PCG Encounter

I had an encounter with the Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) today whilst kayak fishing at Sembawang Park.

 I was 'pulled over' by PCG at the end of my fishing session today for 'landing my kayak on a protected area'. What was I doing? I was standing knee-deep in water taking a piss! Yes, even if you need to pee, you CANNOT land/walk/wade in a protected area. While I was being 'interrogated' by the PCG, the junior officer started saying:
1) since the land is protected area, the waters off the land are also protected areas. (Not true)
2) He also said I should get a bigger boat so that I won't get into trouble(??).
3) fishing near a kelong is not allowed. (Not true but be considerate to the kelong owners)

After a few more exchanges, I said to him that I am aware of all the prohibited areas as stated in the MPA circular and this area(water) is not part of it. Moreover, after I was done peeing, I went back into my kayak. It was not as though I was fishing from the shore on the protected area. Seeing that he couldn't 'scare' me, they went into their boat and after 10mins, the senior officer came out to explain to me nicely. He advised me not to land on the protected area anymore as its against the law. I then purposely questioned him as to whether I can continue to fish in the waters off the protected area. He sheepishly said yes, as long as no landing on the protected area.

All kayak anglers should familiarize themselves with all the danger/restricted/prohibited areas that they plan to fish in. Its when you know what's right and wrong, then you won't be 'bullied' into something which may not be true.

Revenge

Decided to launch at Sembawang Park again after being busted off the previous week. Was drifting around the shallows when spotted some nervous baitfish splashing around. Casted a live prawn near the splashes and did a few twitches. Next thing I know, I was connected solidly to a hard tugging fish. The fish started to take line, looking for snags to bust me off but I managed to steer it into less snaggy areas. After a few circles around my kayak and a few headshakes for good measure, I managed to land the beauty. Was a superb fighter and was truly stoked at catching my biggest Barramundi to date!

Gear used:
Rod - Shimano TCurve Tropical PE 1-2
Reel - Shimano Saros 1000F
Line - generic 20lb braid
Bait - live prawn
Rig - Carolina style

Fish ID - Barramundi (Lates calcarifer)

The one that got away

It's been quite a while since I last launched at Sembawang Park. So today I tried something a bit different. I went to Sincere Tackle to load up with $10 worth of live prawn and launched at Sembawang Park after lunch in order to catch the outgoing tide.

Paddled to the stumps and started drift fishing around it. I casted to all sides of the structure and was rewarded with a palm-sized Ang Chor (John's Snapper). Released it quickly and continued to fish. As it was rather quiet for a while, I paddled off towards the river mouth, hoping to see if any predatory fishes were waiting at the river mouth to ambush the baitfish. Hung around there for an hour or so but no action.

Paddled back to the stumps and tried casting out a live prawn again. This time, as the prawn was sinking, I could already feel the erratic movements of the prawn. Next thing I know, my rod jerked forward and I could hear my reel drag screaming away. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! I hung on to the rod but now the fish went around the stumps and I tried to angle the rod and line away from the barnacle-covered stump. Next thing I know, SNAP!!! I got busted off when the braided line rubbed the stump too hard. Aaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

Can't believe I lost what could have been a very big fish! Paddled home slowly, feeling dejected.........