Jongkong is a long boat used by the locals for fishing yellowfin tuna on Mabul island.
Picture yourself standing on the edge of a boat as you cast the fishing line into the mesmerising azure depths off Sabah’s beautiful east coast.
An exhilarating and rewarding adventure awaits fishing enthusiasts in this untamed marine paradise.
Pulau Mabul, nestled in the northern east coast reaches of Borneo island, acts as a gateway to the majestic Celebes Sea, a haven where marine life thrives, including the elusive yellowfin tuna.
An angler and his prize yellowfin tuna catch.The yellowfin tuna, with its sleek and glistening silver body, effortlessly blends into the cerulean backdrop of the ocean.
This highly prized game fish embodies strength and speed, promising an adrenaline-fuelled experience for those seeking the thrill of the chase.
With every catch, you’ll be engaged in a fierce tug-of-war, battling against nature’s power.
Timing becomes paramount on this extraordinary fishing trip.
The peak fishing season for yellowfin tuna stretches between March and October, when these magnificent creatures embark on their epic migration in search of abundant food sources.
During these months, angling enthusiasts converge upon this maritime playground, ready to test their mettle and create lifelong memories.
A range of techniques are employed along Sabah’s resolute coast to pursue the majestic yellowfin tuna.
Trolling, an art form, involves enticing lures and baited lines that harmoniously glide through the water as your boat dances with the currents.
Anticipation fills the air as anglers prepare for the captivating interplay between their craft and the elusive tuna.
Another method, chumming, is a ritualistic affair that tantalises the tuna’s primal instincts. Anglers draw the tuna closer by gently dispersing bait, guiding them towards their eagerly awaiting hooks.
Alternatively, using live bait, such as small fish or squirming squid, adds an element of temptation, increasing the chances of a successful catch.
The ink from freshly caught squid is used as a decoy to catch yellowfin tuna.
As we set sail from Mabul island, a group of fishing friends and I ventured into the heart of the Celebes Sea, navigating towards the middle of nowhere.
Here, local fishermen have established their payau, a fish-aggregating device crafted from bamboo, palm, and coconut leaf and anchored to the seabed by a sturdy rope.
These sanctuaries act as magnets, drawing yellowfin tuna to gather in communal abundance.
Instead of the usual bait, we use the local secret weapon: a small ball of squid ink bait. Freshly extracted from caught squid, this ink is meticulously packed in thin plastic, forming a round ball attached to the hook.
Slowly leaking its enticing scent, the ink serves as a decoy, luring the tuna to venture closer and snatch the bait.
This local technique has proven effective, as strike after strike rewards our patience and skill.
It is advisable to embark upon this fishing trip with an experienced guide to maximise the chances of success and ensure an unforgettable experience.
Sabah hosts a myriad of skilled operators who specialise in crafting tailored expeditions designed explicitly for the pursuit of yellowfin tuna.
These charter services provide more than just skilled captains and seasoned crew. They hold a trove of hidden knowledge, guiding anglers through the labyrinth of Sabah’s finest fishing grounds and unveiling secrets and techniques that will lead to triumphant catches.
In your quest for the yellowfin tuna trophy, it is imperative to be a responsible angler.
Like many other tuna species, yellowfin tuna populations face sustainability challenges due to overfishing.
By practising catch-and-release techniques, adhering to size limits, and employing sustainable fishing gear, you become a guardian of these magnificent creatures.
Happy fishing!
