Are you ready for some rocky under-the-sun adventure? Then pack your greatest, most reliable gear as soon as possible and head out while the sun is still shining. There’s nothing more of a bummer than to having to fish when the weather is a killer. For the best deep sea fishing experience in Malaysia, sail all the way to the East-Malaysian shore. It is highly recommended for you to head to the waters in Sabah as the state is a must-visit destination on every enthusiastic angler’s list. Don’t worry too much if you’re on a tight budget as the cost of flying to Sabah, hotel accommodations and fishing charter is still considered to be one of the most affordable holidays you can find compared to any other places for deep sea fishing.
For an unforgettable fishing trip, you might as well choose a complete, all-inclusive package. There are plenty of packages available with some of them offering 3 days and 2 nights stay. There is a lot you can do if you have time on hand. 3 days on a fishing trip gives you enough time to get to your destination, find several good fishing spots and make your catch while enjoying the scenery.
Mantanani Island, off the coast of Kota Belud, is one of the best spots to cast your bait. It takes 6 hours to get there from Kota Kinabalu by a charter boat, though you can also drive to Kota Belud, park your rental and catch a much shorter boat ride to the island. The seemingly long travelling time is well-worth it as when you get there, many large fish await you. If you are willing to spend another hour or two more, head to deeper waters where you can expect to reel in Black Groupers, Amberjacks and Rubies. These species are commonly found in deep waters of more than 150m. Don’t expect the fish to give in easily though, so hold your gear tight and pull them in.
Layang-Layang Island is another good spot for fishing. Its name meaning ‘Swallow Reef’, it is only for hardcore enthusiasts who are willing to travel quite a bit. First you take a flight to Kota Kinabalu followed by a small charter plane to the remote island in the South China Sea. If the length of the journey puts you off, knowing that the island has been the venue for a yearly International Game Fishing Tournament might change your mind.
Deep sea fishing trips that take you out to seas and islands for a few days can cost about RM2,500, so you might want to consider a shorter fishing trip if you’d like to cut down on cost. However, spending less does not mean less fun. Mengalum Island, a three-hour boat ride away from Kota Kinabalu, is a favorite spot among anglers who do not want to venture that far out into the open sea. Here, waters are 100m deep and depending on your luck, you could be reeling in Red Snappers, Groupers, Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna, Mackerel, Trevally and Barracuda for your dinner.
No matter what kind of a fishing deal you may pick, do take note that although the fishing grounds are rich and teeming with marine life, the weather tends to be quite unpredictable at times. Be sure to check with the local meteorological centre about your deep fishing day. There should be enough information about the local weather forecasting.
It isn’t only Sabah that boasts of good fishing spots, although the best ones are there indeed. You could also do some exciting deep sea fishing in Peninsular Malaysia, provided that you have identified the targeted species, and taken into consideration the timing and seasons. Needless to say, proper planning is essential when it comes to serious angling in Malaysia. The west coast of Peninsula Malaysia is primarily where bottom fishing is. In contrast, the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, the distant Aur Island, Pemanggil Island and Tioman Island are homes to big game fish, with the Black Marlin being the most famous.
The seas of Malaysia offer a wide diversity of depth and terrain where you’d find a great variety of freshwater species offering a vast scope of angling opportunities.
