Changi beach Catch report

One of the well known hot spots in Singapore for fishing would be Changi beach. Catches there are always plentiful and sometimes,there are unexpected surprises. It is essential to practice good catch and release to ensure that the population of fish are healthy and will be there for future anglers in the long run.

good day at changi when the tide in high and the clouds are clear.These factors are important in fishing because the rain alters the temperature which affects fish activity.Also the tide contributes a significant role in bringing the fish in with the tide.

bait: Sarong worms (always the best)

        Prawns

hook size: size 4 or 5 would be good(relatively small mouthed fishes there)

rig: apollo rig (3-4 hooks)

many people tend not to identify their fishes and its a bad habit. 

I find http://www.handlinefishing.com/ relatively useful in the case of identifying each species.

First fishes of the day were Sickle fish:

Common Name(s): Spotted Sicklefish
Scientific Name: Drepane Punctata
Local Name(s): [Hk]Cao Xi, [My]Tudung Periuk 
Precaution: Harmless
Edible: Yes 

We came across a school when casting our rods and landed 2 in the process.these fish are bottom feeders and will go for sarong worms as well as prawns.

Small Cute fellas were definitely released because they have the potential to grow up to 500g-1kg in weight and these were probably 200g-300g each only.

We were fortunate enough to land a bigger sickle fish! on a separate day which was of decent size and was about 1kg in weight!

Not bad eh?no trick shots here just a side by side pose with this fish

Second catch of the day were grunts:

Common Name(s): Javelin Grunter
Scientific Name: Pomadasys kaakan
Local Name(s): [Hk]Jio Lor, [My]Gerut Gerut
Precaution: Harmless
Edible: Yes 

Grunts are always a good catch not so much for their eating quality but for the struggle they put up when being reeled in. Sizes vary but they usually grow up to this size which is about 400g in weight but they can certainly grow much much bigger if given the chance. They have a sweet flavour and slightly muddy taste as they are bottom feeders. This guy was released back.

Over the course of a few days,we reeled in some of them and all were released to ensure sustainable fishing.

Next on the list would be the Common brown stingray.

This stingray often sucks itself to the ground when hooked and tend to give the snagged impression.

relatively no fight but a heavy feeling on the line due to the big surface area. I've personally encountered plenty of these and all are released. these stingrays are often small in size and should NOT BE KILLED WHEN THEY ARE JUST JUVENILES!So all those irresponsible greedy anglers out there don't be a retard and cut off their tails for no reason.

Next up would be Croakers
 -----------LEFT-------------
Common Name(s): Goatee Croaker
Scientific Name: Dendrophysa Russelii
Local Name(s): [Md]牛那妈(Niu2 Na4 Ma1), [Hk]Gu La Ma, [My]Gelama
Precaution: Harmless
Edible: Yes 
CNR Time: 1 min

--------------RIGHT---------------

Common Name(s): Tiger-toothed Croaker
Scientific Name: Otolithes Ruber
Local Name(s): [My]Gelama Gigi Jarang, [Md]双牙, [Hk]Sum Geh 
Precaution: Harmless
Edible: Yes 

These fish are most common in changi and are plentiful. Anglers tend to use them as crab bait for their pots or bring them home to deep fry and consume. they make a croaking noise when brought up on land thus the term "croaker fish".

Barramundi can be caught almost anywhere in Singapore and tend to lurk near shorelines to feed and to breed.they tend to always be around structures where smaller fish are present.Afternoons are best for fishing for the barramundi because they are usually day feeders. Great day of fishing and a good size to bring home for the family.

Common Name(s): Barramundi

Scientific Name: Lates Calcarifer
Local Name(s): Sea Bass, [Hk]Kim Bak Lor, [My]Siakap 
Precaution: Sharp gill plates 
Edible: Yes

Lastly, the veined catfish can be caught usually after 7pm. rods start to bend and bells start to bring vigorously when the sun sets because of these guys.

Common Name(s): Veined Catfish

Scientific Name: Arius Venosus
Local Name(s): [Hk]Seng Heurr, [My]Duri
Precaution: Venomous spines at dorsal and pectoral fins 
Edible: Yes 

this was our last catch of the day and after 7pm there wasnt as much activity anymore so we headed back home and called it a day.

Cheers and Peace out!

-Abel