Wolf of the freshwater

      I believe the title fits the above picture nicely. The fish in the aforementioned picture is called sebarau @ Hampala macrolepidota and many experienced Malaysian anglers call this fish the wolf of the freshwater, as it hunts in packs and has an aggressive feeding behavior. On the other hand , I can say that I am an avid angler and it has been my passion to fish and ‘hunt’ this fish among any other  elusive species so perhaps, I can relate myself as the wolf of the Malaysian freshwater as well. 

      Just looking at the picture will bring up all the memories of the fishing trip. It was during the peak of the rainy season which was around December, at a secluded small river in Kelantan. Two friends and I made the trip after a quick planning a few days beforehand.I can still feel the spirit of camaraderie among the three of us burning inside. Some might ask, why must it be during the rainy season. Well, this predatory ‘sebarau’ has a few special characteristics for example, it is most active during the rainy season ,early in the morning  and your chance of hooking one is very high when the sun comes out just after a heavy pour.

     I was very tired and exhausted of waiting for the moment for the fish to strike. Hours of casting and retrieving started tire out my arms but when the fish did strike the lure, no words could explain the gratitude of my happiness and satisfaction as all the efforts paid off. Even the attempt to land the fish is a battle in itself and with the help from  friends I managed to land it. A picture was taken with a tired smile on my face .This whole experience will never be forgotten and my passion for fishing just goes deeper.