Few pursuits compare to the full-body thrill of surf casting, where every flick of the line and swing of the rod immerse you in the rhythm of the ocean.
As a truly captivating sport that’s nestled between the worlds of river and ocean fishing, it demands more than just patience because really it requires the skill to launch a baited line far into the surf, syncing seamlessly with the ebb and flow of aquatic life.
Unlike river angling or deep-sea fishing, surf casting is an art form honed through years of experience, intuition and knowledge.
These finely tuned skills were on full display at a recent Surf Cast competition in the Liang Lumut Recreation Park, Belait District, where over 115 surf casters gathered to test their mettle against the tides.
During the recent competition, I met some of the most skilled surf casters in the region, each with their own unique take on the sport.
A SPORT OF PRECISION
One such expert is Haji Ariffin bin Haji Daud, a seasoned veteran and president of Kejura Surf Cast (KSC). With years of experience under his belt, Haji Ariffin shared how surf casting offers a distinct thrill compared to traditional river or sea fishing.
“One of the main advantages is that you don’t need a boat, unlike when fishing at sea,” he explained, highlighting the accessibility of the sport.
But surf casting is far from easy.
Unlike the serene calm of a riverbank or the stability of a boat, surf casters must contend with the ocean’s unpredictability. The crashing waves, shifting tides, and sudden changes in weather make the environment a formidable adversary.
Success in this sport requires more than just patience – it demands a deep understanding of the shoreline and the ocean’s rhythm. Over years of practice, seasoned surf casters develop an almost instinctual ability to read the shoreline. They learn to decipher how wind direction, wave strength, and the seabed’s contour influence where fish might be hiding.
This innate knowledge, paired with experience, is what separates the novices from the experts. Equipment also plays a critical role in surf casting, and Haji Ariffin was quick to emphasise the importance of the fishing rod.
“A fishing rod is a reflection of the surf caster,” he said.
“The length of the rod, typically between 13 and 16 feet, is tailored to each individual. Here in Brunei, most prefer 13-foot rods, but it varies from country to country.”
The personalisation underscores the precision and care that goes into every aspect of the sport, where every detail can make the difference between a successful catch and an empty line.
A successful surf cast begins with mastering technique, as any seasoned surf caster knows.
As Haji Ariffin explained, “The ability to cast your line further out to sea from the shore significantly boosts your chances of landing a catch.”
It’s not just about distance, though; precision and timing are key, with each flick of the wrist honed through years of practice. But technique alone isn’t enough. The line and bait play an equally crucial role.
“We often use live or dead prawns, as well as squid,” Haji Ariffin shared. “If the squid is large, we cut it into smaller pieces to make it easier to cast out.” These subtle choices – of bait, line, and timing – can be the difference between a triumphant catch and a quiet day by the waves.
HIGH-TECH TIDES
While the heart of surf casting remains deeply rooted in tradition, the modern surf caster is no longer limited to just a rod, bait, and reel. In recent years, cutting-edge technology has found its way into the sport, equipping surf casters with new tools to enhance their performance.
“Surf casting is becoming more advanced with the technology and apps now widely available,” Haji Ariffin noted.
“When we head to the beach, we bring along these apps that allow us to monitor the sea and beach conditions. It helps us find the ideal spot to cast our lines at just the right moment.”
These apps offer a treasure trove of data, from ocean temperatures and tide charts to satellite imagery. With just a glance, surf casters can pinpoint the best time and location to cast, giving them an edge in the ever-changing seascape.
But despite these technological advancements, the essence of surf casting remains unchanged. It’s about the angler’s deep connection with nature.
While technology provides valuable data, it can’t replace the intuition and experience built from years of reading the waves, understanding local conditions, and mastering the rhythm of the sea.
As Haji Ariffin pointed out, it’s these decades of accumulated knowledge that truly define a successful surf caster.
FROM LEARNING TO LEADING
Having cast his line in surf cast competitions across the region, Haji Ariffin has seen it all.
He’s been a driving force in the local scene since 2015, when he and his peers formed KSC after years of learning from seasoned surf casters in Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.
“We’ve been learning since 2013,” Haji Ariffin explained, “but it wasn’t until 2015 that
we established KSC to share our knowledge and experience with other surf casters in Brunei.”
Since then, KSC has been at the heart of Brunei’s surf cast community, not only nurturing local talent but also making waves on the international stage with podium finishes and tournament victories.
For those new to the sport, Haji Ariffin offers some wise advice: don’t rush out to buy equipment.
“It’s better to join a surf cast group and learn the basic techniques first. From tying the bait correctly to mastering your cast, it’s important to test your strength and weaknesses using existing equipment before investing in your own gear. The wrong equipment can be a costly mistake.”
His message is clear: in surf casting, knowledge and skill are your most valuable tools, and they’re best learned through hands-on experience with a supportive community. – Daniel Lim
