Back in the days, I used to go fishing and catch dalag and hito (catfish) in a nearby creek. When opportunity comes, me and my cousins would go to the beach, rent a boat and go bottom fishing with the hopes of catching the big ones. I lost this hobby almost 13 years ago when my parents move to the US to work. With the sudden change of atmosphere, my interests and lifestyle changed instantly. Just recently, I had the thought of doing it again and see if I still have the bug.

I went to google and first tried to find a place to buy my gear. Then I went to find beach resorts that offer boat rides primarily for fishing purposes. Then I searched for articles about fishing and the like. All these information confused me to a point where it’s all really not what I was expecting. The gears were too basic and expensive, boat rides were also expensive as hell and for the most part, I don’t want to hear about fly fishing. I am after saltwater big games (if that’s what they call it). Alas! I found a local website with an online community that caters everything about fishing here in the Philippines. Saved by the bell as they call it.

It took me a while to figure out how to go inside the forum but I guess you can call it luck and destiny working together to make me hold on to my thought of going fishing again. Who knows, maybe this is a hobby that’s really meant for me. I might catch the biggest fish out there and set records of some sort. I don’t want to catch a blue whale or a prehistoric underwater dino or anything, but it’s really not bad to dream and plan what you want and the satisfaction of just doing what you want and meeting new friends that share the same interests and to learn from is enough to make you feel good about yourself. Catching a fish and serving it cooked with a special recipe is just the bonus.

You can visit FilipinoAnglers.org and register yourself on the main site. After you register, a link to the forum will appear and register yourself again to be able to join the discussion. The people here are all Filipinos (I think) and as of now, I can say they are very helpful and accommodating with whatever questions I have. Filipinos are hospitable by nature. So if you plan to go fishing or had the privillage of going fishing, join the forum and share your experience.