1989 The Luring Era

My favourite lures were the Abu Toby for Ikan Haruan (a type of Snakehead almost like the Toman), the Nilsmaster Invincible Deep Diver, the Rapala Shad Rap and the Rapala Original.

From left to right: An adult Ikan Haruan caught on and Abu Toby; (inset) I managed to snap this pic as I was slowly bringing the fish in; another Haruan with my trusty Daiwa reel and 4 lb line; a Ladyfish makes a final jump near my feet before giving up; a typical Ladyfish (or Giant Herring as some call it)... all fish here were released. 

By the way, do you know where these fish were caught? Marina South. I think they plan on developing this area into Gardens by the Bay.

The Ikan Haruan, a close cousin of the Toman...

... is an avid Toby eater. But small Rapalas have worked well on them too. Come to think of it, I haven't caught an Haruan (pronounced ARE-RWAN) in a long time. Aggressive fighters, but lacking in stamina, the Haruan, unlike the Toman, does not normally grow larger than 2 kg... so I took them for granted. Now, where can they be found???? 

Wanna see what Pasir Ris Pond looked like before it was turned into a commercial pond? Look at the picture where I'm releasing a Ladyfish in the bottom row... yes, those are houses in the background... are you surprised?

From left to right: Another Herring aka Ladyfish on an Abu Toby; Keeping the struggling Haruan from reaching the weeds was a challenge; Hey, the lens cover is blocking my Ladyfish!; Releasing a Ladyfish to fight another day (little did I know the tranquil pond I was fishing in was going to be turned into Pasir Ris Fishing Pond!!!!!) 

One basic key to successful lure fishing is silence...

... in fact, silence is important for success in most forms of fishing. So if you ever wonder why you don't catch many fish, check your volume.

 

The few exceptions to the silence rule are rather interesting. One form of fishing I know, Giant Catfish fishing, requires the angler to constantly beat the water with a stick. The other exception, which is even more weird but widely practiced among local fishermen, is Snapper Fishing, where the fisherman is supposed to make 'FART' sounds with his line. (I have to admit, I use this 'FART' Snapper Fishing method now and then too, in more ways than one.) Here is how the sound is made with monofilament line. With your handline in the water, wet your hands, pinch the line tightly between the fingers and slide it down the line. The friction would produce a sound and vibration which presumably travels all the way down the line to attract Snapper. Razali and my dad used to do this all the time - I'm sure there's some reason behind it.