Secrets of Fishing at Empangan Air Kuning, Shah Alam (Taman Pertanian Malaysia)))

I remember when I took up fishing seriously 2 years back this was the starting point. My fishy friends didn't know exactly where to go as the urban Kuala Lumpur city has little to do with fishing.

My goods friend the IT Manager who is very keen into any fishy activity, discovered this Shah Alam national park that has a good fly sighing spot. A mere less half an hour's drive from my home naturally become a good idea for a half day fishing trip, minus the long drive, sea sick, even over night stay which normally would result to a heated debate topic during an argument with the wife.

Empangan Air Kuning is inside the Taman Pertanian Malaysia in Shah Alam, this park has several names which will caused confusion to many, as I know that this place is also called Taman Botani or Botanical Garden, or Taman Cahaya or even Taman Bukit Cerakah (as it is used to be known as Taman Cahaya near to Bukit Cerakah). The entry counter will collect (if I am not mistaken) RM 2 or RM 4 for a fishing ticket, but that is to fish at at the park's lake. More action will be at the Empangan Air Kuning which is better known for Fly Fishing. The fishing fee here is RM 18 per day during weekend and RM 15 during weekday. They will allow only one rod per head but they will  not stop you from bringing extra rods into the park. However, the park is big enough for you to spot the operator coming to check on you, so if you are smart enough you will know what to do. They also have boat rental, RM 8 for 2 hours if I remember correctly... sorry that memory ability in remembering small details are not my forte.

Many people had come to this place hoping to get some action here but I believe many had gone home without seeing any action at all. Or even, they get a bite by the fish by disappointed seconds later to find that their lines are cut and the fish, ran away with the bait and hook. The reason why is that this pond is filled with Pacus, that has sharp teeth that can cut themselves loose from very heavy lines. I have even experience of my 40 pounds line snapped by these little buddies. There are some really big decent size Pacus here that my buddies here has crossed swords with. The bigger ones that we have seen, are around 3 kgs, but rumors have it that there are 5 kgs and above Pacus lurking around this lake. Mind you, Pacus are a lot of fun and its even known as fresh water GT to some anglers.

Here are my secrets to fish at Emapangan Air Kuning.
1. Bait - for best to use bread mix with pallet bran or pallet itself. But for even better catch rate, I recommend liver or gizzard (cut them into small size that just enough to cover the hook).
2. Rig - minimize any usage of swivel, pins, or anything shiny. The fish here are sneaky and wouldn't bite anything that looks suspicious. Strongly advise to use a a bomb rig together with a black wire leader.
3. Hook - around size 5 to 7 (Maruto), Pacus don't have very big mouth. One hook should be suffice.
4. Line - anything above 10 pounds of main line should be enough. If aiming for Pacus, wire leader is a must.    

Other than Pacus, the last trip we went we have caught several African Catfish. These are fun as well, and best thing is they will take the same bait with the same rig above.

Well enough said, here you go.

This is Calvin with his catch.

 

Another one by Kin Loon. He is an expert in catching these buddies. 

This is a Pacu close up. 

I had some luck with the cat fish. 

 And Calvin too, earlier in the day. 

 Kin Loon's passion is more into casting rather than waiting for the fish to strike.

 Another cat after some wait.

 This is the african catfish at close up.

Good luck if you are going to this fishing spot. Bring some sun tan lotion and more importantly, a hat if you don't plan to get a tan. Happy fishing. 

All pictures are taken with my Samsung Galaxy S II.