**Doubtom**

They say that once bitten, twice shy, and twice bitten never to try. As for yours sincerely's case in deep sea fishing, it is once bitten never, never to try. Yours sincerely's brother-in-law from UK expressed his desire to try fishing in Malaysia and the Good Lord favoured his wish since I have a friend dealing in fishing equipment and also arranges for fishing trip.


The trip started at the ungodly hours before dawn when dreams are being formed and the drive to the seafront at Yen took about half an hour. On the way, we stocked ourselves with instant noodles, "nasi lemak" and lots of ice for the anticipated good catch. The rickety jetty was already full with very keen multi-racial anglers who came from far and wide , and yours sincerely joined the gang talking like a veteran angler. (It was my very first trip) The local fishermen were gleefully happy to take us out since a boat cost RM450.00 nett whether you land any fish or not. So, minus the cost of subsidized fuel, they can still make about RM 400.00 for 10 to 12 hours trip. So, make your work your hobby. Not bad, eh?

Taking the ferry to Langkawi is already very torturous for me, let alone spending hours on a small rocking semi-exposed wooden fishing boat. So, with the good advice of the leader, we popped in manufactured in China anti-motion sickness pill and pasted a Japanese plaster right above our navels. (To cut down motion sickness.)

Then it was hell broke loose. The fishing boat rocked like the pirate ship at the fun fairs. You cannot even stand still but have to move with the movement of the boat. The horizon of the land you left seemed to move up and down continually. The "tuttt...tutt...tutt..." of the boat whirled you head.

Stomachs are turned and churned upside down. Your heart feels as if it has dropped into your stomach. Your intestines, both large and small, seem to interwine and knot up tightly. The "nasi lemak" and "Teh tarik" breakfast gush up your gullet and force their way our of your mouth with loud and embarassing "ueek....weeak....... ." All around you, your fishing pals are very caring and concerned: " Are you ok?....... Don't worry you will be fine? ....... One more pill?....... Don't stand, sit....... " Their symphatetic advice make matters worse as you feel that you have frightened the fish away and spoilt their day. Deep inside you, you question yourself : "Why should I come????"

After noon time, at about 1.00 pm, the motion starts to slow down and finally comes to a near halt. The boat just rocks gently and you can start to enjoy the sea breeze and scenery. It is also time to for the boatman to spy out the open sea for shoals of fish. Their silvery reflection gives them away. The boat is then strategically moved to ensure that the shoal passes underneath the boat. We were in luck, a shoal of "Tenggiri" came our way. They are usually accompanied by the smaller " Ikan Merah" and also one or two trespasser "Pak Wan." They are small "Jaws" or sharks which are opportunistic feeders, snacking at some of the "Ikan Merah."

At this point, the sound "creaaak......creaak........ creeeeeeeeek.........." is the sweet music of your tackle. You can see the fishing rod bends lower and lower. Your line is engaged. You have a call. Your fish is at the other end. You release more and more line, then you reel in bit by bit. Release. Reel in. Release. reel in. This is the euphoria of fishing. Many an impatient angler loses a big one at this juncture. ( Btw the one that got away is always bigger than the actual one that got away.)

Yours sincerely reeled in one to the side of the boat, the scoop net was too small to contain the catch. The "Tenggiri" splashed and thrashed vigirously for freedom. I would have let it go if the line snapped, appreciating its strong fighting spirit. Then the grotesque thing happened. The boat man clubbed the fish on the head. This is hitting below the belt. It was instantly quietened no doubt but then the sight of fresh blood oozing from its eyes turned my stomach. It was an unfair match. I wanted to land it with my bare hands and not with a club.

We landed five "Tenggiris." It had been a successful day. Yours sincerely took home the one he landed. At home, the better half and him did a surgery on the catch with the biggest chopper (still too small) we have and hammer. The pieces were given to friends and neighbours. We kept two pieces for ourselves. They were in the fridge for a few days. We had no heart to eat them after the gory dissection. All the more the graphic thoughts of the "blood from its eyes" kept flashing in my mind. The two pieces were also given away to a friend. In thanksgiving. a piece came back to us again in the form of fish curry. It was delicious !

I have cancelled out fishing in my Bucket List of the "10 Things I want to do before I leave planet earth." Anyway, it was a good experience. I have greater respect for fishermen. They really earn their keep to keep our dining tables with fish. If you buy direct from them at Kuala kedah, don't bargain too much. Respect their profession. It is a dog's life ! T.U.R. - Tough. uncertain and risky.

Live your life to the hilt. Carpe diem. Life is too short for not tring this or that. One regret yours sincerely always has is not trying "bungy jumping" in New Zealand. To do it now is, of course, suicide! When you are young, seize the day and make the most out of it. You are young only once.