I have always been a staunch supporter of using the rod and reel fishing. Be it fresh or salt water.

Some traditional fishermen will tell you that that is not necessarily true. Well, there are some truth in it. It all depends on your local knowledge of the areas that you are fishing. With that knowledge, you will know what type of fish you can expect to catch, behavior, habit, bait types, hook sizes and line to use.

It differs greatly if you are fishing from the shore, breakwaters, canals, on a boat or a platform on the sea, such as a fish stake. My usual practice is to fish from a plat form such as fish stake or on a boat. The water is about 40 feet deep during low tide. Some example of fishes caught are grouper, sea bass, snapper, barracuda, toad fish, cat fish, Queen fish and other estuary fish.

I would recommend at least 30lb line on a spool with a size 10 hook. Length of line should not exceed the water depth. Where I fish is about 40 feet at low tide. Any more longer will cost you time and probably your fish when you re reeling in by hand.

For bait, the most preferred are live prawn, live sardine or live squid. When live baits are not available, chilled baits bought from neighborhood tackle shop is a good alternative.

To bait a squid, hook through the body and out through the head. Somewhere between the eyes. Exposing a little of the hook point. If a bait fish is chosen, hook across the spine through the lateral line, between the dorsal fin and anal fin. Alternatively, hook just after the eyes and through to the other side, exposing the point of hook. The injured



fish will trigger the predator to strike fast.

If a prawn is used, hook the last 2 section before the tail fan. All the recommended hooking method represent the most the baits’ natural form underwater. This is the most natural position know to predator fish.

The lead line should be about 1 to 2 feet in length, another 2 feet away from the bottom lead weight. Throw the baited line into the sea, reel in about 2 feet so the lead weight is about 2 feet above the sea floor. The lead line will be flowing along with tide.

When the fish struck on the bait, pull in the line immediately. It is not recommended to play with the fish. We do not know what kind of trash and debris lies under water. No sense risking the potential loss of fish and line.

Take extra care not to let the line tangle in a mess when you are reeling in. That is why I recommend about 40 feet length. Anything beyond that, I reckon hand line is not recommended. So, please clear the area around you before you start fishing.

Happy Fishing!