Lembongan and Penida Underwater Hidden Treasure

Blake and Larry

​ 
It had been 2 years since I last returned to the Penida and Lembongan region.   I am glad to be back! My friend Blake planed this trip from 10,000 miles away. He came with his father Larry who is well known throughout the world as an International Fisherman. He has many fishing adventure around the world and holds numerous world records in his belt. The third man is dear friend of Blake name Kirk , both a sailboat and powerboat expert. No sooner had we arrived in Lembongan, that we found ourselves in the company of my relatives Agus and Umik, owners of the ‘Mushroom Garden Villa’. We immediately jumped into the Lembongan excitement, dropping our bags, eating a brilliant lunch and meeting with a local boat owner friend of my relative, an expert maritime explorer, well known for his underwater knowledge around Nusa Penida and Lembogan, From the conversation we had I had a clear picture of what to expect and quickly had a good feeling about our adventure prepared for the next few days. 

Larry and Blake fishing Adventure around the world

By 1 in the afternoon, we would be picked up and taken straight to the first spot. We only have 1 hour before the water condition changes and spearfishing will be difficult. The first spot is only recommended for people who can dive 25 meter plus and 3-4 minute breath-hold. We saw sharks, Eagle ray and sea full of unicorn fish. Dogtooth Tuna was no-where to be found, and the water quickly change and we move to the second spot.  The second spot my first shot of the day was ‘Giant Trevally’ and wouldn’t you ‘lost the spear’. Then we saw a few timid Giant Maori Seaperch and the brilliant ‘mu fish’. I was using a 3 rubber Sliptip and took a shot at a ‘Jobfish’ but missed the shot.


A decent nights rest and we headed out for the next day, setting up the trolling rod and headed to a new spot’ it took us an hour fighting current and big swell. The water condition had changed dramatically from a nice clear and amazing visibility to silky water with sediments. The day’s swell prediction was  4-6 ft at Ceningan and the following day was rapidly increasing at 6-10 ft. After the bumpy ride we finally arrived and it was empty only saw a couple small ‘Bluefin Trevally’ and 1 ‘Longnose Emperor’ that broke off from the spear. Then we moved several spots but the water was murky. ‘Arriving to the The lost spot’, our captain joined us in the water, mainly because it was his favorite sport. The visibility left little room to complain. I spend all day hunting ‘Big Maori Seaperch’ but I couldn't get a good shot. I also some nice size ‘Mangrove Jack’ but they kept their distance. In the end I ended up catching a 10 kg GT. After having no luck all day. Blake shot a few ‘Bluefin Trevally’. We headed back to the hotel to have lunch some much needed rest before the later dive.

Our Second dive of the day found us back in then we went back to yesterday spot and the water visibility was perfect. I didn’t see any school of ‘Unicorn Fish’. I was hoping to see the same GT who took my ‘Cressi’ shaft. I Saw ‘Giant Maori Seaperch’ again but couldn't get a good shot. Then not long after I saw the GT with the shaft still stuck. I didn't hesitate and full charge on the fish and took a nice shot. The injured fish had 2 shafts but still fought like a boss.  Then the shaft, bending like a toothpick,broke and fell off.  The fish didn't go too far and my friend Blake was ready and took a good secure shot, and another shot for the kill shot. 


This trip was amazing, with good friends, old and new, we shared moments and adventure; and I can’t wait tell we return to this world more often.  Words cannot express my gratitude for my cousins Umik and Agus, along with their excellent staff, in offering generous hospitality while staying at the beautiful‘Mushroom Garden Villa Room’ and graciously preparing delicious meals from our fresh catch. The captain’s knowledge and personality was legendary, adventuring into his world is truly one of a kind.  I will never forget the moments shared by both new and old Texas friends. Fondly remembering Larry’s gentle and wise advise and stories of his epic fishing adventure around the world.  Blake with his enthusiasm and enough motivation to keep us on our toes.  Kirk’s goofy behavior provided us with laughter.  Indeed, the honor felt to share this priceless moment in the mysterious world of Penida and Lembongan will bring a smile to my face for many years to come.

Blake Trophy fish

Kirk and myself

"Spearfishing & Fishing superstition"

Local and worldwide superstition about fishing:

• First of all rules you should know if you want to go to the ocean in Indonesia you should know that wearing a green shirt or anything green on you is  a very bad omen and therefore bad luck for all the people with you.  Also google" Nyi Roro Kidul" she is the queen of the southern sea, its believe she attracted to men wearing green clothing.
  
• Bring ice inboard is considered bad luck (local believe in the North of Bali) That is why you should never buy fish from North Bali!!
• Bring a small coolbox catch big fish bring big coolbox catch small fish..  
• A Woman on Board is Bad Luck! It was traditionally believed that women were not as physically or emotionally capable as men. Therefore, they had no place at sea, sorry ladies. It was also observed that when women were aboard, men were prone to distraction or other vices that may distract them from their duties. Some experiences on our fishing trips proved this point, we men are just to easy distracted by the imagination of a beautiful girl sunbathing by the shore. The last time I remember I did that mistake I caught one small fish and all I wanted was to come back to shore and enjoy the views.. Well i guess you guys know what I am talking about..
• Bananas on board
1. This is one of the oldest superstitions and it started in the 16th century. Most of the ships that disappeared at sea where carrying bananas as cargo.
2. Another reason that caused the bananas superstition was that boats carrying bananas as cargo needed to most fast to avoid the bananas from spoiling. The crew on board could never catch fish because of the speed of the boat.
3. A bundle of bananas is a perfect hiding spot for dangerous spiders which where one of the causes of many mysterious death on board.

• Fishing on a Friday: Many fishermen tales state that various ships lost at sea disembarked on a Friday. While Friday is the worst day to begin your journey, Sunday is the best possible day to begin a voyage. This observation is due to Christ’s resurrection on a Sunday, a good omen. It has led to the adage, “Sunday sail, never fail”
• Black traveling bags are bad luck for seamen.
• Never say good luck or allow someone to say good luck to you unanswered. If someone says “good luck” to you, it is mostly considered as a bad omen. The only way this can be countered is by drawing blood. A swift punch in the nose is usually sufficient to reverse this curse.
• Pouring wine on the deck will bring good luck on a long voyage. An offering to the gods.
• Flowers are unlucky on board a ship. They could later be used to make a funeral wreath for the dead, therefore, becoming a symbol that someone could die on the voyage. Balinese fisherman always have flower on board because of their offerings before they start the journey. So i guess for your Indo boat trips make sure you get some flowers to spread over the ocean as this will tame the bad spirits of the ocean and the ocean will in return bless you with some nice big fish.
  
• Don’t look back once your ship has left the port as this can bring bad luck. Looking back to port implies that you are not truly ready to brave the seas and complete your voyage.




Dolphins = good luck: Dolphins are considered a sacred friend of fishermen, they have the good fortunes of man in mind and their presence indicates that you are under their protection.
• It is unlucky to kill a gull/albatross: They host the soul of dead sailors lost at sea and are considered to be an omen of bad luck at sea, especially if killed.
• A shark following the ship is a sign of inevitable death. A shark following you while spearfishing is usually a sign of a good catch.. Make sure you don't have to share it with the shark but get to enjoy it with your friends.

Support your Shark

I was so shock what i witness today and the amount and sizes of the shark being cought in Indonesia for fins. Please visit all the Against shark fining website and SUPPORT!!

small tooth thresher shark accidently caught by the drift net fisherman

Stop Shark Fining in Indonesia
Sample letter to write to the Indonesian fishery ministry in English and Indonesia. Please visit the website!!

Shark Research Institute

A world-wide non-profit organization created to sponsor and conduct scientific research on sharks and promote shark conservation. They work with the scientific community and marine resource users concerned about the health of our marine ecosystem, to correct misperceptions about sharks and stop shark slaughter. Current programs involve visual and satellite tracking, behavioral and DNA studies of sharks, environmental advocacy, publications and public education.
Rette Den Hai
A German organization to save the sharks from extinction. Founded by Dr. Folkart Schweizer


Shark Trust

An organization founded to promote the study, management and conservation of sharks, skates and rays. As the UK member of the European Elasmobranch Association, they collaborate with other national member bodies including commercial fishermen, recreational sea anglers, divers, yachtsmen, and all those who want to ensure the future survival of these fascinating but threatened animals in British, European and international waters.
Wild Aid

sea shepherd