The
sailfish is not the only gamefish that is sought after in Bolinao. The Giant Trevally
(Talakitok) is a known bruiser, using its flat body to exert twice the pulling power from
its size.
The
largest Giant Trevally to be caught weighed in at 51 kilograms but was caught using
long-lines. Mr. Eddie Cacho, a local fisherman who uses hook and line (mano-mano) but
without the aid of rod or reel had caught a Giant Trevally three years ago. It weighed 38
kilograms and took approximately three hours to subdue.
Most of the local
fishermen in Bolinao including Mr. Cacho have adapted to the techniques used by
Manila-based anglers. They use a type of lure known as a diving plug suited for saltwater
trolling.
The
record for 1999 was a 28 kilogram brute also caught by local fisherman Eddie Cacho. This
was almost equaled by the 27.75 kilogram catch of Pasay City-based angler Mario Bunyi
during the recent Manila Cotton House & Fishing Supply Annual tournament last October
23, 1999. Mr. Bunyi took about twenty-five minutes to subdue his fish using a 30 lb.
monofilament line while it took Mr. Cacho roughly an hour to subdue his fish despite using
a much heavier 100 lb. monofilament line.
This
is possible because anglers use state-of-the-art rod and reel to tire-out a gamefish while
local fishermen merely use thicker diameter monofilament line wound around a makeshift
line holder made out of bamboo. In fact, more experienced Sportfishermen prefer to use
thinner diameter monofilament line to give the gamefish a better "sporting
chance" and provide a livelier battle from the gamefish.
When
going after game fishes such as the Giant Trevally, it is best to match a rod and reel of
the same weight class or else either of the two will suffer damage. The giant Trevally is
a tough fighter, never giving up even if it is already on the surface. Unlike the
sailfish's blistering runs, the talakitok fights sideways, using its flat, vertically
inclined body to gain additional leverage and pulling power.
It is
also a dirty fighter, and some inexperienced anglers have been victims of the Giant
Trevally’s tendency to immediately head for the safety of the coral or rock
formations. The result is snagged line and lure for the angler. The technique to avoiding
this is by immediately engaging the reel after the talakitok strikes. The angler should
also set the drag at the heaviest possible setting but still below the line limit to
prevent too much line from releasing.
All
in all, the Giant Trevally is not just table fare but more importantly it is a worthy
gamefish not just in our country but also in Hawaii, Thailand, Singapore and the USA.
For more info on the Sailfish see the gamefish section or contact me at:
1-800-ASK-KEEN
(1-800-275-5336) extension: 067559
(For more info on
calling me, visit keen.com)
($1.50 per minute
charge
will apply for US residents only, Callers based from other
countries will pay additional overseas telephone charges)
