Valenzuela Fishing

Below are some pics shared by ctjasa.

“I’ve been keeping these photos of Vic, Aling Nene’s son and partner in the paypond, of some of the biggest apahap i’ve never seen except in these photographs. I was told they weighed 13 kilos each!”

Mon Dec 01, 2008 7:57 pm, posted at http://www.filipinoanglers.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=68&t=2578:

I was able to chat with Aling Nene last Saturday and also received an email from ctjasa, the sender of the pic.
Those fishes were caught from the pond beyond the cottages (if memory serves me right). Apparently, they were puzzled where all the tiger prawns they seeded in the pond has gone to. So they decided to “clean” it up. They used sodium to make the fish dizzy and float up, ready for netting. And those two were the biggest of the lot.

The proverbial light bulb popped up on top of my head. I asked Aling Nene if they need to clean up another pond of apahap, or when harvest time comes, instead of putting sodium in the water, we can make a tournament of some sort where anglers will be allowed to catch the fish in exchange for a tournament fee. No need to take the fish home, the pond owner will keep it. Aling Nene was receptive to the idea! Let’s cook up something. Its a win win for anglers and pond owners IMHO. We get to play in the pond and the pond owners in turn get rid of the fish. Lets talk about this in the next EB. For the meantime, lets keep the idea in line for a future project.

People think that Kapitan’s Pond is the only place to go fishing in Coloong 1. Few of them know that theres another promising paypond recently developed and its owned by the friendly Aling Nene.

About the place
Aling Nene’s ponds are composed of three ponds located behind their beautiful two storey house. The one near the weighing station has been seeded with tilapia and bangus. A similar sized pond can be found on your left, where several bamboo cottages on stilts have been recently added. A short banka ride further out will bring you to the third pond, which has been seeded with barramundi. However, it is believed that the barramundis have escaped from this pond and has occupied the other two. This probably is true as several anglers have already caught 2 - 3 kg specimens on artificial lures.

How to get there
Drive through Coloong 1. About 500 meters before you get to Kapitans pond, watch out for a small street on the right side of the road as that leads to Aling Nene’s pond. Usually, pedicabs and tricycles wait for passengers near that area so getting directions won’t be hard to find.

Google earth coordinates: 14°43′20.88″N latitude / 120°56′48.25″E longitude
lat=14.7224655865, lon=120.946735161

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=14.7210758&lon=120.9462762&z=17&l=0&m=a&v=2

Amenities and costs
Prices of fish and cottages are very competitive. And the best thing is, they don’t charge any entrance fees! So you can bring your whole family along without spending an extra 50 php per head.
However, parking space may be a problem as they don’t have a parking area compared to Kapitans. Furthermore, bulate boys (earthworm vendors) don’t usually hang out near their entrance, so you should be either bringing your own (ewww!) or drive further and get some at Kaps place. There is also a newly constructed bathroom available, which is a necessity when nature calls.

For further inquiries, you may call Aling Nene at 2940458. However, please search this site for the information you are looking for or just leave me a message before calling them up. They are a little short of staff and as always, courtesy and consideration is expected of inquiring anglers.

Rating
Here’s a running poll for the BEST POND in VALENZUELA:
[polldaddy poll=1093279]

Pictures of the Place

Pictures of catches

Responsible Catch and Release in Pond Fishing

You wanted to help in conserving the fishery. You caught a small barramundi and decided to release it back. You haphazardly get the hook off of its mouth and quickly toss it back to the pond with the hope that it will grow bigger to fight another day. But did you do it right?

Did you even bother to check if the fish had a fighting chance?

Catch and Release in pond fishing is a fairly new concept for local anglers. The current mindset is “as long as I return it, it will live”. This article provides guidelines to dispell this misconception and ensure that the released fish survives.

On fighting the fish and landing it
When fighting a fish which you intend to release, it is best to minimize the stress that you are causing it. Having a hook in its lip is torture enough. Don’t unnecessarily tire out the fish just to enjoy the fight. Try to land the fish as safely and as stress free as you can. Use appropriate tackle and bring the fish in quickly to reduce exhaustion. Using tackle that is too light and playing the fish to exhaustion depletes the fish’s energy reserves and can cause mortality.

When landing the fish, avoid slamming it unto the boat or the pond’s bank. Use a specially designed Catch and Release net with a small cloth mesh to prevent the fish scales from being damaged.

Handling the fish
Minimize harming the fish further when handling it. Wet your hands or gloves or use a wet non abrasive towel before touching the fish to prevent scraping off its protective mucous or slime. Carefully hold the fish to avoid dropping it. If you can, you may hold it by the lip with additional support to the body. Do not hold large fish vertically by the lower jaw. In a study, 50 of 50 barramundi died after being held this way.

Avoid touching the gills as much as possible. Know the best way to handle the fish species you are targeting and have release equipment ready. Using release tools is safer for the fish and for you.

Unhooking
Once the fish has been secured, you can then remove the hooks. There are many devices for removing hooks from fish. Commercial dehookers, forceps and long nosed pliers can be found in most tackle shops.

Debarbing your hooks will greatly make this experience easier for you and the fish. Pinch the hook barb using a long nosed plier or you can just file it off. If the fish has been gut hooked, don’t force yourself to be an instant surgeon and operate on the fish. It will stand a better chance if you just cut off the line as short as possible and leave the hook on. The fish’s digestive system will eventually break it down (with the exception of stainless and other special coated hooks). This is a lot better than trying to dehook the fish and ripping its guts out. Don’t think twice about losing your gamakatsu or mustad hook over causing the fish to die with your attempts to retrieve the hook.

To minimize gut hooking in the first place, it helps to learn to strike the fish right. Furthermore, using circle hooks makes a lot of difference. Avoid using kahle hooks, they are sometimes sold as circles because they also set themselves, but only true circle hooks are suitable if you want the fish to survive. Furthermore, most studies on circle hooks show that hooks with no offset are more effective in hooking the jaw than those with an offset.

For lures, you may also debarb the treble hooks or replace them with single hooks to make unhooking easier.

Venting
Venting only becomes necessary for fish caught in deep waters (25 meters or more). The procedure involves piercing the swim bladder to deflate it. You don’t have to vent fish in any of the ponds in Valenzuela as the water is usually below 2 meters.

Releasing
Leaving the fish in the water during release is best, especially for bigger ones that may be hard to handle by yourself. If the fish is in good shape, merely hold it headfirst into the current or open water. If it is severely lethargic, hold the bottom jaw agape and gently move the fish forward or do a figure 8 movement. This will revive the fish by promoting water to flow over the gills. Continue until the fish is able to swim unassisted. Severely exhausted fish may require several minutes to revive. Some fish will swim a short distance, become disoriented, sink to the bottom and die, so be observant.

You may also use a specially designed Catch Release net with a small cloth mesh to prevent the fish scales from being damaged.

Sources: http://www.flseagrant.org/program_areas/fisheries/venting/
http://www.sciencedaily.com
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu
http://www.prohoists.com

with valuable inputs from the ff forumers from www.filipinoanglers.org:
J.P., Steelrainbow, Oz, and Bravo3

Basic Apahap Lure Fishing

1)    Your usual bangus or tilapia fishing setup can be used to catch Apahap (Barramundi). Note, however, that since barramundi can grow big, a more beefier setup that you can cast well with is recommended. Furthermore, to prevent cut offs due to snags or  the sharp gill plates of this gamefish, it is recommended to use a “leader” which is thicker than your main line. Usually, 1 foot of 15-30 lbs line is enough. However, you can make it longer and/or thicker for added durability but this may affect the swimming action of your lure.

2)    You can tie the main line to leader using the line to leader knot:

3)    To tie you artificial lure to your leader, the Rapala knot is recommended as this allows your lure to move freely:

4) Cast your lure to spots where you think there is fish. Retrieve your lure to impart action to it, resembling an injured or fleeing baitfish. To vary the action of your lure, you may slow down or speed up your retrieve, twitch or sweep your rod, or point your rod tip higher or lower.

TCE Tackles is having their Christmas SALE. Up to 50% OFF on rods, reels, lures, line, terminal tackle and other fishing accessories. For information, just call 032-420-3537 and look for Raine.

Buy your toys now! =)

http://www.tcetackles.com.my/

Below is a trip report from a fellow forumer at filipinoanglers.org:

I was trying to target dalags in Aling Nene’s pond but the dikes were full of anglers and I can’t cast on the edge of the water. Not wanting to waste a good day of fishing, I decided to try their famed Apahaps.

It was so hard to cast from the bamboo platforms. The platform was narrow and shaky and at the electric cables, which was running parallel to the platform, are obstructing my cast. After around 15 minutes, I got one. My guesstimate is between 3 to 3.5 kilos. I really have to get a portable weighing scale.

Below is a scanned copy of the flyer included in last years Fishing Tournament participants kit. Its a list of pond owners who welcome anglers to fish their ponds. I have not been to most of them so better call the owner to confirm availability.

Click on the pic to zoom in:

TCE Tackles Inc
R. Senido Bldg 2
AC Cortes Ave
Mandaue City 6014

Contact Person: Rainier Aguas
Tel no. 032-420-3537
TCE Tackles was one of our generous sponsors in the 1st Mayor Win Gatchalian Tournament.

Below are some pics of their showroom:

CHRIS Sports shop
Chris Sports is another sponsor of last year’s tournament in Coloong - Tagalag. It is one of the three major sports shops in the country that also sell fishing tackle with their branches conveniently located in malls. They carry brands like Shimano, GoodCatch, Mustad, Gamakatsu and others.

For more info, visit their website: http://www.chrissports.net

CHRIS SPORTS SM NORTH EDSA
F-104 Ground Floor, Quezon City
Philippines
TEL:(63)(2) 928-1487
(63)(2) 927-6734

CHRIS SPORTS SM BATANGAS
Ground Floor, Unit 125-126
Philippines
TEL: (63)(43)722-2615
(63)(2)885-6375

CHRIS SPORTS SM MEGAMALL
Bldg. B Lower Ground Floor
Philippines
TEL:(63)(2) 633-4946,
(63)(2) 633-1659

MARKET! MARKET! @ THE FORT
Space 439-440 4/F Market! Market!
Philippines
TEL:(63)(2) 886-7467
(63)(2)886-7468

CHRIS SPORTS GLORIETTA
Glorietta 3, 2nd Floor
Ayala, Makati Philippines
TEL: (63)(2)818-6124
(63)(2) 818-6136

CHRIS SPORTS SM MANILA
Unit 102, Ground Floor SM City Manila, Philippines
TEL: (63)(2)522-1345
(63)(2) 404-1584

CHRIS SPORTS SM FAIRVIEW
Ground Floor, SM City Fairview
Fairview Quezon City
Philippines
TEL: (63)(2)418-4593
(63)(2)935-0712

CHRIS SPORTS SM DASMARIÑAS
Upper Ground Floor #117 SM Dasmariñas, Philippines
TEL: (63)(46) 432-3212
(63)(2)432-3211

CHRIS SPORTS SM MARILAO
SM Marilao, KM21 Mac Arthur Hi-way Bgy. Ibayo Marilao Bulacan
Philippines
TEL: (63)(2)299-6816
(63)(44)711-3141

CHRIS SPORTS AYALA CEBU
Stall 255A Second Level
Philippines
TEL: (63)(32) 231-8793
(63)(32) 231-8794

CHRIS SPORTS SM SUCAT
F-106 Ground Floor
SM Super Center, Sucat
Philippines
TEL: (63)(2)829-9549
(63)(2) 820-4528

CHRIS SPORTS SM CEBU
UGF SM City Cebu, SM City Cebu
Philippines
TEL: (63)(32)232-1497

CHRIS SPORTS SM PAMPANGA
Ground Floor SM City Pampanga
San Fernando, Pampanga
Philippines
TEL: (63)(45) 961-1714
(63)(45) 961-2714

CHRIS SPORTS SM BICUTAN
Space A 124 UGF
SM BICUTAN Parañaque
Philippines
TEL:(63)(2) 776-0899
(63)(2) 777-9136

CHRIS SPORTS EVER GOTESCO
GRAND CENTRAL
Ground Floor, Ever Gotesco Grand Central Caloocan City
Philippines
TEL: (63)(2)363-3738
(63)(2) 366-1152

CHRIS SPORTS SM BAGUIO
G/F SM City Baguio
Luneta Hill Upper Session Rd.
Philippines
TEL:(63)(74) 619-7758
(63)(74) 619-7759

EVER GOTESCO COMMONWEALTH
Ground Floor, Ever GOtesco
Commonwealth, Quezon City
Philippines
TEL: (63)(2)931-6085
(63)(2) 931-6078

CHRIS SPORTS SM LUCENA
Unit 154-155 SM City Lucena
Dalahan Rd. Pagbilao National Rd.
Philippines
TEL: (63)(42) 710-5668
(63)(42) 710-5669

CHRIS SPORTS DISCOUNT OUTLET
2/F K-Plaza Bldg.
#18 Kamuning Rd. Quezon City
Philippines
TEL: (63)(2)413-8413
(63)(2)412-4763

CHRIS SPORTS FESTIVAL MALL
3rd Level, Festival Mall
Alabang,Muntinlupa City
Philippines
TEL: (63)(2)771-0504
(63)(2)771-0420

CHRIS SPORTS ROBINSONS ERMITA
Ground Floor, Robinsons Place Manila Ermita, Philippines
TEL: (63)(2) 536-7847
(63)(2) 404-1467

CHRIS SPORTS STA. ROSA
G/F SM Sta. Rosa. Tagapo
Philippines
Sta. Rosa Laguna
TEL: (63)(49) 534-2936
(63)(49) 534-4794

CHRIS SPORTS MALL OF ASIA
Main mall 2nd Floor Bay Blvd Manila
Philippines
TEL: (63)(2)556-0260
(63)(2)556-0261

CHRIS SPORTS CLARK
Unit 1179 ground floor M roxas st CSEZ Angeles City, Philippines
TEL: (63)(45)499-0124
(63)(45)499-0125

FISHING BUDDY
FB is also a co sponsor or last year’s tournament, acting as the registration center for participants. They have a good collection of Tica rods and reels, Rapala, Storms, Berkeley etc.

Unit B, Manila Bay Arcade (near Sczhezuan House)
Quirino Avenue corner M.H. Del Pilar,
Malate, Manila
Tel. 303-50-70
Website: http://www.goodcatchfishing.com
Look For Atty. Gordon Uy or Elvin

Alex’s Tackle shop
72Sgt Rivera Q.C.
Tel 364-61-94
Look for Alex or Matthew

CHINA MERCHANDISING INC.
Unit 12 Ramon Magsaysay Center Annex
M.H. Del Pilar cor. Dr. J. Quintos St.
Malate, Manila (near Diamond Hotel)
Tel. 5263927 TeleFax: 5284253
E-mail address: china_fishing@hotmail.com
Look for Paul

Tobys Sports
Tobys is another mall based Sports Shop. It carries Shakespeare, Tica, Pioneer, Tsunami, Strike Pro, Suffix, Mustad and other tackle brands.

For more info visit: http://www.tobys.com
METRO MANILA STORES

Harrison Plaza - Malate Metro Manila - Tel # 521-2289
Park Square 1 - Ayala Center, Makati City - Tel # 893-8237
Robinsons Galleria - Ortigas Ave., Metro Manila - Tel # 632-0527
Robinsons Metro - Metro East, Cainta Rizal - Tel # 477-0542 new
Shangri-La Plaza - Edsa Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City - Tel # 633-7014
SM Megamall - Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City - Tel # 633-4998
SM Centerpoint - Sta. Mesa, Metro Manila - Tel # 713-7176
SM City North Edsa - North Edsa, Quezon City - Tel # 927-1905
SM City Manila - Arroceros, Metro Manila - Tel # 400-5606
SM City Fairview - Quirino Hi-way Fairview Q.C. - Tel # 355-1520 new
SM City Bacoor - Aguinaldo Hi-way, Bacoor Cavite - Tel # (046)417-1271
SM City Marilao - Mc. Arthur Hi-way, Marilao Bulacan - Tel # (044)933-2301
SM City San Lazaro - A.H. Lacson St. Tayuman Mla - Tel # 786-2599
Glorietta IV - 3/F Glorieta 4 Ayala Center, Makati - Tel # 815-1793 new
SM Southmall - Alabang Zapote Rd.,Las Pinas City - Tel # 806-9248
SM City Mall of Asia - Gnd flr. Entertainment Mall, Pasay - Tel # 556-0445
SM City The Block - 3/F North Ave. cor. Edsa Q.C. - Tel # 442-0163-64
SM Super Center Pasig - G/F Frontera Verde C5 Road Ugong - Tel # 634-1930
Trinoma - Edsa cor North Ave., QC - Tel # 901-3688
SM Taytay new - 2nd Flr. Sm Taytay, Rizal - Tel # 661-2107

METRO MANILA FRANCHISES

Festival Supermall - Filinvest, Corp. City, Alabang Munt. - Tel # 850-3604
Ayala Town Center - Ayala Alabang Muntinlupa City - Tel # 775-0623
Greenhills - Connecticut, Greenhills San Juan - Tel # 725-7112
SM Supercenter Valenzuela
- McArthur Hway,Brgy. Karuhatan,Val.
- Tel # (02)291-9492

PROVINCIAL FRANCHISES

Limketkai Mall - Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City - Tel # (088)856-4615
NE Pacific Mall - Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija - Tel # (044)464-1132
Ultimart Complex - San Pablo City, Laguna - Tel # (049)562-8232
SM Super Center Molino - Molino Rd. Bacoor, Cavite - Tel # (046)474-3040
SM City Pampanga - Lagundi Mexico,Pampanga - Tel # (045)961-6979
SM City Cebu - North Recreational Area, Cebu City - Tel # (032)231-7053
SM City Baguio - Upper Session Rd., Baguio City - Tel # (074)619-7835
SM City Lucena - Dalahican Cor Maharlika, Lucena - Tel # (042)710-7744
SM City Dasmariñas - Carmona Rd. Dasmariñas Cavite - Tel # (046)432-3123
SM City IloIlo - Benigno Aquino Ave. Mandurriao - Tel # (033) 320-1076
SM City Sta. Rosa - Barrio Tagapo, Sta Rosa CityLaguna - Tel # (049) 534-4325
SM City Lipa - Ayala Highway, Lipa City, Batangas - Tel # (043) 784-0247

Shops in Iloilo
Iloilo Tackle Shop
Merimart Plaza, just ask the cab driver and he’ll bring you there.
Contact person: Ronnie - (033)5088134 / 0920-8612936
They basically sell stuff from Fishing Buddy (Gordy).
You won’t miss it, they have the big yellow ‘Tica Tackle’ Sign outside their store.

Go Fish Tackle Ship - Robinsons Mall
Contact person: Manuel ‘Bong’ San Agustin - (033)300-7542 / Deli Barrios - he’s the guy usually at the store.
They sell stuff from TCE Tackles, Cebu

Both do rod building and repairs and both have contacts when it comes to boat rentals.

Want to know more about fishing in general? Visit my home forum and join the discussions by clicking the picture below:

Brough to you by Alex’s Tackleshop, TCE Tackles, Tobys Sports and China Merchandizing

Subic Bay, Bravo / Riviera Pier
November 23, 2008

Registration Time: 5:30am
Fishing Time: 7:00am to 4:00pm

PRIZES:

1st Prize: 50,000.00
2nd Prize: 25,000.00
3rd Prize: 10,000.00

4th - 15th Place: Consolation Prizes

Tournament fee: P1,000.00
- Free Shirts to the first 250 paid signups
- Free Snack to all Participtants.

For Inquiries, Call or text:
0917-8338884 / 0917-8856239
492-2702 / 364-5915