I am one of the experienced fisherman in this group; introducing fishing spots to the group and teaching them how to tie rigs and various useful knots!I've been fishing since young when my dad bought me my first small handheld net. I enjoyed every moment running through the canals and scooping up random species of fish, in which this had sparked the interest to study and identify them.
I never started with any professional gear like most spoilt kids these days, but just a simple handline reel with a rusty hook which was attached to it.Catching Tilapia and eels were my forte and it was my best best best best acccomplishment growing up.
My first professional gear was a telescope rod and a cheapo surecatch reel in secondary school which cost no more than $10 as a set(days of cheap equipment now everything is overpriced)
Of course now that I have more "income" to spare from various jobs and school internship, i've invested in better gear. I generally carry around lighter gear so I have 2 Daiwa ultralight rods that cost me $30 and $20 respectfully as well as a free shimano Xernos XT and a cheap $40 secondhand Shimano Stradic 1000 reel!
I enjoy the sensitivity of light gear and feeling every bite that comes to ensure a timely strike.
my greatest joy in fishing of course is understanding fish behavior and biology and to identify various species of fish!I believe in cheap fishing trips under $5 if possible.And since everyone has a preference,my preference would be saltwater coastal fishing.
Biggest catch?There's a saying "2 halves makes 1 Whole" so my present record is four 1kg Barramundi.
other catches include eeltail catfish,Marine catfish, Snappers,eels,Grunts, Croakers, Groupers, Flatheads, Sicklefish, toadfish, breams etc. but do aspire to catch a massive Grouper and Trevally some day!
It's always good to be overprepared than underprepared so I carry around my tackle box(hooks, fishing lines,swivels,sinkers etc),coms cord, and occasionally my mini foldable chair. I also bring along my swimming gear and goggles to dive in,in case the fish is too big to bring up(just kidding I don't bring those)
Fishing Tip?
big hooks doesn't always mean big fish