By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, March 24: If not operating her family shop, which specialises in fishing equipment and accessories, Dianne Voon would be following her parents to go open sea fishing.
The 26-year-old avid angler told DayakDaily she has been fishing since she was a teenager 12 years ago and knows enough to catch a fish or two, along with which fishing equipment to use.
“Initially, when I followed my mother to fish in the open sea, I did experience seasickness, but I was ready and brought medicine to overcome it.
“The thrill of catching your first catch overcame it all, and ever since then, I loved fishing with my parents and family members over the years,” she said.
Voon said it is always fun to experience the adrenaline rush one gets when one manages to hook on to a fish and bring it to the surface.
“Everybody wants to know what type of fish you’ve caught and its size. I think that they are thrilled as there would be a story to share later,” she said.
Voon shared that after that, one would like to venture more and enhance their skills.
“That is where you need to know about using suitable fishing equipment, high-tech gadgets, the weather, the sea conditions, and the fishing spot for the specific fish you want to catch.
“For me, my frequent catch is red snappers, and during squid season, I like to catch them and thinly slice them to be eaten with instant noodles, as there is nothing like having fresh, delicious seafood on the boat in the open sea,” she said.
According to Voon, it is best to go to the open sea during April, May, and June while spending three nights and four days there.
Voon shared that her experience in angling over the years had enhanced her knowledge of the business of fishing equipment, thus enabling her to better serve customers who come to the shop.
“I do not mind sharing what is needed in fishing. I encourage people to take up angling, especially open sea fishing, as I feel it easier to catch fish as long as you have the right equipment,” she said.
According to Voon, freshwater fishing in river estuaries, rivers, creeks, and ponds is different as the skills, equipment, and bait needed are different due to the difference in the dish and aquatic habitat.
She added that the price of fishing equipment could be between RM20 and RM5,000.
“Truthfully, it is not expensive, and you could get reasonable ones with a budget of RM100.
“If you would like to take up fishing, our shop could give a tip or two on the subject and what to get,” she said.
Voon’s family business is called ‘Kim Ho Fish Tackle’ at Jalan Tapang Kota Sentosa Commercial Centre. It is open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm, except for Sundays when it closes at 4.30pm.
For inquiries, call 016-920 9196. — DayakDaily
