Don’t you think so? Rivers are actually the blood vessels of the earth, delivering nutrients everywhere and allowing life to flow. Watching the continuous flow of river water often makes me feel incredible, wondering where all that water comes from. It has been flowing uninterrupted for tens of millions of years, day and night, from the mountains to the sea.
The mysterious and infinite operation of nature is awe-inspiring.
This is Malaysia, a place without four seasons, with only hot days and rainy days. The Malay Peninsula is surrounded by the sea on three sides, with mountain ranges extending north and south, and many rivers emerging from the mountains. Hence, both sea fishing and freshwater fishing are equally popular here.
For foreign anglers, toman and sailfish are the two most sought-after target fish, and I am a fishing guide. Fishing and finding fishing spots are a big part of my life.
When it comes to Toman, most people know this fish for its fierce temperament, large size, unique colours, and patterns, often causing water surface explosion when attacking the lures. It’s the ultimate target for lure fishing.
“Sight fishing” is the primary method for Toman, which involves looking for “fish flowers” (Toman fry) and casting towards Toman when they surface for air. Another method is “structure fishing,” which targets aquatic plants and fallen trees floating on the water’s surface. This technique primarily uses surface lures, employing noise, action, and reflection effects to attract Toman to strike.
Toman prefer still waters, with fishing spots mainly being dams and lakes. Therefore, not many know that Toman can also be found upstream in rivers. This gap between perception and reality makes fishing for Toman in mountain rivers non-mainstream but very interesting.
I don’t dare compare the difficulty of fishing for Toman in the mountain rivers to catching “O Namazu” in Lake Biwa or hunting for golden-eye bass in the Seto Inland Sea. However, fishing for Toman in the mountain rivers is indeed more challenging than the usual methods. From identifying fishing spots to casting techniques, it’s quite different from fishing in large bodies of water. Weather and environment, being unpredictable, greatly influence fishing conditions. So, fishing for Toman in rivers and mountains requires not just skill, but also a bit of luck.
The idea of fishing for Toman in the rivers and mountains has been brewing in my mind for a long time. So, when a friend who is very familiar with mountain river fishing invited me, I immediately agreed. This year, I visited the mountain rivers multiple times. On one occasion, I took a familiar Japanese guest, Shotaro-san, to experience lure fishing in the mountain rivers.
The river we fished is a branch of the Kuala Tahan River system, it is also the place where the largest national park on the Malay Peninsula located (Pic. 1). This forest, which has existed for 130 million years, is one of the oldest on Earth. Numerous tributaries merge into a great river, eventually flowing into the South China Sea. Many foreign tourists, mainly from Europe, come here for eco-tourism.
It takes a five-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur airport to reach Kuala Tahan jetty. From there, it’s another three to four hours by boat to the camp upstream. A 4 days 3 nights trip is typically recommended. Throughout the journey, experienced boatmen handle all aspects such as navigating the boat, setting up tents, preparing meals, and ensuring the safety of the guests. The anglers’ only concerns are to Fish, Eat, and Sleep.
Besides the indigenous people, the forest is also home to many animals. Elephants, deer, wild boars, tigers, and leopards are some of the more well-known species. Although some of these are fierce beasts, there’s no need to worry too much. Due to past illegal hunting, animals are more afraid of humans than humans are of them, so encountering wild animals isn’t that easy.
The rivers and mountains also have their unique fish species. For local anglers, the “Kelah” (Red Mahseer) is considered the “noble” fish of the rivers and mountains, and many anglers go to great lengths to catch it. The top target fish for lure fishing are the “Sebarau” (known in English as Hampala or Jungle Perch) and various snakehead species (Toman, Toman Bunga or Emperor Snakehead, and Bujuk or Forest Snakehead).
Interestingly, when I talk to many Japanese anglers about Sebarau, I find they have many misconceptions about this fish. They often think it’s just a member of the carp family, chubby and mild-looking, lacking the fierce appearance of Toman and not seeming very strong. Because of this, foreign lure anglers don’t take it seriously.
I realized that fishing too can have cultural gaps. What might be a delicious cake to me could be tasteless water to you. Among the freshwater lure target fish in Malaysia, I personally consider Sebarau one of the top three fish. It’s cladded in silver armour, has a mouth as big as a basin, swims incredibly fast, attacks lures at all water levels, and has such powerful strength that if your hook isn’t strong enough, it can easily pull it open. Therefore, I often introduce Sebarau to foreign anglers, hoping they can also experience the charm of this fish.
River and mountain fishing can be divided into two types: bank fishing and boat fishing.
There are mountain trails along the river, and anglers can follow these trails upstream or downstream and cast from the bank. Due to geographical structures and natural barriers, it is difficult to fully fished all parts of the river.
The other method is “drift casting.” Drifting downstream from the upper reaches of the river while fishing from a boat is like ancient warriors shooting arrows on horseback, advancing and shooting at the oncoming targets at the same time. The boat propelled by the current cannot brake, so the angler needs to quickly identify target fishing spots, cast as accurately as possible, and perform the lure immediately.
In drift casting, anglers not only need to cast from multiple angles but also need to be accurate. A suitable high-quality fishing rod is especially important, as good casting is the key to success.
During the casting process, the lyrics “You only got one shot…” often come to mind. In this fishing method, the drifting fishing spots are like a Sushi conveyor belt, constantly updating. If you’re not attentive, you might miss an opportunity. However, regret is never an option; casting the best shot for the upcoming fishing spot is the only thing you must do.
The biggest surprise in the national park this year happened during that fishing trip with Shotaro.
Shotaro had fished for Toman many times but had never seen the Toman in the mountain rivers, nor had he tried catching the famous Sebarau. This trip had a long list of targets for him, including the vibrant and rare Toman Bunga, the familiar yet unfamiliar mountain river Toman, and the often-heard but never-caught Sebarau.
Except for the first day of arrival, we did drift fishing every day, while the rest of the time was spent fishing from the bank
On the second night, there was a heavy downpour. The river swelled, and the mud made the water turbid, making the planned drift fishing impossible. Shotaro looked a bit disappointed. With boat fishing off the table temporarily, we had no choice but to walk downstream along the mountain trail and cast from the bank.
In the afternoon, as the water level gradually dropped, the colour of the water started to clear. There’s a specific water colour local anglers call “monkey hair,” where the river water isn’t too clear nor too turbid, resembling the colour of a monkey’s fur. This is the best condition for fishing Sebarau, and at this time, the water showed this ideal colour.
We set off downstream in the boat, with Shotaro at the bow and me at the stern. Since there wasn’t much for me to assist with, I began casting as well. The current was slightly faster and more turbid than usual, making the 7g popper ineffective due to insufficient presentation time. I decided to switch to a 95mm minnow, which could search depths of one to two feet below the surface. Finally, small Sebarau started taking my lure, and I caught two small ones consecutively. Seeing the effectiveness, Shotaro also switched to a minnow.
After several hours of fishing, we arrived at a deep spot before a shallow area, where a tree stump was mostly submerged, causing the surrounding water to churn. Just as Shotaro’s minnow passed by, a strong force took it away. The initial sprint couldn’t be stopped, and more dangerously, Shotaro felt the big fish entering the obstacles, with the friction of the fishing line transmitting to his palm. Fortunately, luck was on our side this time, and thanks to Shotaro’s patience, the big fish finally came out from under the tree. When the white shadow surfaced, everyone saw a huge Sebarau.
Shotaro had never caught a Sebarau before, so he had no concept of what a “big” Sebarau was. On the other hand, the boatman and I were particularly excited. After weighing, this fish turned out to be 3.9 kg, which is considered quite large here.
After releasing the big fish, we continued to take advantage of the rare good water colour. Possibly aiming to catch snakeheads, Shotaro switched his lure to a buzzbait. However, the Sebarau still targeted the buzzbait. This time, it was a fish over 1 kg. Although much smaller than the previous one, it was still powerful enough to surprise Shotaro with how strong the fight was for its size.
Both fish were released immediately after taking photos, in the process, we constantly submerge the fish for it to stay wet. Shotaro used barbless single hooks to minimize harm to the fish.
On that trip with Shotaro, we worked hard to hunt for snakeheads, but things didn’t go as planned. It wasn’t that they weren’t biting, but every time they did, they either got off the hook or missed it altogether. The Toman and Toman Bunga we saw were not small, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get them on the boat for photos. It seems we’ll have to wait until next time to embrace the snakeheads (Pic. 19).
However, during my fishing trip in August, I successfully caught my first mountain river’s Toman. This approximately 4kg Toman was hiding under the driftwood at the edge of a river bend. I used a 110mm pencil bait with a single hook, which allowed me to cast close to the obstacles without worrying too much about snagging.
When the fish first bit, based on my experience, I thought Toman wouldn’t be hiding so close to the shore in shallow water. I figured it might be a Toman Bunga. The 40lb rod easily controlled the fish’s movements, and as it surfaced about 15 feet from the boat, a familiar figure appeared—dark black fins, a body tinged with blue and purple, and those distinctive tiger stripes. This was indeed a Toman!
Thus, my first major objective in the national park was accomplished.
The fishing trips in the national park aren’t just about fishing; camping is also a precious experience.
The boatmen’s tents, though seemingly simple, are the authentic style here. They provide ample shelter from the wind and rain, allowing for a sound night’s sleep. The food was another pleasant surprise. The boatmen were skilled in the kitchen, every day, we have delicious meals, with the fish we catch and wild ferns from the mountains as table delicacies.
At night, there will be campfires to ward off mosquitoes and signal to animals that people are present, keeping them at a distance. The fresh air in the mountains is a given, and on cloudless nights, the stars are our blanket. Waking up in the morning, the sound of flowing water gently heard from afar and the morning light filtering through the trees signal a new day.
The closed fishing season in the national park starts in mid-November and lasts until mid-January of the following year, coinciding with the northeast monsoon season, when the Malay Peninsula faces the most rainfall of the year.
Plans for a return trip to the national park next year are already swirling in my mind, and several fishing buddies have asked me to arrange trips. There are still many fishing methods I want to try and many fish mysteries to unlock in the national park. However, even without these, the lush green forests and crystal-clear rivers are reason enough to return.
Until next time!
A good rod is essential for enjoying casting; if your casts are smooth, the bites will naturally follow. In the national park, my two favourite Huerco rods are:
This rod is my best choice for using small lures and making short, precise casts.
Along the riverbanks, there are beautiful fishing spots, and accurate casting to these spots is the secret to increasing bite rates. During this process, the lure also has to avoid overhanging leaves and submerged branches. If cast accurately enough, sometimes the lure will get bites immediately upon hitting the water.
The FF600 is a fiberglass rod, with its main characteristic being extreme flexibility. Once you understand and adapt to its action, you can cast from various angles with minimal movement—just a flick of the wrist is enough to launch the lure.
Due to its slow rebound speed, you have more time to aim, perform a more precise parabolic trail and effectively avoiding obstacles, ensuring the lure lands in the ideal spot.
Although the rod is rated for 16lb max line, I use a 30lb PE line as the main line paired with a 25lb nylon leader. This setup is to prevent the main line from easily breaking among branches and rocks, increasing the chances of landing fish.
The primary lures I pair with it are: 45mm/5g crankbait, 60mm/8g popper, and 95mm/10g minnow.
ベイトモデル / 5pcs
幅広い用途のグラスベイトキャスティング 6フィート（約183センチ）というオールマイティなサイズのグラスロッドです。カーボン素材に比べて「しなやかでやわらかい」という特徴を活かして、アタリは弾きにくく食い込ませ、掛けたあとは粘り強くまがってバラシが少なくなります。20g前後のトップウォータープラグ（ペンシル、ノイジーなど）を使用するバス、ナマズゲームには大変相性もよく、海外遠征の釣り堀などにも適しています。仕舞寸法（約44センチ）なのでほとんどの航空規定を心配することなく持参できます。
I personally prefer rods with a moderate action, and the Huerco “R” series perfectly aligns with my needs.
When using larger lures and targeting big snakehead fish, the XT510R-4C is my top choice.
The biggest surprise with this rod is that although it’s a 40lb rod, its short length and moderate action, with the bend point further from the tip, make casting much easier than similar rods. Surprisingly, I found that it can even be cast single-handedly.
The first time I truly tested the XT510R-4C was on my small canoe. Its length of under six feet is perfect for the confined space of my small boat. The casting motion doesn’t require much effort, almost as if it were designed specifically for small crafts and tight spaces. I even gave it a nickname: “SCS” (Small Craft Special).
I caught my first river Toman in the national park using the XT510R-4C, which is probably my “Catch of the Year” for 2024.
The primary lures I pair with it are: 80mm/14g popper, 110mm/18g pencil bait, 24g buzzbait, 85mm/35g crankbait, and 18g rubber frog.
ベイトモデル / 4pcs
XT510-4Cはピンスポットへのキャストを繰り返すアグレッシブなゲームフィッシングのために、ショアからは勿論、ボートやカヤックからのキャスティングゲームでも扱いやすいショートベイトとして生まれました。今回のXTシリーズのリニューアルで軽快な操作性はそのままに、ロッドパワーおよび強度が大幅にアップしたことで、さらにルアー、魚種の幅が広がりました。南米アマゾンの釣りに代表されるような、ペンシルベイトやジャークベイトなど連続したハイテンポなアクションは設計コンセプトの中心となります。またトップウォーター以外でも、スピナーベイトやクランクなどの巻き物系にもよく、キャスト～アクション時の取り回しとファイト時の保持を両立させた ”長すぎず短すぎない” グリップレングス（さらに10ｍｍの短縮化）。ショートロッドを必要とするあらゆる釣りに幅広く対応するのがこの新生XT510R-4Cです。（＊エクストラグリップも発売予定。時期未定）［XT510-4Cとのスペックの違い］●全長…同じ（1778mm） ●仕舞寸…同じ（510mm） ●グリップ長…10mm短い（418ｍｍ） ●リアグリップ長…10mm短い ...続きを読む
私はずっと釣りに関するあらゆる仕事をしてきました。釣り雑誌の記者、釣具店の経営、釣り用品の売買、リールの修理、釣りガイドなどです。自分では釣りが上手だと思っていますが、実際にはしばしば釣りに行っても何も釣れません。人生は白黒ではなく、白と黒の間には無数の灰色があります。 釣りも同じようなものです。魚が釣れる時と釣れない時の間には、たくさんの楽しみがあります。この多くの楽しみの中で、あなたも私も興奮と安らぎを得られますように。
I’ve been involved in everything fishing-related: from being a fishing magazine journalist to running a tackle shop, trading fishing gear, repairing fishing reels, and even guiding fishing trips. I consider myself knowledgeable about fishing, but I often return empty-handed.Life isn’t simply black and white; there are countless shades of grey between the two.Fishing is the same way. There’s still a lot of fun and pleasures in between with or without a fish. I hope you and I can both find excitement and tranquillity while fishing.