Malaysia Tackle Challenge Trophy 2009 - Part 4 (Final)

Photos by D1 & TKH

Meanwhile YH & KH had a rough morning. They only managed a baby Toman and a reasonable 3kg fellow which pounced on a Hot Tiger (orange) Shad Rap. Still a far shout from the leading fish of 5kgs.

As the day became more toasty, they headed for the cool mountain stream water gushing down from a little waterfall. The water turned out too be too inviting for YH who, without needing invitation, went for a dip in the icy cold water to cool down. Forget about the fishing - why not just enjoy the cool dip! 

Fishy-looking coves like this were everywhere. Check out the stumps on the left! If only water level was higher!

Gently guiding it boatside without a net

TKH, our Northern Rapalero, who is no stranger to the Chinese fishing forums such as MyFishing.Org and FisherZone

This snag was home to some gregarious Toman

Energized by the cool dip, it was time to get back to work. Out came the Clackin' Raps. Nothing much to shout about except for some smallish, pee-wee Toman. No mega rises whatsoever. So YH did some blind casting around the vertical sticks - half-heartedly. What unfolded next was as if he struck lottery: A 1kg plus Sebarau found the Clackin' Rap too irresistible and so greedily grabbed the lure and headed for sunset. 

No chance given. Drags locked tight and the fish was pulled in despite protests as evidenced from a few surging runs. Good thing the hooks held! Good size! After the customary recording of photographic evidence, the fish was released.

It could only be the Clackin' Rap!

As the groups poured back, there were stories of big brutish Toman bullying going around. Some had their lines burst, hooks straighted and prides crushed. It was also reported that the Pure Fishing team lost an estimated 6kg Toman boatside during netting when the fish made a successful last dash for freedom! Talk about heartache! 

After dinner, the much anticipated results were read out:

Toman Category

Champion: Team Season Tackle - 5.5kg

1st Runner Up: Team Berjaya - 5.05kg

2nd Runner Up: Team Explorer 4.94kg 

Sebarau Category

Champion: Team Sea Tackle - 1.5kg

1st Runner Up: Team Rapalero 1 - 1.15kg

2nd Runner Up: None

Unknowingly, there were only 2 Sebarau above 1kg that qualified and that was the Champion fish from Team Sea Tackle and YH's fish! Totally unexpected! To quote a Chinese saying "Blind chicken gets a worm!" Nevertheless, it was still a good cause to be cheerful and celebrate. Team Sea Tackle did indeed deserve to win as they sped off to the fishing grounds even before breakfast - they even left without their packed lunch! The sheer determination was commendable. Hats off to you guys!

It seemed like Day 2 was a good day for Toman - the top 5 fish were Toman ranging from 4-5kg from the preliminary results. Pretty close fight too I must say... however, the poor show in big Sebarau was attributed probably to the dry season and low water level. The anglers reckoned the rainy season would be much better! 

YH gestures "Only possible with RAPALA"

The triumphant Rapaleros!

1st Runner Up Sebarau Category for the Malaysian Tackle Challenge 2009

TomX from Team Explorer (2nd Runner Up Toman Category) with his mutilated Fat Rap Fire Tiger

Fat Rap - Fish bite and wont let go? 

All in all it was a well-organized tournament with good sportsmanship and professionalism displayed by all the teams and the spirit of comradeship and fun was obvious. Personally, I was very happy to catch up with old friends such as CS Fong, CM Po & Faiz Karim while meeting new friends too. Kudos to Rod & Line (English & Chinese) & Pancing for their efforts in this event. 

I'm already looking forward to the next year's tournament... and I'm gonna make sure I don't get bullied by Toman this time!