SPORTFISHING IN PANGASINAN
 
By
 
John Balingit
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Mario Bunyi's 27.75 kilogram catch
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Eddie Cacho's 28 kilogram brute
TALAKITOK THE BRUISER
 
    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)

 

    Tight lines!