30th April 2011 - Happy Fishing Day

Finally, my army buddy, Max managed to steal some time to join me for this weekend trip. I was pretty worried about the trip as Jurong area was raining cats and dogs during my way to Max's place. Quickly called Anand and he updated that the weather at NE was ok. Heng arh!


Captain: Anand
Crew: Anand's wife, Lawrence, Ariel (Hope I got that right), Max and myself.
AO: Tekong, Ubin, Tanah Merah


1st Stop - Tanah Merah
We were greeted by the 'Eastern Sea Dragon's breath' and it was an wet affair. Parked beside Anand's usual boatman, James' boat and try for groupers. Maybe the rain and thunder frightened away the fishes and we had zero bites in the rain. Luckily the wind blew away the  dark clouds and cleared the sky for our 2nd stop.


2nd Stop - Still Tanah Merah
It was another grouper stop (fish finder confirmed the potential) and true enough, we got many many hits - johnsons and sunk-kuts... Very dangerous ground...


3rd Stop - Tekong
Drift-fishing time! Very shallow waters but many many actions! This was where we landed all the ACKs, including my prized catch. Very good fight, brought me from bow to the stern and finally landed it. One of my proud catches on board North Star V! 


We also explored around the area and had a funny incident where Lawrence got a strong take and we all thought it was another biggie. While fighting, the 'fish' started to travel towards the bow and he quickly passed me the rod to bring up the bugger. While reeling up the bugger, and to our disappointment with lots of laughter, it was a stone with corals!!! The amazing thing was that it acted like a big fish... 


Then during trolling, Ariel hooked up a queenie.
Shortly after that, Lawrence brought up a baby octopus. Super weird animal...it would sacrifice its limps just to escape from our pliers as we tried to clamp its legs...


4th Stop - Tanah Merah
Queenie spot. Guessed the fishes took afternoon nap with Lawrence and Max each got a catfish.


5th Stop - Ubin
Tried for KBLs and Lawrence got a nice size flathead.


Last stop - Punggol.
Met David and James (again) at the kelong. Another danger ground with zero bites and sunk-kuts.


Felt really bad for Anand and it somehow triple confirmed my hypothesis: The Captain can only drive and not 'allowed' to fish as he had a very unlucky day. This was somehow validated by all of the previous trips with the other captains. And this is the reason why I am still unmotivated to take the boat license...


Catch Report
Total: 19 (including octopus), see the pictures below.
Misses: at least 3-4
Great company and fun times.

Finally, hardworking Anand taking a break.