Fred had the opportunity to fish with Tan Ho Hong who is well known to his friends as ”King of Grouper Casting”. Ho Hong, better known as Ah Hong, has always been very successful catching the groupers on deep diving lures and is keen to show Fred how it is done.
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Fred and Ho Hong meeting each other in the morning
The pair spent some good time sharing about the types of lures and also where to cast.
Ho Hong and Fred having a discussion on which lures to use
Both of them casting
Not wanting to ”eat ice-cream” local term for zero catch day, Ho Hong cheekily invited Fred to try his ”secret weapon” which is a rig that dangles micro soft bait for small fishes.
Ho Hong showing his secret weapon
Soon it was lunch time and both of them decided to take a break instead. Nothing beats a good lunch on boat!
Both enjoying lunch!
It was back to fishing after a good lunch. Fred took Ho Hong¹s advice to use a shallower diver and cast nearer to the breakers, this advice worked and Fred got an unexpected hit. The fish fell for the Rapala Risto Rap 9cm in Chrome colour and though putting up a good fight, it was soon subdued by Fred’s Rapala Vaaksy rod.
At last, something is on the line for Fred Goh!
Fred with a grouper on Rapala Risto Rap in 9cm
Fred decided to rest and take a jibe at Ho Hong for not trying harder to catch a fish.
Fred shaking his leg after his grouper
Fishing was indeed tough for that day and Ho Hong blanked out, something that seldom happens to him. Sportingly he decided to treat Fred to ice cream after the trip, wishing that this will not ever happen again…
Both having a great time eating ice-cream together
No compromises if you’re chasing that fish of a lifetime. You’ll want a rod that’s strong enough to take on monsters yet light enough to cast all day without feeling your arms are going to drop off. It’s got to be built tough and durable so you’ll never have to worry when you’re heading for the most remote fishing locations.
The 2018 Rapalero rod is more than just a facelift from the classic Rapala rod that was introduced way back in 2009. The 2009 Rapalero came in a wide range of line ratings in spinning and casting models. It quickly became popular thanks to the iconic red-coloured blank, which was also built durable and strong. Rod building technology has advanced over the past decade and with the adoption of new materials and more efficient rod manufacturing processes, rod blanks that are lighter, stronger and more durable are now much more affordable than before.
The new Rapalero is built with VTX45 technology, a cross between the use of a new graphite material and blank construction process that offers a kind of durability never seen before in Rapala rods. The result: a super lightweight rod that not only strong, but also extremely tough and durable. In fact, the Rapalero only weighs 114grams – very light for a heavy line rated rod. The taper is also designed in such a way to exert much pressure on the fish but yet comfortable enough for the angler to handle under load.
Nigel Hagley landed this 80kg plus Queensland Grouper on the Rapalero 15-30lb rod.
The new Rapalero is available in baitcast models of 10-25lb in 7’0″ and 15-30lb in 6’6″ and in 1 and 2-pc models. Perfect if you are looking to land huge Giant or Queensland Groupers from commercial ponds or hard-fighting Papuan Black Bass in the wild. Each rod is equipped with Fuji ECS reel seats and Alconite K-Guides.
RAPALERO SPECIFICATIONS
Model
Length
Piece
Lure Weight
Line Rating
Type
RRC701H
7’0″
1 pc
7-32g
10-25lb
Baitcasting
RRC661XH
6’6″
1 pc
14-40g
15-30lb
Baitcasting
RRC662XH
6’6″
2 pc
14-40g
15-30lb
Baitcasting
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Can’t get hold of the Rapalero 2018 at your local retailer? Get yours today from E-Waves Fishbyte and Eastackle.
For folks who have been waiting for a jighead that’s strong, extremely sharp and has a high corrosion resistance in saltwater, wait no more! VMC introduces 2 new jigheads specially developed for the South East Asia market to tackle our hard-fighting fish and to suit a wide variety of soft plastics.
VMC 7150XJ Barbarian® X Jighead
The 7150XJ Barbarian® X Jighead features VMC®’s Technical Locking Curve, a unique “V” like bend that allows for fast and effortless hook penetration while locking the fish securely upon hookup. The hook’s Technical Locking Curve also offers greater resistance to opening up. The 7150XJ comes in two hook sizes – Size 2 with jighead weights of 2.5 grams and 3.5 grams for finesse fishing and Size 3/0 with jighead weights of 7 grams and 10 grams. Size 2 jighead is an excellent choice for finesse Peacock Bass fishing or Sagai ‘Aji’ing with Storm Gomoku Soft micro soft plastics.
VMC 7312WJ Mystic Predator Weedless Jighead
The 7312WJ Mystic Predator weedless jighead is perfect for fishing soft plastics such as the 3.5″ and 4.5″ Trigger X Slop Hopper or Storm’s 4″ So-Run Hypno Grub and Makan Minnow over weedy areas or heavy cover. The worm hook features an extra wide gap for better hookups and slightly elongated point to prevent fish from throwing the hook. The hi-carbon steel wire is also forged for extra strength to handle big fish. The 7312WJ comes in hook size 3/0 and available in jighead weights of 7 grams, 10 grams and 15 grams.
Both jighead models feature VMC’s premium Needle Sharp point, a super sharp point that’s the result of a unique point-grinding process and then further chemically sharpened for superb needle-sharp penetration. They are also coated with Tin finishing for greater saltwater corrosion resistance.
Can’t get the VMC jigheads at your local retailer? Get yours today from E-Waves Fishbyte and Eastackle.
For 2017 Rapala introduces a completely new range of tools for anglers. The Rapala Custom Design Series tools and accessories feature modern innovations and contemporary designs that lift angler’s tools to a totally new level. Features like the patent pending, Rapala Mag Spring have not been seen on any tool before. Clean looks and well thought-out functionality raise the bar on how angler’s tools are made.
The flagship of the new Rapala Custom Design Series is the RCD Mag Spring Pliers (RCDMP6).
The pliers are built with two internal opposing magnets to hold the pliers open, and there are no springs that could rust, break or lose their elasticity over time. The patent pending Mag Spring offers smooth, one hand operation and will not fail even in the harshest of conditions and extended use.
The durable steel jaws with gun metal finish have serrated tips for secure grip. The pliers have custom-designed, ergonomic, co-moulded Soft Grip handles for comfortable hold.
The RCD Mini Clipper (RCDMC) features sharp, ground jaws that cut monofilament and most braided lines with ease. Built from durable stainless steel, the RCD Mini Clipper features an ergonomic, curved design for easy use. Built-in bottle opener at the tail end of the tool adds a recreational function.
The RCD Magnetic Release (RDCDMR) is a powerful magnetic release tool with a carabiner clip. Ideal for hanging nets and other tools and accessories to fishing jackets, bags or vests. Break-away magnets allow easy one-hand operation, releasing the hung tool with one pull. The magnets also make the re-attaching quick and easy.
The Rapala Fisherman’s Ruler (RFR120) stretches 120cm long and is the perfect tool to measure your catch on the go. Folds neatly and weighted at both ends to keep the ruler straight. Easy to clean and store when not in use.
The whole Rapala Custom Design Series follows suit with comfortable, user-friendly yet edgy design and well thought-out functionality.
The Storm SX-Soft VIB is now available in a smaller 58mm (14g) size! It still retains all the great features of the 70mm and 90mm versions – long casting, low-memory internal wire and the unbelievable fish-catching action that fish just love. Storm Southeast Asia Pro Staff Nigel Hagley explains some tips on how to use the new 58mm SX-Soft VIB at D’Best Pasir Ris Pond.
In keeping with the evolution of slow-style jigging in South East Asia, Storm has launched the new Gomoku Slo4 Evolution slow jigging rods that are built especially for South East Asian slow jigging styles.
The new Storm Gomoku Slo4 Evolution slow jigging rods are made with Mitsubishi Rayon prepreg, the Slo4 Evolution’s graphite blank features a super responsive tip that is very sensitive yet providing optimal recoil when working slow-style jigs and yet offering a very strong butt section for serious fish lifting power when needed.
The Slo4 Evolution has a standard length of 6’3” and is available in 3 PE ratings for different purposes:
Slo4 Evolution PE 1 – Model SFV631-1
This rod is designed for light slow jigging game with jigs from 40 to 100 grams in depths of 20 to 60m. Ideal for Ebek, Jemuduk, Golden Trevally, Small Grouper and Snappers. Comes equipped with Fuji SiC K-guides and Fuji TCS reel seat that is suitable for smaller baitcast reels.
Slo4 Evolution PE 2 – Model SFV631-2
This rod is an all-round, slow jigging game spec rod that is ideal for working jigs from 80 to 200 grams in depths of up to approximately 80m of water. Ideal for Groupers, Snappers and other demersal and pelagic species. Comes equipped with Fuji SiC K-guides and Fuji T-DPS reel seat that is suitable for larger baitcast reels.
Slo4 Evolution PE 3 – Model SFV631-3
This rod is designed for working jigs up to 300 grams and yet has the ability to handle large fish from deep water. Ideal for big Groupers, Snappers, GT, Amberjack and other large demersal and pelagic species. Comes equipped with Fuji SiC K-guides and Fuji T-DPS reel seat that is suitable for larger baitcast reels.
STORM GOMOKU SLO4 EVOLUTION SPECIFICATIONS
Model
Power Rating
Length
Jig Weight
Piece
SFV631-1
PE 1
6’3″
Max 100g
1 pc
SFV631-2
PE 2
6’3″
Max 200g
1 pc
SFV631-3
PE 3
6’3″
Max 300g
1 pc
Fred Goh putting the Slo4 Evolution PE3 to work.
10kg Grouper landed with ease on the Slo4 Evolution PE3
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Can’t get the Rapala Trail Blazer at your local retailer? Get yours today from Eastackle.
