Firstly, before we start talking fishing, I just want to assure everyone tuning into the baliwaves that the surf has been extremely ordinary. Flat to head high has been the call over the last week, with those bigger head high 3 footers found at the wave magnet locations with no shortage of learners going every which way but loose. I’m sure you are not too interested in seeing photos of below average Bali waves so I’ve been on a fishing binge the last week. Putting fresh food on our table and some of our neighbors and friends’ tables as well. I was even over the moon to have my son Ray in the boat with me on 3 days and witness his first fish fight with some respectable fish.
Hello to all my fellow surfer slash fishermen and I do know there are quite a lot of us out there that look for the buzz from line screaming off a reel. Well, it’s that time of the year again here in Bali and we are all getting our boats ready for another year of Bali sport fishing. This season is just kicking in now and so far, shaping up to be at least average if not better. The schools are arriving right on cue and will hopefully keep coming through until the wind shifts to strong on shore around late December / early January. It’s even more important to me and my family now after almost 2 years of no regular income.
Last week here in Bali I have been out prying my trade for the last 5 days straight. From early in the morning to late in the afternoon
sitting on a bloody uncomfortable fiberglass seat in a mostly open boat. Nothing glamorous about Bali style fishing, more extreme hard core would better cover it. But for your average poor fisherman that’s all we have ever been used to. Along with battling cold, hot and mostly wet times out on the ocean surrounding the little island of Bali.
last week we did have some at times eventful fishing and on some days a long time between “bent rods”. I managed to boat 18 fish over the 5 days and a few different species including, GT, Spanish Mackerel and some fat Bonito Tuna. I was trolling 2 rods armed with Rapala lures around 30mtrs behind the boat with 30lb line on my twin Diawa trolling reels and super light trolling / jigging rods. I’ve opted to replace my old heavier roller type trolling rods for these light but strong Jigging rods. Gotta love a bent rod right. Plus, the lures and live baits tend to “swim” a whole lot better with the flex in the rods.
Ray and I caught most of last week’s catch not far off the coast of Bingin Beach to Balangan beach. Between 500 to 1000mtrs out from the surfers. I also nailed a couple out off the Seminyak area but a little further out. Some of my other fishing bros from my area also had some good luck and boated some decent Spaniards and GT up to 9kg’s.
My fridge freezer is still pretty full at the moment and we have been feasting on fresh fish, warm rice and hot Balinese “sambal” all week. The real buzz for me this week was watching my son hook up to a couple of nice fish and watch him bring them alongside the boat for the hook. But I really don’t know who was happier, Ray or his dad.
Hopefully Bali is looking like getting to re-open its international airport again soon. Around 60% of Bali’s eligible population are already fully vaccinated and will be expecting all visiting surfers and fishermen to also be vaccinated to enjoy the true Balinese hospitality. So when the time comes, whether it’s for fishing or surfing please feel free to contact us here at baliwaves for the complete surfing / fishing holiday experience.
Happy Hook Ups
Slim
Kurt Rogers says
Hey Mate,
Nice to hear you are doing ok in this time of the year. Fishing is one of my past passions that, due to working harder physically than I ever have in all my 60 years, is rarely visited and when I do, seem to have forgotten more than I knew and rhythm completely out of grasp.
We look to be opening up parts of Australia by Jan and here in WA maybe by March if another potent variant doesn’t come along between.
Once that time comes, look forward to catching up for a beer. Heard anything from Louis?
cheers Slim
Kurt