Malaysia Tackle Challenge Trophy 2009 - Part 1

25-27th July 2009. 

Team Rapala consisting of TKH, YH, FG and D1 made their way up in the early morning towards the Temenggor Dam jetty. The cool morning air sent a little chill down our bodies as we stepped out of the car. We were greeted by the Rod & Line crew of Editor in Chief Mr CS Fong, CM Po, Editor for R&L Chinese and Joe the reporter.

We were there to participate in the inaugural Malaysia Tackle Challenge - a friendly tournament between Malaysian tackle retailers and distributors for the ultimate Malaysian freshwater gamefish - the Toman and Sebarau.

The tournament was divided into the Toman & Sebarau categories. The rules were simple - the team that catches the heaviest Toman & Sebarau wins each category respectively. 

As each tackle company could only send a max of 2 teams, Team Rapala was split into 2 teams - Team Rapalero 1 & 2. All of us except KH were greenhorns to Temenggor and didnt know what to expect. In fact, we didnt even know the spots to fish! Nevertheless with good spirits and just hoping to enjoy the fishing and company, we encouraged each other to just go with the flow and enjoy ourselves whether winning any prize or not regardless. 

We were greeted by familiar faces and who's who of the Malaysian fishing fraternity. Teams from Pure Fishing Malaysia & Taiwan, SeaTackle, TCE Tackles, Haiyen, SureCatch, Explorer & a few more were present. Some were old friends of mine whom I've not seen for ages. It was indeed good to catch up with them after a long time.

After being assigned to our boats, each team sped off to their respective spots in hot pursuit of the quarry. The first question I asked our orang asli guide was... "Abang tau lubuk lubuk mana yang ada ikan?" (Bro, do you know the spots that will have fish?)

"Tak tau. You mau pi mana saya bawak. Ada ikan tak ada ikan tak boleh jamin" (Dont know. Where you want to go I can bring you. Whether there is fish or not I cant guarantee)

I looked at FG & FG looked at me. Uh-oh. Two anglers without any experience at Temenggor Dam with a guide that doesnt really know where the fishes are. Heck, lets make the best out of it and follow where everyone goes! And off we went... our 15HP boat trailing behind the more powerful 30HP boats.....

to be continued....

The 3/4 Rapaleros

Imagine doing the bungee jump off this bridge

The inaugural Tackle Challenge Trophy

The jetty leading to our 'home' for the next 2 nights

Some fresh footprints of "Fumakilla' (elephants) that came down to the water edge

As some of loyal RapalaInsider readers may already know.... these are the 'resurrected' Fat Raps! Check them out at your favourite local tackle shops in Malaysia & Singapore after Aug 22nd!