Then
My fishing didn’t start as glamorous as it did for others. A small pond, a ditch and anything that had fish in it was enough to wet a line in. When I first tried saltwater fishing, I was so amazed at how much weight was needed to reach the bottom. The bait was different; the hand-line I was holding was totally alien from the cane pole I’m so accustomed to.
This long piece of nylon terminated with a big weight (or so I thought) and it had above it, a few hooks. The very first saltwater fishing trip I experienced was almost a failure; I didn’t catch anything, except for one silvery fish, which I thought at that time, was pretty decent; a Sand Whiting. That fish is forever engrained in my mind as not only the fish that saved my first saltwater trip, but also has come to be my most favourite fish to catch.
The Sand Whiting is an eager biter, which I think is one of the best fish to go after when you’re trying to teach kids how to fish. Although you are able to catch them readily, I’ve learned a few things along the way that have made fishing for them more productive. In my recent trip to the Philippines, I got to fish with my dad and a chance to catch one of the fish of my childhood. Although initially, I was after bigger fish, I succumbed to the temptation and borrowed one of his rods. As always, fishing for these little scrappers is not only very productive, but it was just downright fun! Dad scored the most and before the trip was over, we had a few kilos of fish in the cooler, ready for the frying pan. (I forgot to mention that these fish are very tasty, even for someone who doesn’t eat fish like me, these fish, butterflied and
rolled in tempura batter is a treat).
The real treat for me in this trip however, was to spend time with Dad. Although we fished only for half a day, it has been such a long time since we’ve fished together. I used to be his regular fishing buddy in the weekends, after learning a few tricks I started to go out on my own and chase after fish I liked catching. Dad has always been consistent in his fishing and is a master at bait fishing, scoring some pretty impressive catches along the way. He is however, most comfortable fishing for “pan fish” such as these Sand Whiting. He could spend the whole day catching fish for mom’s dinner.
As it always is on our fishing trips, only a few words are exchanged. Before, the conversation was mostly concerned about how I was doing in school, or what my friends and I are up to, this time though, it was about fishing in the UAE. I shared my experiences with him about fishing in the UAE and how I can’t wait for him to visit so I can show him the spots I fish and experience the same things I have, both fishing here and abroad over the years.
I always say this to my fishing friends, I have mostly of all the toys I want, but almost never have anyone to play with. Growing up is proving to be more complicated than I thought it would be.
And now
As I am writing this, I can’t help but notice all the gear I’ve accumulated over the years I’ve stayed here. All the toys and gadgets that were previously so hard to get back home. The high-tech rods and reels, braided line and lures that are not only challenging to find, but were too expensive to order from abroad. I have gear I don’t even like using; I’m just waiting for my fishing buddy to visit so I can have him use them.
Coming back to the UAE, I went out on my own and went to fish my new favourite flat, the winds were up and sailing the Hobie Mirage Adventure Island was such a treat. I reached the spot and set up my flyrods to fish for grunter, another favourite fish. The conditions looked good but the winds which made going there an easy task, made conditions for fly fishing a bit more challenging. The water visibility was low but the fish were around. I spent most of the time walking and reflecting on my last trip home. I couldn’t wait to show this to dad, he would love this spot.
Staring blankly at the scene in front of me, amidst the gawking sounds of flamingos flying by, I saw a tail breaking the surface in a patch behind a rock that shielded the water behind it from wind and current.
Tying a new fly to my tippet, I struggled with a cast against the wind and the fly landed where it’s supposed to. A gentle tug on the line and it came tight. The fish bolted to open water and the fight was on.
Growing up isn’t that bad after all.
Till next tide change,
Kit Belen
thefishingkit@gmail.com
Published in October 2012
