The tenggiri (other name for Mackerel in Malaysia) season is now open and anglers seeking excitement and challenge should head north to Yan, Kedah.
The sea off this small fishing village, some 37km from Alor Setar, is now teeming with many types of fish aside from tenggiri, or Spanish mackerel, which is one of the preferred game fish among local anglers.
Although the season started in late January and early February and will run until June, its peak is in March and April.
During these two months, the tenggiri cab be found here, they are much bigger and more aggressive, and the catch can be quite weighty, between six and eight kilogrammes.
Fishing tenggiri in Yan evolves around the tukun — a man-made fish-aggregating device.
The many tukun found here are made from palm leaves, tied to the rope and long bamboo sticks on the top, and anchored to giant concrete sinkers on the seabed.
Concrete balls, old trawlers and unwanted car chassis are also sunk near the tukunfor the fish to shelter and breed, thus populating the spot.
