Topwater Sailfish: A Thrilling Adventure in Kuala Rompin

By Jake from Taco Tackle

Introduction

Continuing our fishing adventure in Malaysia, we shifted from the lush depths of Temengor Lake to the open waters of Kuala Rompin, known as the Sailfish Capital of the World. For four full days, our group of eight anglers stayed in a spacious two-storey townhouse, each equipped with a bedroom and bathroom. This comfortable setup set the stage for an exhilarating fishing experience.

Underwater shot of a sailfish striking a lure, showcasing the excitement of the catch.

The Fleet and Our Crew

We had two large fishing boats, each comfortably accommodating four fishermen. One boat hosted the more seasoned anglers and our guide Juan, while the other vessel was filled with the younger crew. This playful banter led us to affectionately refer to the older boat as the “Old Crays,” keeping the mood light and camaraderie strong throughout our time at sea.

The crew proudly holding a sailfish caught during the adventure in Kuala Rompin.

The Fishing Technique

Our primary method for targeting sailfish involved catching live bait, locating the fish, and drifting the area with our live offerings. On occasion, we’d even sight cast the live bait when sailfish were visibly active at the surface. While the live baiting took place on the expansive back deck, two anglers at the front would cast topwater lures, a thrilling experience that became the highlight of our trip.

There’s truly nothing like the rush of a sailfish strike. With their incredible speed and acrobatic displays, the fights were often a visual spectacle, with many lasting under 15 minutes. The sheer speed of the sailfish made for an exhilarating challenge as they raced away with the line, often leaving us breathless.

A sailfish caught with a lure in its mouth, showcasing the action of the catch.

The Art of Topwater Fishing

Similar to our experience with Snakehead, topwater fishing for sailfish required patience and finesse. Juan aptly described them as the “fish of a thousand casts,” a sentiment we quickly came to understand over the first couple of days. Watching a sailfish swoop in on our lure felt like an eternity before the perfect moment to set the hook arrived. Unfortunately, we learned the hard way that the initial strike could lead to missed opportunities—whether from premature hook sets, side hooks, or simply losing lures.

Throughout those first few days, we tried every lure in our arsenal—stickbaits, poppers, and diving poppers. Interestingly, the sailfish showed a distinct preference for the West Coast Poppers Dana Diving Popper, specifically in the 40g size, while the 60g variety went largely ignored. Color didn’t seem to matter much, but our best success came with Flying Fish, Redbait, and Pilchard Foil patterns. We rigged these lures with a Suteki Single Assist on the tail and a single hook on the belly, finding the assist hooks essential for securing solid hookups.

My personal setup featured a 5500 23' Saltiga paired with a Samurai Osprey, using Varivas Avani Casting Braid and a Seaguar Manyu / Varivas Ocean Record of approx 60lb. This outfit became our boat's go-to for casting, delivering impressive distance and exceptional feel during battles with the sailfish.

A sailfish caught on a topwater lure, mid-catch, with the angler ready to reel it in.

The Live Baiting Experience

While topwater fishing was thrilling, live baiting proved equally exciting. Many hookups occurred right alongside the boat, with the possibility of doubles resulting in airborne sailfish flying around us, creating a chaotic yet exhilarating atmosphere.

Across both boats, we landed an impressive 36 sailfish during our trip, with five of those coming from our topwater efforts. We also enjoyed catching multiple queenfish, which added another layer of fun to our outings.

A sailfish leaping from the water during a live baiting strike, creating a dramatic and thrilling scene.

Culinary Delights in Kuala Rompin

When we weren’t fishing, we indulged in some fantastic local cuisine. From Roti Canai to Nasi Lemak and Seafood Curries, Juan guided us to the best spots for authentic Malaysian dishes, making our culinary experiences as memorable as the fishing.

A plate of delicious local Malaysian food, showcasing the culinary delights of Kuala Rompin.

Final Thoughts

Our time in Kuala Rompin was a remarkable continuation of our Malaysian fishing adventure. The thrill of chasing sailfish in the stunning waters of the South China Sea was a dream come true, filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments.

That marked the end of our incredible Malaysian journey—a two-part adventure that left us with lasting memories. For anyone interested in exploring similar experiences, we highly recommend contacting Juan at Sport Fishing Asia. You can find his contact details on the website below.