How to Catch: Patin

This page explains a step by step guide on how to catch a Patin or Iridescent Shark, a typical species found in Malaysian payponds. Being my favorite target species, this fish can grow up to the hundred kilogram region of the scale so it's imperative that the tackle and gear you use are rated for big fish. Their predictable trajectory when hooked makes them fun for beginner anglers and experienced fishermen alike.

Gear: You can use both spinning reels or baitcasting reels for this type of fish. However, make sure that they are rated for higher poundage, about 40 to 60lbs should do the trick. I recommend the main line to be rated for 30lb and above, whether it's monofilament, fluorocarbon or braided, the type does not really matter but if you have a bigger budget, spend it on braided line as it tends to last longer. The leader line, i.e. the line that links your main line to the hook and weight, is recommended to be 40lbs and above.

Tackle: I recommend using circle hooks or "Chinu" type hooks for this type of fish. "J" shaped hooks are not really recommended as they tend to warp and bend under stress and strain from these fish, causing you to lose the fish. I recommend "Chinu" hooks from Berkeley or Gamatkatsu as they provide good quality and lasting sharpness. Anywhere between sizes 6 to 9 will suffice.

Bait: There are 3 types of bait I normally use for these fish, a step by step tutorial is provided below.

• Bread

This bait is as old as the sport itself. Cheap and easy to come by, it is my go-to bait for any fishing occasion. However, don't think it will be easy to prepare though, as the style of fishing in Malaysian payponds is very unique. 

1. Prepare yourself a loaf of regular white bread that you can get from the grocery store. Skip the oatmeal or flavoured versions. Fishes don't like it, we will add our own flavours later.

2. Using kitchen scissors, cut off the edges or crusts on the sides of the bread. The first and last slice with the crust on one side should also not be used. You can keep them aside as I will teach you how to recycle them in the next bait.

3. Cut the bread into 1cm by 1cm sized cubes. A good rule of thumb is to cut the bread into 5 equal strips after the crust is removed before cubing it.

4. You can now add any flavourings into the cubed bread. Some tackle stores do sell these flavourings that can be added to any bait, but the ones you get from a baking store is good enough. Plain bread won't work as good as the smell won't reach the fishes fast enough. Just drizzle some on to the bread in a container give  it a good shake. I recommend either strawberry flavour or Pandan flavour to be added to your bread. But whichever flavour that you choose to add, a few dashes of banana flavour is mandatory as it balances the sweetness and sourness of the smell. Once the smell of flavourings is stronger than the bread itself, you're good to go.

5. Optional: you can mix flavourings with coconut shavings and the shredded bread crusts removed earlier in a separate container before mixing it with the bread. It helps to disperse the smell of bait faster. 

6. You can now hook about 3 to 4 pieces of bread on to your hook. After that, grab a handful of bread and wrap your baited hook in it before giving it a firm squeeze. This is what we usually call a 'Bomb' rig. Cast your bait into the middle of the pond and reel in the slack. They can last anywhere between 30 to 45 minutes before you need to change out your bait.

• Flour & Oil

The flour and oil is a type of bait that resembles the smell of bread, but with greater flavours and softer texture, it attracts fish a bit faster and makes setting the hook easier.

1. Prepare about 500 grams of regular wheat flour and about 200ml of regular cooking oil. You can use corn oil for better flavour or use 'Ghee' oil instead. Mix these two ingredients until you get a consistency that is slightly softer than bread dough.

2. You can now add the usual flavourings to the dough. Strawberry or Pandan with a bit of banana.

3. Bait your hook with either bread or corn crackers. Then grab a small handful of the dough mixture and wrap it around the bread or cracker. Make sure the bread is concealed within the dough. Give it a small squeeze before casting it. This bait will last around 15 to 30 minutes before you need to change it out.

• Fish Pellets

This type of bait is the most effective from my experience as fishes in payponds are trained to eat these in the hatcheries and during their younger stages. Different pellets are made with a different formula and are given specific codes to distinguish them such as 6363, 920 or 923. This guide works with any kind of pellets. The only downside to this type of bait is that it takes a lot of time to prepare and is not very wallet friendly.

1. You have to soak the fish pellets before you can use them as they are dry and hard. You can soak them with mineral or drinking water but not regular tap water as the chlorine will drive the fishes away. Soak the pellets in a bucket with mineral water for 30 seconds before draining the water away. This will avoid the pellets from getting too soft. Alternatively, you can pour coconut milk into the dry pellets in a 1:4 ratio, i.e. for every 4 cups of pellets add about 1 cup of coconut milk to the pellets and let the pellets soak up its flavours.

2. Once the pellets are drained or coconut milk is added, you should set them aside for 2 hours for the pellets to fully soften up. Give the container a shake every 30 minutes or so to ensure they soften evenly.

3. After about 2 hours, add some flavourings to the pellets. Again, you can use either strawberry or Pandan with a bit of banana extract in it. Give the container a good shake to mix it in evenly.

4. You can now bait your hook with bread, corn crackers, or the pellets itself. Then, grab a handful of pellets and envelop the baited hook before giving it a strong tight squeeze, making it a 'Bomb' rig. Cast your bait out. It can last anywhere between 30 to 45 minutes.

Technique: When the Patin takes your bait, immediately lift your rod tip up to the 12 o'clock position. Set   your drag to the point where you only can pull out the line with a firm tug. The key is to let the fish run if it wants, so don't lock the drag too tight. Whenever the line feels slack, put your rod down to about the 10 o'clock position and reel in. Lift the rod if it shoots away again. Repeat this until you tire the fish. Then reel it in. Remember, the closer the fish is to shore, the more it will trash around and give a last minute burst. So, when it's about to be brought in with a net, loosen the drag a little bit to let it take some line in case it trashes around and makes a dive, otherwise your line will snap and you lose the fish. 

Final thoughts: I will upload a comprehensive picture in the future that explains the rig and bait for this                                   tutorial. In the meantime, you can send your questions in the comment section down below.