Thrills aplenty at Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge

A total of 75 anglers in 25 fishing boats braved the waves of South China Sea to catch billfishes during the recent Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge held some 30 nautical miles off Pantai Bernas here.

The competition which emphasises on a catch and release concept took advantage of the active migration season of the billfish, passing through the Rompin area to its destination in Australia, between March to September. The number of fishes caught and released this year was 384, higher than last year’s 205.

A billfish captured by an angler at the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge 2011. – By NIK NAIZIH USIN/ The Star

Pahang Tourism Ministry office manager Idros Yahya said it was an annual event that started in 2004. He noted the high number of fishes caught this year and attributed it to the good timing and fine weather. “The fishing skills of participants appeared to have improved remarkably,’’ he said.

The site where most of the participants concentrated on was the Batu Berhala reef. It took them between 90 to 150 minute-boat ride to reach the place. The reefs in Rompin, such as the Karang Cha, Karang Batu Mati, Karang Buru, Karang Luas, Batu Berhala, Karang Rompin, Batu Saga and Tukun Tayar provides some of the best resting places for the billfish before they moved on.

No easy feat: The anglers in Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge 2011 are about to bring up the billfish captured.

Also, one of the reasons for their presence in the areas was due to the abundance of shoals of anchovies and other small fish to feed on. State Arts, Heritage and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif said the competition was catered to those who loved adventure and eco-friendly sports. 

“However, it has also benefitted the tourism sector and local fishing operators. “The boats used in the competition were rented from local operators. The anglers also stayed at hotels here and they spent their money too,’’ he added.

Later, Shafiq Fauzan presented prizes to winners. The competition offered cash prizes totalling to RM47,800.

What a whopper: Pressmen holding the billfish which they captured during the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge 2011.

The ultimate aim for the participants was the chance to earn reservation forms issued by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) to represent Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge 2011to IGFA Offshore World championship to be held in Cabo, San Lucas in Mexico next year.

In the individual category, Singaporean Patrick Ho from Accurate-Kloogmacher team was the champion with his total catches of 30 billfishes. He bagged home RM10,000 in cash and kinds. Second placing was won by Jeffry Chan Wai Kong from Yuimeya Shimano team with 21 catches, only a fish more that third prize winner Leonard Lim of Lemax-Pro team.

In the group category, team X-Zoga comprising Steven Chong, Denis Lee and Wilson Tan from Johore emerged as the champion with 42 catches. The participants were flagged-off by assemblyman Datuk Mohd Johari Hussain.

-thestar online.