watched.

The big mama Temensis did several runs before Peter brought it under control. Patrick helped Peter land the mama Temensis with the Boga. A big 8-pounder. After some quick photo shoots, Peter released the mama back into the water.

“Wow, my hands are tired. This mama put up a bloody good fight.” Peter said.

Fish on and reel screaming.

Peter moving to the area where Patrick can help him land it.

Patrick waiting for Peter to bring in the mama Temensis.

The mama trying another run.

Gripped by the Patrick's lip grip.

Patrick's weighing scale hanged.

So have to use the boga to weigh the Temensis.

Peter's 8-pounder.

I went back to the spot where I had caught sight of the big pair of mamas to see if I too can catch one myself. Peter was casually casting his line on the water to stretch and relax his tired hand.

Then it happened again.

“Tio Tio Tio.”

In the few minutes that he was trying to stretch and rest his tired hands, he had managed to irritate another mama Temensis with his fly. The mama snapped and took off with his fly. Pulling the fly line off the reel in a matter of seconds.

“Zingggggggggggggg…………………”

Another hard fight and several more hard runs. Peter was running out of breath and his arms were sore. Again Patrick help boga the mama. Another 8-pounder. Patrick refuse to let Peter pose with the fish for a photo and released it.

“Same fish lah….. No need take photo again…”
Patrick called out as he released the big mama.

I took some quick shots of Peter’s second mama temensis before Patrick released it.

Peter's second 8-pounder.

Patrick landing the mama Temensis.

Pat getting the scale ready to weigh the Temensis.

"8-Pound" Pat called out.

I continued to scan the water with my polaroid glasses. First I saw some temensis fries surfacing. Then I caught sight of the big pair of mamas. Well okay. I think the other one must be the papa. But we’re so used to Peter’s usage of words to describe the big fat Temensis Peacock Basses.

“Peter, let me and Ronald try this time okay?” I begged.

Peter’s fly is a very potent weapon for the mama tememsis in this area. He had somehow managed to find a formula and had tied a fly that will irritate the mamas here and he will catch the mamas if his fly were in the water again.

“Okay, go ahead.”

“I need to take a rest too.”

Peter gracefully allowed Ronald and me to chuck our flies at the two big mamas.

I casted.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

No bite.

All the mama Temensis did was used its head to bump at my Ugly fly.
Ronald was casting beside me. No luck.
Maybe our flies were not irritating enough.
Remembering Peter’s persistence, I tried again and again and again.

Then “Zingggggggggggggggggg…………………..”

My fly reel whined.
And it didn’t stop screaming until the whole fly line was out of the fly reel.
The big fat mama Temensis took off with my Ugly Fly.

Next to me, Ronald was shouting, “ I also Tio! ………”

I had no time to look at Ronald.
I could only hear someone muttered, "Alamak................."

The big fat mama had taken the whole fly line off the reel with its first run away from the edge of the reservoir and wasn’t going to stop. Ronald’s mama followed it and the 12-pound leader he was using snapped like a dried twig. Then the pair turned left and headed for a weeded patch about a hundred feet or more away from the first run. Ronald was to my left and I could not move with the mama’s run. The fly reel screamed again.

“Wind back! Wind back!”

Patrick was calling out instructions to me to prevent the mama from getting into the weeds and losing it.

I followed his instructions and frantically wind the fly reel with my tired hand.

“Wind! Wind! Wind!” Patrick was worried.

If the mama were to wedged itself in the weeds, I would not be able the land it.

I kept winding even though my left thumb and index finger were already very tired from the winding. But the reel was not taking in the line.

I looked at the fly reel.

ALAMAK! HORROR!! DIE!!!

I was almost at the end of the backing.

I could see the metal part of the spool of the fly reel. There must only be about 10 turns or less of the backing on the spool. I was cranking as fast as I can, but the backing just refuse to come in.

The spool on the fly reel was moving, but the backing was still going out. The loop-the-loop connection had lost its grip on the smooth surface of the shinning metal spool. I loosen the tension on the mama and used my fingers to put a few more turns on the spool and wind again.

Once the backing was coming in, it was pulled off again by another run by the mama. I don’t know how much backing I have on the reel. But knowing that I could see the metal part of the shining spool, there wasn’t very much left.

Another run by the monster would peel everything off and break the backing, fly line or leader or tippet. I apologised to Ronald and moved quickly towards the weeded patch. His fly line had entangled all over my feet.

“Wah lan! Don’t let it get into the weeds!” Patrick getting more worried.

And got into the weeds it did.

Finally I was able to get the fly reel to take in the backing. Winding quickly, I was able to get the mama out of the weeds. I don’t know how long it took, but it seems like eternity with my tired fingers, I was able to get the fly line on the spool of the reel.

Then with coaching from Patrick, pumped and winded, pumped and winded, the monster got nearer and nearer. At last with help from Patrick and Peter, we managed to bring in the big fat mama to the edge of the reservoir. Peter went to the edge of the water to boga the mama.

“Okay! Landed” Peter called out.

I couldn’t believe I could have landed this big fat mama after it got into the weeds.
I was prepared to lose it, when even the backing had ran out.

“WAH!!! More than 13 pounds!” Peter called in excitement.

Wow!!!

Wah!!!

Somebody said, but I didn't know who.

Peter was tired fighting the two 8-pounders and is now holding the heavy big fat mama. His hands are tired and he is long sighted and has poor eye sight reading the boga on previous occasions. I took over the big fat mama from Peter’s trembling hands.

“11.3 pounds only lah.” I told the excited gang.

“11.3 pounds ONLY? "
"Ma-ko-chang"
"11.3 pound you still not enough?”
I could imagine what Uncle Wong would say if he had heard those words. Hehehehehe…………..

Patrick put the boga on his electronic scale.

“12.17 pounds.” It read.

After deducting the weight of the boga, Patrick said the big fat mama Temensis weighed 11.5 pounds.

Ronald was looking disappointed. It was the first big mama temensis he had on the line and he had lost it. We estimated it to be about 10 pounds. He could have joined the “10 Pound Club”.

This “10 Pound Club” is Peter’s creation. Those who had caught a Temensis of 10 Pounds or more on a fly rod is an automatic member. It is a very exclusive club. But there is no membership fees to pay. He is the Chairman, President and Secretary-General and all. So far I am the one and only member. Hehehehehehe………….

Peter reading the boga. "WAH!!! ......More than 13 pounds"

Took this shot with the macro feature of my Canon Digital Ixus.

Patrick's electronic scale is working now.

Me with the Mama Temensis Peacock Bass and the Rick Cunningham Bamboo Rod.

Another shot......hehehe......

Patrick took this for me.

And this too. Patrick's photo always look better than the ones I took.

Tememsis and Cunningham.

Today is a special day to remember.
Four lau-hee-low (Old Hero), four big fat mama Tememsis Peacock Basses.

While we made our way slowly back, Patrick pointed to the beautiful orange and red altocumulus clouds against a dark blue sky. These beautiful altocumulus had replaced the nimbostratus clouds that had filled the gloomy sky late in the afternoon.

I took a snapshot of the beautiful sunset.

Reminded me of a movie when four cowboys walked into a beautiful sunset at the end of the movie.

We’re not cowboys, we’re Fly Fishermen, and nobody was around to take a photo of the four of us walking into the scarlet sunset.

But there was immense satisfaction walking into a beautiful sunset after battling four big Mama Monster Temensis Peacock Basses.

A Special Day to Remember, indeed.

Stripped to the Backing by 11 Pound Temensis

2011-07-17T20:50:00.006+08:00

Caught an 11.3 pound Temensis Peacock Bass today with the Rick Cunningham rod.
The fish took off and stripped the backing off my reel.
Peter caught two 8-pounders today and let me have a chance to throw my fly at this beast of a Temensis.

11.3 Pound Temensis Peacock Bass with Rick Cunningham bamboo rod.

Curt Elder Bamboo Rods - Hollow Built

2011-06-26T13:20:00.009+08:00

Post some photos of Curt Elder’s bamboo rods.
These 2 rods are hollow built. I caught a 10 pound temensis peacock bass with it on its first outing.
Lucky rod.
Not only lucky, the rod is fantastic in handling big fishes and fun catching the smaller ones too.

Curt Elder #3

Curt Elder #4
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Curt Elder #4 Weight – Nyukoned by 10 Pound Temensis

2011-05-17T11:36:00.007+08:00

Took my new Curt Elder #4 weight rod to the ultra secret spot today.

I got lucky and had the Elder rod nyukoned by a 10-Pound Temensis Peacock Bass .

10 Pound Temensis Peacock Bass.

10 Pound on the Boga Grip .

The first temensis which grabbed my ugly fly did a powerful head shake and straightened the hook and got away .

So now I am almost on par with Peter's personal record, a 10 Pound Temensis Peacock Bass.

CY caught the fight on video and posted it on YouTube.
Thank you CY.

Hope you guys enjoy the video.

Fly Fishing Paradise - Singapore

2011-05-14T13:18:00.005+08:00

Can Singapore be a Fly Fishing Paradise for the tourists around the World?

I say can.

But the Authorities won't agree.

Look at the size of the fish we had caught.

There are people spending thousands of dollars going to the Amazon to catch these temensis peacock basses. But right here in Singapore, we’re catching them every day. They can check into a comfortable hotel in the business district and be fishing in the morning after a 15-20 minutes car ride. The children can go to Sentosa Universal Studio to have their fun. The wives can go shopping in Orchard Road. The whole family can enjoy what they like during their stay in Singapore.

It is a one-stop holiday.

You name it, we have it.

Maybe one day the Wildlife Reserves Singapore, the organisation that run the Singapore Zoo and the Bird Park, will realise that there is a potential to generate more tourist dollars with fly fishing in the reservoirs in Singapore. They already have the Amazon tour on the boats in Upper Seletar Reservoir. Maybe they can extend on that and put a few fly fishing boats and have a fishing guide bring the fly fishing tourists to catch these monster fishes.

Maybe the people who runs the Hippo & Duck Tours for tourists can convince the authorities to let them put in some boats in the Marina Reservoir too for fly fishing. Just imagine, you stay at the Marina Bay Sands. You wake up in the morning and walk over to the jetty and a boat with a fishing guide bring you fly fishing. In the afternoon, you go shopping with your wife and children. In the evening you can visit the casino and the children can go to Sentosa to visit Universal Studios.

Maybe one day when they really wake up and have fly fishing in the reservoirs, I can be a fly fishing guide and get to fish for free...................just maybe..............

Peter's 7.5 Pound Temensis Peacock Bass.

My 5.5 Pound Temensis Peacock Bass .

Peter's personal record, a 10 Pound Temensis Peacock Bass.

Beautiful Fish For Beautiful Nunley Rod

2011-04-25T07:08:00.000+08:00

Caught this beautiful orange tilapia to nyukon the Nunley rod. A beautiful fish for a beautiful rod.

RL Nunley Bamboo Fly Rod

2011-04-24T10:31:00.003+08:00

Saw some Nunley rods on Facebook and on his website. Again, the rods are very impressive, but out of range for my pockets, as usual. Bought his book “The Snake Rod” from Amazon and read about Bob’s adventures and accidents. Then by a stroke of luck saw this rod which was the same one Bob had showed on his Facebook at an affordable price. I grabbed it.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

McKellip Nyukoned

2011-04-24T10:30:00.000+08:00

McKellip rod nyukoned by two small temensises. This rod is power packed. It could out cast the Brooks’ Payne 100 Taper. CY haven’t got the chance to cast it yet. But I think he’s going to like it.

Mark McKellip Bamboo Fly Rod

2011-04-23T11:15:00.005+08:00

Okay, I have to stop blaming CY, Uncle Wong and others when I acquire a bamboo fly rod. This one I will put the blame on myself. The pictures I saw on the Classic Fly Rod Forum was too irresistable. The one of a kind one piece handle and reel seat just meant that I have to get one to try.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

Nyukoned the D'Borer This Morning

2011-04-23T11:12:00.006+08:00

Nyukoned the D'Borer this morning with a good size colourful Peacock Bass.

Doug Borer Mortised Grip Fly Rod

2011-04-22T17:34:00.007+08:00

Blame it on Poison CY and Jeff Hatton. The Gnome Factory has been turning out stunning fly rods and CY had been acquiring them. Uncle Wong and I had been casting and fishing these Mortised Handle rods from The Gnome. They were too expensive for me. Found out that Doug Borer is also making them and I could afford one. Bought this Mortised Grip Bamboo Fly Rod for my son Yong Zhi.

Hopefully, if the weather permits, I can go try it out on the temensis tomorrow.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

The Ugly Fly Does It Again

2011-04-17T20:44:00.005+08:00

The Ugly Fly does it again. A fish species which is quite difficult to catch on fly. A marble goby.

Olaf Kundrus Quad

2011-03-01T22:14:00.001+08:00

After casting CY's Quads ever so often, I decided to get one myself to try.
This one is not the Brandin or Tom Moran that CY has.
It is by Olaf Kundrus from Germany. An absolutely beautiful rod. A piece of art in my eyes.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

Got Myself a "Steed"

2011-03-01T17:31:00.004+08:00

Got myself a Steed and its name is "Chiongster"

And "Chiongster" took me to a place where a big peacock bass did this to my fly.
I will ask for backup and next week, we will try again.
Hey Ho.............Chiongster Away................................

Miyuki Rod Landed a 4.5 Pound Peacock Bass

2011-01-01T17:33:00.003+08:00

Happy New Year everybody.
Met up with the usual bunch of chiongster on New Year Day to fish at the river. The New Year welcome us a school of peacock basses bustling in the river.
I caught a 4.5 pound peacock bass with the weight #3 Miyuki, by Yukihito san of Japan. The peacock bass took off with the line and made the reel screamed twice. The rod was bending like it had never bend before. But small rod won the fight nicely and I landed the peacock bass.
CY brought his 2 AJ Thramer rods to nyukon them at the river. One of the rod is a Limited Edition. Beautiful rod, the Limited Edition rod. Stunning you can say.
Tomorrow we will go to wildboar country to try our luck.
Happy New Year again.......chiong ahhhhhhhhhhh..............................................

8.5 Pound Temensis on John Brough Fairy

2010-12-26T20:40:00.012+08:00

Went to the usual top secret spot this afternoon.

Blanked yesterday, on Christmas Day.

Caught an 8.5 pound temensis peacock bass. Patrick helped me land it. Got line burn on fingers, but didn’t let go this time.

I was asked how the rod was after the big fight with the monster temensis. The John Brough Fairy little #4 weight is still as straight as an arrow. The same as it was when I received it from Charles Vaden whom I bought the rod from in the Classic Flyrod Forum. After I received the Fairy from Charles, I like it so much I ordered another rod from John Brough direct.

See if you can estimate the length of this temensis?

Look at the hump.

Patrick took this picture for me. I think it is a much better picture.

Sting Ray At The River

2010-10-24T11:21:00.004+08:00

It was raining heavily yesterday. So we decided to try the River in search of the illusive sebaraus. I haven't caught one yet at the River. But we have a nice surprise today. A sting ray some how ended at the end of the line, hooked at the fin. Well, I think you call that the fin.

Uncle Wong nyukoned his Baby Catskill today. He let me tried it, after watching a drop of saliva drip from the corner of my mouth. Man....... what a noodle.... I mean rod.

Can you see the sting?

Take a closer look.

Look at the Baby Catskill bending.

This is the wee peacock bass that made the Baby Catskill look like noodle.

Strixner Rod Is Nyukoned

2010-10-10T20:53:00.004+08:00

Managed to find some time to try out the Strixner. Caught 2 Peacock Basses at the Mandai. Then a few more at the Mandai Pond.

The John Brough Hollow Built was Nyukon today

2010-09-26T21:00:00.005+08:00

It has been so long since I went to my favourite fishing ground. The river welcome me with a hugh peacock bass. But teased me by having the peacock bass bite on the bright yellow heat shrink tube which I had used to cover the end of the fly line loop. Then the same fish took away the peacock bass which I caught before I could bring it up for a photo shoot.

Finally got this small fellow as the fish which nyukon the Brough rod.

Nyukoning The Downes 8-Footer

2010-08-07T22:01:00.008+08:00

CY was poisoned last week with photos of sebaraus and 3kg temensises. So met up at the carpark and off we went to sebarau country.

I bought my Downes 8-footer to try out at sebarau country. Caught some small temensis to nyukon the Downes 8-footer. CY got a big zebra tilapia. But it was Peter the Great who make the news. One day he'll start a fly fishing guiding business. His charges will be very reasonable. He will charge by the meter while you fish.

Nyukon the Downes 8-footer with this little temensis.

CY was trying to get a sebarau or a 3kg temensis for the Brandin. This 2.5 pound zebra tilapia gave a good fight.

Peter The Great. Again made the news. 6.5 pound Temensis.

My First Sebarau

2010-08-01T21:44:00.007+08:00

It was raining heavily this morning when I woke up at 5.00 AM. Waited for the rain to stop, but it didn't. Going to the fishing spot in such weather is terrible, with the trees falling. Peter and Ronald are hardcore fishermen. They went in all weathers. I went back to sleep reluctantly.

Asked Peter if he was going again in the afternoon. He SMSed back - 3.30 PM. I completed my chores quickly and was there early. 10 minutes later Peter arrived. There was still a slight drizzle.

After catching many temensis babies, my fly line char-bee-hoon. I managed to clear the mess and was taking in the flyline with two hands when I got "stuck". Then it went sideways. "Stuck" flylines don't go sideways. It wasn't jerking like the earlier catches when the temensis were at the end of the line. It kept going left and right. No jerks, it just went. Peter shouted, "Sebarau". I was excited and brought the fish in as quickly as I could. It was indeed a sebarau. My first sebarau. After so many years of trying to catch one, I caught 3 today. Man! What a day.

Caught it with the Brooks Payne 100 rod. The best casting rod in my arsenal.

Two More for The Miyuki

2010-07-18T10:35:00.004+08:00

It was pouring dogs and cats yesterday. Some low lying areas were flooded. Trees fell, causing traffic chaos all over the place. I was drunk on friday night and slept through the havoc. CY and PH had to cancel their expedition to Temensis Country.

Peter, Ronald and I went to a more relaxed place today. Water gushing and Peacock Basses in frenzy. Peter, like Uncle Wong caught all the Peacock Basses leaving only 2 each for me and Ronald.

Two beautifully coloured Peacock Basses on the Miyuki rod.

John Brough "Fairy"

2010-07-11T21:33:00.011+08:00

After reading some comments about double taper lines, weight forward lines and triangular taper lines casting differently, I decided to bring the John Brough "Fairy" rod to try out the casting.

First, I put a #4 weight, WF line on it. Casted ok, but the feel wasn't what I would have liked.

Changed to a reel with a #4 weight, DT line on and tried again.

The feel was much more better and I was more comfortable with the DT line even though the line weight is the same.

I could cast further with ease.

A very smooth feeling, much better than the feel I had while I was casting the Brough with a WF line.

Caught several temensis peacock basses.

The biggest was 1.5 pounds on the boga grip.

This 1.5 pound temensis peacock bass put up a good fight. Bending the Brough all the way.

Brooks' Payne 100 Taper Bamboo Rod

2010-07-10T21:55:00.014+08:00

Nyukoning my Brooks Bamboo

Went to the most secret spot in Singapore to nyukon my Brooks Bamboo Rod. The rod casted a #4 weight double taper line like butter. I could cast 40-50 feet with ease and I'm such a lousy caster. Definately could be more in the hands of a better caster.

"This is going to be your favourite casting rod, Billy." CY commented after trying out the Brooks on the pedestal for some temensis hiding in the weeds.

I caught some Temensis Peacock Basses with it. The biggest was about 2 pounds. The MV Brooks rod was strongly recommended by CY as the best casting Payne 100 Taper. It was also receiving a lot of recommendations in the Clark's Classic Fly Rod Forum.

Joe Bresco probably has the fastest finger in the west. From the moment I send an email to Coldwaters Collectables to the time I received the rod was less than a week. And that is after the rod was held in the customs for 2 days. Now that is what I call a speedy service.

This Temensis Peacock Bass is almost 2 pounds.

The Lesh Rod was Nyukon by this Peacock Bass.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

Nyukoning the Para-Miyuki

2010-05-04T22:41:00.013+08:00

Nyukoning my Para-Miyuki and Leshrod

”Nyukon”, is a Japanese term for putting the “Soul into a Rod”. Nyukoning is the present participle of the word “nyukon” which I pluck out from the air as a Singlish speaking Singaporean. The term was introduced to me by the maker of my Para-Miyuki rod, Yukihito Okawa san. Uncle Wong and CY were both a party to the nyukoning. The rod is just amazing. It is very beautiful and fished even better than it look. It cast the fly line like butter.
I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

The Lesh Rod is by Don Lesh. The wraps are transparent and the grip and the reel seat is made of only bamboo parts. Cast a fly line like butter too. Shoots a Hardy double taper line 60 feet. It is a bit tippy, but was bending all the way when I caught the bigger Peacock Bass.

The Lesh Rod by Don Lesh. All bamboo parts.

The Para-Miyuki by Yukihito Okawa san.

The Para-Miyuki was Nyukoned by this Peacock Bass.

The Lesh Rod was Nyukon by this Peacock Bass.

But it was this Peacock Bass which made the fly line hummed like a Er Hu string and my hand vibrated with it.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

Catch & Release

2010-03-14T19:40:00.017+08:00

Catch & Release

It has been a long time now that I had posted anything on my photo-blog. Most of the pictures are uploaded onto my Facebook.

Tomorrow is my birthday. I’ll be one year older and hopefully a wee bit wiser.

Time really flies. With a wink of an eye, my kids are bigger and have grown taller. They are fishing whenever their mum allowed them to. They could tie their own flies too and refuse to let me help them when fishing.

“Papa, I want to catch a fish on my own.” Yong Yun will tell me. “Yes, on our own, and I’m not going home till I catch one myself.” Yong Zhi will add.

Yong Zhi can vary the rate of retrive with the spinning reel, and he jerks the rod just like Uncle Wong did. So far he is ahead with the number of fish caught and Yong Yun has got the record for the bigger fish.

Well, I can take comfort that they’re not hooking me with their flies now when they cast the lines.

It was still dark when I reached the Lower Pierce Reservoir. The car park was full and I had to park on the grass verge, risking a summon. Uncle Wong was already at the dam. The Taichi masters were all there in force. Some Qi Gong group lay their mats near the edge of the reservoir and “sleep”, I think. Caught two Peacock Basses by the jetty with my Winston bamboo. No rangers today. Uncle Wong tried the Winston and caught a few too. A biggie snatched the fly and took off, broke the tippet and took the fly with it. Should have used a stronger 6 pound tippet instead of the 3 pound fluorocarbon that was holding the fly this morning.

Ah Hoe’s as usual before giving a Uncle Wong a ride home. He is on the fifth and sixth LeoRod. The sixth is a #2 weight Baby Catskill. I can’t wait to try it out when he’s completed it.

After completing the chores my missus had ordered me to do, I managed to steal some time to go down to Springleaf for a stroll and recce. The afternoon thunderstorm had receded and the concrete is much cooler to walk on today. The weather had been rather hot recently and February was the driest month in history. The water at Upper Seletar Reservoir is still very low. The water at Springleaf was mulky after the rain. About 10 lure fishermen were trying their luck in the “milo” coloured water. None of them caught anything.

Then I saw a guy with a cast net and a bucket. The bucket was half filled with earth-eaters. Wang is a construction worker and is having a break from work because of the rain. No overtime for him today. I asked his permission to take some photos of his catch with my HTC HD2. Then ask if I can take some photos of him casting his cast-net. The first cast wasn’t taken properly. But he was sporting enough to tell me to take the next cast. He will try to cast and form the net as round as he can. "It will look nicer." He said. He lived with four friends in Yishun. They are from China and all are construction workers. He will clean and keep the fish and have them for dinner over the week. Fish in the local market is too expensive for them. On the fifth cast, he caught a big tilapia. The earth-eaters will be fried. This tilapia will be steamed. Wang and his friends will have fresh steamed fish tonight. Something which they seldom have in Singapore.

While the campaign is being pushed by our Sport Fishing groups for “Catch and Release”. My heart goes with Wang, his dedication to bring back some fish for his friends. He was smiling when he caught the tilapia. They haven’t had steamed fish for a long time now, not even on Chinese New Year. I can see the happiness on his face. Before you guys start to condemn him, let me tell you this. He only keep those fish that he wanted to eat. He was releasing the smaller fish into the water. “For them to grow up first” he told me. He was so quick in his release of the smaller fish that I just couldn’t catch the act on my HTC phone. Finally, I asked him if he could release the next smaller fish more slowly so that I could take a photo of him releasing it. “They will die if not released quickly” he protested. But relented and slowly release a small Peacock Bass for me to snap a shot.

I am indeed humbled by Wang today. He cared for the fish as much as we do.

The local baiters can learn something from him.

Wang released the small peacock bass slowly so that I can get the shot taken.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

Gamefish & Aquatic Rehabilitation Society

2009-08-29T22:29:00.010+08:00

Gamefish & Aquatic Rehabilitation Society

GARS got their registration approved a few weeks ago. One of the many projects they are undertaking is to educate people on fishing with artificials. Hard bodied lures or flies, it doesn’t matter, as long as the angler uses fishing methods that does not pollute the waters that we would be drinking and can keep the place clean.

That’s the President of GARS in the photo. Mr Tan Tien Yun.

Melvin and I did a trail run on the 8th of August 2009 with only one newbie, Mogan turning up at Woodlands MRT Station. We decided the place was suitable and safe for even newbies and children.

I got the approval from Qwek, the Chairman of Fly Fishing Club Singapore. The GARS committee decided we would conduct Fly Fishing and Fly Tying clinics on every Saturday at Springleaf. With some education, let us see if we can convince enough anglers to give up organic pollutant baits to non-polluting artificials. Afterall, we're all going to drink the water in this stream too.

GARS's Blog : http://fishrespectprotect.blogspot.com/

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124819532060&ref=nf

FFCS's Blog : http://flyfishingclubsingapore.blogspot.com/

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/group.php?gid=60611232615

Look at the signboard. There is a “No Fishing” sign on it..

Today, it’s gone. Plastered over with a blank sticker.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

New Zealand River

2009-03-22T11:18:00.007+08:00

New Zealand River Again

The missus woke me up with her shadowless kick, as usual. In our younger days, it was much more gentle. Anyway I was out of the house quickly. It was drizzling lightly. I took out the brand new Gortex rain coat from the fishing gear box. Haven’t had the chance to use it since the day my nephew, Ming, bought it for me.

The drizzle had eased up by the time I made the turn into the road leading to our destination. CY called. He and Uncle Wong had arrived and will wait for me at the usual rendezvous point. Normally I don’t fish at the River when it rains because of falling trees and branches. But the urge to fish was unbearable after a lengthy spell without the fishing fixes and the risk of a tree falling on me was dedicated as a lesser danger than it was when I was fishing almost everyday.

The river wasn’t flowing. The best way to spend a raining Sunday morning is to sleep through it, like everybody else. The valve technician must be sleeping too. So the river will not flow today. The place was deserted except for 3 mentally compromised fly fishermen. Adi was down with rangerphobia and will not be joining us today. You guys gonna miss the star of my photoblog because he almost always catches something for me to post.

Uncle Wong and CY had rigged up their bamboo rods very quickly and started fishing. I was wearing the new Fishpond chest pack, bought yesterday from Coho, for the first time. The length of the strap made it more like a stomach pack on me. Any longer and it would definitely be a groin pack.

Uncle Wong and CY was hooking up Peacock Basses on every cast. I was shooting away left and right with my Canon Digital Ixus. Uncle Wong gave up his spot under the big tree for me. On my first cast, a ferocious Peacock Bass hit the fly with a force I had never felt for a long time. The LeoRod was bending double and the Peacock Bass decided it was an acrobat and did some spectacular aerial somersaults. I was hooking up a Peacock Bass on every cast.

CY was catching Peacock Basses on almost every cast with his new Mario Wojnicki 225FF4. He invited Uncle Wong to try out his new baby. “Like butter” Uncle Wong said. I took my turn to try out the Wojnicki. The rod was very light. I pulled out more fly line and did some false casts. It was throwing the 4 weight line very smoothly indeed. On the third cast, an Earth Eater grabbed the tadpole fly. A few quick shots by CY and me, as Uncle Wong hurried us to release the Earth Eater gently back into the water. These beauties can't last very long out of the waters, and we can't last very long in here due to the rangerphobia bug floating around recently.

Breakfast at Ah Hoe’s

Earth Eater.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Eight Trees Miscounted as Seven Trees

2009-01-18T22:31:00.000+08:00

Eight Trees

I woke up earlier than the normal fishing time. Drove via Mandai and Lentor to reach the destination. The north-eastern wind was pretty cold for the hot and humid tropical country. Uncle Wong and Adi arrived a while later. We rigged our bamboos and waited for Q.

There were eight trees along the road. Wonder who miscounted them and called the place Seven Trees. It even showed on Goggle Map. A distinct eight trees. We moved along the edge of the water. Uncle Wong and Adi were very steady and careful. I kept reminding them of pot hole and asked them not to fall into one. Finally I was the only one who stepped into a pot hole and fell over.

Again Uncle Wong was catching all the peacock basses. Q, Adi and I caught one each. The pull was more forceful than those we had with the fishes at the river. It was fun. But shame we have to leave early to avoid the white and blue vans.

Breakfast at a Yishun Kopitiam.

Stripeless Peacock Bass.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Earth Eaters Come In Schools

2008-12-28T11:27:00.003+08:00

Earth Eaters Come In Schools

My mobile phone alarm sounded, but I was too deep in my sleep to hear it. So the missus threw her shadowless kick on me. I was up and out of the house in 10 minutes, army recruit style. Uncle Wong and Jimmy had asked me to join them for a fly fishing session on Christmas day. But the maid’s on home leave and the missus wanted to bring the kids out.
There was no rain today and the weather was just fine. A perfect day for fly fishing. The construction site had made the place a bit muddy. Uncle Wong had a miner’s lamp on his head. Adi and I tagged along the path he walked. Imagine 2 young men letting him lead the way. Okay okay I hear you guys, middle age men.

The river was flowing at full force and the water was clear as gin. I caught 2 peacock basses. Uncle was at the further end of the river and as usual catching most of the fishes. I saw a school of Earth Eaters swimming pass. I casted ahead of them and let the fly drift towards them. Four of them, maybe five swam toward it in a frenzy. The fly line straighten and one of them was at the end of the line. A small one. I lifted it out of the water, had a few quick shots with my Canon Ixus and released it back into the water. Good catch for my rusty arms and reflexes.

Adi had joined Uncle Wong at the far end. I moved over to take some photos of Adi.

Adi landed another Peacock Bass.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

Earth Eater with a Paul Young Bamboo

2008-10-27T15:21:00.004+08:00

New Zealand River Again

After a long hiatus from this scenic place, I have finally found time to chuck some feathers at the Peacock Basses in the river. I took a slow drive and reached the river just when the sun had creeped above the tree tops. The valve technician had done his job and the river is at full force. CY was at the waterfall. “Morning Billy, Uncle just got a sebarau“. I kicked myself for not coming earlier. At least I can shoot some pictures of this spectacular fish for my blog.

I rigged up my LeoRod with the Hardy Bougle spooled with a Scientific Angler Sinking 4 weight line and took up position near Uncle Wong. After some casts without even a nibble, I walk over to where Adi was standing. “They had been quiet since Saturday” Adi said, referring to the Peacock Basses. CY caught a few Earth Eaters near the big tree with his new Paul Young rod. Uncle, must have missed his baby, took over my LeoRod while he passed CY’s Aroner for me to have a feel of the beautiful bamboo. Nothing bite. A school of Peacock Basses just swam pass the fly ignoring it altogether.

CY must have seen the disappointment in my face and passed his Paul Young to me. I stood at the spot he was fishing and after a few casts, caught an Earth Eater. Fishing with this bunch of bamboo crazy guys is a joy. They give up their spot for you. The let you use their rod and give you their secret fly. When you caught a fish, they enjoy your catch as much you do, and they make you feel like you are the only one who had caught a fish the whole morning.

Breakfast at Ang Mo Kio. Then off to Uncle Wong’s house to see his new arsenal.

CY caught a few Earth Eaters near the big tree.

Anybody want to guess what is inside this stainless steel container. Winner gets a ticket to ..................
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Yishun Bottle Tree Park

2008-08-17T20:41:00.002+08:00

Yishun Bottle Tree Park

Got an SMS from Q. Fly fishing session at Bottle Tree Park. This was the place where Edward once operated the Kiddy Long Kang Fishing. Fishing ponds and restaurants and a garden where children can really be educated about the plants and trees.

We fished in some of the stocking or rearing ponds. I missed some big ones which sucked my dry fly and just torpedoed off. Broken tippets and flies lost. Very embarrassing indeed to lose big fishes just because, honestly, I haven’t really caught a real big one on a fly rod before, and didn’t have the experience or reflexes to even hook the biggie.

But never mind. I enjoy every minute there. The park is really beautiful. So you guy enjoy the photos of the trees and skeleton because I have no big fish to show off.

Albert with a good size tilapia.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Fly Fishing @ The Jelutung

2008-06-01T22:12:00.002+08:00

Fly Fishing @ The Jelutung

Finally, we, Fly Fishermen of Singapore, have a place we can call home. The Jelutung Community Centre. Q’s tremendous amount of work and lobbying had bear fruit and the dreams of the Fly Fishing community has come true today. Thanks Q. He had managed to convince Dr Lim Wee Kiat to help us form the Fly Fishing Club under the Community Centre. Dr Lim had being so gracious and had taken us under his umbrella. Big thank you to Dr. Lim.

The ball is in our court now. It will be up to us and the members to make sure that the Club is run properly and have programs in place to attract and recruit new members and keep the older members rooted in the Club. Q’s brain had already been working ahead of us all and he had quite a few programs in place. Only waiting for the right time to put into action. Some of the other guys who had work quietly behind the scene are Uncle Wong, Kuan, Albert, Henry, Jeremy and Gilbert. Thanks guys. I got MC lah.

Dr. Lim chatting with some of the members of Fly Fishing Club.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

River At Full Force

2008-04-13T17:57:00.006+08:00

Ferocious Peacock Basses

Its been quite a while since I’d joined Uncle Wong, CY and Adi for a morning session at the River. CY was going to test his new rod from Argentina at the River. Some construction was going on and the entrance to the River was fenced up. We managed detour by the side of the construction area and reached the River.

The River was flowing at it strongest and the Peacock Basses were fast and ferocious. “It also want to gasak my fingers”, Adi said. We lost count on how many we caught. I was snapping away with my Canon camera every few seconds.

The 6 weight Marcello was a joy to cast. Shooting the Scientic Angler sinking flyline like rocket. No double haul needed and it land the fly line straight as an arrow. The art work is simply beautiful as all Marcello's rod are. It is little wonder that CY couldn't wait to test it out even though the varnish on the handle is still a wee bit tacky. Uncle Wong was enjoying the RL Winston with every Peacock Bass he caught. Adi, as usual, pose for a few photos for me to put on my blog. Thanks Adi.

Breakfast at Ah Hoe’s and Mee-kia dry on Uncle Wong.

Peacock Bass bending the RL Winston Boo.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

Adi's Sebarau

2007-12-30T11:53:00.001+08:00

Adi’s Sebarau

My mobile phone alarm screamed and my wife’s shadowless leg kicked me awake before the beeping woke up my youngest kid. Quite a cool day today and a light mist blanket the road towards the reservoir. The joggers and cyclists were already doing their usual Sunday routine when I manoeuvred the bus onto the grass verge near the entrance of our destination. Adi and Uncle Wong arrived too at the syncronised time. The valve technician had done his duty and the water was flowing at full force. The sound of the rushing water was like Kitaro’s music to a fly fisherman. The spider cameraman was early today. He had already set up his equipments and waiting to shoot the insects.

My first peacock bass was a small little fellow. I was just trying to use the pull of the water to straighten the fly line and this little bugger whacked the fly. Uncle Wong was trying for the sebaraus. Adi was at the “No Fishing” sign and the peacock basses were hitting his fly with a frenzy. Thick skin me pretended to take a few pictures of him with the fish and unsportingly squeezed into the small space between him and the tree and got my second peacock bass. Uncle Wong as usual was catching most of the fishes. The water was crystal clear today. “Clear as Gin”, Uncle Wong agreed. I could see every peacock bass that chased the fly. Even a huge soft shell turtle could be seen chasing its prey. Adi was thinking of turtle soap when he saw it too. A sebarau wickedly missed my fly and made my heart stop. But it was again not the time for me to catch a sebarau. I went further down stream to try my luck at Uncle Wong’s spot. Next thing I heard was Adi had caught a sebarau and the fly rod was bending as if it was going to break. Adi sportingly posed for a few photos for my blog before releasing the fish tenderly back into the Gin clear water. Thanks Adi. He always made my day by catching something special for my camera.

Adi with his Sebarau.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

Christmas Gift

2007-12-25T21:45:00.000+08:00

Christmas Gift – I Could Walk

The ghosts of the Hungry Ghost Month had long gone home. My right leg had finally gathered enough guts to help carry me out of my house before sunrise. Uncle Wong and Adi had agreed to meet up at the White House for a fly fishing session. As I drove towards the destination, I kept the windows of my bus opened to smell the cool sweet misty morning air along the reservoir road. Reached the car park just in time to watch the silhouettes of Uncle Wong and Adi disappeared behind the bushes. I was full of energy, but was careful not to walk into anything which will injure the right leg again before it heal completely. I like to rig up my rod and reel as I walked towards the fishing grounds. But today I had to be extra careful. So I rig up my LeoRod and Hardy Bougle at the car park before walking down the slope to the flood gates to join Uncle Wong and Adi.

Uncle Wong was kind enough to leave a spot more accessible to a handicap me to fish. He took up the spot at the peninsula. Adi took a spot next to me at the granite rocks. Splash!!! A peacock bass bend Uncle Wong’s LeoRod. Splash!!! Again, another peacock bass hit Uncle Wong’s black fly. I took some pictures of him. Adi and I salivated while Uncle Wong caught all the peacock basses. Then, like he was reading my mind or he could see the saliva dripping from my opened mouth, he asked me over to take the spot. Sure enough, I caught my peacock bass for the day and gave the spot back to Uncle Wong. He caught many more. Adi caught a few too. I missed a few take because my rusty arm was not fast enough to strike when the peacock basses nipped the fly.

Time’s up. We unrigged the tackles and made our way back to the car park. Ah Hoe’s as usual, but he was closed for the holiday. We had Kway Chap for breakfast and shared the usual fishermen’s lies. An enjoyable day to begin with. Merry Christmas to all.

The empteen peacock bass which Uncle Wong caught this morning.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

One the way home, I put my right hand on my the right leg and drove slowly, reminiscing on the trip I made with Uncle Chui to Tampines Quarry. Some supernatural things that happened there. The words of the fortune teller about my misfortune during the Hungry Ghost Month still echos in my ears. The fortune teller had told me that I had stepped on something dirty. Dirty to him means something from the other world. It reminded me of what Uncle Chui had called out when he murmured “ Siam Ahhh….” when he pee into the bushes at Tampines Quarry.

Uncle Chui was trying to calm my nerves when something unworldly was moving the plants and leaves, in broad daylight. I tried to snap some pictures with my camera but most of the pictures came out blank. I could only get one and half the picture colours were weird. After that the camera just died. But it came back to life later when I brought it out to take pictures of the fishes I caught.

Wise words from Uncle Chui.
“Billy, I know you are scared of the ho-hiah-tee.”
“But don’t worry.”
“When you come to these ulu places, don’t scold bad words and don’t curse anything.”
“When you pang-gio, you tell the ho-hiah-tee to siam.”
“Nothing will happen to you”

I asked him, “Then pang-sai how?”

“Billy ah, ler si-peh ti-kee hor.”
“One day you kena then you know.”

Now I kena liow lah…………leg broken.
On the morning when I was so eager to test the LeoRod, I forgot to say “siam” when I made my way to the rapids at the river. But thinking back, I was lucky not to have a full bladder. Something more valuable might be broken instead of the right leg………..hmmm…… young guys like me should listen more to the older people.

Testing The LeoRod Number 3

2007-08-26T13:18:00.000+08:00

LeoRod Number 3 Passed The Test With Flying Colours

This is the Month of the Hungry Ghost. I don’t normally fish because my grandma had always warned us to leave the dead and ghostly alone to celebrate their month of freedom in peace, without any disturbance from the living. I had kept that tradition until today. Because, I could only fish every fortnight and I couldn’t wait to test my new LeoRod.

Uncle Wong had advised me that the rod would take a 4 weight line. So I brought along my Hardy Bougle fly reel spooled with a 4 weight Sage Double Quiet Taper fly line. I tied on a heavier fly to see if the casting could turn it over. On the third cast, a huge Peacock Bass hit the fly hard, but spitted the fly before I could recover my senses to strike. The other reason was I didn’t dare to put too much sudden jerks on the new bamboo rod in case it broke. The rod casted nicely but needed a bit more line from the 4 weight fly line. It turn over the size 10 fly nicely when I have 20 feet of line in the air. I caught a 900 gram Peacock Bass with it. The LeoRod lived up to its maker, Uncle Wong’s expectations and was bend to the butt. Ady had a go at cast the rod too. I fixed Uncle Wong’s Bill Ballan Classic Reel spooled with a 5 weight Scientific Angler GPX fly line to test the rod. It was beautiful to cast. The rod shoot off the 30 feet of fly line effortlessly.

We will bring the rods to Lower Peirce Reservoir to have another test this afternoon with PH.

This Peacock Bass Had A Solid Take.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

Singapore LeoRod Number 3

2007-08-12T16:01:00.000+08:00

My LeoRod

Uncle Wong was the only guy who caught a Peacock Bass this morning. The rest of us - CY, Ady and me – all got a big fat dinosaur egg as souvenir for our morning exercise. We really disappoint the valve technician who must had woken up rather early to open those valves. The water was at full force. Maybe next time we’ll have better luck. Especially when my LeoRod will be ready and I am going to de-flower it at the River.

Garrison 209 taper, 7 feet 6 inches with purple wrap. Tiger maple reel seat. Nickel silver ferrules. With the Uncle Wong's LeoRod Number 3 Signature Wrap. CY and I helped Uncle Wong with the vanish tube. Take a look at the pictures.

My LeoRod - Garrison 209 Taper.

The Birth Of The Singapore LeoRod Number One

These pictures were taken way back on 11th June 2006, when Uncle Wong still had some hair on his head. I was sworn to secrecy with a cleaver and a flame thrower to keep these pictures away from my blog until the project was completed. But being a man in intregrity, I simply refused to be threatened. Uncle Wong had no choice but to bribe me with a LeoRod. You guys will forgive me when you take a look at the beauty of the LeoRod and will understand why I could be bribed. When those boolonium poison creep in my innocent blood and made me corrupt, there is nothing I could do.......boo hoo hoo................so sinful and shameful. So these pictures remained in my computer until today, courtesy of Ady's request and Uncle Wong's permission and the near delivery of my bribe getting delivered, I proudly present The Historic Moments of The Splitting of the First Bamboo Fly Rod in Singapore.

The LeoRod Is Born.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

Visitor At The River

2007-07-29T13:54:00.000+08:00

Visitor at The River

We have a visitor from the United Kingdom today at the River. The valve technician was very co-operative and did not over slept today. The valves were probably fully opened because the River was flowing at full force. Luck must be changing for me because Uncle Wong said I caught the first fish today. He blanked with Ady which is sort of unusual.

Steven, is a fellow architect, was CY’s friend. After I had taken the pictures of the peacock bass I had caught, Steven was next. The bamboo rod was bending double. Alamak – false alarm – his fly got caught in some dedris. But after a minute or two, he too managed to catch a peacock bass. A happy smile on his face while I shoot a photo for my blog.

Again, it was to Ah Hoe’s. He was closed today. But the coffee from his competitor was just as fragrant. Q, Ivan, Jimmy and Eddie joined us too for our usual Sunday morning breakfast. Then it was off to Uncle Wong’s house to have a look at the handle and reel seat which Uncle Wong had fixed for me LeoRod. PH’s rod too was almost ready. I have only one word to describe them – beautiful.

Steve with his Peacock Bass.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

Sarimbun

2007-07-15T21:58:00.000+08:00

Sarimbun

Q invited me to join him at Sarimbun for a fly fishing session on Friday. I hadn’t been there for a while and the news is that the peacock basses are getting bigger and fighting harder. I could resist the invitation since I had blanked at the NZ River a fortnight ago and is desperate to catch a fish. This is the place I once hit over 70 fishes in less than an hour. Of course they were all smallish fishes, but big or small, they were fishes too.

As usual, I met up with Uncle Chui at the Sungei Kadut Kopi Tiam and had Kway-Chap and coffee before we proceeded to the fishing spot. Jimmy broke his tippet and lost a big fish. We heard the splashes but didn’t see the fish. CY’s first catch was a fingerling. Then a slightly bigger one. I managed to catch one for the photo shoot. Uncle Wong was prodding me not to take to long to compose the shots and release the peacock bass quickly in case it died while it was being shot.

Kopi-O and Wanton Mee at the Kopi Tiam after that.

A small Peacock Bass is all I could managed to catch.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Blanked At The River

2007-07-01T14:53:00.000+08:00

Blanked at The River

It is not easy to blank at the River. Especially when the river was flowing at full force, and I did just that this morning. BLANKED. Zero Catch. Duck Egg. But for this case, mine should be a big fat Dinosaur Egg. The nearest I got to a catch was a little peacock bass teasing the fly and getting me to strike even before it took the fly. Uncle Wong caught a peacock bass at the same time as Tan Yik. I could see their bamboo rods bending. Tan Yik caught a few more. My score remained an egg shaped zero.

As usual, we breakfast at Ah Hoe’s Kopi Stall. The kopi-O is still fragant and hot. Like every sunday when we had drank them. Ah Hoe should be proud of his kopi-O. Dry mee as usual from Ah Hock’s pretty daughter. Decided to take some pictures of the mee because I could not take one of a peacock Bass because I blanked.

Then went to Uncle Wong’s place to have a look at the progress of my LeoRod. Uncle Wong had painstakingly flame it in honey colour. He had meticulously recorded every stage of the rod making process in his Rod Crafting Book. Mine is Number 3.

My LeoRod taking shape at Uncle Wong's work bench.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Live Baiters At The River

2007-06-17T11:38:00.000+08:00

Live Baiters At The River
Caught up with Uncle Wong and Adi today before dawn at the river again. Chee Yung couldn't get a leave pass from his commander-in-chief. Anyway, it was his self imposed punishment for his coming sin, which will be arriving in the form of a Leonard Maxwell bamboo. Hope I can fish with these wonderful fellows fortnightly. We were joined by Tan Yik just before the sun broke through the tree tops. The valve technician has done his job and the water was flowing at full force.

As usually, the peacock basses started feeding just when the first light decent upon us. Fast and ferocious as they had been before when the the river flowed. Caught a few with my McDowell paired with a Hardy Bougle reel. Uncle Wong and Adi caught more than their share as usual. But it was Tan Yik’s fishes which were creating the din when most of the bigger peacock basses choosed to take his fly.

Then came along 3 live baiters. They started fishing and in a few minutes, the caught a good size sebarau. Didn’t really see if they put it in their bag or let it go. But I did see one of them unhooking the sebbie near the water. Hope they did let the sebbie free. I gave them 3 flies after they watched in amazement when I caught 2 good size peacock basses in succession. Put some poison into their blood and hope they can put away their goldfish and use the flies I gave them to catch the peacock basses. Maybe one day, I’ll see them with a fly rod at the NZ River.

The McDowell.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Poisonous Jennings Bamboo

2007-06-03T11:01:00.000+08:00

Testing The Jennings
Finally had some free time to fly fish at the usual forbidden hunt. SMS Uncle Wong and CY and all systems go. CY even had to forged a Licence To Fly Fish from his Commander-in-Chief so that he can bring his Jennings and let me have a go at it.

The Jennings was such a beautiful rod and it was so easy to cast, I could roll cast all day and my arm wouldn't get tired. The peacock basses were co-operative today. We thoroughly enjoyed the session at NZ today.

The only hiccup was TY pulled out a drift net at the pool. I saw an Earth Eater stuck onto the net and managed to un-net it and released it back into the waters. There was another one, but I missed it. It was dead when Uncle Wong gathered the net for disposal. Wish I had seen it earlier.

This one managed to swim away after a few minutes.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Sebbie Bend the LeoRod

2007-05-06T17:45:00.000+08:00

LeoRod Caught a Big Sebarau
Uncle Wong invited me to try out his LeoRod. After some busy weeks, I finally managed to get some time to ease my itch on the new LeoRod. (Mine will be serial number 003/2007) Uncle Wong as usual was catching all the fishes. I was fishing at the signboard when I heard a shout. Uncle Wong was holding the rod with two hand and the LeoRod bending double. Quickly took out my camera and took some shots before running over to help land the sebarau. Then the itchy fingers got the better of me again, and I have to take another picture before landing the big sebarau. That was probably how sebarau broke the tippet when I tried to land it. Should have used the Boga Grip.

LeoRod Bending, Uncle Wong smiling.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

Peacock Basses Invade Mandai Pond

2007-04-22T21:40:00.000+08:00

Mandai Pond is Different Now
YY wanted to go fishing. Coincidentally Uncle Chui called and said his friend will be going to his secret spot.

But the fishes were not biting like before. I could only get a red tilapia after many casts. After some time, I discovered the reason why. A pair of 2-foot Peacock Basses chased the tilapias away from where we were fishing.

Now, how did the Peacock Basses get here. They were nowhere in sight when I was here a few months back. Now the local bettas and the chocolate gouramis will disappear too.

YY, Uncle Chui and his friend and son.

(Click on the pictures for more.)

First Fishing Trip of the New Year

2007-01-14T16:40:00.000+08:00

Floods at the River Plain

Blanked on the first fishing trip of the new year. The NZ River was flowing fast. The floods also did not spare the River plains. We were all knee deep. I had water ran into my rubber boots. It took me a long time getting the feet out of the wet boots. I had to wedged the boots between the granite rocks and pulled really hard before the boots could come free.

TY and Uncle Wong were the guys catching all the fishes. The rest blanked.

Flooding the river plains.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Lower Peirce Reservoir

2006-12-31T15:06:00.000+08:00

Lower Peirce Reservoir Again

Decided to detour to the old fishing ground, Lower Peirce Reservoir, again when the White House got too crowded. Ady as usual caught the most. I caught a greedy peacock bass which took the fly right in front of me.

I took a walk along the board walk. Dragging the fly line behind me. Nothing stirred. But the misty morning brought back a lot of fond memories when I was here almost every afternoon. When the Peacock Basses will hit the fly again and again, cast after cast.

Johnny joined us for breakfast at Ah Hoe’s place.

The legal fishing ground.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Peacock Bass Explosion

2006-12-24T09:53:00.000+08:00

Peacock Bass Explosion At The White House

The continuous rain had caused floods at quite a few areas in Singapore. The PUB had to release the excess water at MacRitchie Reservoir into the canals but it didn't help. High tide made it worst and the water didn't clear up.

Over at the other reservoirs, the valve technicians were working overtime at all the water control outlets. The river was flowing at the New Zealand River. So is the flood gate at the White House.

Rushing water only mean one thing at these places. A Peacock Bass explosion. Uncle Wong and CY were already having agreat time catching these fishes. Today I met up with Ady and Uncle Wong again. We both took a seat at the side of the outlet of the rushing water. Like sentries, we caught and released so many Peacock Basses that I lost count. The fish were as ferocious as they could get. The fight was real hard.

What a day for fishing.

A closer look at the fly.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Fly Fishing Singapore Road Show

2006-12-16T23:41:00.000+08:00

Fly Fishing Singapore Road Show

Finally we were able to show case what fly fishing has to offer to the residents in Sembawang. Q was the man who had done all the hard work to get us to reach this far. The residents were very impressed with the fishes caught. Especially when flipping through the Fred’s photo album and watching Q’s video presentation.

We have quite a gathering of Fly Fishermen here tonight. I will use the opportunity to put a name to the faces with the photos taken at the Road Show. We also have a celebrity fly fisherman in Pak Amin. He provides guide services to the most beautiful fly fishing places in Malaysia where the most exotic fishes are caught. Pak Amin also has his own range of Fly Rods which he designed himself and are marketed under the name “M Amin”. He will give free casting lessons to any one who purchase his fly rod.

The younger fishermen browsing the displays were mostly interested in the free spin-fly rig we were giving away. A look at their faces suggest that they couldn't wait to try the Spin-Fly Rig quickly at the river just in front of the place where the Road Show was held. The older ones were looking very closely at Fred's photos to hopefully identify some of Fred’s spots from the photo album. Some were even surprised we could catch those fishes right here in our own reservoirs. Many were surprised that fishes can be caught with just a bunch of feathers on a hook.

Uncle Wong and Chee Yung had an impressive display with the bamboo fly rods and bamboo rod building. Uncle Wong explaining the tedious step by step process to build a bamboo fly rod. Chee Yung filling in the stories and histories of bamboo rod fishing and bamboo rod building. We managed to put some boolonium into Albert’s blood stream. Boolonium work faster than polonium and need not cost US$10 million per dose. I can see the effects when he lay his hands on the Wayne and the boolonium sink into his palm as he manoeuvre each cast.

You don't die from Boolonium poisoning. Its even worst.

More description in the photo section. Click on the photos.

Members of Fly Fishing Singapore.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

The Fishes Are Not Hitting Hard

2006-12-03T14:53:00.000+08:00

The River Didn't Run Today

Went to the river again today with Uncle Wong and Ady. The valve technician was sleeping and the river didn’t run. Without fail, the faithful Peacock Basses were still giving us the usual welcome.

But today, they didn’t hit the fly as hard as they did. So the hook didn’t end up too far in their throats. Just hooked at the lips. Good for them too, because the hook was easier to remove.

Jimmy and Harvey joined us too. There were a few sebaraus at the cement blocks and Harvey was trying to catch them.

Just hooked at the lips.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Spectacular Sunrise at the President's Garden

2006-11-12T12:23:00.000+08:00

Sunrises at the White House are always Spectacular

Met up with the gang again. This time at the President’s Garden. The early birds were the Taichi Master and his disciples, pushing the air at the water’s edge. Maybe they were the ones who pushed away the haze too. Kekekeke…………… oh you could never tell could you?

The Peacock Basses here today were not like those at the River yesterday. But we managed to at least catch one each. Mine was the smallest.

Albert treat us to Roti Prata and hot kopi-O. A really nice breakfast.

Then off we went to a secret place. Military secret that is. I was the guide. Can’t tell you guys where it is. But if you want to guess, take a look at the photos.

A big and fat Climbing Perch. Maybe too much Prata also.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

The River Runs Today

2006-11-11T11:54:00.000+08:00

The New Zealand River at full force

After such a long absence, it was indeed a very pleasant sight when we arrived. The River was flowing. As usual, Uncle Wong got his Peacock Bass first. I had other things in mind. Such conditions meant the sebaraus are around.

The Peacock Basses under such conditions are also hitting the fly hard and fighting even harder. Two spin fishermen were landing and releasing peacock basses like nothing. They were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Then Qwek, Albert, Harvey and Huns arrived. I had the pleasure of casting Qwek’s South Bend Bamboo Rod. Very beautiful rod and I could even double haul with it.

Coffee and dry mee-kia at the Sembawang Food Centre as usual.

The fly in the throat of a Peacock Bass.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Char-Bee-Hoon Fly

2006-10-14T14:19:00.000+08:00

New Zealand River Special Fly or "Char-Bee-Hoon Fly"

This blog entry details how I designed and developed a fly so tough it was virtually indestructible and can be used again and again at the New Zealand River. So I had named it the New Zealand River Special Fly.

As mentioned many time before, Peacock Basses in the New Zealand River comes in great numbers on days when the conditions are right. During these times they are ferocious, hitting the fly hard and their fights even harder. Fly fishermen can expect to catch and release as many as 30 Peacock Basses in a period of 1 hour. Often, the fly could not take such abuse and lost their dressing and become Botak(Bald). But I lost most of them through broken tippets because I was too excited to change the weaken tippet when fishing in such a frenzy.

My time in the old Merchant Navy came in useful. When I was a cadet, the Boatswain would always teach me important seamanship knots. Some knots, like those used for staging and the bosun’s chair, I have to know because if I don’t I could ended up dead. Others like the flat knots which I had adapted for use on the New Zealand River Special Fly are mostly for decorative purposes. They are also used extensively in macrame and scoubidou. As a cadet, I had knotted and weaved decorative flowerpot hangers and curtain ties for the Captain’s cabin and the Wheel House using these macramé and scoubidou knots. I didn’t expect them to become useful when tying flies. Indestructible flies, that is.

I chose to use monofilament fishing lines because I found them very tough and can withstand a lot of abuse even from the sharp teeth of the tomans. My first attempt was to tie a fly which will look like a shrimp. I had the sebaraus at the end of the cement block in mind when I started fiddling with the design. Well, the first fly didn’t even look like a shrimp as you can see in the photograph. But the tilapias and juvenile Peacock Basses loved them. The sebaraus as usual ignored them. Uncle Chui was so impressed that he pestered me to teach him how to tie the flat knots to weave the fly. He improvised by using monos of different colours and he had knotted some very beautiful flys with bead eyes. Eric Tan and myself had the privileged of testing his flies at Mandai Pond successfully.

I finally tied one which looked more like a shrimp, but my son said shrimps don’t have eyes that long and my wife was laughing so loud the whole neighbourhood could hear her. Then there was another one which I gave to Jimmy and it swam sideways and backwards. He finally lost it to the bushes. The ones that swam correctly was catching fish and was withstanding the abuse from them Peacock Basses.

As a lousy caster, my leader occasionally bunch up and “char-bee-hoon”. There was one instance when the bunch of mono “char-bee-hoon” ended up at the hook bend while I was stripping quickly to entice a pod of Peacock Basses. The fastest Peacock Bass was hook, but the rest of the fishes keep hitting at the bunch of mono hanging outside the mouth of the hooked fish. I quickly released the Peacock Bass and purposely cast the “char-bee-hoon” into the frenzy. Again, the bunch of “char-bee-hoon” mono trigger strike after strike even though it was hanging out of a hooked Peacock Bass. Thinking it was coincidence, I tried it a few more time and the strikes continued. So clever me had a bright idea.

I designed the next New Zealand River Special Fly with a bunch of mono “char-bee-hoon” at the hook bend. Then I did some with the mono flat knots weaved over green fly tying threads. Some I did with the mono over orange fly tying knots. Some I added leaded weight to make them sink faster.

This fly is hot in the New Zealand River.

Maybe I should name this fly “The Char-Bee-Hoon Fly”.

Just to show that even the size 20 version is effective on small seldom caught fishes.

Caught this wee rasbora at the Rifle Range some time ago, with a twig.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Bandit At New Zealand River

2006-09-03T12:04:00.000+08:00

Bandit At The New Zealand River

I WAS ROBBED! …….this morning at the New Zealand River. After a 2 months break, the first peacock bass I had caught jumped so hard that it jerked the lip grip out of my fingers and swam away with it, still hanging in its mouth. Man……… what a way to start my fishing season. But the fight it gave was fantastic.

Kenneth, Jimmy and Eddie were the early birds. Jimmy was the first to land a peacock bass.

Uncle Wong used his Pole Rod and caught a peacock bass. The fish broke the mono and escaped with the fly. I passed him my AJ Thramer for him to have some fun. Also to take some photos of his fishing skills so that we can all copy his style and catch more fishes.

Jimmy and Eddie join us for breakfast at Ah Hoe’s coffe stall.

My Canon Ixus 500 is in the workshop. These photos are taken with a Casio Exilim.

A happy Uncle Wong with his catch. Let the photos do the talking. Enjoy.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

AJ Thramer Versus Wayne Maca

2006-07-09T21:22:00.000+08:00

Beverhead Bamboo Rod By Wayne Maca

Beverhead Hollow Built versus AJ Thramer Hollow Built. Uncle Wong and I took turns to test cast the rod and caught fish with it. Uncle Wong couldn’t bear to part with it. I was so impressed by its casting quality, I thought I was cast a graphite. Kuan was patiently waiting and in his eyes I could sense him thinking, “Now I’ve really got you guys!”.

Casting both the AJ Thramer and the Wayne Maca, I must admit, the Beaverhead won the casting part hands down. Without a doubt.

Uncle Wong broke his South Bend after catching a peacock bass. Ady had his fair share of fishes, but today, he missed the big ones.

I saw 6 sebaraus at the rapids. But today, the valve technician was fast asleep and the river wouldn’t run for us. The sebaraus just played at the end of the cement blocks, teasing me as it chased the fly I casted to them. Only stopping when it swam alongside it. Then ignoring the fly altogether.

Breakfast as usual. Uncle Wong had his usual kopi-O and warm water. Noodles also on Uncle Wong.

My AJ Thramer took a back seat while we tried and admire the Beaverhead Bamboo, also a Hollow Built.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Old Tampines Sand Quarry

2006-07-02T21:02:00.000+08:00

Tampines Quarry

Uncle Chui and I wanted to go to the Bedok Reservoir to try for the sebaraus at the water overflow outlet. But even before we had reached Bedok Reservoir, we could already hear drums beating. There was a Dragon Boat Carnival at the Bedok Reservoir and the rowers were rowing to the beats on the drum.

We decided to make a detour and go recce at the Old Tampines Sand Quarry Pond. Again, Thai workers were already there laying nets all over the place. A few anglers were showing their angry faces to them. Other lure anglers continue their casting elsewhere.

Uncle Chui and I trekked further into the quarry and found a nice quiet place to cast our fly lines. A lot of juvenile peacock basses were chasing the fly. I caught a fair share of them. Also a zebra tilapia which put up a surprising good struggle to get free.

I’ll let the pictures speak for the trip.

Uncle Chui casting near the banks of the Sand Quarry Pond
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Sarimbun

2006-06-25T16:37:00.000+08:00

Sarimbun

I stopped by at the Kranji Coffee Shop to have my morning kopi-O with Uncle Chui and Chris. It was still drizzling, but we intend to set off regardless of the rain. I was about to drive off at the Kranji Coffee Shop when the phone rang. Uncle Wong was on the line. They were already there and all ready for action. With Uncle Wong was Ady and Kuan.

I met up with them at the Scout Camp. The drizzle had stopped. The rest of the merry gang had not arrived. We decided to set out to try to catch the tilapias with dry flies as the sun rises. But it wasn’t to be. Thai workers were already in the water near our casting zone and the fish had all disappeared. Uncle Wong went over the other side of the banks and caught some fishes. I moved to the another pond with Hans. Caught a few steroid loaded peacock basses and some tilapias.

Rain came and we decided to call for an interval. Roti prata and kopi-O at Kranji Coffee Shop as usual.

McDowell Bamboo Rod
(Click on the pictures for more.)

NZ River Rain or Shine

2006-06-11T15:33:00.000+08:00

Carrying An Umbrella And Fly Fishing

The rain had fallen during the night and had stopped. Well, at least it had stopped raining at my house. I left home at the usual time and carried with me the usual fly fishing equipments and a pair of rubber boots.

Kuan was already at the meeting point when I reach there. He came over to my bus for a chat while we waited for Uncle Wong and Ady. Both New Zealand River diehard fans. These guys will turn up to fish rain or shine. Uncle Wong was armed with his son’s army Gortex rain jacket. He brought a disposable plastic rain coat for Kuan. Ady was carring an umbrella. I didn’t bring my army poncho with me because it wasn’t raining at my house. If I were to go fly fishing with them, I'll be all wet. So I too brought along my wife’s umbrella which she had kept in my bus in case of bad weather.

Fly casting with an umbrella?
Yes.
It can be done.
And I caught a good size peacock bass too.

Uncle Wong was catching most of the Peacock Basses. He was using a black fly which looked like a tadpole. Kuan lost his after a few casts and had to get another tadpole from Uncle Wong. He was catching and releasing fish after fish while the rest of us could only watch and hope we too can get one.

I finally got a good size Peacock Bass. Ady got a few smaller Peacock Basses. Kuan blanked.

Morning kopi-O and mee-kia dry as usual at the usual place.

Enjoy the photographs.

Caught this Peacock Bass with the Jas Gordon Cave Bamboo Rod matched with a Classic Teastick Fly Reel.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Mandai Pond Waterfall All White Out

2006-05-28T21:57:00.000+08:00

Mandai Pond Waterfall White With Force

After the afternoon showers, water was running everywhere, including the Mandai Pond Waterfall. The overflow on the road was also running at high speed. Could sweep away anyone who put their legs into the rushing water. A beautiful sight indeed.

But Uncle Chui has other things on his mind. He had tied a good number of shrimp flies and can’t wait to get them tested. He was setting up his fly rod as he made his way to the fishing spot we had chosen before hand. Even Tan couldn’t catch up with him and was left behind.

When I reached the spot after my usual dilly dally walk with my camera in my hand. Uncle Chui was already tying his new fly and ready for action. After two casts, he landed his first fish. A beautiful Red Tilapia. More Red Tilapias followed. Tan also caught his fair share of Red Tilapias after I gave him an Uncle Chui shrimp fly.

We made our way to the smaller ponds, but the water was too muddy to catch anything. After a few more tries at some Haruans, we made our way home. Uncle was already asking when we should return to try again.

Tan and Uncle Chui enjoying themselves with the Red Tilapias.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

All Quiet At The River

2006-05-28T13:49:00.000+08:00

All Is Quiet At The New Zealand River

Today, I was earlier than the usual time. Took out my camera and decided to shoot in the darkness to see how the picture will turn out. I was aiming at the Upper Peirce Reservoir gates and the moment I pressed the shoot button, a car came out of the drive way. Two sweet old ladies were in it. They stopped and asked me if I needed any help.

Uncle Wong and Ady to turned up and we set our way towards the river. Jimmy was already there with his friend.

As usual, Uncle got his fish first even though the rest of us were not getting any luck. Tried as I did, I couldn’t manage to get even a hook up. There were some splashing a distance away near the mouth of the bay. Saw the resident monitor lizards cross the river. A black shadowy fish swam across Uncle Wong. Could be a toman or a huge arowana.

I proceeded towards banks near the rapids to try my luck. There a very co-operative wee peacock bass obliged me for my hard work. Ady was also rewarded with a palm size peacock bass. Times up. We left the place for our usual kopi-O stall.

Sembawang Hill Food Centre.

Uncle Wong is the Champ here in this River.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Secrets of Mandai Pond Revealed

2006-05-21T21:53:00.000+08:00

Secrets of Mandai Pond Revealed

Went hiking again at Mandai Forest. Uncle Chui came along to recce the ponds too. He missed a few fishes and blanked.

I went trekking further uphill towards a smaller pond. The smaller pond was teeming with red tilapias. Also saw some action on the surface which looked like Haruan juveniles. Full of weeds too.

I brought my Jas Gordon Cave Bamboo Rod and paired it with the Classic Teastick Reel with a Scientific Angler GPX #3 weight flyline. Used some of the flies I had tied or weaved recently. The tilapias were really hungry today. I caught so many of them that I lost count. At one point, I was trying not to catch the smaller ones by stripping the line away from them. Missed a few of the really bigger red tilapias.

There was a pair of Haruans gathering their 6 inch juveniles nearby. They were hiding near the weeded area and I was not able to reach them. Maybe next time.

Red Tilapia. A hybrid of the Common Tilapia (Oreochromis Mossambicus), Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) and Blue Tilapia or Israeli Tilapia (Oreochromis Aureus).
(Ben told me this is a Red Devil, a relative of the parrot fish.)

(Click on the pictures for more.)

Secrets of Mandai

2006-05-07T21:25:00.000+08:00

Top Secret Spot for Kayak Fly Fishing

Went tracking today as the weather was cool and nice. The heavy afternoon showers had taken a break. Decided to bring my Canon IXUS 500 to take some photographs of a very beautiful Top Secret Spot.

Fish species that reside in this pond include the Red Tilapias, Two-Spotted Gouramis, wild Fighting Fish, Haruans, wild guppies and many more species I have spotted but have yet to identify.

On the way out from the secluded area, I met a fellow fly fisherman. He was carrying something very heavy in a canvas bag. Told me it was his newly acquired inflatable kayak. He invited me to take a look as he intend to fly fish on the kayak in the Top Secret Pond. Looked very exciting, and as usual I went back into the trail again and tracked back to the Top Secret Spot.

Watched him set up the kayak in less than 10 minutes.
Cool………..
Then watched him paddle off and cast his fly line and fly fish.
Again super duper cool…………………….

Decided to go get my own dose of fly fishing before I got the kayak fly fishing poison deep into my veins and arteries. Went to Mandai and caught a few Zebra Tilapias. When I was sure I wouldn’t go and order a kayak for myself, I safely made my way home for dinner.

Zebra Tilapia( Tilapia buttikoferi)

A Waterfall in Mandai
(Click on the pictures for more.)

New Wooden Bridge for Old Nee Soon

2006-05-06T20:28:00.000+08:00

New Wooden Bridge for Nee Soon Completed

Uncle Chui is eager to try out his newly tied dry flies. He described to me how the Climbing Perch(Anabas Testudineus) like the dry flies he had tied. Make it sound so exciting that I just couldn’t resist the urge to go for a try.

In my hurry to get to the fishing ground, I brought the reel which had a sinking line on it. So I couldn’t use dry flies. I caught 2 small greedy peacock basses with my size 12 Charlie.

Then just stand back and watch the ever patient Uncle Chui cast his dry flies to the spot where Climbing Perches are hiding. Twitching and very slow figure-of-eight retrieves. Just when the sun was setting and I was ready to go home, a co-operative Climbing Perch took the dry fly that Uncle Chui had presented to it. A very beautiful specimen.

Climbing Perch(Anabas Testudineus) is a native species.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Satellite Station Secrets

2006-04-23T21:51:00.000+08:00

A Really Secret Spot at the Satellite Station

Continue………………… Uncle Chui couldn’t make it because his boss refuse to grant him fishing leave. So I met up with Ah Yeow, Ah Wee and two of his friends. The place was secluded and not easily accessible if you do not know the way. Of course, the construction Thai workers were there all over the place, putting up nets. They seem to know where all the fishes are.

Ah Wee said the action was not as good as yesterday. But for me, it was indeed a worthy secret spot. Peacock basses were all over the place. Just drop a fly into the water and one will grab it. Not much casting space was available. But we managed to roll cast effectively.

I hooked myself with a fly. Ah Wee helped hold my hand for me while I pulled the hooked out myself. Very painful. Made me sit back and think if the fish also felt the same when it was hooked like that.

I didn't have the leisure and time to take any photographs. Caught a few peacock basses. Even before the fishes were landed, the Thai guy was already there.

"Kop Koon..... Kop Koon........... Ah Hiah Kop Koon.........."

And he went on to unhook the peacock basses for me. Smiling like he had won the lottery.

A happy Thai worker. He and his friends collected enough fish to last them the whole month.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

McDowell and Hardy Bougle Tame the Peacock Basses

2006-04-23T13:52:00.000+08:00

McDowell and Hardy Bougle Light Weight Tame the Peacock Basses

After a week's fishing break, I was feeling itchy again for another adventure at the New Zealand River. Fueled by more reports of the illusive sebarau getting caught at New Zealand River, I couldn’t wait any longer. When Uncle Wong sent his SMS, my answer was short and sharp.

Ady, our usual fishing buddy was also with us this morning. The action was not that hot like the last few occasions, but it was satisfying.

I’ll let the pictures do the the talking as I had just received another poisonous phone call from Uncle Chui. Ah Wee, Ah Yeow and Uncle Chui caught over 100 pieces of good size peacock basses at a secret location in ET territory. Asked me if I’m coming.

I’ll be back with more reports………………………………………

A very colourful peacock bass.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Old Nee Soon Bridge is Demolished

2006-04-14T21:07:00.000+08:00

The Old Nee Soon Wooden Bridge is Demolished

Uncle Chui called to go down to Old Nee Soon to try for the Haruan(Channa Striatus). When I reached the road entrance, it was condoned off for all vehicles. Made a detour via Springleaf Road to arrive at our usual Haruan spot. I saw that the Old NeeSoon Wooden Bridge was demolished and they are in the process of building a new bridge. Five big steel girders were laid across the stream. Should last for another half a century.

I blanked at this spot more often than not. Uncle Chui’s popper is the only fly that work here. I lost a popper to the tall lallang grass. But tried as I did, I didn’t even manage to get a hit or bite or follow. Nothing even stirred for me. The only consolation for me is that I saw a big pod of red Haruan babies. The momma refused even the live baits by some bait fishermen.

Uncle Chui walked all the way back with his catch, a Haruan(Channa Striatus) for me to take a photograph.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Midge Rod Fishing at White House & Lower Peirce

2006-04-09T21:55:00.000+08:00

White House & Lower Peirce

Had a few hours free time this afternoon. Missed fishing this morning because of the downpour. So I went down to the White Houses and have a go at the big Peacock Basses. Also went to investigate some splashing inside the cove where the worker’s boat was moured. There were big tomans there. I managed to catch a glimpse of a huge blue toman chasing the peacock basses. A pink kalui made me wasted half an hour trying to entice it with a humpy dry fly without success.

Then made my way to Lower Peirce. The place was crowded as usual, with children catching yabbies. So went to the board walk and caught a few small peacock basses. At the dam, a pod of Peacock Basses were having a party. Anthony and his friend could not catch any of them. I didn’t dare risk casting in the crowded area. But managed to catch a few smaller peacock basses with roll casts.

My Other Midge Rod.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

In Search Of The Sebbiesaurus In Venus

2006-03-31T22:00:00.000+08:00

Searching For Sebbiesaurus In Venus

Set out alone in search for the sebaraus again. This time my search began at the Venus Trail at Venus Drive off Upper Thomson Road. Luck was with me when I found some silvery fishes, each with a diffused black spot on the center of their body. On first look, they looked like lampans. But then they look like sebarau juveniles too. When I was about to attract their attention, the rain poured down on me. I donned my poncho and gave up my intentions when the rain water muddied the little stream and I lost sight of the silvery fishes.

I continued my trek towards the TreeTop Trail. The trails took me through the Singapore Island Country Club and the Kallang Service Reservoir. I reached the Ranger Station and the rain abated a little for me to continue my trek to the TreeTop Walk.

Met an army scout just after the TreeTop Walk. He had just trekked up the slope from the Upper Peirce Reservoir. Changed my mind to trek down towards the two secret spots when he told me that the trail was quite slippery and I should proceed very carefully. I was also afraid the fog seen from the TreeTop Suspension Bridge may decend onto the jungle floor when I reach the secret spots. If I got lost in these excessively marked trails, I would be the stupidest trekker not only in Singapore but also the whole world. Broken granites are laid on some trails. Wooden railings prevent people from falling into small streams and act as a guide to the trails. Wooden board walks make it easy for joggers to jog along in the "rough" jungle path. Wooden flights of staircase to climb "steeper" slopes.(In future maybe escalators). Directional signs at every intersection and every 30 to 50 metres or so. Rangers to assist if anyone ever got lost. I mean it is impossible to get lost.

But we have people doing just that.

They got lost.

Well, I didn't get what I set out to catch.
An embarassing experience with no fish to show off today.
Just some photos which I hope you guys enjoy.
But I'll be back to try again at the little streams to identify the silvery fishes.

TreeTop Walk
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Marble Goby Sashimi for Breakfast

2006-03-26T13:24:00.000+08:00

Marble Goby Sashimi Breakfast at New Zealand River Restaurant

Uncle Wong, Kuan, Addy and I set out at the usual time to the usual secret spot. But Jimmy, Harvey and Eddie were already there ready for action.

It was a bit slow in the early dawn. Then the situation changed when the sun was just above the horizon. The water was filled with non-stop action as the peacock basses chased their prey. I couldn’t make out what it was. Uncle Wong said they were after shrimps. So I tied a transparent shrimp fly on the end of the tippet and wham! A good size Peacock Bass was hooked at the end of the line. It got away before I could land it for a photo.

Jimmy, Harvey and Eddie was landing Peacock Bass after Peacock Bass. Their hands must be really tired. I had the usual hits and landed another good size Peacock Bass for a photo shoot with my new Hardy Bougle Lightweight III fly reel and my old Jas Gordon Bamboo Rod. Jimmy rated it a #3 weight after testing it. Kuan said I could try a #2 weight if I aerialise more lines.

Uncle Wong went to the small shallow stream and caught a Marble Goby. Marble Gobies are rare catches on a fly. But as we all know, Uncle Wong had caught the most rare fish of them here in New Zealand River.
And to everybody's horror !!!!!
He ate the fish as Sashimi for breakfast.
Joking only lah.

Then again Wanton Mee at Ah Hoe’s place with Uncle Wong, Ady, Kuan, Jimmy, Harvey and Eddie.
Beautiful morning and fantastic fishing with great fishermen. I am indeed lucky to have so many friends to fish with me. Thank you guys.

Marble Goby(Oxyeleotris Marmorata) caught on Uncle Wong’s lethal fly.
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Searching for the Elusive Sebaraus

2006-03-24T21:43:00.000+08:00

Caught A Sebarau Look Alike at Rifle Range Trail

Alfie came back from Lisbon yesterday. He cannot fish. So we decided to go trekking instead. I was more eager to explore the forested area at Rifle Range Road for the Sebarau Breeding Spots.

Uncle Chui, Ah Wee, Alfie and I set off after lunch to start at the end of Rifle Range Road. The trail is cool but humid. We reached the “rapids” after a short walk. Then explore the little streams and found T-Barbs and other fishes. I tied a fly on a mono and threw it into the stream and this little fellow whacked it and got hooked. Looked like a baby Sebarau. But we were all not sure about its identity.

After posting the picture on Fly Fishing Singapore Forum, I've got the answer from Huns. The name of this fish is Two-Spotted Rasbora(Rasbora Elegans). Together with the T-Barbs, they are found in abundance in the shallow forest streams in the Nature Reserves in Singapore.

No Sebarau for me again. Not even a little one.
But it was fun trekking.

This stream is home to the many barbs and rasboras. It leads to a pond which had dried up.
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Midge Rod Poison PH Chua

2006-03-19T20:23:00.000+08:00

PH Tried Out The Midge Rod

Rain was torrential in the late afternoon. But I had already prepared to go visit the New Zealand River to try my luck on some Sebaraus which I had spotted a few days ago. Meet up with PH Chua at the Casuarina Coffe Shop for a sip of coffee. Waited for the downpour to ease down before making our way to the Secret Spot.

The technician was on duty and he duly opened the valves to let the over flowing water from the Upper Peirce Reservoir run into the Lower Peirce Reservoir. I was looking forward to catch a Sebarau. PH was fascinated with the beautiful 5-Foot Midge Rod and wanted to see me fish it. He later had a go at the rod and was poisoned by it when he landed a good size Peacock Bass.

I walk away satisfied with today's catches, but was dreaming of the Sebaraus. Maybe next time.

The Midge Rod injected PH with Bamboo Poison.
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Kuan's Keane Emotion Quad at New Zealand River

2006-02-12T12:07:00.000+08:00

New Zealand River with Kuan’s Keane Emotion Quad Bamboo Rod

After so many days of rain, rain and more rain, we have a clear sky today. Uncle Wong, Kuan, Ady and I took a slow stroll towards the New Zealand River. The valve technician as usual was fast asleep today and the river did not flow. So no Sebaraus for me again………. as usual. But we have the orange tinted Star Aldebaran in the Constellation of Taurus as companion and the Planet Venus shining brightest behind us as we walk the path towards the river. Man……… what a beautiful day for fly fishing.

The sun rose slowly over the horizon and the peacock basses “woke up” and feed. The feeding frenzy was crazy and fish after fish was caught and released. I had the usual misfortune of missing the “big” one because the smaller ones were faster and got my fly first before the sluggish “big fellow” could grab it.

Uncle Wong and I took turns to try out the new Keone Emotion Hollowbuilt Quadrate 7.5’ 2/2 5wt fast action Bamboo Rod Kuan acquired recently. Matched with a champaign coloured Classic Hardy Bougle Limited Edition the set up is simply beautiful. The rod casted sweetly and the accuracy was excellent.

Coffee and Wanton Mee as usual at our favourite stalls at Leban Hawker Centre. There after, to Uncle Wong’s house to view his latest arsenal of bamboo making equipments.

A really hungry Peacock Bass.
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New Zealand River Fly Experiment

2006-01-22T12:13:00.000+08:00

Ah Hoe Coffee Stall after New Zealand River
It has been a long time since my last expedition to the New Zealand River with Uncle Wong for our Bamboo Rod Bashing. This morning, we have a Bamboo Crazy fly fisherman in Kuan CY. He brought along his Argentine hand made Hollow Macello 5 Weight Bamboo Rod with Bamboo ferrules for its opening ceremony with a fierce New Zealand River Peacock Bass. I was a bit hesitant to try such a beautiful rod and was afraid I might break it with my rough-hand rough-leg casting. But Kuan made sure I had a go at it.

I was trying out my newly designed fly. This fly was designed to look transparent or translucent like the shrimps at New Zealand River. I had the whole fly wrapped in mono with a series of flat knots covering the entire dressing. Why? At the New Zealand River, the action can be a non-stop heart stopping experience. Fishes are landed so fast that sometimes you don’t even have the time to strip or straighten the fly line when a Peacock Bass at the other end just grab the fly and “run”. Releasing the fish quickly usually means using a pair of pliers or forceps which ended up destroying the fly dressing so quickly that the fly will be “botak” after several greedy Peacock Basses.

The mono wraps passed its test with flying colours. The whole fly is still in good shape and I think it would take a long time before it could be “botaked” like the rest. I made two versions of it. One that is neutral where the Specific Density or Specific Gravity is concerned. (Of course the measurements are estimated only with a glass of water on my fly tying desk.) But the fly will not float nor sink quickly. It will go where the sinking line go and stay at that depth. The other version is a fast sinking. The retrieve for the sinking fly is such that occasional 2 second stops are allowed for the fly to “dive”. Most Peacock Basses whacked the fly on the “dive” today.

Two fly design experiments conducted successfully today.

The verdict: Awesome!

The two prototype flies are presented to Kuan.

Kuan joined us for our usual breakfast and downloading of lies at Ah Hoe’s territory. We also had the usual Wanton Mee. Big bowl for me and Kuan. Uncle Wong only can manage the smaller bowl. The coffee from Ah Hoe is as expected. Hot with the familiar smell of freshly ground coffee beans. The beans were grounded days ago, I believe. But somehow he had always managed to keep them coffee smelling fresh when served.

Uncle Wong invited us to his house and showcase his arsenal for his bamboo assault. Planing forms, high quality bamboo planes, bamboo wrapping thread winder, guide making machine ……………….. I forgot the rest.

When I left his house, I was saying a silent prayer to whoever was listening.

“I shalt not fall into temptation.”

This Zealand River Special Fly.
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Bedok Reservoir Fishing Platform

2005-12-06T18:28:00.000+08:00

Bedok Reservoir Fishing Platform
Went on a recce session and took some photographs of the beautiful blue sky. Nice change after so many days of continuous drizzle and occasional torrential rain.

Did not dare fish there at Bedok Reservoir until two kids told me that it was already opened. In fact all those fishing there said it was open. So took my Coho #3 fly rod and Tica reel and tried my luck. Only managed to catch some fingerlings. The weather is really hot today. So I guess the fishes are staying deeper than usual.

This little fellow was really hungry.
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Midge Rod Can Conquer

2005-12-01T11:09:00.000+08:00

Big Peacock Bass from the President’s Pond - Weighing 3.5 Pounds
It has been a few weeks since I fished with Uncle Wong. Our usual fishing ground was constantly flooded these few days because of the torrential rain, we decided to detour to The White House. The last few days had been exceptionally productive for other fly fishermen who had frequently fished at this place. Peacock Basses caught were in excess of 1 kilogram.

I was lucky to land a big Peacock Bass which weighed a little over 3.5 pounds on the Boga Grip. A very helpful fly fisherman, Ahmad, helped me land the fish after watching me struggle with it. Thank you brother. Most of the time, I try to land fishes caught a bit more quickly because I spend more time taking photographs of my catches. The fly was just sticking to the Peacock Bass’s lip by only a “whisker”. This Peacock Bass had so much power it took line from my reel twice and it was still jumping when the photographs were being taken.

It is a huge female Peacock Bass which had deposited its eggs recently. The reproductive organ is in full display. Had the eggs not been deposited, it would have weighed a little more.

What a beautiful day and powerful fish to start my day with!

Ahmad helped me land the huge Peacock Bass and took this photograph for me.

Caught this 3.5 pound Peacock Bass with a Midge Rod I had rebuilt.
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Beautiful Sunset at Lower Peirce

2005-11-24T20:26:00.000+08:00

Beautiful Sunset at Lower Peirce

Went to Lower Peirce Reservoir to gate crash the Peacock Bass Party. But there wasn’t any. Met An Ren at Lower Peirce and we fished together. All the peacock basses caught were fingerlings. None of the decent size peacock bass even chased the fly.

The sunset today was really beautiful. So I took a rest from fishing and sat there and just admired the sunset, and took some pictures of the beautiful sky.

The Jetty.
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Midge Rod With #3 SA Stlllwater Sinking Fly Line

2005-11-23T20:29:00.000+08:00

Action at Lower Peirce Dam
I could not land 5 good size Peacock Basses yesterday because they all spitted the fly before I could get my camera out. I was also carrying an umbrella while doing roll casts at the dam. I don’t know how they do it. Once I relax the pressure on the fly rod, they spitted the fly and got away. Even before I could get the camera out. It was drizzling continuously yesterday.

Today, I was prepared for it and didn’t let up on the tension of the fly line. But 3 still managed to get away while I was getting my camera out.

So much for de-barbed hooks. But they are an important part of Catch & Release Sport Fishing in our reservoirs. The fish injury is minimised and Sport Fishing can be sustained on a longer term. The trade off for using de-barbed hooks is more fish hitting the fly. I'll take this exchange gladly.

Before I left the place, there was a Peacock Bass Party going. The Peacock Basses were playing on the surface and there were a great number of them. To late already and the sun had already set. Maybe tomorrow the Party will continue.

Shah trying out the action of the rod. The peacock bass got away when he passed the fly rod back to me..
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Weed Clearing Water Tractors

2005-11-17T21:34:00.000+08:00

Weed Clearing at Lower Seletar Reservoir
Weed clearing water tractors were clearing the weeds at Yishun and the water was really muddy. Did a few cast with the new #3 weight Scientific Angler Stillwater sinking fly line. Nothing. Blank. Tan was there and was also discouraged by the brown muddy water. So we decided to move to Lower Peirce to try our luck.

Lower Peirce fishing ground was flooded by water from the afternoon downpour. Children and adults alike were enjoying the extra water.

Trees were uprooted and fell onto the footpath and the board walk. Hope nobody got hurt by them. The water at the board walk was at it highest. Only 6 inches separate the board walk from the water level. It was such a beautiful sight. A beautiful sunset lifted my spirit and ended the days fishing.

Lower Peirce Reservoir. Kids like floods and water.

A fallen tree blocked the entrance to the board walk.
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Midge Rod with #4 Weight Line

2005-11-15T21:27:00.000+08:00

Midge Rod Rebuilt by Billy
Took my Midge Rod's second tip for a test cast with the cheap #4 weight sinking fly line. Line casted very well and shoot out like a rocket. Didn't know cheap lines could do that.

A peacock bass fingerling with my Midge Rod and Tica Reel.
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Sage SPL Ought Weight

2005-11-11T20:43:00.000+08:00

Custom Built Sage SPL 080-3 #0 Weight
Took out the Sage SPL #0 Weight to tame the bigger peacock basses at Lower Peirce Reservoir. I couldn’t land a good size peacock bass a few days ago because the hook wasn’t set properly. Today, all the peacock basses big and small set the hooks themselves. I just have to land them, shoot them and release them. Nice weather too.

The cove at the end of the legal Fishing Ground.
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Zebra Tilapias are back at Lower Peirce Reservoir

2005-11-09T20:18:00.000+08:00

Mother Nature always has its ways
The granite rocks that lined the legal section of the Fishing Ground at Lower Peirce Reservoir had always been the home for Flower Horns (Louhans) and the peacock bass fingerlings hiding from the tomans. I was testing a dry fly on a pair of brown gouramis when a dark shadow hit the fly. The hook set itself on the Black Hole #0 weight fly rod. Surprise surprise. A zebra tilapia. It has been a long time since zebra tilapias made this section of the reservoir their home.

On closer inspection and slowly teasing the hiding places with the dry fly, I could see more of them. The whole place is infested with these little zebra tilapias. I thought they were wiped out by the tomans and peacock basses. But they’re back. Very soon, I might be able to get one which is big enough to put up a good fight. How did they get back here? Nature alway find its way around isn't it.

I went on to experiment with a Size 16 Micro Crazy Charlie. Peacock Bass fingerlings hit it from all angles. Many got hook and landed. There were so many of them I lost count. The experiment was a success and the fly work pretty good too. I even managed to hook a good size Peacock Bass. The fight was real good on the #0 weight. But it managed to unhook itself and swam away while I was taking out my camera to shoot a picture of it in the water.

A Peacock Bass fingerling on a size 16 Micro Crazy Charlie.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Clean and Green Week Carnival at Bedok Reservoir

2005-11-05T19:05:00.000+08:00

Bedok Reservoir Fishing Platform is ready for Fly Fishing.
The annual Clean and Green Week by the National Environment Agency was organized at Bedok Reservoir for today and tomorrow. I was there to show support for the fishing community who had a Lure and Fly Fishing Booth at the Carnival. The showcase was about bringing more awareness to the public about fishing our reservoir waters. Also to educate more fishermen on the concept of Catch & Release in our reservoirs so that fishing as a sport can be sustained on the longer term.

Yong Zhi like to ask about everything on fishing.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Upper Seletar Reservoir Dam

2005-11-03T20:37:00.000+08:00

Upper Seletar Reservoir, Mandai Dam

This place was once my favorite hunting ground for giant tomans during my luring days. Now I only target the zebra tilapias, some as big as 1 kilogrammes. But most of the time I was happy to get a few palm size zebras which put up very good “fights”.

Today, I caught a tiny zebra tilapia on a Copper Head Nymph. Weighted flies get to the required depth faster and excite the tilapias. They came out of their hiding place amongst the granites and take quick swipes on the fly.

The next one was caught on an Amphibious Fly. Yes, Amphibious. This fly was tied with a feather which will sink when wet. But it will stay afloat when it is dry. I don’t know what bird the feather belonged to. When I want the fly to stay afloat on the surface, I false cast the fly a few more times before letting it land on the surface. The fly will function as a wet fly if my false cast is two times, three the maximum. But of course the sink rate is rather slow. A roll cast would give the perfect presentation if I want to keep the fly wet. Anyway, it is very effective on tilapias at this part of the dam.

This part of the dam was once a favorite habitat for the giant tomans. They were depleted by the Thai workers. Now it is infested with happy tilapias.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Fishing at Mandai, Upper Seletar Reservoir

2005-10-28T21:41:00.000+08:00

Fly Fishing for Tilapias at Upper Seletar Reservoir with Yong Zhi
Could not get away this time. I was caught red-handed carrying the fishing rod and reel and trying to sneak out for a quick fix to cure my addictive urge. The patrol guy and policeman is my son Yong Zhi. He had been pestering me to bring him along all week. But his mum didn’t allow it because he had quite a handful of schoolwork to complete. Alright then, since it is Saturday tomorrow and he had finished his work.

“Papa, next time, I’m going to catch a zebra tilapia this big.”
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Midge Rod Rebuilt By Billy

2005-10-25T22:26:00.000+08:00

Bamboo Midge Rod Rebuilt by Billy Charmed the Peacocks at Lower Peirce
Caught a breeding peacock bass just before rain started to fall. Took a few quick photographs and ran for shelter. Rain showers pattered the waters while I took shelter from the lightning and waited out the rain. Managed to catch another breeder with brilliant vivid colours of orange and yellow. Beautiful. Just beautiful.

Moved to the board walk to have a nostalgic stroll with the fly trailing in the waters. It’s been a long time since I’d been here to fish. A wee little peacock bass hooked itself on the fly while I stopped to take some photographs. Just a little bit longer than the fly reel. Peacock Basses in Lower Peirce breed all year round. But this is the month when they breed in huge numbers. Looking at the swarming fingerlings all over the place, these fishes are keeping their breeding schedule. Fishing session at Lower Peirce starts today for me.

A palm size peacock bass ended my final catch of the day with a spectacular display of acrobatics and ferocious attacks on the fly. At the peninsular of Lower Peirce, I tested the rod to see how far it can throw a Scientific Angler #3 weight GPX line. Managed to get it about 35 feet without really trying hard.
Strip strip strip and the peacock bass whacked the fly. I was bringing it in when the hook came loose. But it whack the fly again instead of swimming away. I lifted the fly rod – missed it again. I did a quick roll cast and threw the fly back to it again. This time it hit it with such force that it went aerial. A fantastic beast of a fish. Only got it on the third try. Didn’t put up to much of a fight though. Must be tired out with those speedy attacks on the fly and aerial displays.

A wee little Peacock Bass.

Three misses on the fly before it got hooked.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Relaxing at Lower Peirce Reservoir

2005-10-20T18:07:00.000+08:00

Relax At Lower Peirce With A Fly Rod
Went to Lower Peirce Reservoir for some relaxation after spending the whole day yesterday and part of this morning uploading the Fishing Reports. Neck was stiff and fingers a little bit cramp. Caught a good size Peacock Bass which put up a good fight for me. I think it somehow knew my mood was way down and wanted to cheer me up. No ...... I'm talking nonsense again. Time for another relax trip at my secret spots soon.

Only had my Nokia-6670 handphone with me and not my Canon Ixus 500. So the pictures aren't as good as the ones taken with a Canon.

Fishing Reports Are Back

2005-10-20T17:55:00.000+08:00

All 33 Fishing Reports are back.

Thank you all for the patience.

Cheerio.

Billy

My Blog Was Hacked

2005-10-19T12:50:00.000+08:00

All the 33 Fishing Reports were deleted by the hacker on 18 October 2005. I don't know when or if I can get them back. So I'll just make the blogs again and upload the pictures again. But it is going to take some time.

My apologies for being so stoopid to get the Fishing Reports deleted.

They'll be back soon.

Zhu Rod

2005-10-12T16:10:00.000+08:00

Peacock Bass fight with a Zhu Rod
Last week, I acquired another bamboo fly rod from a close buddy. It is a Zhu Rod from China. It is a 6'6" #3 weight bamboo fly rod made from the original Tonkin Bamboo.

I put an extra coat of varnish on it for extra protection. Today, the extra coat of varnish on the Zhu Rod had dried and hardened properly. So it is testing time. Yes. You guess it right. Fantastic fights with the Peacock Basses, right down to the smaller palm size ones.

A closer look at the Zhu Rod named MacRitchie and the Peacock Bass.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

New Zealand River

2005-10-06T15:02:00.000+08:00

Ultralight #3 Weight Jas Gordon
Another adventure to my favourite secret spot. A river somewhere in Singapore where the water seldom runs, except when the valve is opened by the technicians.
Today is a fun filled day. Peacock bass after peacock bass hit my fly and destroyed its feathers. Finally losing the fly to a good size peacock bass. Should have changed the tippet.

Ultralight Jas Gordon Cave Bamboo Rod with a Classic Fly Reel. Got the reel from a very close friend.
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Peacock Bass Explosion

2005-09-28T09:52:00.000+08:00

A 6-Foot #4 Weight Midge Rod I Refurnish Myself.
Trying out my self-reconditioned bamboo midge rod for the second time.The first time, I blanked terribly.
Today, the action was non stop. More than 20 peacock basses fell for the trick. I was concentrating on a momma peacock bass and lost count of how many I caught. The smaller peacock basses were quicker in grabbing the fly than the big fat momma. Everytime she move in for the fly, some smaller peacock basses got to it first. I was trying to release the smaller ones as quickly as I can to try to get the momma.

My thumb was sore and there were a few bleeding teeth marks.
Really painful when I washed my hands, but it's worth it.

The first one this morning.
The early fish caught the fly.

Another beautiful specimen.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

Seven Trees

2005-09-17T09:05:00.000+08:00

Ultralight Jas Gordon - Trying out a #2 weight line today.
I got this rod cheap from eBay. Not really wanted it badly. Sort of bidded on it just to see if I can get it at a bargain price. There it is, got it for a real bargain. A fantastic rod for playing with the smaller fishes.

Introducing the Jas Gordon Ultralight Blond Bamboo. A Zebra Tilapia help to honour its opening ceremony with a surprisingly good fight. I could cast a dry fly on #0 weight with this bamboo. But casting a weighted crazy charlie is a different thing, even with a #2 weight line I was struggling. Q recommended a #3 weight line as more suitable. Totally agree with him. Thanks Q.

A nice zebra tilapia on The Jas Gordon Cave Bamboo.

A pair of zebra tilapias guarding their brood of fries.
(Click on the pictures for more.)

New Zealand River

2005-07-22T10:22:00.000+08:00

Unmarked 6-Foot Rod.
This bamboo rod was rebuilt using the mid and tip section of an un-named rod. The guy who rebuilt this rod really knew his bamboo rods. He did such a wonderful job on it and the rod is just beautiful. He rated the rod as a #4 weight. But I think I will need to put a #5 weight line on it because it is so stiff.

Uncle Wong was catching all the Peacock Basses and I was trying to entice a biggie to inhale my fly. Couldn't get it even to take another look.
Finally my consolation catch. A good size Peacock Bass which put a little bend on my bamboo broom stick.

The first light was just breaking the horizon and Uncle Wong was smiling with his catch.

More Peacock Bass greeted Uncle Wong as the sun breaks through the clouds and rose over the tree top.
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