Kelah The Freshwater King

Finally I got kelah. It was a kind of a blessing when I managed to catch my first Malaysia Mahseer. It is a powerful fish with long stamina that give a good fight in clear rapid river. Located in the states of Kelantan, Taman Negara Kuala Koh are one of Malaysia national forest reserves that allow angler to go fishing. Before that, we must walk in and do register to get fishing permit.

Kelah

 

Then boatman will send you to the fishing spot. Here, we need to built or setup our own tent and cook our own meal. It is a good experience for a person who love camping and adventure activity. Here, we can breath fresh clean air. Some fishing spot don’t even have telecommunication network. It is special fishing spot because have minimal human intervention and modernization.

Effective Bait

The most effective bait to catch Malaysia Mahseer or Kelah is using palm oil fruit. It must be sprayed with some water and let it fragmented for 3 days before use. Now, the bait will be oily with nice aroma that will attract mahseer.

I prefer to use a small diameter line . The main reason is  to reduce line vibration sound underwater. Malaysia mahseer are sensitive and highly alert fish, Malaysian angler said it is a very shy fish. Try to reduce movement and noise as much as you can while fishing. At night and early morning, kill any lighting, and fishing in the dark will give you big surprise. Try to throw your bait near the riverbank, this is because mahseer came out near riverbank to find food at this hour.

Medium and high  capability equipment must be set up. Please check and ensure they are not faulty. Kelah have so much power and can  surprise you. While you waiting for the fish to bite, please remember to tie up your rod otherwise you need to dive to find your rod underwater if the masheer takes it away!!

Malaysia, Asia Fishing Destination

When you talk about Asia fishing destination, Malaysia should not be left out. Apart from Rompin or Kuala Rompin in Pahang. There are many more fishing spots that offers an unforgettable experience due to its great catch. Special species only found in Malaysia or the south east part of the Asia. Here we can enjoying breathtaking and beautiful nature.

Asia Fishing Destination

 

For freshwater fishing, here are the list of top 5 fishing destination in Malaysia:

 

1. Tasik Kenyir  in Pahang / Terengganu (the water spreads into 2 states)

2. Sungai Tembeling of Taman Negara, Pahang

3. Kuala Koh in Kelantan

4. Tasik Temenggor in Perak

5. Royal Belum State Park, Perak

 

For saltwater or sea fishing the top 5 fishing spots are:

 

1. Off the shore of Pulau Perhentian, Redang and Kapas in Terengganu.

2. Kuala Rompin, Pahang

3. Pulau Jarak in Perak

4. Pulau Pemangil, Mersing, Johor

5. Tukun Perak, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah

I have been to most of the fishing spots above. I am gathering all the photos from my previous fishing trips before I can start writing about them. I hope you will stick around and come to check my posts regularly. I promise that it will all be worth it!!

Some Malay words to learn:

1. Tasik – lake
2. Pulau – island
3. Taman – park
4. Negara – country / national
5. Pancing / memancing – fishing