Abu kong-kong, a simple yet effective homemade fishing device, was widely used by many anglers in its heyday.
Fishing is more than just a sport – it’s a way to connect with nature while practising patience and skill.
Modern gear might boast high-tech features, but nothing compares to the joy of going back to basics – a rod or tin can, a single line and a sinker are all you need to rediscover the raw, simple thrill of fishing!
One nostalgic piece of gear is the abu kong-kong. The name combines “Abu”, from the renowned Swedish tackle brand, and “kong-kong”, which means tin can in Hokkien.
This simple set-up involves rolling fishing lines onto a tin can with a sinker tied to the end.
Casting abu kong-kong is an art.
Anglers perform a “helicopter spin”, swinging the line in circles above their head to build momentum before releasing it with a flick of the wrist. The line “flies” and lands gracefully in the water.
But it’s not just about the technique – it’s about the experience. Holding the tin can, feeling the line’s vibrations and sensing even the faintest nibble creates a unique connection with the water and the fish.
The thrilling tug-of-war when a fish strikes brings an unmatched sense of triumph.
Surprisingly, this simple set-up can handle fish as large as 2kg with the right line.
Fishing with a simple bamboo rod and line by the water canal for small fish like sepat or betok can be fun.
Traditional fishing often calls for simple tools.
Another classic is the bamboo pole. Lightweight yet sturdy, it was a staple in the old days.
With a single line and a small lead weight, it’s perfect for fishing by riverbanks or in padi fields.
It’s also ideal for catching smaller species like sepat (gourami), betok (climbing perch) and occasionally haruan (snakehead).
The joy lies in the intimacy of the process – no bells, whistles or digital gadgets, just the gentle nibbling sensation that signals it’s time to strike.
Timing is everything.
Strike too soon and the fish escapes; too late and the opportunity is gone.
The tightening line after a well-timed jerk signals success, bringing unparalleled satisfaction.
An angler showing how she uses a simple basic rod and line method to catch fish at the beach.
This simple approach isn’t just for rivers; it works at piers too, targeting surface and small species.
Its beauty lies in accessibility – anyone can pick up a pole, tie a line and start fishing, just as generations have done before. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of that first nibble.
Modern fishing is dominated by high-performance tackles.
Reels are judged by bearing counts, smooth operation and precision drag systems.
Rods feature advanced materials like carbon fibre, emphasising lightness, flexibility and parabolic curves.
The bulus fish is caught by the beach using a simple long pole with a line attached.
This modern gear has revolutionised fishing, enabling anglers to tackle larger, stronger fish.
Yet, for all its sophistication, modern gear often shifts focus from the act of fishing to the equipment itself.
Fishing in its simplest form strips distractions away, bringing you back to basics – calm waiting, the delicate mix of skill and patience, and the pure joy of catching a fish.
Traditional methods remind us that fishing is more than just about the latest gear.
It’s about the timeless connection between angler, water and fish – a connection that endures, no matter how much the world changes.
Happy fishing!
